Volunteering and Certifications
The Eldwick Swim Team is a volunteer organization. With the exception of the coaches there are no paid positions on the team. In order to make the team work and provide a fun/safe experience everyone must help out. It is expected that each family will have fill at least one volunteer assignment for each meet. You can find instructions on how to signup for volunteer assignments 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 helps keep the meet moving by announcing the start of events and making other announcements. Depending on personal preference you either announce each swimmer, or just the team names. Often the announcer will play music during slack periods in the meet (halftime, when timers are changing sides of the pool, etc.)
Assistant Head Timer: Away meets only. Works with the head timer (supplied by home team) to organize and supervisor timers. Responsible for 1/2 of the lanes in the pool. During events maintains multiple backup stopwatches in case a timer has an issue. Helpful to have a cool head and be a quick thinker. Previous experience as a timer is critical.
Automation Assistant: Home meets only. Works with automation team to input and verify data entry of results into computer. Also helps with posting results. Does not need computer experience although computer experience is a plus. Attention to detail is critical. Typically you watch your children swim then return to the automation area when your children are not swimming.
Automation Lead: Home meets only. Responsible for the meet automation operations. Sets up computer and printer. Works with automation team to input and verify data entry of results into computer. Computer experience is necessary. Attention to detail is critical. Typically you watch your children swim then return to the automation area when your children are not swimming. Training is required. If you are interested in this job, please contact the Swim Reps.
Clerk de Course: The clerk is responsible for checking in swimmers for each event and putting them in the right lane. Must be good with controlled chaos and name/face recognition. Works with coaches and others to track down swimmers who have not reported in at the correct time. Is a good opportunity to meet every swimmer on the team.
Concession Helper: Home meets only. Works with concession lead to staff the concession stand. Great place to meet swimmers and parents.
Concession Lead: Home meets only. Organizes, oversees, and manages the concession stand. Must be good with planning and estimating. If you are interested in this role, please contact the Swim Reps.
Grill Master: Home meets only. For those of you with the skills, being a grill master is a calling, not a job. Breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs: you are in charge.
Head Timer: Home meets only. Works with the assistant head timer (supplied by visiting team) to organize and supervisor timers. Responsible for 1/2 of the lanes in the pool. During events maintains multiple backup stopwatches in case a timer has an issue. Helpful to have a cool head and be a quick thinker. Previous experience as a timer is critical.
Ribbon Writer: Takes labels printed by the automation team, places them on the ribbons, and then files them in the team folder. Ability to stay organized is a plus. Typically ribbon writers share duties with the opposing team so that they can watch their swimmers compete.
Runner: Home meet only. Probably the most important job in the entire meet. At the end of every event the runner collects the cards from the timers and delivers them to the automation table. Also keeps an eye on the Referee for disqualification (DQ) cards. You don't have to run, but you do get in a lot of mileage during the meet. Great opportunity for someone who wants to both watch a swim meet and get in a workout. You get to see most races and can pause in your duties to make sure you see your child swim. 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. Works with the Setup/Take-down Crew to ready the pool for meets. Must be knowledgable of setup activities and pool maintenance. Activities include moving chairs, umbrellas, benches, tables, and setting up tents. Great opportunity for people who enjoy the peace and quiet of the early morning. After the meet returns the pool to normal setup. If you are interested in this role please contact the Swim Reps.
Setup/Take-down Crew: Home meets only. Under direction of Setup Captain, works to ready the pool for meets. Activities include moving chairs, umbrellas, benches, tables, and setting up tents. Great opportunity for people who enjoy the peace and quiet of the early morning. After the meet returns the pool to normal setup.
Timer: By being a timer you get one of the best views of the meet. You are located where each swim event finishes. You time each event using a stopwatch and record your time on a piece of paper. Neat handwriting is a plus. You may or may not be timing in your child's lane, but you are close enough to watch them swimming.
Verifier: Works with home team automation crew to verify data entry of results into computer. Typically also helps with posting results. Does not need computer experience as running the computer is the responsibility of the home team (although often the verifier at an away meet works at the automation table for home meets). Attention to detail is critical. Typically you watch your children swim then return to the automation area when your children are not swimming.
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.
