Volunteers are an integral part of a successful swim season.  Approximately 35 volunteers are needed for each home meet and 15 needed for each away meet. Each family is required to volunteer for a minimum of 3 assignments during the swim season. Volunteers are to refrain from alcohol consumption, during the required work shift.

Shepherds:

Shepherds are assigned for both home and away meets. There will be a minimum of 2 shepherds preferably 3 shepherds for the 6 & under, 8 & under and 10 & under age groups and at least 1 shepherd for the 11-12 age groups.  The older swimmers are expected to get themselves to the blocks.

When you volunteer to be a shepherd, you must arrive before warm ups to get your age group area established with a team sign, collect your shepherd lanyard, clipboard and sharpies from the Volunteer Coordinator. Shepherds work until all of their age group has finished swimming.

The shepherds will be given two identical lists of names and numbers. Use one list as reference for the meet. The other list is to be returned to the coaches after roll call has been taken and you have crossed off the absent swimmers. Write each swimmer’s identification number on their hand. This identifies the swimmers for the timers.

For each heat, line up the swimmers up according to best time for the stroke. “Times” are on the back of an attendance list provided at the beginning of warm-ups. Fastest time is placed at the front of the line. If a swimmer does not have a time, place them behind a swimmer of same age or similar ability. The children’s best times are on the back of the attendance sheet. Remind swimmers of the stroke they will be swimming and give words of encouragement. Instruct the swimmers to remain quiet and to keep their hands to themselves.

 Walk the swimmers in single file up to the blocks. The Feeder is stationed at the starting blocks. The Feeder places each swimmer in a lane according to the order they are lined up. Escort them to the lanes and keep them focused. Again, remind them of the stroke, the proper finish i.e. 2 hands for breaststroke and to exit the pool quickly and to walk back to the group’s area. Shepherds are to remain at the blocks until the last swimmer has been able to dive.

During relays for the 6 & under and 8 & under groups, it is necessary to have 4 shepherds, as there are swimmers at both ends of the pool. The shepherds on duty will ask other parents to assist during the relay only.

Shepherds are never to have non-swimming children with them at the blocks. The block staging area is small and is only for swimmers, shepherds, timers and swim team officials.

Shepherds have the authority to remove a child from a heat or event if the child is uncooperative or is a disruption to other swimmers or officials. The child will be brought to the parent.  The child can return to the line up for the next event, if he or she exhibits respect for shepherds, other swimmers, coaches and officials.

Shepherds please keep in mind that some of the children’s parents may be volunteering in other capacities and cannot be interrupted

The remaining volunteer positions are only needed at home meets.

Timers:

2 timers are needed for each of our 5 lanes. Each timer is given a stop watch and 1 of the timers records the results on the provided clipboard with timing data sheets. Timers must check in with the Head Timer at the starting blocks 15 minutes before the meet begins. A Head Timer is also timing each heat. If during a heat your stop watch is not functioning, raise your hand and the head timer will time your lane. The timers work the full meet. A husband/wife team can split duty if they would like, but one must be on deck at all times. Notify the volunteer coordinator when you are switching positions.

Runners:

A runner collects the data sheets from the timers after each heat and runs them to the ribbon writers. The runner is required for the entire meet. A husband/wife team can split duty if they would like, but one must be on deck at all times. Notify the volunteer coordinator when you are switching positions.

Heat Ribbons:

This volunteer hands a ribbon to the winner of each individual heat in the 6 & under, 8 & under and 10 & under age groups. Heat ribbons are not given to winners in relay races.

The heat ribbon volunteer is required for the entire meet. A husband/wife team can split duty if they would like, but one must be on deck at all times. Notify the volunteer coordinator when you are switching positions.

Ribbon Writers:

Ribbon writers work the entire meet organizing each data sheet from the runner and entering the data into the computer. Based on the information they create ribbons for the top 6 finishers in each event.  The ribbons are distributed to the home and away coaches at the end of the meet.Ribbon writers must be trained on the computer system to properly enter event information.The ribbon writers are required for the entire meet. A husband/wife team can split duty if they would like, but one must be at the computer desk at all times. Notify the volunteer coordinator when you are switching positions.

Hospitality:

The hospitality volunteer delivers drinks to coaches and volunteers during the meet. This person also monitors the restrooms to ensure there are no unsupervised children.

If you cannot attend a meet that you have volunteered for you are expected to find a replacement and notify the Volunteer Coordinator of the change.