PARENT VOLUNTEER

Throughout the swim season, there will be multiple opportunities to volunteer with the team: working at a meet as a timer, helping with community service projects, team social events, and more.

Typically, each team participating in a meet is required to provide timing volunteers. If your child is swimming in the meet, your volunteer time is requested if your child is participating in a meet. This is for EACH meet. Please remember it takes multiple people to run a meet (officials, volunteers, etc.), and we all help in different capacities, and it takes our entire group of parents to keep a meet running.

You will receive a request to help out on deck (timing on deck is one of the best ways to see your child swim up close!). We will send out a sign-up form with available slots and appreciate your help!

While some of the positions may seem/look intimidating, we promise they truly aren't. Below you'll see the positions listed with a quick job description. 
 

  • Head timer: holds a timing device and hands off a stopwatch if someone raises their hand. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Timer: holds a provided timing device and presses a button when the swimmer hits the wall. Up-close view of swimmers. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Runner: actually walks (not runs) & collects papers for computer operator. May have the chance to see all the ribbons and put stickers on them. Free snacks and drinks. 
  • Check-in: sits at the check-in table, smiles at families, points to bathrooms, and may have to hand out a few items. Done at meet start. 
  • Hospitality: pulls a cooler around deck with snacks/drinks. First dibs on snacks.
  • Deck announcer: announces events and has (almost) free reign of the microphone. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Clerk of course (PM only): gets a paper heat sheet and wrangles small children while encouraging them alongside one of assistant coaches. No relays to seat but must know numbers 1 through 6. Gives other parents peace of mind that their swimmer will actually make it to the blocks. Free snacks and drinks and our undying love and gratitude.
  • Meet Marshal: wears a fancy orange vest, is allowed to look intimidating, gets to walk around on deck and be close to swimmers. Free snacks and drinks. (Two needed PER SESSION - this position DOES require additional training - under 30 minutes)