Eldwick Sharks Swim Team

The Eldwick Swim Team is a proud volunteer organization. Aside from our dedicated coaches, all positions within the team are filled by enthusiastic volunteers. To ensure our team operates smoothly and provides a fun and safe environment for all, we rely on the participation of every family. Each family is expected to complete at least one volunteer assignment for each swim meet. For detailed information on how to sign up for volunteer assignments, please click here.

Here is a list of the volunteer assignments that it takes to keep the team running:

Volunteer assignments during Swim Meets:

• Announcer (Home Meets Only): The announcer ensures the meet runs smoothly by announcing the start of events and relevant information. Depending on personal preference, you can announce each swimmer or just the team names, and often play music during breaks.
• Assistant Head Timer (Away Meets Only): This role assists the head timer from the home team, organizing timers and overseeing half the lanes. It’s crucial to have prior experience as a timer, as a calm demeanor and quick thinking are necessary to handle any issues that arise.
• Automation Assistant (Home Meets Only): You will work with the automation team to input and verify results and post them. Attention to detail is critical, and computer experience is a plus, it is not required. Typically, you can watch your children swim and help in the automation area when they are not competing.
• Automation Lead (Home Meets Only): The Automation Lead oversees all automation operations during the meet. You will set up computers and printers and assist in data entry. Computer experience is required, and attention to detail is vital. Training will be provided, contact the Swim Reps if you’re interested.
• Clerk of the Course: The Clerk checks in swimmers before each event and ensures they are placed in the correct lanes. This role requires good organizational skills amidst the fast-paced environment, making it a great opportunity to meet every swimmer on the team.
• Concession Helper (Home Meets Only): Collaborate with the concession lead to staff the concession stand. This is a wonderful chance to engage with swimmers and their families while enjoying the meet.
• Concession Lead (Home Meets Only): You will organize and manage the concession operations. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential for this role. If you’re interested, please reach out to the Swim Reps.
• Grill Master (Home Meets Only): If you enjoy grilling, this role is for you! You’ll be responsible for preparing food such as breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
• Head Timer (Home Meets Only): Partnering with the assistant timer from the visiting team, you will oversee timers and half of the lanes. Previous experience as a timer is necessary, along with a calm presence under pressure.
• Ribbon Writer: In this role, you’ll label ribbons printed by the automation team and file them accordingly. Organizational skills are helpful as ribbon writers often share responsibilities with the opposing team to keep an eye on their respective swimmers.
• Runner (Home Meets Only): This key role involves collecting timing cards from the timers after each event and delivering them to the automation table. Need to monitor the Referee for DQ cards, cover mileage during the meet, and enjoy watching races, including your own kid's! A great way to stay active and engaged! Must be able to count to 6, as there are 6 timer cards for each event (except for relays where there are 4).
• Setup/Take-down Captain (Home Meets Only): The captain works with the Setup Crew to prepare the pool for meets and returns it to its normal state afterward. Must be knowledgable of setup activities and pool maintenance, include moving chairs, umbrellas, benches, tables, and setting up tents.
• Setup/Take-down Crew (Home Meets Only): Under the guidance of the Setup Captain, this crew prepares the pool area before meets and helps restore it afterward. It’s a great opportunity for early risers who enjoy a quiet morning.
• Timer: As a timer, you have one of the best vantage points for the meet. You will time each event with a stopwatch and record results. Neat handwriting is preferred, and you’ll be positioned near where swimmers finish, allowing you to cheer them on.
• Verifier: Working with the home team’s automation crew, the verifier checks the accuracy of data entry for results and assists with posting them. Attention to detail is critical; while prior computer experience is not required, you will get to watch your children swim in between your tasks.

Volunteer assignments requiring certification:

The following volunteer assignments require certification from MCSL. More information can be found on the  MCSL Upcoming Certification Training Sessions page.

Referee: Home meets only. In charge of all competition aspects of the meet. Must know stroke and turn rules, starting rules, scratches, etc. Must attend MCSL training offered at the beginning of the season. Check mcsl.org for dates and times of the training. Very helpful if you are cool under pressure and can think logically. Please talk to the Swim Reps if you are interested.

Starter: Away meets only. The Starter starts all the races and is also responsible for detecting false starts. Must attend MCSL training offered at the beginning of the season. Check mcsl.org for dates and times of the training. Please talk to the Swim Reps if you are interested.

Stroke and Turn Official: Monitors swimmers to ensure that they swim the strokes legally. Must attend MCSL training offered at the beginning of the season. Check mcsl.org for dates and times of the training. Please talk to the Swim Reps if you are interested.