Galas – helpful information
We thought that some parents, especially those with younger swimmers and our new joiners, might find it useful for us to set out some information about galas. No swimmer can compete in “Licensed Meets” until they are 9 years old (with the exception of Club Champs).
Gala Application
Gala information is sent out by email by the Gala Secretary. Instructions are given on each email. Swimmers complete the gala entry form, which will either be attached or provided by way of a link. Payment should be made either by cheque payable to LSC (unless otherwise informed) or by bank transfer – follow the directions on the email. In most cases the age you swim at is how old you are on the day of the competition “Age at Day”, unless stated otherwise.
The email will also advise you who to return the entry form to and by what date. Note that no late entries will be accepted. (This rule is in place as all LSC entries are put in together, so one late form could jeopardise all swimmers being accepted for the gala.) All swimmers should note their times against the races they wish to enter, their ASA No. eg 98765, name and date of birth. It may also say “Long Course” (50m) or “Short Course” (25m) times to be entered. If you are unsure ask either your squad rep, coach or other parents who have entered previous galas !
If you’d like to check dates of future galas, see the Gala Diary.
I have no Times!
This occurs when it comes to entering your first Gala, or when entering a particular race for the first time. Usually when you are in this situation the Club will organise “Time Trials” which are run during Training Sessions; your Coach will tell you when they will be taking place. The Club also hold “Club Champs” once a year where you can get times. It’s best to be organised and keep a note of swimmer times at home. If you find that a swimmer is eligible to enter every race, think twice before entering them all. Look at how many sessions there are, and consider whether you and your swimmer want to be at a gala from 7 am to 7 pm. Always discuss race selection with your coach if in doubt.
Expectations of LSC
If you are sent an invitation to a gala, you are expected to enter. Please advise your Coach if you are not able to attend.
Accepted Entries
The Gala Secretary will email out a note of “accepted entries” and you will be asked to check that your swimmer’s details are included. Although rare, sometimes your entry may be rejected. If this happens your entry fee will be deducted from your next term’s squad fees. However, if you do not turn up for your race or withdraw, your fee is non-refundable. If you wish to withdraw please let your Coach know ASAP so that the organisers can be advised.
Structure of galas
Swimming galas, often referred to as ‘Meets’, are usually run according to rules set out by the Amateur Swimming Association “ASA”. These galas take various forms. In our club we are involved in different types, the main ones being:
Open Galas/Meets
These galas are usually open to swimmers who are at least 9 years old at the date of the gala. These can be designated (licensed by the ASA as a level 1, 2, 3 or 4 (to be introduced), or not, ie just Club Champs / fun gala. A summary is below but further detail is available on the ASA website here.
Level 4 – generally for the less experienced
Level 3 - times achieved at these can, subject to the swimmer meeting the qualifying times, be used to enter County and Regional championships. These tend to state a time that the swimmer must not have swum faster than (an Upper Limit) and also a Lower Limit, ie the swimmer must have swum faster than the Lower Limit. Some Level 3 Meets give ‘speeding tickets’ to swimmers who swim faster than the stated times.
Level 2 - tend to specify an Upper Limit, and also, Lower Limit.
Level 1 - these are the most challenging. Times achieved in the levels 1 and 2 Meets can, subject to the swimmer meeting the qualifying times, be used to enter County, Regional and National championships, these just specify Lower Limit times – ie the swimmer must have swum faster in order to enter.
Each organizer of a gala will state what level it is and what times you need to have met to enter. These can vary between organizers – even at the same gala level.
Surreys, South East Regional Champs and South East Regional Development Galas (SER)
Surrey Championships are open to all swimmers who will be 9 by a specified date in March of the year of the competition and who have achieved the qualifying times for their age group.
SER Championships are open to all swimmers above the age of 10 who have achieved a time faster than the “Cut off” or “Qualifying Time”. SER Development Galas are for children who are not fast enough to have qualified for any regional or county competitions but show potential.
