Head Timer: The Head Timer should make sure the volunteers are properly notified as to which meet they have been scheduled to time and whether they are scheduled to time the first half of the meet or the second half. Head Timer also serves as a back-up timer for each event.
Timer: This is the most popular meet job among both new and experienced swim parents. You use a stopwatch to time the swimmer in your assigned lane. There are typically two to three timers per lane, and the watch time is used as a backup for the electronic timing system if there is one. If you make a mistake it is not the end of the world! There is a head timer that starts several back-up watches. You get a great view of the action and free snacks and drinks. This job does not require any training other than attending a brief timers meeting just before the start of the meet. If you need to leave early let us know ahead of time and we can find you a replacement.
Runner: After each race, the runner collects the times from the timers in each lane and takes them to the scoring table. The DQ slips are picked up from the officials and taken to the referee. You stay on the move throughout the meet, so it's great exercise, and you get a great view of the whole meet. There is no training at all required for this job!
Scoring Table: Scorers from each team record the results following each race, and track the team scores. There can be some pressure at the table, but the scorekeepers are critical to the success of the meet, and they are often the only ones who know which team is winning the meet. Those interested in this job should apprentice with the expert associated with their team.
Ribbon writer: Separates the medals/ribbons, sticks on the labels, and prepares them for presentation or puts them in the team bags.
Stroke & Turn Judge: These judges determine whether a swimmer touched the end of the pool during a turn and whether the technical aspects of the swimming stroke were legal. It requires knowledge of the US Swimming stroke regulations, and a willingness to fairly disqualify swimmers when appropriate. This job also requires attending a training clinic and apprenticing at several meets with a certified official before taking an online test and becoming certified.
Starter: The starter calls out each event/heat, and starts each event. This job requires extensive training and certification with USA swimming.
Referee: is on deck, next to the Starter, running the flow of the meet on a moment by moment basis. The referee also works behind the scenes handling problems with time discrepancies, seeding difficulties and meet paperwork. The Referee oversees the operation of all phases of the meet and has the ultimate authority in deciding conflicts and judging disputes. This job also requires extensive training and certification through USA swimming.
Announcer: This is a great job for someone with a strong voice. You work with the Starter/Referee and meet to keep the meet moving quickly and smoothly. You may be asked to make safety related announcements, ask the timers to move, etc. This job does not require any training.
Concessions: The concession stand is a great place to work if you're not interested in watching the whole meet, and prefer a quieter, less chaotic environment! There are always enough people working so that you can take a break and go and watch your child swim. This is an important fund raiser for the team and you get to interact a lot with both kids and parents.
Clerk of Course: the clerk of course makes sure that the swimmers for the next event are lined up, and ready to go to the blocks. Three to four people are needed to find children and make sure they stay put, especially the little ones! This job allows you some freedom to move around and take breaks, so it is a good one for a parent who has other children to keep up with.
