Your First Gala?
Firstly, if it is your first gala – don’t worry or panic. The Coaches will be there to guide you though the day and help you all they can. Any problems – just ask.
It is a good idea to have packed your bag the night before you swim with everything you might need. Here is a checklist, which should be useful to you (no glass bottles or any other breakable items).
· Two swimming costumes
· Goggles plus a spare pair
· Towel
· Deck shoes to wear at all times to prevent heat loss
· Clothes to keep your body heat in on the poolside – hat, extra tee-shirt, tracksuit etc
· Food of sufficient quantity to last the day
· Money in case of emergency
· A suitable sports drink – at least two litres plus – for a whole day
· Snack food – with lots of carbohydrates and low in fat.
· Music – I-Pod – Cassette – CD etc (to help relax or psyche you up), reading book or other pastime
*** Please ensure that your name is on all items ***
Arrival at a Swimming Gala
When you arrive at a swimming pool for a Gala, make sure you do so in plenty of time (at least 30 minutes before your warm-up time). Report to the coach that you have arrived and hand in your blue or pink cards entry cards if you have them (although pink and blue cards are often not used these days, as most galas are organise as electronic entries) and in this case it is important that your Coach sees you before the time that you have been told to attend.
Check outthe pool complex layout and familiarise yourself with the important places you will need to go during the day. Toilets, reporting area, changing rooms, cafeteria etc
Warm ups
Check which warm-up is yours and be on time for it. When you warm up make sure you get the most out of it. Don’t stop and talk to your friends as you will have plenty of time to do this throughout the day. Your coach will have shown you what warm up to do. You must keep going and warm up your muscles properly to avoid injury.
Race Simply do your best!
After the Race – Go and see your coach. He / she will tell you how you did and what you can do to do better next time.
Cheering for Others
Do not expect others to cheer for you if you do not cheer for them. There is nothing better to improve your performance than seeing others do well. Don’t just sit down and stare into space – enjoy yourself.
Don’t Go Outside
When you are at a swimming gala and with an appointed coach – they are responsible for you and you must not leave the building without permission. If your parents are there, please ask the coach for permission to leave the building with them. After your last race it is a good thing to cheer others who are swimming from your Club.
Good behaviour
When you are representing the Club or training with the Club at your appointed session or an invited session you are expected to behave properly. At the end of this book there is a section on discipline, which should be read by swimmers and parents.
Swimmers are expected to sit with the team and NOT with parents in the spectator area. Parents are not allowed on poolside at ANY time during a competition.
Club rugby shirts, tee shirts, hats, rucksacks and other swim wear can be purchased via .