FAQs -- Service Credit Program / Service Requirement Policy 

What is the TLC Service Credit Program?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Triangle Aquatic Center (TAC) relies on volunteer support to operate efficiently and to keep the TAC TITANS (TITANS) program dues as affordable as possible. TAC-hosted events and the revenue they generate help subsidize the TITANS program, while also saving families thousands of dollars each season in travel costs.

The TITANS Leadership Council (TLC) is a parent-led group focused on building community among swimmers, families, and coaches. The TLC administrates, and is funded by, the Service Credit Program which is designed to reduce financial obligations for families who support TAC events and swim meets by volunteering their time.

What is the expectation for the Service Credit Program?

Volunteers are essential. Without the active participation of TITANS families, TAC could not deliver the high-quality experiences our swimmers and community expect. The Service Credit Program helps make our mission possible and your involvement truly makes a difference.

Each family is assigned a specific number of service credits (per season – short course and long course) based on their swimmer’s track.

To understand the full details of the program, please familiarize yourself with the Service Requirement Policy. Locate the policy by signing into your account, click on "Org Resources" and you'll see the policy in the list.

In brief, each track's obligation is as follows:

ELITE TRACK groups are expected to earn the following number of Service Credits:

  • Short Course season: 7
  • Long Course season: 5

CHALLENGE TRACK groups are expected to earn:

  • Short Course season: 5
  • Long Course season: 3

Titans Prep, Teen Titans and all other groups in the Development Track do NOT have a Service Credit requirement.

IMPORTANT:

  • There is no carry-over of credits from short course to long course season.
  • Unfulfilled (unworked) service credits are charged at the end of each season. $80/credit.

How can I earn Service Credits?

Families earn Service Credits by working at TAC TITANS hosted swim meets and other sponsored events requiring assistance.

Families can also earn Service Credits by their leadership roles on the TITANS Leadership Council (TLC), Triton Club board member, and as a group liaison. There may be other opportunities to earn credits by volunteering at team-sponsored events which, when applicable, will be communicated to the membership. 

How do I know when to sign up?

Emails are sent to all active accounts 2–3 days in advance, confirming the exact date that sign-ups will open on the website.

What's the best way to sign up?

We strongly recommend using the TITANS website to sign up for available positions and ensure spot. NOTE: Many people report problems using the "On Deck" app and we do not recommend that you use it. 

What if I miss a shift I was signed up to work?

Per the Service Requirement Policy (which must be acknowledged when joining the team), you are required to work all sessions that you sign up for.  Failure to do so will result in a one-session penalty for each session/position missed, meaning you won't get credit for the shift you missed and an additional shift will be added back onto your requirement.  When you sign up for a shift, you are blocking others from doing so and when you don't show, it negatively effects the entire operation of the meet.  

I am joining the team mid-season, will my hours be prorated?

Yes! 

What if someone else takes all the shifts before I sign up?

There are enough volunteer opportunities over the course of the season for all families to meet their obligation.

Can you earn more than 1 credit at a meet?

Yes!!! A typical meet is multiple sessions over 2-3 days. If you choose to volunteer to fill a slot at multiple sessions, you can earn anywhere from 2-9 credits per meet. For example, if you swim Blizzard Blitz, there are 3 days with 3 sessions each day, for a total of 9 sessions. Although we do not recommend working all sessions in a meet, you could conceivably earn 9 credits in one meet. In addition, if more than one family member volunteers at a session, you earn credits for both slots filled. NOTE: This is meet-dependent. For some meets we must limit the number of positions to create equity in the sign-up process.

Do I have to work when my child isn’t swimming?

It's up to you! If you prefer to meet your volunteer commitment while your child is swimming, choose your shifts so you can have the best seat in the house: on deck!  If you’d rather volunteer at meets when your child isn’t swimming, that’s ok too. This may be true at championship meets hosted at TAC. You may want to come and volunteer with your swimmer so they can watch some exciting, fast swims while supporting their teammates who are attending.

I have a physical limitation, what can I do?

There are many meets and many different positions. Can’t sit for 4 hours? Be a runner! Can’t stand for 4 hours?  Learn how to assist with the computer! You can be the photographer, help in hospitality – there’s a job for everyone. There are also behind-the-scenes roles that can be done from home if you are interested.  Email [email protected] to get more information about a role that best fits your needs.

How can I check my current service credits on record?

You can sign into your account or use the free app OnDeck to see how many credit hours you’ve accumulated during the course of the season. Go to “My Account” on the left-hand navigation bar, then look for the SERVICE HOURS tab.

Can my child work the shift?

We generally ask that non-swimmer volunteers are at least 13 years old.  However, we make exceptions for experienced swimmers who are a bit younger – generally 12 years old to work independently or 11 if you plan to time or volunteer alongside them. Your swimmer probably enjoys coming back to watch Finals at a big meet anyway!  Give them the best seat in the house.  Swimmers make terrific timers because they understand how a meet actually works.

Can my teen use these same hours for NHS or KEY CLUB?

Yes! If your teen is in National Honor Society or another community organization and needs volunteer hours, we’re happy to have them help us at a meet! They should sign up to volunteer through your family’s account so their hours count towards your obligation as well. We can sign off on necessary documentation for teen volunteers for other organizations – just have them ask about it when they check in to volunteer at the meet!

Where can I find the TLC Service Requirement Policy that I signed?

Go to the PARENTS menu, "Policies & Forms" page, and follow the instructions to locate this document in your account.

I have more questions about the program, who can I talk to?

Reach out to the TITANS Service Requirement Coordinators at [email protected].