Parent Work

Work Assignment Obligation

Dana Hills Swim Team’s success is largely due to parent involvement. That is not easily met in this busy day and age, but the team cannot operate smoothly without it.  It takes approximately 65 adults to run a swim meet.  The Meet Directors ensure that the meets start on time and run smoothly.  They also assign parents to specific jobs and post the work assignments.  Each family is expected to work a set number of meets, including the DHST Pentathlon.  Work assignments generally last 3-4 hours, with the exception of Pentathlon, which is a full day work assignment.

 

A parent from each family will be required to work the following:

• A set number of meets

• Devil Mountain Pentathlon

Note that if all of your family’s swimmers are in the 15-18 age group, your work commitment is for Pentathlon only.

 

Scheduling Limitations

 

Parents with significant scheduling limitations are encouraged to contact the Meet Directors before the season begins, so that their work assignments can be coordinated with their schedules.  For example, some parents work weekends or swing shifts.  The Meet Directors can work with these families so that the work assignments sync up better with their work schedules.  In addition, if you expect that your family will miss more than 4 meets, please contact the Meet Directors so that we can front load or back load your work assignments.  

 

Finding Replacements

 

Sick family members and personal emergencies may prevent you from fulfilling an assigned job.  Please try to find a replacement worker by asking fellow Otter parents to fill in for you or by hiring a substitute worker.  Substitute workers charge $25 per meet.  A list of substitutes with contact information will be posted on the bulletin board at the pool and on the team website.  If you are unsuccessful in finding a replacement worker, please inform the Meet Directors as soon as possible.

 

Missed Work Assignments

 

If a parent fails to work an assigned meet, that parent will be fined $25 (per meet) AND the family’s swimmer(s) will not be scheduled into future meets until payment is made. If your replacement does not show up, you are still responsible for the missed work assignment.  Of course, we will take into consideration a true emergency situation which prohibits you from working at a specific meet. We need all parents’ participation to make our meets successful.

 

 

Descriptions of Parent Work Assignments

 

Announcer.  Works in conjunction with the starter, announcing each race.  Keeps the meet moving in a timely manner.

 

Starter.  Tells swimmers when to step up to the blocks or enter the water.  Pushes the starter button to begin the race. If a false start occurs, he/she signals that by repeatedly pushing the start button to call the swimmers back to the start position.   Training is provided.

 

Referee.  After all of the swimmers from each race exit the pool, the referee blows the whistle to get the attention of the swimmers in the next heat.  The referee is also checking the legality of swimmers’ starts, finishes, stroke and turns.  Training is provided.

 

Stroke & Turn Judges.  Watch each race, checking the legality of swimmers’ strokes and turns.  Special training is required and provided.

 

The Colorado System Operator.  Operates the timing system.  Training is provided.

 

Computer Operator.  Responsible for transferring the swimmers’ times from the Colorado timing system into the computer.  Prints results sheets and ribbon stickers.  Training is provided.

 

Desk.  Receives time cards from the runner.  Assists the computer operator by sorting time cards and keeping track of events and heats.  Provides back-up to computer operator.  Training is provided.

 

Ribbons.  Labels, sorts and files the ribbons.

 

Timers.  Sit at the end of a lane and times the swimmers in that lane during a meet. Gives times to recorder.

 

Recorder.  Sits at the end of a lane and records two pieces of information onto the heat slips.  (1) Write down or verify the swimmer’s name for each heat (get the name from the swimmer).  (2) Write down the swimmer’s time (get the time from the timer).  If there is no swimmer in the lane for a specific heat write “na” on the timing slip.

 

Runner.  Collects the time cards from each recorder (one recorder per lane). 

 

Head Timer.  Oversees all of the timers and provides a back-up watch in the event that one of the timer’s watches fails in the middle of a race.

 

Shepherds.  Assist the 6 & under and 7-8 age groups to line up in proper order and takes them to the lanes for their events. Remember, parents must get their children to the shepherds in time before a specific event.

 

Head Shepherd.  Trains and oversees shepherds and provides them with needed supplies.

 

Snack Shack/Candy Table/BBQ.  Prepare, sell and serve food items at home meets.

 

Set Up.  Sets up meet equipment prior to home meets:

  • Starting blocks at both ends of the pool
  • Tables for condiments, candy sales, announcer, computers, and ribbons
  • Chairs for all tables except condiment table, plus chairs for timers and recorders at the end of each lane, and chairs for spectators along side of pool
  • Pop-up tents to shade timers (if necessary)
  • Speaker system
  • Starting equipment
  • Timing system, including Colorado System and timing plungers
  • Monitor trash cans, replacing trash liners as needed
  • Monitor bathrooms, making sure they are clean and well stocked

 

Break Down.  Breaks down and puts away meet equipment and the end of home meets: 

  • Starting blocks at both ends of the pool
  • Tables for condiments, candy sales, announcer, computers, and ribbons
  • Chairs for all tables, except condiment table, plus chairs for timers and recorders at the end
  • of each lane, and chairs for spectators along side of pool
  • Pop-up tents to shade timers (if necessary)
  • Speaker system
  • Starting equipment
  • Timing system, including Colorado System and timing plungers
  • Cleanup and closing of Snack Shack
  • Stack chairs against Cabana Club wall, but not in front of the windows, locking them together
  • Deposit trash bags in the trash cans behind the snack shack; replace liners in each can.
  • Hose down bathrooms and pool deck.

Leave entire pool area in top condition for homeowner’s association.