JAWS swim meets have always been successful events. This has been due in great part to the contributions of the parent volunteers working to support and assist our team and coaching staff. To continue the tradition of well organized swim meets, we require each family to volunteer at every meet in which they have a child swimming. Please be courteous; if you are not scheduled and you see we have a need, please consider volunteering to help the team.

When your swimmers check in at the meets, your family volunteer (mom, dad, grandparent, sibling) should check in with our Volunteer Coordinator, Lane Friel. She will provide you with any items you may need (clipboards, pens, timers, heat sheets, stopwatches etc.) for your volunteer position. Lane works hard to put parents in the right volunteer positions to make our meets run more efficiently and effectively. If you have any questions about your particular volunteer position, please ask Lane at [email protected].

There are 86 swim events in each meet. Volunteers work their positions for one half of the meet or through Event 43. Swimmers age 6 and under will only swim through Event 46. For the basics on what to expect at a swim meet, please visit our website at swim-meet-101 for more details. 

Bullpen: Volunteers will line the swimmers up according to the events and heats that they will be swimming prior to moving to the starting blocks. Two volunteers will be responsible for each lane (one at the block, and the other working the line). The parent at the block will verify the child is scheduled to swim that event and remind him what stroke and how far he/she will be swimming. Of course there is a lot of cheering involved in this job! If you love being where the action is, sign up for bullpen.

Timers: Time swimmers using a stopwatch, accurately recording time on timing sheets, and passing it to runners after each event. Timers must prepare quickly for the next event, ensure that you have the correct ticket to match the swimmer at the block, and then raise your hand to indicate to the Starter that you are ready to time the next event. The more timers and Place Judges we have the more quickly the meets will finish.

Runners: Pick up timing sheets from timers and corresponding place “tickets” from the Place Judges and carry them to the Score Table after each event. This job requires repeatedly walking the length of the pool to retrieve and deliver slips.

Place Judges: Sit at the side of either end of the pool, with a place judge from the opposing team, to determine and record the place of each swimmer at the finish of each race. Individuals writing down places should do so in the exact order called. The Runner takes the ticket to the Score Table after each event.

Concessions: Positions are for HOME meets only. First shift volunteers will arrive at 4:30pm to set up the concession stand inside the clubhouse and on the pool deck. First shift will assist in concession preparation and sale during the first half of the meet. Second shift volunteers will assist with concessions following the first shift and then clean up the concession area and store supplies toward the end of the meet.

Points Table: Volunteers will record and tally the team score usually with members from the opposing team at a designated table. This does require some understanding of the scoring system which we are happy to help you learn!

Computer Entry: Volunteers will enter times for swimmers races into the computer (at point table) during the meet.

Announcers: Positions are for HOME meets only. Volunteers will work closely with the referee and starter to announce each swim event. If you love the microphone, this job is for you!

Starter: Positions are for HOME meets only. Volunteers will work closely with referees/announcers and will use a megaphone and air horn to begin each swim event.