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Guidance for attending Galas

What you should bring in your swimming bag to a gala:

 

  • 2 Costumes / trunks including race suit if the swimmer has one

  • 2 pairs of goggles

  • 2 Bridgefield swimming caps

  • Bridgefield club T Shirt and warm clothes for between races 

  • Flip flops or sandals               

  • 2  Towels (one for poolside and one for changing)

  • Drinks and a light snack

 

Warm-ups

 

  • All swimmers must be poolside at least 15 minutes before the warm-up starts. Swimmers should look for the Bridgefield Team Managers who will be wearing Club T-Shirts.

  • Non-participation in the warm-up should be agreed with the lead Coach in advance

  • If possible the lead Coach will oversee a land warm-up before the pool warm-up begins. This may not be possible due to swimmer number or space constraints.

  • The lead Coach will instruct swimmers with regard to structure of the warm up. This can vary depending on the length allocated to the warm-up, and swimmer numbers. There will usually be an opportunity to work on starts at the end of the warm-up.

  • When a swimmer has completed their warm-up they should leave the pool, get dried, and put their club T-Shirt and other clothing on.

  • Swimmers should not warm-up in their race suit, and if time permits they should change out of the suit between races.

 

Swim Down

 

  • When swimmers are competing in Licensed Open Competitions, where facilities permit swimmers should make their way to the swim down pool as soon as possible after their race, ensuring they take a drink bottle with them.

 

Disqualifications

 

  • Disqualifications do happen unfortunately. When they do occur swimmers should view them as positive learning opportunities, and take feedback from the Coach to minimise the possibility of it happening again.

  • Most common reasons for disqualifications are false starts, including moving on the starting block, incorrect stroke, non-compliant turns or finishes.

  • Regular practice at training sessions and listening carefully to the Coach will greatly reduce the potential for disqualification.

 

Eating and drinking

 

  • On the morning of the gala eat a light breakfast

  • If eating between races eat soon after swimming

  • Suggested snacks - pasta salad, fruit, cereal bars, yoghurt.

  • Drink water or sports drinks regularly.

 

Parents

 

  • At all Galas, spectators are charged a nominal amount to enter the Spectator Gallery.

  • For local Galas, parents have responsibility for getting their child to the Gala. For Galas further afield, a coach may be provided. Parents are welcome to travel on the coach with their child.

  • For Safe Guarding reasons, parents are not allowed poolside.

  • Photography/video at the pool is not allowed for safeguarding reasons.

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