The Gator Swim Team operates as an organization within the Forest Hollow Swim Club. The Swim Team Representative (also known as the A-Meet Rep or Team Rep) is an officer of the Forest Hollow Swim Club and serves a three year term, similar to other Forest Hollow Swim Club board positions. The Team Rep is elected by the Gator team parents through a process developed and articulated by the Swim Team Board. The Board is led by the Team Rep with positions for the key leaders for the team. Specifically, the Board positions are generally the key volunteer leaders, including: Team Rep(s); most recent former Team Rep; B-Meet Rep; Treasurer; leads for Merchandise, Concessions, Volunteers and Data. Each year, the Gator Guide (also known as the Handbook) articulates the process for volunteer positions and the board election process.
The Gator board leadership positions are volunteer positions that historically run three-year terms. Some people choose to serve less than a three year term, some choose to enter a second – full or partial – term. When a volunteer has expressed and interest to transition out or is at the end of their commitment, interest for open positions are communicated to the swim team parents, via newsletters, weekly updates, volunteer signups, and word-of-mouth, including pep rallies.
Some positions require “advance” notification/planning as they require some training or shadowing to take on the task. This is primarily the Team Rep position, as many of the duties also involve NVSL processes, but merchandise, data, and concessions positions all benefit from at least shadowing the prior volunteer. These types of positions are easier to learn with some guidance than on one’s own.
In most years, we have to do a little “pushing” and “pulling” to get people to step into the rolls – especially the Team Rep positions given the time commitment involved. But, some years, we have had greater interest in a position. In years where we only get one person to answer the call, we fill the position with that person with no election held. In years where the interest is larger, we schedule a vote for the position, normally at the year-end awards banquet or other pre-announced time.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the process and the leadership positions. There are several other articles in this newsletter that are related – read further to meet the 2013 Swim Team Board and open positions and process for 2013 and beyond.
The 2013 Gator Board
The 2013 open positions were filled either at the end of the season. Gator Grill Management is up with the scheduled cycle that the Kennedy’s served in 2011, 2012 and this summer for 2013.
Here are your 2013 volunteers that will lead the Gators in 2013:
- Merari Chollette, A Meet Reps.
- Bob Elkins as B Meet Rep.
- Jay Nash as Treasurer.
- Cara Dalrymple with merchandise.
- Allie Rutherford Data Coordinator
- Karen Curtin as Volunteer Coordinator
- Bill and Mary Kennedy as Gator Grill management
- Doug Padrutt as Chief Official
Thanks
A HUGE word of “thanks” to the many greats who have given their time and talent for one or more years in a position recently that will not be with us in these roles this season:
- Merchandising – Cheryl Gregory
- Team Rep – Mary Johnson
- Data Coordinator – Mary Padrutt
- Treasurer – Terri Boyd
- Chief Official – Susie Hertzler
- Winter Swim Rep – Suzie Paletti
2013 Gator Board Openings
Here’s a recap of the open and filled positions:
Openings NOT anticipated for 2013 volunteering or election:
- Treasurer: Jay Nash; Term 2012, 2013, 2014
- B Meet Rep: Bob Elkins; Term 2012, 2013, 2014
- Volunteer Coordinator: Karen Curtin; Term 2012, 2013, 2014
- Merchandise Coordinator Cara Dalrymple; Term 2013, 2014, 2015
- Concessions: Bill and Mary Kennedy; Term 2011. 2012, 2013 (needs a shadow this year and replacement for 2014)
- Data Coordinator: Allie Rutherford: Term: 2012, 2013, 2014 (Needs a shadow/backup volunteer)
- Chief Offical: Doug Padrutt is replacing Suzie Hertzler in her last year of her 3 year term
Those that need a 1 season replacement or could REALLY use a shadow for 2013
- Concessions: Bill and Mary Kennedy; Term 2011, 2012, 2013 (need shadowing this year)
- Volunteer Coordinator: Karen Curtin: Term 2012, 2013, 2014 (really needs a partner in 2013)
- Data Coordinator; Term 2013, 2014, 2015 (needs a shadow to help back-up during 2013)
For 2014 the following positions are open
- Concessions
- Chief Official (Doug Padrutt is replacing Susie Hertzler in her last year of her 3 year term during 2013 and is welcome to continue in this role for 3 seasons)
- Winter Swim Team Rep
More communications on these positions will be available during the 2013 season.
How do you sign up for an open position?
Talk to your Team Rep, Merari. All interested swim team parents may express interest. If there are more than one interested for any of the positions where a new term begins in 2014, at the end of the season, I will communicate election processes through weekly news and announcements.