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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My kids swam for years -- in the summers and all through HS and college; the youngest is now a college sophomore and is coaching.  DH and I did our share of volunteering.  I agree that yes, it's annoying when people don't volunteer.  And, yes, some of the volunteer gigs are unnecessary (though they do contribute to making swim team fun).  All that said, my kids have wonderful memories of swim team and are grateful not only for our -- relatively small -- volunteer efforts over the years, but for the work of those parents who made the huge commitment of being A reps.  So, know that your kids see you and that you're setting an example of how to build community.      [/quote]

This. I swam years ago and my parents volunteered consistently (though neither was ever crazy enough to be Team Rep! 😉). My parents said those were some of their favorite parenting times. And I learned the value of community and the need to contribute to maintain that community. The kids do see you. [/quote]

I'm a new summer swim team parent this year and I already see the value in volunteering.  I've been one of the clerks of course for three meets, which means I get to know the kids, other parents, and how the meets are run.  At each meet where I've volunteered, at least three parents have come up and told me they could "never" do that job or that they actively avoid it.  I know herding kids isn't for everyone, but grow up and do your part, FFS.  If not CoC, time, run concessions, whatever, but don't just sit around and whine about how hot you are.

So, yeah, it's worth it for my kids and for all the kids on swim team to have this experience.  I was an athlete for years and know how meaningful it is.  But those parents who don't pull your weight: we see you.[/quote]

I am a parent who would rather do anything than be a clerk of course. Having to keep other kids in line is like my worst nightmare - [b]I have no leverage [/b]to send them to their rooms or dock their allowances which are my best disciplinary tools  :D  So I've definitely said this to our CoC, but I am a certified S&T and my husband times sometimes.[/quote]

If the kids don't listen just move on. One DQ and it will never happen again[/quote]

Yeah, this isn’t an issue at our pool either. [/quote]

I'm the CoC upthread and yup, it only happens once and they learn quickly.  The few kids I've had who miss an event because they wander off and then come running up later in a panic learn very quickly.  (Side note to parents of first-time or wandering kids: no, it's not the CoC's job to search for them indefinitely all over the pool grounds.  That's also part of your role in swim team--letting them know they need to listen to the other parent volunteers and just generally pay attention.)  But really, most of the older kids know the drill, and the younger ones just need a lot of reassurance and repetition about which lane they're in.  I can do that. :)

And to clarify: I have zero issue with parents who won't clerk but who do other roles.  As I said before, I'd have major back issues if I had to stand there and time for a 3+ hours, so I appreciate those who do!  It's the ones who stride up confidently to tell me how awful my role is and then flit off to scan their phone or gab with their friends rather than volunteering for anything who bug me.

One point about the working/SAHP thing: split shifts are great for this, but plenty of working parents can flex for B meet days and do an early shift, myself included.  Not every working parent has crazy rigid schedules and if you do, think carefully about how you'll fulfill your volunteer requirements.  That's on you to manage, not on the coaches or meet reps.[/quote]

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