On the Gala Day

Before You Go

Important information you need to ensure you know prior to the Gala:

Warm Up / Session Start Times.
Coach / Team Manager – contact details so they can be advised if a swimmer cannot attend or is delayed
Withdrawal procedure – there may be financial penalties if you don’t notify the host club if you aren’t coming
Is there is a signing in procedure – if so – what time is the deadline for signing in? If a gala specifies that it is operates a ‘sign in’, they will take out any swimmer who hasn’t signed in prior to the deadline.

At The Gala

Arrival

In advance of the gala, check the Warm Up times, Session times and any deadline for signing in.
Swimmers should be poolside ready for the warm up at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the warm up - even if they are in the last event of that session.
Do not be late! If you will be delayed, advise the coach allocated to this meet.
Swimmers can usually go straight into the changing rooms – only parents and other spectators need to queue and pay.
Parking can often be a problem due to the pressure on spaces, especially if you are arriving for a later session. Allow time for parking delays if you are unfamiliar with the venue.

Clothing

All Barnes Swimmers should be wearing club hats and kit poolside and, where directed, on the way to/from the gala
Swimmers need enough towels, dry change of clothing, especially during a 2 or 3 session gala as the day can be long!
There are sometimes lockers available in the changing rooms where spare clothing/wet items can be stored - £1 or 20p coins may be needed for these.
Swimmers should have footwear (e.g. flip-flops) on poolside as they won’t be allowed to go into the public areas barefoot.

Nutrition

Food can sometimes be purchased at the venue but this is not guaranteed and where possible, ensure the swimmers have sufficient snacks, drinks and meals (e.g. pasta, sandwiches etc. if the gala stretches over more than one session).
Sweets should be only provided for after the gala!

Poolside Personnel

There will always be at least one coach at the gala.
Report to the coach/team manager on arrival poolside.
Do not leave the pool area without telling the coach (or Team Manager if there is one). This is especially important to ensure that swimmers do not miss races. Parents should not ask children to leave poolside during the swim sessions.
Inform the coach if the swimmer needs to withdraw from any (or all) races, and ensure the withdrawal procedure is followed.
Swimmers should report back to the coach at the end of their race for feedback.

Behaviour

As a representative of the Barnes Swimming Club, swimmers behaviour should be of the highest standard at all times.
Barnes swimmers sit together poolside. Stay in this area when not swimming.
Cheer on your team-mates if possible during their races.
There is often a swim down pool available. Ensure this is used as directed – it is not a play area.

Awards

Medals can often be collected on the day. Results are posted on the wall - or there is an awards desk – check these when possible and collect your medal.
If a swimmer is unable to collect a medal due to leaving early, ask someone to get it on their behalf if possible.

During Your Race

Start. When it is your turn to race you will need to go to the block and wait for the referee to blow his/her whistle several times to indicate that you need to get on the block and be ready to take your position, followed by a single long blast. This indicates that you need to get in your ready position or jump in the water for back stroke. After the starter has said "Take Your Marks", you must not move until they call "Go" or blow a whistle or a klaxon.
When you have finished your race, you need to wait in the water holding the lane rope until told otherwise. Make sure you do not move when the next race is starting.
Coach. You must return to your coach and team mates after your race Your coach may want to give you some feedback about how well you raced.

Results/Meet Mobile. When they have worked out the results they will be posted somewhere on the wall and you can see your speed and what position you came in, in your age group. If you have won a medal you can then go and fetch it. Meet mobile is a useful app for phones that many galas use to show the swimming results as they come in.
Disqualification. Most swimmers are disqualified at least once, usually several times, when they start swimming. DO NOT WORRY! Just find out why you were disqualified and learn from your mistake. Sometimes it is confusing when you are swimming in a different pool or racing for the first time. Even the older experienced swimmers sometimes get disqualified when they aren't thinking.

Checklist