Implementation: All jobs necessary to the efficient operation of the swim team and the swim meets were identified. Each position was assigned a point value. For each family with a swimmer, either an aggregate of a 50 point commitment must be made at the time of registration or a monetary ‘volunteer premium’ will be assessed for each 10 point shortfall. Points are apportioned both vertically (i.e., a family could accumulate points quickly within a meet and satisfy the 50 point requirement within 2 meets) as well as horizontally (slowly over time or at the end of the season) to accommodate work and vacation schedules and personal circumstances.
Certain work options have been expanded and the depth at some positions increased. In order to create depth in the work chart, at-meet positions have been split into first half/second half (with the exception of committee-level positions). There are also ‘grooming positions’ so that experienced parents move into leadership positions in subsequent seasons. The point system reflects the relative time investment and expertise required so you will notice that some positions are exempt. These committee-level positions require significant amounts of off-season time from the parent and will generally segue into a leadership role. There are many options available and you can choose a single position to satisfy your work requirement, a single meet that you work from pre-start to post-finish, or you can choose, cafeteria style, options that will add up to 50 points over the season.
Not a problem. We’ll train, we’ll explain. One purpose of regimenting our positions is to create some on-the-job mentoring so that workers quickly become adept at the positions. You’ll be amazed at the camaraderie that develops in combat situations.
The work requirement is 50 points whether you swim in all 6 meets or just one. The size of the Kingsley Dolphin team makes it impossible to customize a work plan for each family and still further the goal of parity and continuity. The beauty of the system is that you can get all 50 points in a single meet if you’re creative and you can always sign up for a pre- or post-meet position. Or you can pay.
Of course, we understand that emergencies arise. You are responsible, if at all possible, for securing someone else to work for you. A list of the team parents, a list of the meets and a spreadsheet of assignments is available on the web site. We will leave it to you to negotiate the terms of the substitution. If, after exhausting your best efforts, you are unable to find someone, contact the Parent Coordinator. If you do not work your position and you do not find a substitute, you owe the team and your child will be ineligible to participate in the next meet.
The reality of summer league swimming is that there are only 6 meets during the season (5 league and 1 championship). Your choices are (1) to arrange your schedule and make it a priority to attend the meet(s) and sign up for positions so that you accumulate 50 points; or (2) to pay $20 for every 10 point deficit (or fraction thereof), relax and enjoy the meets. We’ve provided a schedule of meets, so if you need help at home, go ahead and secure it now.
The purpose of the work requirement is to have an established, dedicated parent work force to support our Kingsley Dolphins. This system has automatic parity so that all parents participate equally. If we create a strong infrastructure with a built-in plan of succession, we will have well-trained, well-informed and committed parents year after year. A team within a team. This is for our children!
Karen Cooper, 2010 Parent Coordinator kayeecee@gmail.com