Volunteer FAQ’s

1. My schedule changed and I can no longer make my registered volunteer assignment. What can I do?

It is your responsibility to find a sub for your position as well as fulfill the required number of volunteer hours for the season. If you cannot complete your assigned job, there are several things you can do.

• First, check the job openings page on the Abbington Alligators website to see if there are any jobs available into which you could switch.
• Next, contact swim team members you know to see if someone could trade jobs with you
• Create a post on the Abbington Alligators Facebook page or the Abbington Neighbors Facebook page and indicate which position you are hoping to trade.
• If it is within a week of your assigned duty, you have tried to above suggestions, and you have not been able to find a sub, please email [email protected] for assistance.

2. I have had a last-minute emergency on the day of my volunteer duty and I cannot fulfill my job. What can I do?

Email [email protected] for assistance. Afterward you will need to register for another volunteer position to complete your required hours.

3. I am registered for a volunteer position I have never done before. How do I know what to do?

There are several options to help you prepare for your volunteer position before the day of the swim meet.

• Read the detailed job descriptions under the “Volunteer Info” tab on the Abbington Alligators website or click here.
• Shadow the person doing your assigned job at the Mock Meet.

If you have completed the above and still have additional questions, please email [email protected]

Detailed Job Descriptions

CLERK OF COURSE

• BEFORE MEET
  • Talk with Head Kid Pusher to assess swimmer availability
• THROUGHOUT MEET
  • Encourage swimmers as they are getting ready to swim
  • Ensure that swimmers are stepping up to the block as soon as the heat before them has started
  • Make sure swimmers are moving through the seats behind the blocks in the correct order
• MAIN EVENTS (HEAT 1)
  • Make sure that the Event Sheets are accurate
  • No change should be made here unless there is a hole in the main event
  • If this is the case, consult with the coaches

HEAD KID PUSHER

• BEFORE THE MEET
  • Talk to all Kid Pushers and document absences
  • Notify Clerk of Course of all absences
• THROUGHOUT MEET
  • Notify Clerk of Course if any swimmer availability changes
• SWIMMER LINE UP
  • Seat swimmers on benches based on heat and lane assignments
  • Send swimmers to stand behind lanes as seats become available
  • Preferably, send swimmers to stand behind the 3rd row of seats so there are 4 heats in line at all times
• Ensure swimmer safety and proper representation of Abbington when waiting behind the blocks

HEAT JUDGE

• Encourage swimmers to stay in the water until all swimmers finish the race
  • Then encourage them to hop out quickly when the race is complete
• Hand out ribbons to the heat winners (NOT MAIN EVENT) and commend them as they come out of the water
• Stand at the finish end of the pool
  • “Finish end” changes depending on swimmer age
  • Far end for 10 & under
  • Block end for 11 & up

KID PUSHER

• BEFORE THE MEET
  • Make sure that all of the expected swimmers are present
  • Tell the Head Kid Pusher of any absences as soon as possible
• THROUGHOUT THE MEET
  • Notify Head Kids Pusher if any swimmer availability changes
• SWIMMER MANAGEMENT
  • Ensure swimmer safety and proper representation of Abbington when waiting during the meet
  • Assist kids when needed
• SWIMMER LINE UP
  • Line up Medley Relay at 5:45 if you are a 7/8 or 9/10 Kid Pusher
  • Start other line ups at least 3 events before your group’s event (i.e, 13/14’s are swimming, line up the 6&Under)
  • Line your swimmers up in order, starting with Lane 1/2 of Heat 1 through the last swimmer in your group
  • Walk kids to benches and help Head Kid Pusher seat them in order
  • Assist Head Kid Pusher as needed to ensure proper representation of Abbington
• RELAY MANAGEMENT (7/8 or 9/10)
  • Deliver the 1st and 3rd swimmers in each relay to the Head Kid Pusher
  • Take the 2nd and 4th swimmers in each relay and stand them in their lanes on the opposite side of the pool
  • Stand kids in the correct order in their respective lanes
  • Remind kids about false starts
  • Remind kids which stroke they are swimming for Medley Relay
  • 2nd: BREASTSTROKE
  • 4th: FREESTYLE

ORDER-OF-FINISH JUDGE

• Main events only, observe finish order of the heat
• Record finish order results

PARKING ATTENDANT

• Put out "No Parking" signs in designated spots
• Help direct drivers where to park during home meets

PARTICIPANT RIBBON DISTRIBUTION

• Hand out ribbons to 10 and under swimmers after they complete their freestyle and backstroke swim

RIBBON WRITER

• Write the swimmer’s name on the back of each place ribbon
• Give the ribbons to coach at the end of the meet

RUNNER

• Take Event Sheets from the Recorder to the computer desk
• Take DQ slips from the Stroke & Turn Judge to the computer desk
  • You will know they have one because they will raise their hand

TIMER

• Stand at the appropriate location to see the kids’ finishes
  • Far end for 10 & under
  • Block end for 11 & up
• Stop the watch at the appropriate time
  • 6 & under: When any part of their body crosses the yellow line (like a football touchdown)
  • All other ages: The moment the child touches the wall
• Please do your best to be accurate for the swimmers

CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Concessions Worker

• Work the concession stand at home meets
• Includes some pre-meet set-up

Candy/Ice Cream Worker

• Work the Candy and Ice Cream stand at home meets
• May require helping with setup or cleanup of station

Griller

• Cook burgers and hot dogs at all home meets

Ice Purchaser

• On the day of the meet, purchase ice, transport it to the pool, and fill the coolers
• Must be able to carry the ice

Pizza Pick Up Driver

• Picks up pre-ordered pizza from designated vendor
• Delivers to concessions stand before meet begins

Potato Prep

• Purchase potatoes, fixings, and containers
• Prepare baked potatoes
• Deliver items to concessions right before swim meet

Salad Prep

• Purchase chicken, salad items, and containers
• Prepare salads
• Deliver items to concessions right before swim meet

Watermelon Prep

• Purchase watermelon and containers
• Cut watermelon
• Deliver items to concessions right before swim meet

SOCIAL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Banquet Facilitator

• Assist with the end-of-season banquet from 5:30-7:30 pm
• Set up tables and food
• Distribute food
• Sort trophies/medals
• Clean up

Ice Cream Social

• Set up tables, bowls, napkins, spoons and toppings
• Dsh out ice cream
• Cleanup

Pump Up Facilitator

• Set up tables, napkins, and plates
• Serve food
• Manage tables
• Clean up

Pump Up Driver

• Pick up pre-ordered food (generally between 4:30 and 5:30)
• Deliver to Pump Up Coordinator at the pool

Volunteer Arrival Times