The reason we are all here is for the benefit of our kids; they are the heart
of the team. However, it is the parents that keep it going.
It takes 35-40 parents to run a dual meet.
Yes, in fact, we share the responsibility of putting on a successful meet
with another team. Home meets require a greater number of our parents
while away meets require fewer parents. This is because the hosting team
provides a snack shack as well as most of the “skilled” positions such as
the starter or referee, etc. Most of the positions you will be assigned are
very easy and require few skills. A command of the English language,
the ability to read a stopwatch or to make change is all it takes! Many of the
positions afford you a birds eye view of the meet and the opportunity to
meet other parents and to get to know the other swimmers best events, etc.
Make the most of your assignments!
The bottom line is that unless all the deck positions are filled
(timers, recorders, runners, etc.) the meet simply can’t start!
Please be sure to take the time to sign yourself out of any meet
you will not be available to work. If, once a schedule is distributed, you
cannot make it due to other commitments please find a replacement.
Work schedules will have “Alternate/Relief” positions assigned. It will
help the meet run smoothly if you could contact one of these parents in
advance and perhaps trade an assignment with them if unable to attend.
Let the Meet Director know in advance, if possible. Always check in with
the Meet Director prior to taking your position so your attendance
can be confirmed.
Invitationals (multi team meets) in which your child may participate will
usually require a work assignment that will be posted within the
week prior to the event.
All families are required to work City Meet.
We need everyone’s cooperation to make this work!
Preparing your 8 and Under Before a Meet
For 8 and Under swimmers, parents MUST write the stroke, heat and lane
on the swimmer’s right hand prior to starting the meet (see example below).
Please use only Sharpies. It is too time consuming for the shepherds to do this
with all swimmers. DO NOT write the event, only stroke, heat and lane.
Example: FR 1 – 3 (Freestyle Heat 1, lane 3)
BK 2 – 4 (Back Stroke, Heat 2 lane 4)
Fly 1 – 2 (Butterfly Heat 1, lane 2)
