💙 Why We Need You

At Hanover Swim Club, we are powered by people like you. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on dedicated volunteers to help run swim meets, support training sessions, fundraise, coach, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Whether you're timing at a meet, coaching a practice, serving on the board, or helping with events, your time and support make a huge impact on our swimmers—and their success in and out of the pool.

📝 Volunteer Requirements for the 2024–2025 Season

To help keep our club running smoothly and provide the best experience for our swimmers, all families are required to meet the following volunteer commitments this season:

• ✅ Complete at least 20 volunteer points
  (10 points for Swim School families)
  – See the Volunteer Information Package for eligible activities and point values.

• ✅ Take at least one officials course
  – Start with the Introduction to Officiating course to begin helping at meets.

• ✅ Volunteer as an official at a swim meet or time trial this season.

These requirements help ensure we have enough support to run meets safely, meet Swim Ontario standards, and build a connected, thriving swim community.

🫶 General Volunteer Opportunities

If being on deck isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to pitch in:

• Fundraising and events (like the Swim-a-Thon)

• Organizing team gear orders

• Helping with meet hospitality or food tables

• Serving on the Board of Directors

• Supporting photo day, team parties, and more

• Assisting with club communications and social media

We welcome help in any capacity, and we’re always happy to answer your questions and get you connected.

🧑‍⚖️ Becoming a Swim Official

Swim meets can’t run without certified officials, and becoming one is simple. You’ll receive training, mentorship, and support every step of the way.

✅ Step 1: Level 1 – Introduction to Officiating

Everyone starts here.

• Role: Timer (start/stop watches and record times)

• What to do: Complete the Introduction to Officiating course through Swimming Canada’s Learning Management System (LMS)

• Practical experience: Time at two sessions at a swim meet

• Evaluation: Receive a deck evaluation from a senior official to complete certification

📌 New Official?
If you’re brand new to officiating:

1. Contact our club so we can create your account in the Swimming Canada registration system.

2. You’ll receive an email with your username and password.

3. Use this login to access both:

   • The Swimming Canada registration system, and

   • The Learning Management System (LMS) for online training.

📌 Already Registered for 2024–2025?
Log in using your existing credentials here.
If your account hasn’t been activated for this season, please contact our Club Officials Administrator for assistance.

✅ Step 2: Level 2 – Take Role-Specific Clinics

After completing Level 1, you can take additional short clinics (online or in-person) to become certified in more roles. You’ll need deck evaluations for each.

📝 A deck evaluation is when a senior official observes you at a swim meet and signs off that you’re ready—no test, just hands-on learning.

✅ Level 3+: Meet Manager Certification

Want to help behind the scenes at a higher level?

• Role: Plan and oversee sanctioned swim meets (entries, safety, scheduling, results)

• What to do: Take the Meet Manager clinic and work alongside an experienced mentor to run a meet

Courses and support are available through Swim Ontario or in partnership with nearby clubs.

🧑‍🏫 Volunteer Coaching

We are proud to include volunteer coaches on deck who help with practices and support swimmer development under the guidance of our certified Head Coach.

✅ How to Get Certified to Coach

To coach on deck, you must complete the following:

1. Community Coach Training (NCCP)

   • A one-day course for new and volunteer swim coaches

   • Covers swimmer safety, communication, and practice leadership
     📍 Register through The Locker at coach.ca

2. Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders

   • A mandatory short course promoting safe sport and respectful coaching
     📍 Available here

3. Swim Ontario Coach Registration

   • HSC will register you with Swim Ontario, which includes:

     • Background screening

     • Code of Conduct agreement

     • Safe Sport training modules (online)

📩 Interested in coaching? Email our Head Coach to learn when the next Community Coach course is available and to explore any current coaching opportunities that may be a good fit for you.

🙋 FAQ: Volunteers, Officials & Coaches

Q: I’ve never done this before—can I still help?
Absolutely! Most of our volunteers start from scratch. You’ll receive all the training and support you need.

Q: I’m not a swimmer—can I still officiate or coach?
Yes! Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are far more important than experience.

Q: How much time do I need to commit?
Whatever you can offer. Even volunteering for one meet is a huge help.

Q: What’s a deck evaluation?
A certified official watches you in action during a swim meet and signs off on your readiness for that role. It’s part of the hands-on learning process—not a test.

📬 Ready to Dive In?

Volunteering helps our club thrive, creates community, and shows your swimmer that you're behind them—literally and figuratively.

📩 To get involved as a volunteer, coach, or official, contact:
E-mail or speak with a board member at practice.

We can’t wait to have you on deck with us. 💙