2025 OSST Volunteer Requirements – What to Expect
Hi Otter Families,
Volunteer sign ups will open this morning at 9 AM!
As we gear up for another fantastic swim season, we want to share this year’s volunteer point requirements. Running a successful meet takes a lot of hands, and our program only works because families like yours step up to help us keep the team afloat (pun intended).
Last year, all families were required to fulfill 40 points, and that level of support got us through the season.
This year, all families will follow a slightly adjusted structure that gives our youngest swimmers—who typically only participate in half the meet— and their families some relief, along with a modest reduction for 1-swimmer families. This change still ensures we can cover all volunteer roles effectively.
Here’s the structure for 2025:
- 25 points – Families with only a 6 & Under swimmer
- 35 points – Families with 1 swimmer (not 6U)
- 40 points – Families with 2 or more swimmers
If it turns out we’re short on coverage during the season, we’ll reach out for help—starting with families who initially benefited from these reduced requirements. Our goal is to keep things fair, simple, and functional—without leaving any lanes unmanned.
Again - Volunteer sign ups will open this morning at 9 AM!
Thanks again for being part of the Otter community. Your time and energy truly make this team possible.
Volunteer Coordinator
All feedback, complaints, concerns, and general grumbling should be directed to me—I accept them in writing, in person, interpretive dance, or passive-aggressive memes. [email protected] 404 585 8426
2025 Volunteer Requirement FAQ
Q: Why did the team change the requirements from last year?
A: Last season, all families were asked to complete 40 points, regardless of swimmer age or how many kids were participating. That system worked, but this year’s update gives families with limited meet involvement—especially those with only a 6 & Under swimmer—a more realistic requirement, while still maintaining full coverage.
Q: What if my only swimmer is 6 & Under?
A: You’ll have a 25-point requirement. These swimmers typically only participate in the first half of each meet, so their families aren’t expected to cover as many shifts.
Q: We have one swimmer, but they’re older than 6U. What’s our requirement?
A: Families with one swimmer (not 6U-only) are asked to complete 35 points this season.
Q: We have two or more swimmers. Does that mean we’re doing 40 points again?
A: Yes. Families with two or more swimmers will complete 40 points, just like last season.
Q: Is the requirement per swimmer or per family?
A: It’s per family, not per swimmer. This structure helps us match workload with typical family involvement while keeping things manageable for households with only one swimmer or younger kids.
Q: What if we can’t meet our assigned total?
A: Let Patricia know early. We can often help facilitate role swaps or find flexible roles or alternate ways to contribute. Communication is key.
Q: What if we don’t meet our point requirement?
A: Patricia will monitor sign-ups throughout the season and follow up with families who are not on track to meet their requirements. If volunteer commitments are not fulfilled, a fee aligned with the opt-out policy will be assessed to help cover the cost of hiring support to fill those roles. Again, please communicate with Patricia as soon as possible on any concerns with meeting requirements for any reason.
Q: What happens if we’re short on volunteer coverage during the season?
A: We’ll first look to fill gaps using local students who need volunteer hours—these helpers are great for certain roles and often happy to pitch in. If we still have coverage needs after that, we’ll reach out to families—starting with those who received reduced point requirements—to help bridge the gap. The system is designed to meet our needs up front, but we always appreciate those who are able to step up when needed.
