Hello Seahawks Parents!

We are so excited for our first meet of the season!

For those of you who may not already know me, I’m the Volunteer Coordinator for the Seahawks, and you’ll be hearing from me often. Why? Because these meets, at home and away, could not happen without the help of all of you. We are a 100% volunteer run organization, which means we need 100% participation throughout the season to make these swim meets happen for your swimmers.

I will release the “Job Signup” on the Sunday, two weeks prior to each meet.

With our first meet of the season in just over a week, the “Job Signup” will open this Friday, May 29.

Here’s a link with a walkthrough of the process from Swimtopia

***Speaking of Swimtopia, did you know they have an app? Download it and never miss an update from the Seahawks. There are some really cool features that we will be implementing this season, so don’t miss out!

You will get a reminder of your job a few days out, so please let me know if anything changes with your availability. The sooner the better!

Not sure what job would work for you? You can read the descriptions of all the jobs here, or by scrolling over each job on the signup. If you’re still not sure, feel free to respond to this email with questions.

***We have immediate needs for Officials and Computer Operators. These are ESSENTIAL jobs that require some training (online and free), so please let me know if you’re interested!

Each family is responsible for earning five volunteer points (or five shifts) this season. You can track your points on Swimtopia, and I highly encourage you to do that. That way you make sure that you are getting credit for all the shifts you complete.

Let me take a moment to debunk a few Volunteer Myths:

Myth #1:

I won’t get to see my swimmer swim. Isn’t that why I’m here?

SeahawksTRUTH:

We’re all about the swim, and your kids! If you don’t get to see them shine, what’s the point of all this anyway? If you are in an active volunteer position when it’s your swimmers time to race, step away! Let someone know that your kid is on the block and you need to see them swim. We get it, and we don’t want you to miss it. Someone will cover for you!

Myth #2:

I’m going to be stuck volunteering the entire meet and won’t get to join in the excitement of the day.

Seahawks TRUTH:

Each volunteer position is, on average, half the meet (only a few hours). That leaves the other half of the meet to join in the fun. A small handful of positions are the entire meet (like ribbons), but they are a come and go sort of spot. Meaning, you’re not at the position the entire time, just going back as needed throughout the meet.

Myth #3:

I don’t have the first clue about swim meets, so I can’t possibly be of any help.

Seahawks TRUTH:

Anyone can do these jobs. Seriously. Most of the positions are a sign-up and go kind of thing. Some require a little direction, but even that can be given in a short five minutes. There are a few positions that require some training, and those are listed on the signup. If you’re interested in a consistent position that requires a little outside training, please let us know. We’ll hook you up!

Myth #4:

I have extenuating circumstances, such as childcare for my younger children while I’m volunteering, which prevents me from being able to fill a position for any length of time during a meet. Or, I can’t make the meets at all due to other commitments, like work.

Seahawks TRUTH:

We have several volunteer jobs that we’ve reserved for these exact situations. We get it. Every family is unique, and we are so glad that you make it work to get your swimmers here for practice and meets. Please reach out to me and I will make sure that we find some way for you to contribute that works for you and your family.

See, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Volunteering is an incredible opportunity that will allow you, and every family on the team, to join in the fun on meet day!

See you at the pool!

Tara Meadows

Seahawks Volunteer Coordinator