LYNCHBURG YMCA SWIM TEAM

Swim Meet Volunteer Positions

Swim meets rely entirely on parent volunteers, and every job is designed to be approachable. Many roles, like Timer, Runner, or Heat Winner Ribbons, can be learned in minutes and keep you right by the pool. If you’re ready to take on more responsibility, positions like Announcer or Meet Marshal are a great next step. Either way, your help ensures meets are successful for every swimmer.

Volunteer Roles and Descriptions

Announcer

Make general meet announcements (warmups, start time, officials’ and coaches’ meetings, and other updates). Use the MeetBop app to mark each heat as it begins.

Requirements: Strong, clear voice; MeetBop app on personal phone.

Officials’ Helper / Runner

You won’t actually need to run. Pick up printed results from the computer table and post them at the window by concessions. Near the end of the session, place labels on ribbons/medals with times and places (usually done in hospitality).

Requirements: Able to walk quickly around a crowded deck.

Timer

Our largest need and the simplest job. Each lane typically has two timers for accuracy. Use a stopwatch and a plunger button to record times.

Requirements: Able to stand for extended periods and stay attentive.

Head Timer

Supervises lane timers and assists when a watch fails to start. Starts two backup watches every heat and hands one to any timer who needs it.

Requirements: Able to stand for extended periods and stay attentive.

Concessions Helper

Help set up hospitality, prepare food, and handle sales of food, drinks, and heat sheets.

Requirements: Responsible and trustworthy with money.

Hospitality Helper

Prepare and stock snacks and meals for coaches and officials during long sessions.

Requirements: None.

Safety Marshal (Meet Marshal)

Monitor swimmer and spectator behavior for safety; keep “coaches and swimmers only” areas clear. Serve as extra eyes for lifeguards and meet management.

Requirements: Wear an orange vest while on duty. This requires a short online training course through USA Swimming.
Learn more HERE

Line-Up Parent

Work behind the blocks to make sure 10 & under LY swimmers reach their races on time and in the correct heat and lane. Usually two parents team up; you may occasionally retrieve a swimmer from the gym.

Impact: Frees coaches to watch races and talk with swimmers.

Heat Winner Ribbons

Watch each 12 & under heat and hand a ribbon to the winner. Ribbons are near the timing table.

Requirements: Attentive during heats.

Awards

Apply printed labels to the correct color ribbons and sort into team boxes. Usually done in hospitality.

Requirements: Organized and detail-oriented.

USA Swimming / YMCA Officiating (Training Required)

Interested in becoming an official? Check out our officials page or email Josh Rice.

CTS Operator / Computer Recorder

Monitor the Colorado Timing System and ensure reliable data from touchpads. Reconcile times with DQs and compile accurate results in the meet computer.