Stroke and Turn Judge
Must have some knowledge of the 4 strokes, be willing to attend a 2 hour training clinic, and be comfortable disqualifying swimmers when appropriate. You have the best position on deck. We are always in need of additional stroke and turn judges, so if this is something you are interested in, or would like to learn more about, please ask or sign up for the free training clinic. You will have the opportunity to shadow a skilled stroke and turn judge until you are comfortable with the position. All new stroke and turn judges must attend the in-person clinic. Those who have previously attended the clinic can complete the online training session at your convenience. Online recertification is required each season unless you have USA certification. Clinic and online information can be found on the JSL website under "support" then "officials".
Starter
The starter is equipped with a starter system, light horn, and megaphone. Starters start each event, call swimmers to the clerk and make any other necessary announcements. First time starters are required to attend a 2 hour training session which will be posted on the JSL website under "support" and "officials".
Head Clerk of Course
Head Clerk of Course needs to have some experience with the assistant clerk position. Head clerks make sure all the events cards are prepared for home meets for both teams, and provide needed supplies to guest team. At home meets, head clerks are responsible for sending seated swimmers to the blocks, organizing junior coaches in assisting the youngest swimmers to the blocks, informing the starter of events that need to report to the clerk of course, and making changes to event cards when appropriate. Head clerk positions at away meets consist of collecting event cards from the home team, making sure CGST assistant clerks are in position with event cards, and making themselves available to the home team head clerk regarding any changes that might need to be made to event cards... in other words very little. Please consider training with a head clerk if you have assistant clerk experience and enjoy working in this area. It is a nice step up from the assistant clerk position, especially when it is shared.
Assistant Clerk of Course
All swimmers report to the Clerk of Course (where the benches are) to receive event cards. Assistant clerks hand out the time cards to swimmers as they report for their event and help them find their designated spot on the bench. The clerk of course area is typically noisy, congested and hectic as it is full of swimmers, but it is also where you find all the action. If you enjoy being in the "thick of things" this is the job for you.
Head Timer
The head timer gives instructions, assigns lanes, hands out watches, clipboards and pencils to each timer prior to the start of the meet. During the meet, the head timer starts two backup watches at the beginning of every event, in case a timer missed the start and is in need of a watch. Head timers need to have timer experience and be comfortable in giving instructions to a group.
Timer
There are 3 timers assigned to each lane in a meet, each equipped with two stopwatches, which will be used alternately to time swimmers in that lane. Timers should work together to verify swimmers are in the right heat and lane, entering the times on the event card and handing the completed card to a runner. If, for any reason, a timer does not start his or her stopwatch at the official start of the race he should signal (raise his/her hand) in a wave to signal the head timer for a backup watch. This is a good position for new volunteers and allows a good view of the swimmers.
False Start Rope
In the event of a false start, this person drops the rope at the midpoint for swimmers who did not respond to the false start beeps. This generally only occurs with young, inexperienced swimmers.
Head Runner
Organizes the runners, explains the procedure to new runners and makes sure there is a nice rhythm in collecting event cards, DQ cards and sweep judge cards. Assists in the 25 meter/yard events to ensure the event cards are collected from the swimmers and received by the timers in the right order. If you have experience as a runner, please consider training for this position.
Runner
Runners collect the event cards from the timers after each event, along with DQ cards and sweep judge cards and "run" them to the table workers. For 8 and under short events, runners also collect cards from the 8 and under swimmers and "run" them to the timers at the other end of the pool, making sure to keep them in the correct order. There will be a minimum of 3 people working this position at one time and it is best to have an establish "team" of runners who can work together. This is a great position for people who like to be "on the move" and requires no previous experience.
Head Table Worker
Needs to be familiar with all functions at the table (sorter, checker, awards). Head of Table helps set up the table area for home meets only. The head of table oversees the functions at the table, answers questions and deals with any problems that may arise with the event cards. If you have worked the table for a couple years, this would be a great position to train in, giving you more flexibility at meets. The Head Table Worker is not responsible for "heading" at away meets although some teams appreciate the assistance if needed. Please consider training with one of our skilled head table workers.
Table Worker
Table workers are assigned one of 3 duties: Sorter, Checker or Awards. After the runner delivers time cards, DQ slips and sweep judge cards to the table, Sorters organize the cards by event determining the official times and place finish of each swimmer. The Sorter then submits the time cards to the Computer Operator for entry. The Checker is responsible for making sure official times on the cards match the final results printed by the Computer Operator. The Awards volunteers put identifying result labels on the back of the corresponding ribbons. Whenever a question arises, Table Workers consult with the Head of Table for guidance. This is a great job for people who prefer to be away from the noise and congestion of the pool deck or prefer to "sit" on the job. Table workers are able to leave the table to watch their swimmers compete. No one works alone in any one position making it easy to train and take breaks.
Sweep Judges
These volunteers record the order in which swimmers finish their event. Sweep judges work in pairs. One judge calls out the order the swimmers touch the wall at the end of the event while the other records the results on a sweep judge card. These results are used to help the table workers determine results if there is a problem with the time cards. You get a front row seat at the finish line with this position!
Concessions
Concession volunteers sell food and beverages during the meet and restock items as needed. If you can count back change and hand out food, you can work this position.
Hospitality
Hospitality volunteers deliver food and refreshments to coaches prior to the start of the meet and refreshment to all volunteers during the meet. They also sell heat sheets and other items. This is a great position for a "single" parent with younger children in tow or on the team. It allows a parent to take breaks easily, working around their children's needs in a "safe" area. Note: many volunteers request this position and only a few are needed. Preference will go to parents with young children who often don't have a spouse available. Please note this during registration if you fall into this category.
Grill
At home meets we grill hamburgers and hotdog on a grill supplied by the pool. Grillers work in pairs. First half grillers get the grill going, give grilled meat to concessions as they are cooked. Second half griller continues until concessions indicates it is time to stop, making sure the grill is safe to leave for the evening. If you love to grill, this is the position for you.
Set-up
The set-up crew ropes off the pool area, sets up clerk of course benches, chairs and tables for table workers, gets all necessary tubs from the shed in preparation for the meet, puts up flags, makes sure pool entrance is clear of unnecessary items and side gate is unlocked. Set-up crew must arrive by 3:45.
Clean up
Clean-up crew return all benches, ropes, etc. to the shed, help pick up trash and other items left behind by swimmers and their families, break down tables, secure all gates, and make sure the pool is presentable for pool patrons the next day. Parents and swimmers are generally very good about picking up after themselves, concessions do their own breakdown and lifeguards help with most of the trash and closing.
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