MAC Service Hour Program

Building Our Community, Supporting Our Swimmers

The Heart of MAC: Family Involvement

Mesa Aquatics Club is honored to have access to some of the finest aquatics facilities in the world and proud of the wide array of events that we are able to host each year. The success of these events, and our overall program, thrives on the active involvement of our MAC families. Our Service Hour Program is designed to foster this community engagement, ensuring our meets run smoothly and helping us avoid traditional fundraising activities like swim-a-thons or bake sales. Instead, we focus on opportunities where families can contribute while often already attending events their athletes participate in.

We believe that when families are involved, the entire team benefits, creating a vibrant, supportive, and successful environment for every swimmer.

πŸ—“οΈ Seasonal Service Hour Requirements

Each season, there is a per-family service hour requirement based on the highest training tier of any athlete in the family. These requirements are essential for us to successfully host meets and manage team operations. Requirements are communicated via the monthly newsletter, posted to your account, and updated here.

2025-2026 Short Course Season Requirements

(September 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026)

  • Tier 1 (Senior 1 / Gold): 26 hours per family
  • Tier 2 (Senior 2, Black, White): 20 hours per family
  • Tier 3 (Red, Narwhal): 14 hours per family
  • Tier 4 (Basecamp): 5 hours per family 

Any service hours not completed by March 31, 2026, will be billed at $40 per hour on April 1, 2026.

Your Responsibility: All MAC families are required to complete their service hours and are responsible for managing and tracking their own requirements through their online account. We greatly appreciate families who go above and beyond these minimums!

πŸŽ‰ Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities (Short Course 2025-2026)

Here are some of the key MAC-hosted events where service hours can be earned. Sign-ups are available on the event's page on our website. This season, we are hosting six meets, providing plenty of opportunities to fulfill your service hours:


  • Herculean – September 5–7
  • Intersquad – October 17–18
  • Golden Gobbler – November 21–23
  • Ice Breaker Invite – January 16–19
  • Senior State – February 26–March 1
  • Senior Western Zones – March 19–22

Limited volunteer opportunities (timing) may also be available at certain away meets like Regionals, State, and Sectionals. These must be signed up for on the MAC website prior to the meet.

πŸ“œ Service Hour Program Policies

  • Hour requirements not fulfilled by the end of the season will be billed (Short Course: April; Long Course: September) at a rate of $50 per hour.
  • All families are required to complete hours, regardless of meet participation.
  • Volunteering at non-MAC hosted meets does not apply to service hours unless MAC is assigned lanes to time for that specific meet.
  • If a family joins mid-season, they are still obligated to complete all required service hours.
  • If a family leaves mid-season, they will be responsible for the full number service hours assigned and will be billed for any unfulfilled hours.
  • Job sign-ups are done online via the event page. Volunteer slots often fill quickly, so sign up early!
  • Crucial: You MUST sign in at the volunteer check-in at the start of your shift. This is the ONLY way we confirm and credit your hours.
  • You are responsible for managing and tracking your service hours.

By participating in MAC, families acknowledge their responsibility to fulfill or pay for the required service hours each season.

🀝 How to Sign Up & Other Ways to Contribute

Signing Up for Meet Volunteer Roles:

When opportunities for MAC-hosted events become available, they will be posted on that event's landing page on our website. Log into your account, find the event under "MAC Meets and Events," and click "Job Signup" to choose your desired role and shift.

What if I can't volunteer at meets?

We understand schedules can be challenging! Remember, your athlete can often volunteer at meets they aren't competing in (age/role permitting). Additionally, here are other ways to fulfill service hours:

  • Gift Card Donations: Donate Safeway, Fry's, or Costco gift cards (used for meet hospitality). Credit is $25 per hour. Please provide cards in a sealed envelope with your athlete's name and the gift card receipt to a staff person.
  • Hospitality Meal Prep: Help prepare/purchase meals for coaches & officials. Coordinate with our Hospitality Coordinator ([email protected]) for needs, delivery, and hour crediting (including prep time and food costs).
  • Hot Chocolate/Otter Pops: Help hand out hot chocolate in the winter and ice pops in the summer for our swimmers. 
  • Professional Services: Have a skill, service, or creative idea that could benefit MAC? Let us know!

πŸ“‹ Common Meet Volunteer Positions

Here are some of the vital roles our parent volunteers fill at meets. Many require no prior experience!

Announcer: Works with officials to announce races, swimmers, and results. (Jr. high age+ for most meets).
Head Timer: Manages backup stopwatches for races and coordinates with timers/officials. (Jr. high age+).
Hospitality: Helps set up, prepare, serve food, or run items to coaches/officials. (Adults).
Meet Marshal: Ensures safety on deck. Requires online test & AZ Swimming ID. ( Details here. Email confirmation to Meg for 1hr credit + fee reimbursement). (Adults).
Officials/Trainees: Essential for running meets! Training provided. (Adults. Email Meg for info & hour credit for training).
Results Runner/Poster: Collects timing sheets and posts results. (Jr. high age+).
System 5 Operator: Runs timing console. (Experience/shadowing required; Adults).
System 5 Trainee: Shadow experienced operators. (Adults/mature teens).
Timer: Operates stopwatch/button for races. Best seat in the house! (Jr. high age+).
Clerk of Course: Assists with meet admin (check-ins, paperwork). (Adults).
Concessions: Works team concession stand; may involve shopping/prep.

We want to thank all of our families for the opportunity to coach your young athletes and for your hard work and dedication in helping these kids achieve their dreams and goals as student-athletes! Your involvement is what makes MAC exceptional.

If you have any questions about the Service Hour Program, please feel free to contact Abbey at [email protected].