Swimming guide
Swim meet volunteer jobs explained
Swim meets rely on volunteers to time lanes, line up swimmers, carry results and, with training, judge strokes and turns. New families can start as timers, which is one of the easiest jobs. Ask your team's volunteer coordinator which jobs are open and whether training is needed.
Why swim meets need volunteers
Most youth swim meets run on volunteer help. A meet with hundreds of races needs people to time every lane, keep swimmers moving to the right heat, record results and watch for rule violations. Many teams ask each family to sign up for a few jobs a season, and it is also one of the best ways to understand the sport. You do not need to be a swimmer or an expert. Most jobs are taught on the spot or with a short training.
Which jobs exist, and which ones need training or certification, varies by league and by meet. Treat this guide as a general map and check with your team.
Common volunteer jobs
- Timer
- Stands at the end of a lane and starts and stops a stopwatch for the swimmer in that lane. At some meets, timers work with electronic backup systems. Timers are among the easiest jobs for new volunteers.
- Marshal or clerk of course
- Helps gather swimmers before each heat, checks that swimmers are in the correct heat and lane and sends them to the blocks. This job is good for patient people who like working with kids.
- Runner
- Carries paperwork, such as timing cards or results, between the pool deck and the scoring table.
- Scorer or data entry
- Enters times and results into the meet system or checks results for errors. This job needs focus and some computer comfort.
- Stroke and turn judge
- An official who watches swimmers for rule violations, such as the wrong kick or a one-hand touch. These roles usually require training, so they are often filled by certified or experienced officials.
- Starter and referee
- Officials who control the start of each race and oversee the meet and its rules. These roles normally require training.
- Hospitality and concessions
- Not about swimming, but meets run better when swimmers, coaches and officials are fed. These jobs are a good fit for families who prefer to stay off the deck.
What a timer actually does
- Check in at the timers' table and receive your lane and instructions.
- Stand at the end of your lane, behind the block if your meet uses that setup.
- Start the watch when the starting signal sounds.
- Stop the watch when the swimmer touches the wall, then record the time on the card or entry sheet.
- Reset the watch and repeat for the next heat.
Pay attention to the start, since that is when most mistakes happen. Many meets use multiple timers per lane, so a missed button can be corrected. If a swimmer asks to check the time, send them to the coach and the meet staff, who handle disputes.
How to sign up and what to ask
- Ask your team's volunteer coordinator which jobs are open at the next meet.
- Ask whether training is available and how long it takes.
- Find out whether you can work with another parent on your first meet.
- Ask about breaks, since long sessions on the deck can be tiring.
- Check whether volunteers must meet any background-check or safety requirements set by the team or league.
Etiquette for volunteers
- Stay neutral. Time every swimmer fairly, including opponents.
- Follow the officials' instructions, and ask when you are not sure.
- Keep the deck clear and walk, do not run.
- Do not coach, argue or comment on swimmers while you are working.
- Silence your phone while you are timing, since you will need both eyes on the swimmer.
If you want your swimmer to focus on swimming, it often helps to take a job in a different lane, away from your own child's heat.
Becoming an official later
Many parents enjoy volunteering enough to try officiating. Training for stroke and turn judges, starters and referees is offered through the governing body or league, and the requirements vary. Ask your team or league how to begin if you are curious. To see what officials look for, read swimming disqualifications and common violations and swimming rules for beginners.
Making volunteering work for your family
If your family is new, begin with one short shift and a job that lets you watch races, such as timing. Swap with another parent if your schedule changes, and tell the coordinator early, since empty lanes slow the whole meet. Bring water, a hat or layers depending on the pool's temperature and comfortable shoes, because pool decks can be hot, damp and loud. Many parents say the shift also helped them learn names, meet other families and finally understand what the officials were doing.
Siblings can help too. Some teams let older swimmers help as runners or timers when they are not racing, which gives them a way to be part of the team. Check your team's age and safety rules first, as they vary. Finally, remember to thank the volunteers around you. A meet only works when people say yes to the small jobs, and a kind word makes someone more likely to come back next time. For help with the day itself, see what to expect at a swim meet.
First-shift tips
Arrive a few minutes before your shift, introduce yourself to the person in charge and ask them to show you one full heat before you take over. Most volunteers who feel lost in the first heat are comfortable by the third. If you make a mistake, tell the lead right away, since most errors are easy to fix when they are caught in time. Be patient with yourself, because everyone on deck started as a first-timer.
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Sources and further reading
- Officials USA Swimming
- How to Certify & Recertify as an Official USA Swimming
- Clinic for New Stroke and Turn Officials USA Swimming
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Frequently asked questions
What does a swim meet timer do?
A timer starts a stopwatch at the starting signal, stops it when the swimmer touches the wall and records the time. Many meets use several timers per lane.
Do I need experience to volunteer at a swim meet?
Not for most jobs. Timers and runners are usually taught on the spot, though officials need training.
What is a marshal or clerk of course?
This volunteer gathers swimmers for each heat, checks the lane assignment and sends swimmers to the blocks.
How do I become a swim official?
Ask your team or league about training for stroke and turn judges and other official roles. Requirements vary by league.
Why do swim teams ask parents to volunteer?
Meets need many helpers to run smoothly, so teams often ask each family to take a few jobs per season.