Meets begin at 6:00 and generally end 3-4 hours later in the absence of weather delays and unexpected difficulties (e.g., not having enough volunteers to start the meet). However, depending on your volunteer job, you may be asked to arrive as early as 4:30. All volunteers must be present and checked in by 5:30.
Starter: Starts each event with the announcement of the age and stroke and the words “Swimmers take your mark”, pauses to make sure that all swimmers are motionless, and then gives an electronic sound or a blast of a whistle. He/she shall be the sole judge of false starts and all false starts shall be restarted. This person will be on deck throughout the duration of the swim meet. Training is required for this position. Home meets only!
Lane Timers: Records the swimmer's time. Each timer will stand at all times and refrain from cell phone usage while timing (per USA swimming). Each lane will be assigned two timers. Each timer is provided with a stopwatch and a clipboard containing the meet’s timecards. At the conclusion of each heat, the official time will be recorded on the timecard for safekeeping until collected by the runner. This job gives you the best view of the pool and the swimmers during their races.
Head Timer: Steps in for lane timer if/when breaks are needed. Replace stopwatch if any malfunction. Home meets only!
Time Sheet Runner: Responsible for obtaining the completed event cards and DQ forms for each race from the timers and judges. The cards and DQ forms are delivered to the scoring table as the timecards are individually completed. Runners should have good tennis shoes that work well on slippery surfaces. Home meet only!
Stroke and Turn judge: Determines if swimmers are DQ'd and writes on slip for coaches to review with the swimmer at practice. Only for swimmers 7 and up. (5/6s are not DQ or scored). Training is required for this position. Each team (home and away) must provide one individual to fill this role. This position fulfills your family's entire volunteer commitment for summer swim.
Age group Bullpen/Wranglers: gets all swimmers to report to the clerk of course 10 minutes before their events (Junior coach job)
Clerk of Course: disperse swimmers in correct heat to appropriate lanes throughout the entire meet. Home meet only!
Score Table Workers: Averages time from the 2 Timers and read aloud to another tableworker who is inputting into the computer. Ribbon label sheet is printed and given to the heat ribbon coordinator
Heat Ribbon Coordinator: Puts labels on ribbons and files accordingly. Gives file drawer to the coach at the end of meet who will distribute at next practice. This job keeps you sitting down throughout the meet and for a short while after the meet is over. Home meet only!
Heat Ribbon Distributor: responsible for distributing heat winner ribbons at the end of each heat. Home meet only!
Concessions: responsible for selling concessions. Helps set-up and tear down concession stand. Home meets only!
Meet and tent set-up: sets up the pool deck for the swim meet. Job includes moving deck chairs, setting up swimmer area with age group signs, chairs and numbers behind blocks for swimmer, tables for scoring and ribbons, announcer stand and clerk of course area. This position requires you to arrive before the start of the meet (4:30). Home meet only!
Meet clean-up and tent breakdown: During the last few minutes of a meet the crew begins taking down and storing items in preparation for vacating the pool after the meet. The pool deck must be fully restored upon conclusion of the meet. Putting deck chairs back, packing up and returning all items to shed. This position requires time after the meet is over. Home meet only!
Chuck a duck:Walk around selling ducks for the kids to throw into the pool midway through the meet. Home meet only!
Meet Hospitality Coordinator: Bring snacks and 2 dozen cold water bottles in a cooler to the meet. Throughout the meet volunteer will provide other parent volunteers with water as needed. Then will be responsible to throw away empty water bottles as needed. Home meet only!
Trash removal:Volunteers will empty trash containers around the pool deck a few times during the meet. As well as walk through the swimmer area to ensure they clean up their trash throughout the meet. At the end of the meet you must take trash bags to the dumpster on the other side of the gym. Must wear closed toed shoes! Home meet only!
Swimmer Check In: Only for our team, volunteers will stand near the pool entrance to check in all DW swimmers with pre-printed swimmer roster. Will then provide a list/clipboard to coaches. Please arrive at the pool no later than 4:45pm.
Deck Marshall: Directs swimmers and others to be safe on deck. Controls flow of traffic and keeps spaces clear for swimmers.
Set up: HOME MEETS ONLY
MUST ARRIVE AT 4:30.
1. Set up all tables needed: official’s table and ribbon table.
2. Remove all lounge chairs and place them behind the bushes.
3. Make sure the trash cans are empty, lined, and placed appropriately.
4. Set up official’s and ribbons tent to right of starting blocks.
5. Set up lights in official’s tent & trees and run & tape down extension cords, hang sponsor banners.
6. Set up tents for swimmers staging area
Breakdown: HOME MEETS ONLY Required time: End of meet-gates close
MUST BE PRESENT FOR END OF MEET
Return all tables and chairs to their original positions
Take down all tents, tables, lights, extension cords and put in labeled bins
Return items (tents, bins) to shed.
