FCST Parent Support PAGE
Thank you you for your support. We couldn't do it without you!!!
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
  • Parent Support Service Shifts "Cheat Sheet" (HERE)
  • Being a lane timer (HERE)
  • How to be a Lane Timer(HERE)
  • Parent Support FAQ
Parent Support Requirements
  • Scroll down or view our Membership Policy (See Section I.C of Membership Policy)
For Questions, contact the Parent Support Coordinator at coachtrenton@swimfcst.com

​
FCST Commitment to Work Requirements
We are 100% dependent on parents to run our FCST Hosted meets and our intrasquad meets during the year.   
All FCST families are required to fulfill service shifts at our hosted meets or through other opportunities throughout the year. 
 
Service shifts can be fulfilled in three basic areas as outlined below:
 
1. FCST Hosted Meet Support: The significance of hosted meets to our team cannot be overstated. Hosting our own meets helps our families stay closer to home, allows coaches to choose events best suited for our team, and provides important financial support for FCST. Generally, most service shifts will be fulfilled at FCST hosted meets. For those unable to work during meets, supplementary service shift opportunities are available (e.g., food donations, financial contribution ($100 per shift), and planning and support roles). The duration of each shift will vary depending on the role and timeline of the meet.
 
2. Timing at Non-Hosted Meets: Fulfilling a timing shift at non-hosted meets will count as ½ shift toward requirement totals. The duration of each shift will vary depending on the timeline of the meet, usually 2 hours.
 
3. Additional Support: Service shifts can also be earned by serving on one of our volunteer committees, assisting the committee members in their endeavors, or via special projects throughout the year coordinated by the General Manager or Parent Support Coordinator. 
 
*Commitment to Work - Opt-out: Families who would like to opt-out of service shifts may do so for an additional monthly fee of $115. This is charged per family, not per swimmer. Requests to opt-out must be emailed to [email protected].  
 
 
FCST Hosted Meet Parent Support Requirements
Shifts are expected to be about 3-4 hours long depending on the meet session length.  The service shift requirements by group are as follows (for families with multiple swimmers, you requirement will be the requirement for your highest level swimmer.
 

2025-2026 Service Shift Requirements
Group
Short Course Season
Long Course Season
Senior Elite, Senior 3, PreSenior 3, Age Group 4
5 Shifts
5 Shifts
Senior 2, PreSenior 2, Age Group 3, Age Group 1
4 Shifts
4 Shifts
Senior 1, PreSenior 1, Age Group 2
3 Shifts
3 Shifts
Blue, Red, White
2 Shifts
2 Shifts
 
Service Shift Areas
Following are the different service areas required to run our meets.  We will have a lead person for each area that will be responsible for ensuring that their area runs smoothly, defining the required roles, determining the number of jobs needed, etc.
 
Meet Director
Must attend training and pass a test to be certified by Gulf. Is responsible for the overall running of the meet and managing activities required to run an effective and efficient meet.
Assistant Meet Director
This is a new position FCST is adding this year. This position is intended for those who are committed to becoming a certified Meet Director in the future.  Will “shadow” the Meet Director during meets to learn and help with tasks as needed.
Set-Up / Tear-Down
Assist with transporting items to/from storage unit. Ensure facilities are prepared for running meet (in some cases this will be done the day before the meet). At conclusion of meet, return items to storage. Several pick-up trucks / SUVs are needed.
Clerk of Course
Is responsible for handling on deck entries, heat/lane assignments, timing sheets, scratch table (prelim/finals meets only).  This includes “runners” to pass out, collect and post all paperwork.
Head Timer
Stands by timers and starts two stop watches for each race. If a timer misses the beginning of a race or their watch malfunctions, the Head Timer switches watches with them. Responsibility for Head Timers will fall under Clerk of Course this year.
Colorado Timing System
Responsible for the Colorado Timing System – the electronic timing system connected to the timing pads in the pool. For each shift, need an experienced and a less experienced operator. The less experienced operator is expected to become trained so they can become a lead.
Meet Manager
Responsible for running the Meet Manager program which verifies times and results. Must be detail oriented, good with numbers and comfortable using computers and complex software.
Awards
Label/distribute awards throughtout a meet weekend.
Announcers
Must have a good, clear voice and be comfortable with public speaking.
Safety Marshal
Responsible for ensuring pool area is safe and all rules are being followed. Respond to first aid needs as required (no specific first aid training required). Must be certified non-athlete with USA Swimming.
Pool Monitor
Works at direction of Safety Marshal to ensure pool rules are followed and only authorized swimmers, coaches and officials are on deck.
Concessions
All activities required to operate concessions. Includes preparing shopping list, purchasing items, handling cash (adults only), taking orders, clean-up, going to get ice as needed, etc.
Hospitality
Responsible for providing meals/snacks for Officials and Coaches. This includes preparation/purchase of food, serving food and providing water to officials and timers on deck.