Idlewild Tidal Waves
Volunteer Job Positions
Parent participation and volunteering is vital to a successful swim team! We not only need your child to swim but we need your help!! Listed below is a brief description of the volunteer positions that need to be filled for every meet. None of the jobs are especially difficult and simple on the spot training is provided as needed; however, some of the positions (denoted with an asterisk *) do require completing online training sessions and must be filled first. The Idlewild Swim team Board will always be on deck to help provide assistance and answer questions as well as the returning parent volunteers who can offer assistance and be a wealth of knowledge. We welcome volunteers such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and those that need volunteering hours.
*Referee: The referee is the chief official for each swim meet. He/She is responsible for the conduct of the meets and is the final authority on the interpretation and enforcement of all swimming rules. Prior to the start of each race, the referee sounds four short whistles to advise the participants to get ready. After the announcer or starter announces the event, the referee sounds one long blast as a signal for swimmers to get into position for the start or to jump feet first into the water for a backstroke event. For backstroke events, a sound blast is given to bring the swimmers to the wall for the start. When the referee sees that all the swimmers are ready, he extends his arm pointing toward the starter. At this point, the starter takes control.
*Starter: starts each event with the announcement of the age and stroke and the words "SWIMMERS TAKE YOUR MARK", pauses to make sure that all swimmers are motionless, and then gives an electronic sound or a blast of a whistle. He/She shall be the sole judge of FALSE STARTS and all false starts shall be restarted.
*Head Timer: Organizes and briefs the Lane Timers on their duties prior to the meet and is in charge of the lane timers throughout the meet. The head timer has the authority to remove and replace any lane timer, with the approval of the home meet director.
*Stroke and Turn Judge: Work in pairs on each side of the pool with one member of a pair being from each team. Judges only rule on infractions on their side of the pool. They observe strokes, turns, and finishes to see that swimmers comply with requirements for that stroke.
Lane Timer: Records the swimmer’s time. Starting this season, we will be utilizing the new system called, Time Drops Wireless Swim Timing System, and each timer will be given a wireless button. Races are started centrally by the starter, only push the button as the race finishes (when the swimmer touches the pool wall). Nothing to configure, reset or clear. Timers are assigned to work for either the first or second half of the meet. This job gives you the best view of the pool and the swimmers during their races.
Awards Clerk: Determines the winner of each individual event heat and awards that swimmer a heat winner ribbon. Assigned to work for either the first or second half of the meet.
Safety Marshals: Directs traffic and parking in the parking areas before the start of the meet. Safety marshals are responsible for monitoring potential hazardous behaviors, activities, and areas to ensure the safety of all participants during the meet. Persons must also be calm, discreet, patient and polite with the swimmers, coaches, and guests while maintaining control and applying the rules.
Announcer: Announces first, second and final calls for each event. Works closely with the starter to keep the meet running smoothly. The announcer will need to anticipate flow based on the number of swimmers, the stroke, the number of lengths to be swum, and the age of the swimmers.
Runner: Responsible for obtaining and distributing items (event cards, water, etc.) from and to the lane times and DQ forms for each race from the stroke and turn judges, and then deliver them to the scoring table. The job title is very descriptive. Runners should have good tennis shoes that work well on slippery wet surfaces. Assigned to work for either the first or second half of the meet. This job keeps you moving around at the poolside during your assigned shift.
Concessions: Sells concessions. Helps set up and tear down concession stands. Assigned to work for either the first or second half of the meet. You have to make sure the payment system functions properly with good internet connectivity, so that all transactions will go through without any problem. Cash register must be secured at all times and all cash transactions need to be tracked and recorded.
Relay Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating the swimmers for relay events and assigning them to the correct starting blocks in the correct order and on time. Assigned to work for either the first or second half of the meet.
*Clerk of Course: Responsible for ensuring all swimmers get called for their respective event, heat, and lane placement per heat sheet provided for the meet and placing each swimmer to their designated seating within the Clerk of Course station. At home meets, the clerk (with helpers) will set up (1st half) and break down (2nd half) the Clerk of Course station. The Clerk of Course area must be well organized and all swimmers must follow the direction of the clerk(s) in order to ensure uninterrupted meet operation.
*Scorekeeper/Computer Operator: Marks the official time for each swimmer, records the order of finishes and verifies the computer results.
Team Photographer: Candid photos during the meet are always a big hit and the pictures will be used on our team website and social media pages (only for those opted in for public release).
Meet set-up: Sets up the pool area for the swim meet. Moves deck chairs, starting blocks, sets up canopies, announcer stand, and Clear of Course station, etc. This position requires that all setup personnel arrive 2 hours prior to the warm-up time for the swimmers, so that the meet can start on time.
Meet clean-up: Clean up crews are responsible for closing up the meet ensuring that the entire pool deck area is clean, trash bins emptied, and free of loose items. All tables and chairs need to be moved back to their normal operation areas, and all the swim team equipment and devices are secured and accounted for. All the sensitive items, such as computers, timing systems, cash registers, etc. will be secured by the respective board members and/or committee leader.
Concession Purchasing: Responsible for ordering and picking up all the food and beverage items for the meet. Swim team funds will be provided, and the purchase receipt must be submitted.
