Q: How do I find how many points our family has?

A: In the upper right corner of Swimtopia website, under your name, select My Account and there is a volunteer section that will display the number of points you have accrued

Q:  What if I have 5 points at the end of the season - is that close enough? 

A:  No - the requirements are 6 points, with one being a Setup/Teardown credit

Q:  What if I have 6 points but one of them is not a Setup/Teardown credit?  

A:  Unless you have coordinated with [email protected] for an exemption from the board at the beginning of the season, you are still required to have a Setup/Teardown credit.  

Q:  What if I sign up for 3 points at the last meet? For example, 2 timer shifts, and setup.  

A:  There is a maximum of 2 points per meet.  Any overage will be removed.  

Q:  What if my family has to miss a meet?  How do I make up points?  

A.  You can earn a maximum of 2 points per meet.  You can sign up for shifts 1 and 2 or setup and shift 1 or shift 2 and teardown.   Or you can coordinate with [email protected] for a job outside of a meet.  

Q:  If I only have 5 points at the end of the season - can I make up the remainder at Divisionals / Invitationals?  

A:  ALL families participating in Divisionals / Invitationals will be required to volunteer for ONE shift.  You can make up ONE (1) regular season point by signing up for TWO (2) shifts and coordinating with [email protected].  You are still required to have at least one setup/teardown credit accrued.  

Q: I have a 15-year-old swimmer, I heard 15+ parents don't need to volunteer?  

If your only swimmer is 15+ or if you have multiple 15+ swimmers, this is true.  However, if you have any other swimmers on the team that are less than 15 years old, you have to meet the volunteer requirements all other families do.  

Q:  I don't want to volunteer.  Can I just pay the $420 volunteer fine?

A:  Consider having another responsible family member help (see next question).  We do not want your money.  We want your time to help run safe, fun, and efficient swim meets for all of our swimmers.  If you do not volunteer and/or meet the minimum requirements, you will be charged $420 at the end of the season and will not be allowed to register early next year.  If you choose to swim again next season, your deposit will be $700.  If at the end of your second season, you do not meet the volunteer requirements, you will be charged $700 and will not be allowed to register for a third season.     

Q:  Who can accrue points for my family? 

A:  Parents, Grandparents, responsible and ethical siblings (>13 years old) that are responsible enough to complete a shift

Q:  What if I show up late for Setup or other early morning shift?  Or if I forget to check in?   

A:  For pre-meet shifts (setup, check-in, parking), anything later than 10 minutes after designated time will be counted as no-show and no points will be accrued.  All volunteers must check in at the red volunteer tent during morning check-in.   Teardown volunteers must check-in at the end of event 70 / start of event 71.  

Q:  How are point requirements determined?

A: There are a specific number of volunteers spots needed to run a meet (at home and away).  Before the season begins, the board reviews and determines if any new spots are needed or can be retired.  After registration, we take the overall positions needed and divide by the number of families.  

Q:  Why are all the spots taken when I log in to declare my swimmer?  

A:  Swimmer declaration and volunteer positions are opened for sign up on Sundays at 9 PM two weeks before the meet.  Many families log in at that time to declare their swimmers and sign up for one volunteer position. On Wednesday at 9pm two weeks before the meet, you may sign up for one additional volunteer position. Families are only allowed 2 volunteer shifts per meet. Volunteer spots are often filled quickly at the beginning of the season, but it will taper off as families complete their volunteer requirements. There are enough volunteer positions for every family on the team which is calculated prior to the beginning of the season.

Q:  There are not any positions open for me to sign up for - how will my family get their points?

A:  There are opportunities at Time Trials and 5 Dual Meets (6 meets total) within a normal season that your family can accrue points.  We also have several other ways to accrue points outside of meets (equipment loading, party clean up, etc).  Please contact [email protected] for more information.