FLST parent volunteer information Last update 4/22/2011 1:38 PM

It takes many parent volunteers to run the many on and off deck aspects of this successful swim team and its programs. Parents from each family are expected to volunteer to help run the meets and/or with other team functions. It’s a good way to learn more about the sport and to meet other swim team parents. See below the detailed list of volunteer ‘jobs’ required to run a successful meet.

Each home swim meet requires approximately 80 parent volunteers and up to 50 volunteers are required from our team for away meets.

Parent Volunteer Requirements

Position preference selection is at the end of the online registration process. We will post on the website in June all final position assignments for the meets. It is your responsibility to review this for accuracy with your schedule. Your preference selections in combination with your availability will be heavily considered. Be aware that some changes may be required to cover all required meet positions. Each family is required to volunteer at least 5 - ½ meet positions of the possible 12. (6 meets X 2 - ½’s each meet). You can double up and work 2 - ½’s at one meet if you prefer. Please send email to with date details if you would like to do this.

There are other ways to fulfill your volunteer commitment. We offer a per meet buy-out of your volunteer obligations. We also have a limited number of other committee chair opportunities. If interested in learning more about these and to discuss the details of any of these options, please mail to discuss with our administrative manager.

New families usually do jobs which require only a few minutes of training, such as timer, runner, certain table workers, concessions and refreshments.

See Volunteer Assignments under the Meet Schedule link for volunteer assignments corresponding to each of this season’s meets.

Thanks to all our volunteers for their help! Swim team wouldn’t be possible without you!

We are looking forward to a great season of swimming and friendship!

Volunteer Meet Worker Position Descriptions

Starter: The starter is equipped with the Colorado Timing Start System, backup starting gun and blanks (or a light horn), whistle, and megaphone. He/she is stationed within 10 feet of the starting end where the light flash is clearly visible to the timers and the sound is easily heard by the swimmers.

Clerk-of-Course: The Clerk-of-Course has a designated area to receive swimmers.

Clerk of course assistants and Mite parents: Assist clerk of course, help with the youngest children at clerk of course and get them to the blocks.

Stroke-and-Turn Judge: There should be at least one Stroke-and-Turn Judge (and not more than two) from each club positioned on opposite sides of the pool. The Jefferson Swim League requires Stroke-and-Turn Judges to be either USS or YMCA certified or have attended a USS, YMCA or JSL clinic for Stroke-and-Turn Judges within the calendar year.

Relay Takeoff Judge: Relay takeoffs are normally judged by Stroke-and-Turn Judges. However, in the absence of an adequate number of judges, the head Stroke-and-Turn Judge may delegate the responsibility for relay takeoffs to another person(s). The designated person(s) is positioned on the side(s) at the end(s) of the pool. All Takeoff Judges position themselves so as to have a clear view of the touch of the incoming swimmer(s) and the feet of the departing swimmer(s).

Sweep Judge: A total of four sweep judges is used to determine the order of finish. Two sweep judges from each club shall be stationed on each side of the pool having a clear direct view of the finish line. There shall be one sweep judge card filled out on each side of the pool for each heat. One sweep judge shall observe and call out the order of finish, while the other assists and records order on the sweep judge card.

Timer: Ideally there should be 3 timers in each lane in addition to designated head timer. Each timer has two color coded watches that will be alternated to start races without waiting on timers to write times down. The HEAD TIMER organizes timers prior to the meet, gives instructions, assigns lanes, gives out watches, and serves as a backup timer. The Jefferson swim league requires Head Timers to be either USS or YMCA certified or have attended a USS, YMCA, or JSL clinic for Head Timers within the calendar year.

False Start Rope: One lifeguard is assigned to the false start rope.

Runner: We use three runners assist in gathering the various cards from timers and judges to take to the scoring table.

Head-of-Table: The Head-of-table should be familiar with all functions of the table so that as questions arise during the meet, they can be answered quickly. Also the Head may have to relieve at certain positions (Sorter, Recorder, Scorer, Ribbon Placer) if adequate help is not available.

Note: during home meets our table workers are normally in the air-conditioned clubhouse, but should be able to arrange to go out to see their children’s races.

Sorter: The sorter is one of the most important positions at the table. It requires a thorough knowledge of the procedures and a cool head. A general knowledge of swimming and its terms is preferred. One sorter from each team is needed and the work is normally divided between boys and girls. The sorter determines how swimmers actually placed in each event by "sorting" or determining the order of finish using prescribed procedures.

Computer Operator and Assistant: receive the cards from the Sorter and enter final data into the Meet Manager program. Both should be familiar with the Meet Manager Program and operation of laptop computers and printers. JSL requires all Computer Operators to attend the preseason clinic for this position or be certified by the Software Consultant.

Backup Checker: confirms that all official times have been entered correctly by the Computer Operator. It requires minimal training.

Ribbon Placer: Each team should have several ribbon placers. Computer printed labels are generated and are placed on the correct ribbon for each event.

Refreshments: The home club should provide refreshments (soda, juice, tea, etc.) several times during the meet to all parents who are working at the meet.

Concessions: FLST will be selling concessions at home meets.