FAMILY SWIM MEET WORK SHIFT POLICY & REQUIREMENTS
Parent involvement is critical to our program. Each swim meet requires approximately 90 DHGC parents working shifts to run smoothly.
All Dolphin families (not individuals) are required to earn a minimum of four (4) work-shift points per season. Shift points are earned by serving as bullpen parents, timers, ribbon distributors, or floaters. The success of our swim program depends on every family fulfilling this commitment.
If a volunteer is absent or unable to complete their assigned shift, a member of the Swim Committee may ask another family to step in as a replacement. Failure to fulfill your family’s swim meet work-shift requirement may result in your swimmer(s) being asked to sit out a practice or meet.
Please note that families who have swimmers participating in time trials MUST sign up for one AND ONLY ONE time trial shift.
Thank you for helping ensure a positive and well-run meet experience for all swimmers.
Swim Meet Work Shift FAQs
What are the work-shift requirements for Dolphin families?
Each Dolphin family must earn four (4) shift points per season.
If your swimmer participates in time trials, one (1) point must be fulfilled at time trials, and the remaining three (3) points must be fulfilled during regular-season meets. If your swimmer is unable to attend time trials, all four (4) points must be completed during regular-season meets.
Please note: Only parents and legal guardians are permitted to work swim meet shifts.
How do I earn work-shift points?
Each of the following roles earns 1 point per shift (see family job shift description tab for more details about each role):
- Bullpen Parent
- Timer
- Ribbons
- Floater
Time Commitment: Each shift covers half of a meet
Shift 1: Events 1–26
Shift 2: Events 27–60
Families are responsible for signing up for the required number of shifts. To sign up or make changes, click “Job Signup” next to each meet on the Swimtopia calendar to view available shifts.
When do we sign up for meet shifts?
Meet shift sign-ups will open on Monday, March 16. Registered families will receive a communication the morning of the 16th with a link to sign up.
What happens if I don’t sign up for shifts?
Beginning the Friday before each meet, families who have not signed up for the required number of shifts will be assigned shifts by the Family Shift Coordinators, based on meet availability declared in Swimtopia.
If your family does not complete all required shifts, your swimmer(s) may be asked to sit out a practice or meet.
What if I can’t work my scheduled shift?
If your family is unable to work a scheduled shift, you are responsible for finding a replacement by contacting another Dolphin family. Once a replacement is secured, please notify the Family Shift Coordinators and email [email protected]
Shannon Sellman — [email protected]
Lisa Chapman — [email protected]
How do I see which shifts my family signed up for?
To review your shifts, go to dhgcdolphins.swimtopia.com, click “Welcome <Name>” in the top-right corner, and select “My Account.” Your family’s shift sign-ups will appear at the bottom of your account page.
My swimmer moved up from Junior Dolphins. Do I still need to work shifts?
Yes. Junior Dolphin families whose swimmer moves up during the season have modified requirements:
If your swimmer moves up before June 5, 2 shifts are required.
If your swimmer moves up after June 5, 1 shift is required.
Important Note on Alcohol Consumption During Shifts
We recognize that swim meets are a social event for parents; however, swimmer safety is our top priority. Parents scheduled to time must refrain from consuming alcohol until their shift is completed, and all parents are asked to be mindful of alcohol consumption while working any shift.
