End of the school year and summer swimming is approaching…

That means the 2023 summer swim season is upon us.

Lake Marion Swim Team (LMST) is offering “premium” viewing spots for meets!!!

Okay, okay…if you’ve read this far, this just means we are recruiting volunteers for timers and swim officials. It’s a great way to have a perfect spot to watch every race…and when the weather gets hot…getting splashed poolside is a great way to cool off during meets.

Each meet requires a minimum number of trained officials. Swim meets can’t be hosted without timers and officials. LMST greatly values the contribution of our volunteers as timers. We also welcome your interest in supporting your swimmer and the team, and becoming a valued volunteer as a Swim Official.

Every meet needs lots of timers. We’ll teach you how to do it right before the meet begins (no additional training needed…just sign up when the “call for volunteers” goes out prior to the meet). If you have already been a timer and would consider the next step…think about becoming a Stroke and Turn Judge!

Summer swimming is a great way to become an entry-level official - Stroke & Turn Judges observe swimmers to ensure that the technical rules are followed. No experience is necessary…we’ve got free training sessions, we’ll pair you up with a mentor so you can see how it’s done, and we’ll start you off B meets only after you feel ready! Your certification is valid for two (2) years. A summer swim official certification is also valid for MCPS high school meets.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

We offer an online/Zoom, instructor led clinic that can be taken from the comfort of your home. Following the clinic, we will schedule you to shadow an experienced S&T judge at a meet (on-deck training with another certified official/mentor). You just show up and work when your swimmer is swimming or when it works for you.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• Free swim meet program at home and away meets
• Access to each meet’s volunteer’s hospitality room (free food and drinks)
• Reserved team officials parking at large meets (when available)

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit http://mcsl.org/Officials.aspx to see the clinic schedule and register for a clinic that fits your schedule. Or use the links below:

First time (new) S&Ts:

For additional information or to express your interest, please contact LMST’s Unofficial-Officials Coordinator (alternate title: Tsar of White Shirt & Wet Socks Brigade) Chuck Shuttles at [email protected] / 202.823.2952 (m).

We will be happy to mentor you through the process, and the friendships developed along the way are a bonus! You can make a difference! Don't sit in the stands and get a sore back, stand up and be involved with the swimmers on deck ;-)