If your child is participating in a home meet, we kindly ask that parents (or designated representatives) step up to the plate. Typically, contributions can be fulfilled during your child's session, but for larger meets, we may need support beyond those times. Embrace the spirit of teamwork and get the whole family involved! Rally friends and extended family who support your swimmer to lend a hand. There are numerous ways to contribute, and in all job tasks, you will have the opportunity to watch your swimmer in action. Many roles allow you to witness every thrilling race!
Upon registration, please designate one person per swimmer to the “Assignment Roster.” This individual will be responsible for fulfilling any ‘Job Task’ needed during our home meets. For a comprehensive list of "Job Tasks," please refer to the Team Events page, where upcoming opportunities will be listed for the year ahead. If the designated individual does not sign up for a Job Task by the swim meet sign-up deadline (the cutoff to indicate if your child will be swimming), the Coordinator will assign them to an unfilled task. Rest assured, all people on the Assignment Roster will have ample time to select their preferred roles. This proactive approach ensures every task is managed in a timely fashion, allowing the Coordinator to identify any additional gaps that need attention outside the Assignment Roster. Importantly, the Coordinator will only reach out to someone on the Assignment Roster if they have a swimmer in that session.
When registering your swimmer, it is wise to fully understand the commitment associated with the Assignment Roster. Remember, the named individual doesn’t have to be the only one fulfilling this role; you can suggest another family member or friend in the comments section during sign-ups. This flexibility allows you to meet your responsibilities while engaging loved ones in the process.
Additionally, we encourage families to fulfill multiple job tasks with the help of friends and additional family members, especially during our larger meets where more hands are needed for multi-session events. Together, we can make every competition an unforgettable experience!
JOB TASKS
OUTSIDE POOL AREA JOB TASKS
Concessions | This position will assist with restocking and selling concessions during big meets such as the Champion Meet and Winter Open.
Hospitality | The hospitality participant is responsible for organizing meals for coaches and officials during big home meets. This role will involve setting up the hospitality room at the YMCA, stocking supplies, and ensuring clean-up is completed post-event.
Duck Photo Booth | This position is specific to the Champion Meet ONLY. During the meet, "Duck Heats" will be called, indicated by a special DUCK CALL before the start of the heat. Winners of these heats will receive a ticket that entitles them to go to MPR #1 where they will receive a DUCK HAT and get their picture taken for the DUCK WALL OF FAME. Swimmers will be able to take their pictures home after the meet.
Duck Pond | Also specific to the Champion Meet, this role centers around collecting fun rubber duckies. Swimmers earn stickers for each best time achieved; after collecting three stickers, they can choose a duck from the DUCK POND for a prize. Bonus stickers are available for completing a scavenger hunt, which also earns them a sticker when turned in at the duck pond.
Greeter | As a greeter, you will welcome families and swimmers upon their arrival at the YMCA during the Champion Meet and Winter Open. This role is vital in assisting guests in navigating the facility and answering questions about the meet.
Awards | Participants responsible for the awards position will tape results and labels to the wall for swimmers to find their awards. They will be responsible for handing out ribbons or medals, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere as swimmers receive their achievements.
Prize Wheel Table | This fun position is dedicated to managing a prize wheel in the pool area. Participants will watch swimmers spin the wheel to win prizes after bringing their tokens to the table.
INSIDE POOL AREA JOB TASKS
Timers | Timers, at least two per lane, will start and stop races using two watches and buttons, recording times in Time Sheets. This role provides an exciting vantage point to witness swimmers' performances closely, being part of their journey towards personal bests and team goals. (Bring clothing and footwear that can get wet)
Head Timer | The head timer organizes the timing team and starts two extra watches at each heat's inception, ensuring that every start is captured accurately. They often oversee the overall timing process near the blocks.
Time Sheet Runner | This participant is tasked with collecting timing sheets after each event from timers and delivering them to the results computer operator. Additionally, they will gather DQ slips from officials and facilitate breaks for timers during long meet sessions.
Heat Winner | This position involves awarding the heat winners after each race, distributing prizes and spread cheer as they celebrate their victory.
Swimmer Support | Swimmer supporters stage swimmers according to their lanes and ensure they get to the blocks on time. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and providing clear communication in a lively environment, encouraging and supporting young swimmers as they prepare to compete.
Equipment Set-Up | This role assists the Equipment Lead with setting up all equipment required for a successful meet. This task requires experience. Note the “training spot” on the sign up to learn this fun role!
CROW’S NEST JOB TASKS (This area oversees the technical and informational aspects of the meet)
Announcer | The announcer provides information and coordinates activities such as the Pledge of Allegiance and other official messages at the meet. All necessary information to share is provided.
Results Computer Operator | This person verifies and manages swim times, correcting any discrepancies with swimmers' heats or lanes. They also handle the printing of results and labels. This task requires experience. Note the “training spot” on the sign up to learn this fun role!
Timing Computer Operator | The timing computer operator keeps track of the timing system during events, ensuring every race starts and finishes appropriately, and checks that swimmers are aligned with the heat sheets for accuracy. This task requires experience. Note the “training spot” on the sign up to learn this fun role!
JOB TASK LEADS
Leadership positions, Job Task Leads or Coordinators, are vital for the successful operation of our swim team, encompassing key tasks such as concessions, hospitality, job task coordination, equipment management, and officiating. These roles ensure that each function runs smoothly, creating a positive environment for athletes, coaches, staff, and spectators. Please consider serving in one of these roles. Reach out to the Swim Team Administrator for more information.
Each Job Task Lead/Coordinator position requires a minimum of 2 individuals, with potential for an additional 2 trainees depending on tenure in the role. Leads are expected to cultivate a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to learn and develop their skills for future roles.
Concessions Lead
- Oversee concessions operations during 2 large home meets
- Organize menu items, pricing, and inventory.
- In coordination with Job Task Coordinator, manage job task schedules for home meets.
- Mentor and train new concession participants.
Hospitality Lead
- Oversee hospitality area during 2 large home meets.
- Organize menu items and inventory.
- In coordination with Job Task Coordinator, manage job task schedules for home meets.
- Mentor and train new hospitality participants.
Job Task Coordinator
- Serve as the main point of contact for all job task assignments, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities. Monitor task completion and address any issues that arise.
- Coordinate scheduling and resource allocation for various roles during home meets and events.
Equipment Coordinator
- Manage the inventory, maintenance, and organization of all equipment used for events, ensuring everything is in working order and readily available.
- Create checklists for equipment setup and tear-down and oversee logistics for transportation and storage.
- Recruit and train future equipment coordinators and participants to handle equipment management effectively.
Officials Coordinator
- Recruit and assign officials for competitions, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Organize pre-event meetings and briefings for officials to align rules and procedures.
- Recruit and mentor future officials.
