Volunteer Guide & Rules
Volunteer Information & Requirements
Marlins swim meets are a team effort. Our meets cannot run without the support of volunteers, and every family plays a role in making the season successful.
Volunteer Requirement
All Marlins swimmers must have a parent or adult representative volunteer for at least one session of every meet in which they participate.
- Meets are divided into two sessions:
- Session 1: Events 1–36
- Session 2: Events 37–68
Our meetings require a large number of volunteers, and full participation is necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations
Returning Families – Certified Officials
All returning families must have at least one certified official.
Certified positions include:
- Stroke & Turn Judge
- Starter
- Referee
- Head Timer
- Clerk of Course
- Head Score Keeper
Certification is completed through the Rappahannock Swim League (RSL). These roles are critical to meet operations, and increasing the number of certified officials helps our meet run faster and more smoothly.
Sign-Up & Assignment
Volunteer sign-ups are completed through SwimTopia.
- All positions must be filled by Sunday at 6:00 PM prior to the meet
- If you do not sign up by the deadline, you will be assigned a role
Failure to Volunteer
If a volunteer position is not filled by a family whose swimmer is participating:
- The swimmer will not be permitted to swim in the meet
This policy is enforced to ensure fairness and proper meet operation.
Volunteer Incentives
- Each additional shift earns raffle entries
- Certified roles may earn additional entries
Volunteer Roles
There are a variety of volunteer roles available, including both certified and non-certified positions.
These include:
- Timers
- Clerk of Course and Helpers
- Stroke & Turn Judges
- Starter
- Referee
- Runner
- Swimmer Check-In
- Safety Marshall
- Concessions
- Deck Set-Up and Clean-Up
- Ribbon Labeling
- Supernumerary (On-Call Volunteer)
Detailed descriptions of each role are provided in the Volunteer Handbook.
Supernumerary (On-Call Role)
- Fills in for absent or late volunteers
- Assists where needed during the meet
- Ensures there are no gaps in coverage
This is a critical role that helps maintain smooth meeting operations.
Volunteer Check-In
All volunteers must check in at the designated volunteer check-in area before the start of their shift.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding volunteer roles or requirements, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
