Volunteer Job Descriptions
Clerk of Course: Lines up swimmers in chairs behind their respective lanes prior to their events; confirms that swimmers are at their designated starting blocks at the proper time for their respective events.
Announcer: Announces beginning of each race; initiates each race with air horn; operates electronic sign indicating current event and heat numbers; makes other meet-related announcements and promotional reads for team sponsors; assists with set-up and break down of audio equipment. Home meets only.
Head Timer: Confirms to announcer that all timers are ready in advance of each race. Starts two additional stopwatches for each event to be used in case a primary lane timer experiences a stopwatch malfunction. Home meets only.
Timer: Assigned to a specific lane, uses a stopwatch to record the time for the swimmer in that lane for each race. Works in conjunction with a volunteer from the other team also assigned to time that lane (for redundancy and transparency).
Stroke and Turn Judge: Confirms that all swimmers are following the rules governing how each swim stroke is performed and how swimmers in longer races must execute turns at the ends of the pool. Instructions are provided.
Prize Distributor: Hands out prizes to swimmers including the following: heat winner ribbons to the winners of each heat in the younger divisions (6U, 7-8, 9-10) (excluding relays); participation ribbons to all 6U swimmers; and special prizes like rubber ducks or candy to the winners of randomly selected heats. Home meets only.
Runner: Runs time sheets (from timers) and disqualification slips (from judges) to computer area during the meet. Home meets only.
Computer: Enters event results into computer as the meet progresses; prints labels for event place ribbons.
Concessions: Assists heads of concessions in operating concession stand. Home meets only.
Meet Set-Up: Helps set up pool for meets. Priority registration offered to 6U families (many of whose children will be done swimming after the first few events). Set-up volunteers should arrive at the pool 1.5 hours before the meet begins. Home meets only.
Fill-In: Standby position; may be allocated to any role depending on unexpected vacancies or emergent needs; also may be allocated to no role at all if all needs are covered.
