Volunteer Jobs
Volunteer Jobs at a Storm Swim Meet
Anyone who has been to even one swim meet knows that it takes large number of parent volunteers to make it happen. The volunteer positions are timers, judges, scorers, snack bar helpers, etc. We will be looking for help from every family during the course of the season, and we are sure that every parent can find a meet job that he/she enjoys doing. A description of the meet jobs is provided below:
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 three timers per lane, and the median of the times is used as the official time (or as backup for electronic timing systems). Also, you get a much better view of the action.
Head Timer
Head timer is a back-up timer for the other timers. If a timer misses their mark, the head timer will go to that lane to finish the timing. This is also a great job for both new and experienced parents.
Runner
After each race, the runner collects the times from the timers in each lane, and takes them to the scoring table. You stay on the move throughout the meet, so it's great exercise.
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, and the job requires knowledge of the computer program (Meet Manager) used for the computerized scoring system. 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. Your team leaders will also be very happy to show you the ropes and have you apprentice for this essential job.
Finish Judge
These judges stand at the end of pool and observe the end of the race. They help decide the order in which the swimmers finished the event (i.e., who won). No technical knowledge of swimming is required, but it does require a keen ability to focus your attention for close races.
Stroke & Turn Judge **Training required
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. Those who are interested in this job usually "apprentice" with someone who has done it before. We provide a copy of the rules, and a master with whom you can apprentice. There is also a training program available from the league.
Starter/Referee
This is the most technically demanding job. The Starter/Ref runs the events in the meet by ensuring that the swimmers start simultaneously and oversees all the other meet officials. This is a leadership position that requires experience and a take-charge personality. It is up to the Starter to keep the meet moving.
Announcer
This is a great job for someone with a strong voice and an ability to correctly pronounce names. You announce the names of the swimmers in each event, and work with the Starter/Referee to keep the meet moving quickly and smoothly.
Snack Bar
The snack bar is a great place to work if you're not interested in watching the whole meet. This is an important fundraiser for the team, as we raise money for end-of-the-season awards and other extras this way.
50/50
This is a great way to meet everyone at the meet. This is a club fundraiser at home meets. You sell the lottery tickets during the meet and a drawing is held toward the end. The winner gets half of the money collected, and HPPA gets the other half.
Staging
The staging parent helps the coaches find the 8 & Under and 10 and Under swimmers scheduled for upcoming events and get them lined up and ready for their swim.
