Volunteer Positions
Descriptions of the volunteer positions are listed below.
Head Judge: Are you good with numbers? This is the job for you! While the title may sound intimidating, it is not a difficult role. As timesheets are collected from the lane timers after each event, the Head Judge reviews the three lane times listed for each swimmer and circles the middle time, then clips together the timesheets, DQ slips, and place judge slips for each event and passes it to the Data Manager for data entry.
Head Timer: Do you have good coordination? The Head Timer runs two watches for each event in order to substitute for any Lane Timer as needed. The Head Timer also instructs Lane Timers to clear watches after each heat to prepare for the next one.
Roving Timer: The Roving Timer times the first place finish in each event for record purposes. They may also step in as a back-up lane timer, if needed.
Lane Timer: Can you look at a light and press a button (gamers, we are looking at you!)? That is the skill set needed to be a Lane Timer! Lane timers start a stopwatch at the beginning of each race and stop the watch when the swimmer touches the wall. There are three lane timers per lane and one person per lane also records all three times on paper. If you mess up and accidentally don't start the watch on time, not to worry- the Head Timer runs two back-up watches for every race!
Stroke and Turn: Another great view of the pool! Stroke and Turns have a front row view of all events! Their responsibility is to watch the swimmers and ensure that the appropriate rules are being followed. Must be PMSL certified.
Runner: Trying to get your steps in? Consider being the Runner! The Runner collects time cards from each lane after each event and hands out heat winner ribbons.
Ref/Starter: The Ref/Starter is actually two roles. At home meets, Whitehall supplies the Referee. The Referee makes the ultimate call on Disqualifications, blows the whistle to signal new heats, and is in charge of pool safety. The Referee the individual who is in charge of the swim meet. At away meets, Whitehall provides the Starter. The Starter announces the event/heat (if there is no announcer) and instructs swimmers to take their mark, begins the race, and makes disqualification suggestions to the Referee at the start of the race (i.e. false starts). To be a Ref/Starter you should have at least one year of Stroke and Turn under your belt and you must be PMSL certified.
Ribbons: Stickers!! At "A" Meets you will be responsible for placing results stickers onto the correct ribbons (by place). At "B" Meets the ribbon volunteers handwrite ribbons. For both "A" and "B" meets you will also file the ribbons away in our teams ribbon box for swimmers to pick up.
Clerk of Course: The Clerks of Course line up swimmers (in chairs) for correct lane assignments and get them to their proper lanes prior to each event. You work as a team of 2-4 clerks and will find that this is a great way to get to know our swimmers! Any teachers out there? You will excel in this job!
Concessions: Concession volunteers are responsible for selling food, drinks and occasionally other items at our concession stand. We always have enough workers so parents can slip away to watch their swimmer’s race too!
