TIMERS: See Timer page for more details
Timers use a stopwatch to record the duration of a swimmer’s race. Each lane will have two timers – one from each team. The home team timer records the times on the designated sheet of paper, and then the times are averaged. There is also a backup timer in case a timer’s watch fails to record the time.
Important because: Times are used to determine the races finishes, qualify for the County Meet and help swimmers track their improvement – a tenth of a second can make a difference!
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers per meet: 28
Best for: People who like a first-row view of the races -- and have good reaction time

CONCESSIONS: See Concessions page for more details
At home meets, Hanarry West operates the concession stand and proceeds from sales go directly back to the swim team. Volunteers working concessions take orders, serve food and handle payment transactions.
Important because: Kids swim faster so they can buy concession candy. And, concessions proceeds support the teams.
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers per meet: 4
Best for: People who like food, drinks and treats – and can make change for a $10

BULLPEN & STAGING: See Bullpen page for more details
Bullpen volunteers work with the Hanarry West swimmers in the team’s bullpen (where swimmers sit during the meet) and help get the correct swimmers to the staging area at the correct time. Staging volunteers work in the staging area (located behind the starting blocks) to help swimmers from both teams line up in the correct lanes and swim in the correct race. Both volunteers work off heat sheets.
Important because: Swimmers, especially young ones, need help navigating a long meet
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers needed: 6
Best for: People who like a fast-paced job, know kids names and want to work with kids

SETUP: See home meet setup page for more info
Setup volunteers prepare the pool deck for the meet. This involves a lot of physical work -- including setting up blocks, bullpen and staging area, moving tables and chairs, installing safety equipment (like the cover to the baby pool) and placing signs.
Important because: An organized meet finishes before 10 p.m.
Timeframe: Usually 3 p.m. until swimmers arrive at 5 p.m.
Volunteers needed: 2
Best for: People who aren’t afraid to sweat and want first pick on where to put their chair

BREAKDOWN & CLEANUP
Once the meet ends, cleanup volunteers return the pool deck to its everyday setup. This role involves a lot of physical work – including removing trash, moving tables and chairs, taking down blocks, signs, etc. Swimmers and parents are asked to clean up after themselves and help out too, but they might need some encouragement.
Important because: Pools open in the morning for other activities
Timeframe: End of meet until work is done
Volunteers needed: 2
Best for: People who have kids swimming butterfly and/or are night owls

STROKE AND TURN JUDGES: See Judges page for more details
There are four judges at each meet – two from each team. These volunteers watch the swimmers during their races and determine that the starts, strokes, and turns are performed properly. A swimmer who does not meet the established requirements will be disqualified by the judges. This position requires an online training (which free and valid for 3 years) from the Gwinnett County Swim League.
Important because: DQs help swimmers learn and prepare them for the County Meet
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers needed: 4
Best for: People who want a front-row view of races and have some swimming knowledge

STARTER
The starter at each meet is a trained and county certified volunteer parent who announces the events and fires the gun (or sets off the ‘beep’) to start the races. The starter is considered one of the meet officials.
Important because: Keeps the whole meet moving along
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers needed: 2
Best for: People with a strong voice and ability to manage the flow of the meet

COMPUTER & SCORING
The computer operator is a trained volunteer who operates the computer prior to the meet (printing heat sheets, timer sheets, etc.). During the meet he/she enters times from the timer sheets, generates ribbon labels and meet results. Other computer workers help read and verify times and post results.
Important because: Makes results official
Timeframe: Pre-meet and First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers needed: 4
Best for: People skilled with computers and have a eye for the details

RIBBONS
Volunteers in this role place individual result labels onto ribbons and place them in the swimmer’s file folder – to be ready for swimmers to pick up at Fun Friday. This can be done during the meet or Friday morning before swimmers arrive at the pool.
Important because: Swimmers love ribbons
Timeframe: Approximately three hours
Volunteers needed: 1
Best for: People who enjoy organization and placing sticky labels on things. 

RUNNER
The meet’s runner takes completed timer sheets from the timers to the computer/scoring table.
Important because: Helps keep meet organized and results posted quickly
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events 37-82)
Volunteers needed: 2
Best for: People looking to up their step count

BACKUP
Inevitably a volunteer gets sick or runs late or one area of a meet needs more assistance. This role will work the meet wherever the need is the greatest.
Important because: Every role needs to be filled for a smooth meet
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36) and Second half (Events (37-82)
Volunteers needed: 2
Best for: Veteran swim team parents who can step in to most roles; proactive parents who can quickly problem solve

HOUSEKEEPING: Trash, Recycling & Bathrooms
This role works the entirety of a home swim meet -- checking every hour to see if trash cans and recycling containers need to be emptied and checking that bathrooms are stocked and in working (and clean) order.
Important because: There are lots of people in a small space for swim meets
Timeframe: Entire meet
Volunteers: 1
Best for: Proactive problem solvers who don’t mind dealing with trash; have some flexibility for when you work during the meet

PARKING
At 4 p.m. set out parking signs. Manage entrance to the parking lot and welcome families to HW. Pick up parking signs once meet begins at 6 p.m.
Important because: Lots of people and lots of cars need to be organized
Volunteers: 1
Best for: People who don’t mind walking, sweating and managing the parking list

PHOTOGRAPHER
Work the first half of swim meets, taking pictures of swimmers in the pool and of families, swimmers and volunteers around the pool deck. Photos should be posted to the team's Facebook group the next day or sent to the team manager for posting. Important because: We love seeing our kids’ faces
Timeframe: First half (Events 1-36)
Volunteers needed: 1
Best for: Veteran or pro photographers