It takes a tremendous number of volunteers to operate a successful swim team and create a positive experience for the swimmers and their families. Volunteers are the backbone of the swim team and are needed for serving in administrative roles, event coordinating, and running swim meets. Volunteering is a great way to get to know other swim team families and to create a fun, supportive and lasting experience for each swimmer.

Volunteer opportunities are on a first come-first serve basis.

Each family will be required to earn 3 points during the swim season by fulfilling some of the job duties listed below (requirements may be altered depending on registration numbers). Because the White Columns Warriors Swim Team is a volunteer led organization, we all need your help to make the season run smoothly and allow the swimmers to have the best experience possible. To that end, we are requiring that all families complete job volunteer selection prior to May 13th.

Swimmers will not be entered into a Meet if the volunteer sign-ups have not been completed. Register early for the best options. If you cannot perform your designated job at a meet, YOU MUST FIND YOUR OWN REPLACEMENT, along with notifying one of the Volunteer Coordinators of any changes.

Volunteer Shifts

To help ensure every swimmer has family support throughout the meet, volunteer opportunities are divided into two shifts.

1st Shift: Events #1–43

2nd Shift: Events #44–86

Please Note: Swimmers in the 6 & Under age group only compete during the 1st Shift. Families with 6 & Under swimmers should keep this in mind when selecting volunteer assignments.

Volunteer Opportunities

Bullpen Parent – 1 Point

Location: Bullpen Area (Standing & Walking)

Keeps swimmers organized by age group, lines them up for upcoming events, escorts swimmers to the starting blocks, supervises swimmers between races, and assists with restroom breaks if needed.

This is a great position for parents of younger swimmers.

6 & Under Bullpen volunteers are only needed during the first half of the meet.

Timer – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Standing)

Uses the provided timing equipment to record swimmers' race times. No previous experience is necessary.

Water-friendly footwear is recommended.

Head Timer – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Standing)

Serves as the backup timer for all lanes during the meet. The Head Timer assists any lane experiencing timing equipment issues to ensure accurate race times are recorded.

Master Recorder – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Standing & Walking)

Collects recorded times from each lane following every race and delivers them to the scoring area. This position requires frequent movement throughout the meet and is not recommended for volunteers supervising young children.

Runner – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Walking)

Collects completed score sheets from the Master Recorder and delivers them to the scoring table to ensure meet results are entered promptly.

Home meets only.

Judges Recorder – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Seated)

Collects placement information from the Place Judges and records official race results.

Home meets only.

Ribbon Writer – 1 Point

Location: Ribbon Table (Seated)

Sorts and labels ribbons based on official race results before organizing them for distribution.

Second half of the meet only.

Parking Team – 1 Point

Location: Parking Lot (Standing & Walking)

Greets visiting families, directs traffic, assists with parking, and helps ensure a safe and organized flow of vehicles before the meet begins.

Arrival Time: Approximately 3:30 PM

Home meets only.

Meet Setup & Cleanup Crew – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Standing / Heavy Lifting)

Helps prepare the pool deck before the meet and restores the facility afterward. Responsibilities may include setting up chairs, lane lines, starting blocks, backstroke flags, signage, tents, and general cleanup.

Heavy lifting required.

Home meets only.

Tent Crew – 1 Point

Location: Pool Deck (Standing / Heavy Lifting)

Sets up and removes team tents used for bullpens, scoring, and the announcer area.

Heavy lifting required. A large vehicle may be needed for transporting tents.

Assistant Meet Operations – 1 Point

Location: Check-In & Pool Deck (Standing)

Assists with pre-meet setup, volunteer check-in, distributing supplies, bullpen organization, and other operational needs before the meet begins.

Arrival Time: Approximately 3:30 PM

Floater – 1 Point

Location: Varies

Floaters serve as backup volunteers and fill in wherever needed throughout the meet. If all scheduled volunteers are present, Floaters may not be assigned a specific role. However, if a volunteer is absent or needs assistance, Floaters will step in to help ensure the meet runs smoothly.

Deck Manager (Lead & Assistant) – 2 Points

Location: Pool Deck (Standing)

Organizes swimmers by heat and lane, receives swimmers from the bullpen, and helps keep the meet running efficiently and on schedule. This position works closely with the coaching staff and is recommended for experienced swim team families.

Place Judge – 3 Points

Location: Finish End of Pool (Seated)

Determines the official order of finish for each race. Place Judges work together to verify swimmer placements and record the finishing order on the official meet paperwork. This position requires attention to detail and is recommended for experienced swim team volunteers.

First-Time Volunteers

Not sure which volunteer position is right for you? No experience is necessary for most volunteer roles. Our Volunteer Coordinator and experienced team families are happy to help train and guide first-time volunteers throughout the season.

Thank you for volunteering and helping make the Polo Warriors Swim Team a fun, safe, and successful experience for every swimmer and family!