“Creating a positive environment where excellence is inevitable” is only possible with the dedicated efforts of all VAST families. Parental support and involvement are vital to the success of VAST.
VOLUNTEER POLICY
Annual Volunteering:
Volunteering is a necessary part of being a member of the Valdosta Aquatic Swim Team. VAST requires each family to volunteer on an annual basis (excluding Masters swimmers):
- 20 hours of volunteer time per year per family (Participation from immediate family members ONLY may count toward your volunteer hours)
The “volunteer year” runs from August 1st through July 31st annually. New families that enroll after the start of the “volunteer year”, will be prorated at a rate of 2 hours per month. New members joining between May 1 and June 30 of the volunteer year will not have volunteer requirements until after the start of the new swim year. Hours will be tracked under each family’s account in Team Unify. It is the parents’ responsibility to check Team Unify for volunteer hours, ensure volunteer hours are correct, and the requirements have been met. Credit value for volunteer activities will be determined by Valdosta Aquatics staff. You will be notified with sign-up procedures when volunteer opportunities arise. A member who volunteers for an event is responsible for ensuring coverage of that activity in the event they are unable to fulfill their commitment.
Failure to fulfill annual volunteer requirements will result in a $10 per hour assessment for the balance remaining at the end of the “volunteer year.” This amount will be invoiced in August. Members who withdraw from the team prior to the end of the “volunteer year” will have their remaining requirements prorated. Prorated shortfalls must be paid at the time of withdrawal. Families wishing to “opt-out” of the volunteer requirement can pay an annual buyout assessment of $200. This amount will be charged to the member’s account in the August billing cycle. Members who opt-out will have no volunteer requirements.
Members on scholarship must complete all annual volunteer requirements. Failure to complete volunteer requirements will result in the forfeiture of scholarship status.
Home Meet Volunteering:
VAST hosts one home mini meet per month. All families whose swimmer participates in these meets are required to assist. There are many volunteer opportunities at home meets, including opportunities before and after the meet, which make this an easy requirement to fulfill. Members should commit to volunteering for at least 1 of our monthly VAST home meets.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
Specific monthly social set-up and take down (including Annual banquet, Christmas party, Valentine party, etc.)
Media coverage (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) – assigned
Bubble set-up and take-down
Service project appearances
Timing at travel meets
