Thank you for volunteering for our Gators this season! Please see below for detailed descriptions of each position so you can get a solid understanding of responsibilities and expectations.

• Have questions? Email [email protected].
• Want to learn more about volunteering? See this 2025 volunteer overview.

*Some roles, including Computer Assistant and Splash Night set up/serve/clean up release earlier.

Roles & Responsibilities 

Bull Pen (Home and Away Meets): TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE. Do not expect a shift to end based on duration. First half volunteers will work through event 42. If you are a second half volunteer, be ready to take over after event 40 until conclusion of the meet.

These volunteers are assigned to keep up with the Gator swimmers for a designated age group and gender. In addition, as a swim event approaches, the volunteer will organize the swimmer(s) in order and hand them off to the Bull Pen RUNNER. The Runner is responsible for bringing the swimmers to the Deck Manager near the starting block.

They are also responsible for making the swimmers keep the area clean. A list of events, swimmers and their lanes will be provided. It is important to know where your swimmers are at all times and you will need to think about events ahead of time. Simply call the swimmers up as the event draws near, line them up in order, ensure they have caps and goggles and hand them off to the Bull Pen Runner. The bull pen parents for the youngest ages (6 & under and 7-8) are especially critical to the timely start of the meet. While this job keeps you near your swimmer during the whole meet, you are required to stay in the bullpen during your entire shift. You can go to watch your child swim by asking the Bull Pen LEAD to sit for you. First half volunteers may need to assist in writing events on the swimmers arms.

This position does not require experience. Please note there will be a 5-minute meeting at 5:15 with the Meet Manager before each meet. There are Bull Pen positions for each age group.

Bull Pen Lead (Home and Away Meets): TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE. Do not expect a shift to end based on duration. First half volunteers will work through event 42. If you are a second half volunteer, be ready to take over after event 40 until conclusion of the meet.

The LEADs are responsible for making sure the Bull Pen is running smoothly and be prepared to serve in whatever capacity is needed in the Bull Pen. They serve as a temporary substitute should a Bull Pen PARENT need a break or wish to watch their child swim. They should be prepared to assist the RUNNER in escorting swimmers if needed.

This position requires experience and will be assigned. Please note there will be a 5-minute meeting at 5:15 with the Meet Manager before each meet.

Bull Pen Runner (Home and Away Meets): TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE. Do not expect a shift to end based on duration. First half volunteers will work through event 42. If you are a second half volunteer, be ready to take over after event 40 until conclusion of the meet.

Runners are responsible for escorting swimmers from bull pen to the Deck Manager near the starting block. Relay Runners are responsible for managing the “even side” at events 1-12 and 77-86. "Even side" refers to the 2nd and 4th swimmer/leg of the relay. Relay runners will work at 2 different times during and can help line up relay teams and walk them to the other side of the pool and back as necessary.

Please note there will be a 5-minute meeting at 5:15 with the Meet Manager before each meet.

Clean Up: These volunteers follow up as the meet is completed and the swimmers are leaving to make sure that the deck and pool area is cleared of all trash. They also return all pool furniture to its usual location.

Computer Operator (Home and Away Meets): This position is for the ENTIRE MEET. You will receive 2 pts credit for this signup. - 1 hour Training Session is REQUIRED (Tuesday, May 7, 7 PM at clubhouse). - This position is to help run the computers during the swim meet. We are looking for someone who is interested in the computer side of the meet and not afraid of technology. You will learn and see how the meet is put together, run and scored. (This position was released early.)

Concession: This very important post assists with set-up and clean-up of food and drinks as well as take orders, serve food, and collect money. They will report to the Concession coordinator. When we stage a swim meet, we are attending or hosting an event for approximately 300+ athletes and their families. The goal is always that the meet runs smoothly and safely. It takes many people to make that happen. Thanks for your participation!

Concession Assistance: This position will make at least 2 trips to Riverside Pizza in their vehicle to pick up the order for what we sell at concessions. This position comes with a reserved parking spot for easy access for unloading. On a busy meet night, the runner may also be asked to pick up more ice or drinks if necessary, usually in coordination with a pizza pickup. The shift will end after the final run.

Deck Manager: Organize swimmers on deck by heat and lane. This role is responsible for working with Bull Pen Lead to keep the pool deck in order and get all swimmers ready for events to ensure a successful meet. This position requires experience and will be assigned. Please note there will be a 5-minute meeting at 5:15 with the Meet Manager before each meet.

Event Card Turner: During home meets a sign will show the event numbers as they happen during the meet. This person is responsible for keeping the sign current throughout the meet.

Floater: Assist Volunteer Coordinators as needed and potentially filling any vacant positions.

Lane Timers: Records the swimmer’s time. Each timer is provided with a stopwatch or a plunger (home meets) and assigned a lane; there are two timers for each lane. The plunger automatically records the times, if you have a stopwatch you will need to record it on a given clip board. The timer shall look at the starter’s device and start the watch at the instant of the flash or sound. The timer shall stop the watch/plunger immediately when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the solid end of the pool. Timers are assigned to work for one half of the meet. This job gives you the best view of the pool and the swimmers. THESE TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE IT MAY BE LONGER. If you are first half it will go through event 42. If you are a second half volunteer, be ready to take over after event 41 and go until it's finished. Please note there will be a 5-minute meeting at 5:15 with the Computer Operator before each meet. For home meets, this meeting will take place in the upper level of the clubhouse. Watch this TIMER VIDEO to learn how to use our Colorado Dolphin Timing system. 

Place Judges: This volunteer determines the order in which the swimmer’s finished in the heat. This volunteer has a front row seat at the finish line. This position is not recommended for parents new to swim team.

Ribbons: Places labels on ribbons; sorts and files ribbons into swimmer file folder. Assigned to work for one half of the meet. This job keeps you sitting down and out of the sun but may require you to keep working for a short while after the meet is over.

Set Up: Sets up the pool area for the swim meet. Moves deck chairs, starting blocks, sets up canopies, announcer stand and ready bench. The sports court set-up and welcome volunteer will help set up gym squares underneath the opposing team's canopies (to protect our sports court), connect gym squares to make a path from sports court to pool deck, and help welcome the opposing team.