All swim meets rely on parent volunteers from start to finish. It takes approximately 80 adult volunteers to run one swim meet. Please take requests for your help seriously. We need everyone's help for the meet to function. 

At Hanarry West, one parent from each family is asked to volunteer for 3-4 shifts during the season. Each meet has two shifts – a first half (6-8ish p.m.) and a second half (8–10ish p.m.) and roles vary depending on if we are the home or away team.

At registration, the volunteer parent can indicate which volunteer positions he/she is interested in. Then, our volunteer coordinator will put together assignments for each meet. Volunteers will likely have the same position for each shift so they can become comfortable and proficient with that assignment – and get to know other parents in the same role.

Instructions Job Sign-up: Steps to take in SwimTopia

Pick a role that fits your skills
Most volunteer assignments happen before the season starts, so be proactive and educate yourself about what’s involved in each role. The Hanarry West website has information – or ask a veteran parent for advice.

Wear comfortable clothes
Most meets are hot, so you’ll want clothing for warm weather (don’t forget hats, sunglasses, cooling towels, etc). Some setup volunteers and others who have physical assignments bring a change of clothes. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on concrete for several hours – and know they might get wet! Timers and other volunteers working near the pool deck get splashed by swimmers. Don’t forget your team shirt!

Know when you work
The first shift of the meet is 6 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m. (events 1-36). The second meet shift goes from approximately 7:30/8 p.m. to approximately 9:30/10 p.m. or the meet ends (events 37-82). Setup, concessions, computer and other volunteer roles might work before the officially begins at 6 p.m.

Be on time & check in
Find the volunteer sign in sheet to check in when you arrive. And if you haven’t already, introduce yourself to the volunteer coordinator

Know your assignment – and your people
Introduce yourself to the other volunteer parents you’ll be working alongside – on Hanarry West and other teams. Ask questions of veteran volunteers and don’t be afraid to ask them to take the lead if it would helpful.

Be flexible
You may be asked to fill in at a different position than the one you signed up for. Please be patient and flexible. Swim meets are huge volunteer-run events and things change, people get sick, weather conditions or other unexpected events might change even the best-laid plans.