Hello, Flash families!

For those who are new, welcome! For those who are returning, I will be glad to see you all at the pool. Now for the fun part...

When I checked what positions we needed for Thursday's meet, WE ARE FULL!! That is a rare occasion and I am thrilled - THANK YOU! Just amazing. 

A few days ago, Coach Caroline sent out an email detailing the options for volunteering and how we need every pair of hands and the below is just a repeat of that.  As someone who has attended many, many meets, volunteering can be a great way to stay engaged and to help pass the time.

The coaches ask for every family to volunteer three times in the season and there are plenty of opportunities suited to different personalities and levels of patience. Below is a very short summary to help you decide which is best. And please know that if you sign up for something that you have never done, I try my very best to make sure there is an experienced volunteer also doing the job.

Gathering: This job is most important for the 8&U age group. There typically are 2 adults, sometimes 3 who help make sure the children are where they need to be for their races. This includes both exhibition and point races. This job is for someone who doesn't mind gathering OR looking for children when they aren't where they are supposed to be. It's best and extra helpful to sign up for your child's age group so you know the children. Their names will be written on their arms, so it isn't a requirement that you know names. You also may be asked to write events on their arms, so a sharpie is helpful. It only takes one time to figure it out – and I’m always around to help.

Timer: This is a perfect position for someone who likes to be by the pool and see every race - especially your own child's. Basically, it is standing at the finishing end of the race and clocking time, and then reporting to a recorder.

Recorder: The recorder writes down the times for swimmers (the timers relay the times.)

Scorer: This is another great spot for someone to see every race, and it is SHADED! It is entering scores into a computer and tallying the scores for all of the children who will come ask.

Place Judge: Much like the timers, a place judge watches the swimmers come in and declare who came in1st, 2nd, etc. You are only responsible for one place - there is a specific judge for each place. Another great spot for watching the races.

If there is any training needed, we will be there to help! Just know that a meet CANNOT run without volunteers, and a wide variety of volunteers - not the same people over and over, which happens all of the time and isn't fair. SO! PLEASE go ahead and volunteer - in the past I've had to pinpoint who hasn't done anything and ask point blank, which can be a tad awkward. Plus, the children love to have their parents involved in their meets.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! I promise that the more people volunteer ahead of time, the less you will see my name in your Inbox.

When you get to the pool, come find me and I can get you set up (at home meets, I will be near the scorers' table and at away meets, I'm usually somewhere obvious by a big rubbermaid box).  It usually takes a bit of time to get everyone organized, and I will do whatever I can to help you. Please let me know if you have any questions - see you at the pool!!

Mandy Bohner