Volunteer Roles (updated 3/2026)
Without volunteers no swim meet would ever happen. See boxes below for job descriptions. This season we will release jobs at 2 times - for the month of June and again in July.
All positions requiring training, with the exception of Referee, will be done ONLINE. You can train from the comfort of your own home! The more trained officials we have, the smoother and QUICKER our meets will run! ALL returning families should have 1 person trained in at least 1 position! We especially need referees, stroke and turn officials, and starters!
Training can be accessed here.
Suggestions -
- Parents of 5 & 6 year old swimmers should sign up for 1st session jobs as their swimmer will probably be finished by 7:30 pm.
- SINGLE PARENTS should sign up for jobs like bringing dessert, pasta salad, watermelon, etc. This ensures they are able to monitor their children AND fulfill a volunteer role.
Announcer
The announcer lets parents and swimmers know what event is being swam or needs to report to the clerk of course. The announcer also shares important information during the meet. 1 announcer for EACH session is needed for HOME meets ONLY.
Clerk of the Course
The Clerk of the Course is tasked with coordinating the heats of an event by identifying the participants of the event and arranging them in correct order as stipulated by the heat sheet. 2 clerks are needed for EACH session.
**Note: Online training is required for this position. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.
Clerk Apprentice/Parent Volunteer
Assists the clerk of course with lining up swimmers for events. 1 clerk apprentice/parent volunteer is needed for home meets for EACH session.
Concessions Workers
Concessions workers assist the concession stand coordinator in serving food, collecting payment, etc. 5 - 6 concessions workers are needed for EACH session at HOME meets ONLY. We need a dedicated "grill operator" and a shaved ice operator.
Head Scorekeeper/Computer Operator
Operates the computer and ensure data is accurately shared with the RSL. 1 Head scorekeeper/computer operator is needed for EACH session.
Note: A Head Scorekeeper must complete RSL training. This training is longer than the others. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.
Computer Operator Assistant
The computer operator assistant checks data to ensure accuracy. 1 Computer Operator Assistant is needed for EACH session.
Head Timer
**New for 2026 - Position is combined with Time Drops Operator**
The Head Timer coordinates all of the Lane Timers. They designate a Lane Timer in each lane as the recorder of the three times determined. They ensure that the Lane Timers are paying attention to the Starter and have backup watches in case a Lane Timer misses the start of a race. The 2nd session Head Timer collects stopwatches from Spotswood timers. 1 Head Timer is needed for EACH session at HOME meets ONLY.
Note: A Head Timer must complete RSL training which will cover both Head Timer and Time Drop Operator roles. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.
Time Drops Operator
**New for 2026 - Position is combined with Head Timer**
The Time Drops Operator works with the starter to operate the semi-automatic timing system. This person will manage a tablet and share data with the scoring table.
Note: A Time Drops operator must complete RSL training for Head Timer, which will cover both Head Timer and Time Drops operator roles. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.
Heat Ribbon Awarder
The Heat Ribbon Awarder gives the winner of each heat a ribbon. 1 person is needed to fill this position at a HOME meet for EACH session.
Lane Timers
A lane timer uses a timing device/watch to record times for a swimmer. There are 3 timers per lane. One timer writes down the times as well as works a stopwatch. The number of timers our team provides at each meet is dependent on whether the meet is home/away, and the number of lanes at the pool.
Referee
The Referee has full authority over all officials and shall assign and instruct them prior and during the meet. The Referee shall have authority to decide any questions relating to the actual conduct of the meet, unless otherwise specified by RSL rules. 1 Referee is needed for EACH session. It is helpful to have an "Admin Ref" present at meets.
Note: A referee must ATTEND in-person RSL training, complete stroke and turn training, and online referee training. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.
Ribbon Labeler
Puts labels on ribbons. This job is a 2nd session job only. PLAN TO STAY until after the meet to complete this job.
Safety Marshal
The safety marshal ensures that all walkways and exits are kept clear and meet attendees and swimmers are following safety rules. 1 to 2 safety marshals are needed for EACH session at HOME meets ONLY.
Starter
The Starter is tasked with making sure that each race is begun in a fair manner. The starter works with the Referee to initiate the start of the race (via the starting system) and is involved with calling a false start if deemed so. 1 starter is needed at EACH session of HOME meets ONLY.
Note: A Starter must complete RSL training. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.
Stroke & Turn Judge
A Stroke & Turn Judge shall observe the competitors in his/her assigned area to ensure all applicable rules pertaining to the stroke being swum are performed. 2 Stroke & Turn Judges are needed for EACH session.
Note: A Stroke & Turn Judge must complete RSL training OR submit a waiver with valid USA Swimming or VHSL official certification. **All trained positions must "recertify" EACH season.