CSCSC VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Why Volunteers Matter
At Camden Swiss Cottage Swimming Club, we rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to ensure every swim meet runs smoothly. Our volunteers are the backbone of the club, creating a safe, fun, and competitive environment for all swimmers.
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the community, learn new skills, and stay connected to the world of swimming. Whether you're a parent, master swimmer, or simply passionate about supporting young athletes, there's a role for you.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Gain valuable experience and transferable skills
- Make new friends and join a supportive community
- Directly support the development of swimmers
- Flexible roles to fit your availability
- Training and guidance provided in all roles
How to Get Involved
- Review the role descriptions below and identify any areas of interest.
- Contact the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].
- The volunteer coordinators will provide the next steps for the roles you are interested in.
- Join the volunteer community and start making a difference!
- Not all roles require prior experience or a long-term commitment. Join our community of volunteers and help where you can.
Swimming Officials
Swimming Officials ensure swim meets are fair, safe, and run according to Swim England regulations. All officials must hold a Swim England membership (you already have one if you are a club swimmer or registered parent, if not we will help with SE membership registration). The following roles form a progression pathway, each with increasing responsibilities and training requirements:
Timekeeper
- Records swimmer times using a backup button in your leading hand and a stopwatch in your other hand. Requires a bit of coordination. Timekeepers can only officiate at the lowest level of meets (level 4) but it’s a start.
- Training Required: ~1 hour online theory + 1 session practical (3 to 4 hours all told).
- Time Commitment: Minimal
Judge Level 1 (J1)
- Acts as Timekeeper and Turns judge. Ensures rules are followed during start, turns and finish of each race.
Once a J1 trainee, you can work at level 3 meets, where you are most useful. - Training Required: ~3 hours online + 20 hours poolside mentoring.
- Time Commitment: Moderate
Once a qualified and hopefully experienced J1, you can progress to
- Judge Level 2 (J2) who acts as stroke or finish judge,
- then Starter (J2S), who works closely with the race referee to ensure a fair start,
- and eventually, for the most committed, to Referee (RJS) who is in charge of most aspects of a competition.
Competition Volunteer Roles
Competition Secretary
Responsibilities
- Coordinate entries for internal and external competitions.
- Communicates with swimmers, coaches, and meet promoters.
Training Requirements
- Familiarity with competition regulations and entry procedures.
- Training provided; prior administrative experience beneficial.
Time commitment
- 3-5 hours/week pre & post events.
Officials Coordinator
Responsibilities
- Recruits, organises, and supports swimming officials.
- Ensure officials meet necessary qualifications and certifications.
Training Requirements
- Understanding of officiating required.
- Training sessions and mentorship provided.
Time commitment
- 1-3 hours/week.
- Increases during meet planning and recruitment campaigns.
Promoter
Responsibilities
- Plans and promotes swim meets, publishes meet conditions, applies for meet licences.
- Coordinates with Meet Manager, Lead Referee and swimming pool Day Manager prior and during meet.
- Archives and publishes all meet results.
Training Requirements
- Experience in planning recommended.
- Mentorship and templates provided.
Time commitment
- 3-5 hours/week pre & post event.
- Presence for full duration of the meet.
Meet Manager
Responsibilities
- Leads non-technical volunteers during meets - all front-of-house roles.
- Ensures all deck procedures are followed correctly.
- Liaise with promoter, lead referee, catering coordinator and pool duty manager to maintain smooth event flow.
Training Requirements
- Organisational and leadership skills.
- Pre-event briefing and guidance provided.
Time commitment
- 2 hours preparation.
- Presence for full duration of the meet.
Medals Secretary
Responsibilities
- Prepares and presents medals and awards at the end of events.
- Ensures accuracy in distribution according to meet conditions.
- Maintains medals inventory and liaise with promoter to ensure proper supply.
Training Requirements
- Attention to detail.
- Briefing provided.
Time commitment
- 1 hour preparation.
- At least one session of the meet.
Catering Coordinator
Responsibilities
- Organises food and beverages for volunteers and officials.
- Keeps refreshments available throughout event, including break buffet between sessions.
Training Requirements
- Organisational skills.
- Briefing provided.
Time commitment
- 2-3 hours preparation.
- At least one meet day.
Timing Suite Operator
Responsibilities
- Operates AOE and meet managing software.
- Records and transmits all results and related documents to the promoter.
Training Requirements
- Training and mentoring on Omega Quantum V and Meet Manager software provided.
Time commitment
- 1 hour set-up.
- Presence for full duration of the meet.
- 1 hour clean-up.
Announcer
Responsibilities
- Delivers clear commentary and announcements during events.
- Communicates important information to spectators and teams.
Training Requirements
- Clear communication skills.
- Script and guidelines provided.
Time commitment
- At least one session of the meet.
Marshal
Responsibilities
- Organises swimmers before races, ensuring correct heats and lanes.
- Helps maintain meet schedule.
Training Requirements
- Briefing provided before events.
- No prior experience needed.
Time commitment
- At least one session of the meet.
Team Manager
Responsibilities
- Supports swimmer welfare during events.
- Acts as contact for parents and coaches.
Training Requirements
- Team Manager Level 1 online course
- DBS check required.
Time commitment
- 1 hour preparation.
- At least one session of the meet.
