Summer League swim teams rely heavily on our parents to run the meets. It takes more than 100 individuals for a swim meet to run effectively. Therefore, each family on our team is asked to commit to  5 half meet shifts during the regular 5-meet Summer season. Except where noted, shifts are set up as 1st Half and 2nd Half. Some positions require certification or training. Look for clinics and training sessions on our website. We are here to help you find the right position to suit your strengths. It does NOT have to be stressful.

POOL CREW (4 per crew; home meets only)

A crew of 4 to set up the pool for a meet — putting up tents, moving benches and tables, hanging clip lights

A crew of 4 to help tear down and reset the pool for residential use.

This position is a great option for parents who have older kids and are there ‘til the very end of the meet anyway, who can't get to the meet in time for 1st or 2nd half shifts, or who prefer not to work during the meet events. 

ANNOUNCER (one per half; home meets only) 

Announces individual events. Works closely with the starter to keep the meet running smoothly.

STARTER (one per half; home meets only) MUST BE CERTIFIED

Determines all lanes are properly filled with eligible swimmers. Responsible for making sure that swimmers are in proper start position and timers are in place before starting the event with a horn. Also determines false starts and disqualifies swimmers who had a false start.

STROKE JUDGE (two per team per half) MUST BE CERTIFIED

Determines if swimmer completed entire swim event according to league rules (swimmer's start, body position, arm stroke, leg kick, stroke order, turns, and finishes). 2 relay judges are also needed per half. Relay stroke judges only work relays, but in both the 1st and 2nd halves.

AGE GROUP PARENT (one or two per group/per gender)

Supervises the age group tent, where swimmers sit together during meets. Marks events on each swimmer’s arm and helps swimmers get to the ready bench on time for their events (with caps and goggles). Age Group Parents are the only parents who have their chair within the tent space. This position is a great way to learn the names of your child’s teammates, and is most important for the younger swimmers, who need the most help. Age Group Parents of 6 & U and 7/8 are especially critical to the timely start of the meet. This position works the full meet and is worth 2 shifts.

READY BENCH (four per half for home meets; two per half for away meets)

Using the heat sheets, the ready bench organizers will place swimmers for each event in order. Notifies Age Group Parent of any missing swimmers. There will be 2 ready bench areas at home meets, one on each end of the pool. One side (away from the timers) will be used for relays and 25-yard swims. The other side (near the timers) will be used for relays and 50-yard swims.

TIMER (10 per half from Tarpons team)

Assigned to 1 lane. Operates a stopwatch to get the time for each swim. Both teams combine to provide 3 timers and 1 scribe for each lane. All 3 times are recorded by the scribe. This job gives you the best view of the swimmers during the meet. There is also a backup timer, so you don't have to worry about messing up!  This job is usually in the shade, but it does require standing, and your feet will get wet.

SCRIBE (three per half from Tarpons team)

Assigned to 1 lane. Records swimmer's time from all 3 timers in their lane. Hands time sheets to Runners.

RUNNER (two per half; home meets only)

Picks up completed time sheets from scribes and deliver to the scoring table. Wear comfortable shoes, as this job keeps you moving around the pool and the time passes quickly.

STATISTICIAN (one per half)

Responsible for entering data from the time sheets into software. Works closely with the Scorekeepers. The Statistician in Training position is for the entire meet. You will shadow our experienced Statistician during the 1st Half and work the Stats position the 2nd Half.

SCOREKEEPER (two per half from Tarpons team)

One person sorts time sheets from runner, separating by team and age/event. Passes slips to second person. Second person compares time sheets to find finishing place of swimmers. With this job, you get to see the race results before others. This position gets to sit, is guaranteed to be under shade, but you are not readily on deck to watch the races.

AWARDS (two per half; home meets only)

Receives the results of each event heat and hands out ribbons to swimmers. This position assists the Awards Chairperson.

TENT MASTER (for away meets only)

Transports tents from our storage closet at The Club pool to our away meets and returns them to the closet after the meets. This very important position makes it possible for our swimmers to be in the shade and grouped together when not at our home pool. One person must have a truck. Tents are slightly heavy, but not prohibitive.  You will have plenty of help from other team parents to set up tents and when it is time to take them down. If you take on this job for all 3 away meets, this will fulfill your Family Commitment for the season. Transporting tents for 1 away meet is equivalent to 2 shifts. 

CONCESSIONS (two per half; home meets only)

The concession stand will be open during the entire meet. This position will be divided into half-meet shifts and two people are needed during each half. The two people that sign up to work the first shift must each be able to provide a medium-sized cooler to keep the drinks cool. The Lead Concessions person will be responsible for the purchasing of water, Gatorade, snacks, and ice. This position also requires that you ice down the drinks by 4:00 pm on meet day. While the team will reimburse you for the concession items, you must bring your own medium-sized cooler. For the extra work involved, the Lead Concessions position will be worth 2 points; regular concessions will be worth 1 point. If there is leftover inventory at the end of the meet, the 2nd shift workers will record how much remains and informs the Family Participation Coordinators.

FLOATER (two per half)

This position acts as a backup to a variety of jobs. You will be called upon in the event that someone is late, is not available due to an emergency, or does not show for their shift. You may even be called upon if an extra parent is needed to facilitate the meet. You may also not be needed. It would be extremely helpful if you are trained for Age Group Parent and Ready Bench, as you may need to step into those spots to assist. You must have your cell phone readily available in order for us to contact you.