Parent Volunteers
Parents are expected to participate as volunteers to help all meets (home and away) run smoothly and effectively. The success of our team and each season is dependent on such parental involvement. If your swimmer(s) is participating, you are required to volunteer. You will receive adequate training to participate in one of many areas essential to success of the meet. All parents are required to certify for the timer position. Additional certifications can be earned for those interested. Certification tests are taken on the SAIL website.
Scroll to the bottom to learn more about each roll.
2026 Training Schedule for Officials
<All certified volunteer positions that require online training (Stroke and Turn, Coaches, Starter, Referee) are (or will be) posted at the SAIL Training website.
Clerk of Course Training is set for May 13th at 7 p.m. online. This training is required for anyone in their first or second year as Clerk of Course, anyone who has participated in the training twice may attend but it is not required Teams Meeting Link: Join the meeting Meeting ID: 219 711 681 075 7 Passcode: 6fY6GW6t
Notes:
- There are two ways to become a certified official
- You must attend the training and pass the SAIL online test OR
- Send current USA swimming certifications to [email protected] (be sure to specify Foxcroft) and pass the SAIL online test.
- All Starters must take both Stroke & Turn and Starter online trainings.
- All Referees must take S&T, Starter, and Referee online trainings.
- Clerk of Course is required for anyone with less than 2 years of experience.
- Timers, Chief Timers, Runners, Ribbons, and Team Computer Operator can review eduations materials on the position at https://sail.swimtopia.com/education-materials.
Meet Volunteer Positions
Timer*
- 3 Timers each lane: time swimmer in his/her assigned lane in each event/heat
Recording timer*
- Records times provided by the three timers to swimmers blue card or lane timer sheet.
Head Timer*
- Assists in assigning swimmers to correct lane
- Reviews swimmer cards or sheets to make sure all times have been recorded
- Instructs all timers when to clear watches
- Signals starter/referee when swimmers/timers are ready to begin next heat
Runner*
- Pick up time cards or lane sheets from timers (or recording timer) to take to computer.
Ribbons*
- Places label on appropriate ribbon based on heat and finish
- Files ribbons in swimmer folder
Computer*
- Operates computer software during the meet
- Prints event labels for placement on colored ribbons
- Produces weekly heat sheets and coordinating SAIL divisional computer reports with coach’s assistance
Clerk of Course**
- Responsible for having the swimmers report to the starting area in a timely manner
- Keeps meet moving in an orderly manner
- Arranges swimmers according to age, event and lane
Stroke and Turn Judge**
- Ensures all swimmers are following SAIL rules relating to the swimming stroke for the event.
- Reports rule violations to Referee
Starter**
- Starts each event/heat
- Makes sure the events and heats are arranged correctly
- Keeps meet moving at a reasonable pace
Referee**
- Makes decisions regarding stroke and turn results
- Makes sure meet is run in a timely and safe fashion
Tent Parent
- Serves as part of the Clerk of Course team ensuring all swimmers leave the tent area in time to check in with CofC before their swim.
- Ensures swimmer safety and good sportsmanship while waiting in the tent.
Concessions
- Set up, sell, and clean up concessions for home meets
* Online SAIL certification required.