All such swimmers have to live in the County/Region they are looking to compete in, or they must complete an “Eligibility Form” and submit it to the Club. We swim in the Surrey County championships and South East Region
National Championships
These are open to swimmers who have swum faster than stated times in Level 1 or 2 Meets (held between 1 October and 31 May), or in the County championships (February to March), or in some cases, the Regional Championships (usually June). This competition applies to approximately the fastest 1% of swimmers in the Country. These are divided in to British Age Group Category (“BAGCATS”) National championships for 11-14 year old boys, and 11-13 year old girls; and the Youth championships for 15-18 year old boys and 14-17 year old girls. Ages are usually as at one of the first 6 days in August.
Arena League Galas
The Club sends a team to these, and the team that goes (and they often differ from league gala to league gala) will normally consist of both boys and girls of all age groups above 9 years old – 9 year olds tend to swim in the relays only. Entry into these is by invitation only and selected by the Coaches. Usually no more than 5 children per age group are chosen and will be the fastest combination for their age within the Club. You are never told what you are swimming until you arrive! To be chosen to swim in this is a great achievement and honour.
On the day of the Gala
Kit Required
See note on “Club Kit” for minimum requirements. Remember to take enough towels and costumes to avoid being cold at any time. A rough guide is 2/3 towels, 2 costumes (warm up & race), Club hat (and spare), goggles, (remember to take spares just in case they break or split), Club Shorts, Club polo shirt and pool side shoes. All are available from the Club Shop.
“Card meets”, where swimmers are given cards in advance and hand them in on arrival at a gala, are very rare now. More commonly, swimmers have to “sign in” by the warm up time specified on the gala programme, in order to be accepted on the day. If you do not “sign in” you will not be able to swim.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS ANY PARENT OR SWIMMER PERMITTED TO POST CARDS OR SIGN IN FOR ANOTHER COMPETITOR.
At the gala, there is usually a “Warm Up” which is split into Male and Female or by age groups and is around 20-30 minutes - time is used to practise starts, turns and to get your muscles ready for a good swim - make sure you use it wisely!
All swimmers must be on poolside in time for their correct warm up.
Spectators should make their way to the viewing gallery, purchasing on the way a Programme which will show the events in event order and list all the swimmers in ascending entry time order. A parent or carer is required to remain on the premises throughout the gala.
Each event is divided into heats. This is usually done by time entered, not age, so heats will be multi-age. The winner of each individual age group is decided either on times (Heat Declared Winner/HDW) or a final when the fastest 6 or 8 competitors will swim off for places. Medals are usually awarded at these events, for either the top three – 1st, 2nd and 3rd or six / eight swimmers – ie all finalists get something.
Some galas operate “over the top starts” this is where the race that is swum after yours starts before you are allowed to leave the water. You will be told by an official when you can get out.
After you have swum your heat go directly to your Coach for feed back on how your race went, not your parents. There is sometimes a “swim down” pool; this can be used to relax your muscles by swimming slowly for around 15 minutes. Permission to swim down must be given by coaches.
Disqualifications or DQs
Unfortunately swimmers do get disqualified and Officials are as strict with 9 year olds at their first gala as more experienced competitors. Like other competitive sports, swimming has its own set of technical rules to ensure that races are run fairly. While it is obviously upsetting when a swimmer is DQ’d, there is always something to be learned. When a disqualification occurs, it is usually announced along with the reason when the result is announced. Main reasons are:
- A false start – there are no second chances. A false start can be a swimmer moving on the starting blocks once the starter has called “take your marks”.
- Incorrect stroke technique
- Incorrect touch at finish (eg there must be a two hand finish for breast stroke and butterfly)
- Finishing on front when swimming backstroke
Food and Drink whilst on Poolside
Be ready for a potentially long day at the pool. Make sure the swimmer has a drink for replacing lost fluids during races – anything from water to sports drinks will be fine. Spectators remember that spectator areas are invariably hot places! One of our parents is a Sports Nutritionist and there is downloadable advice on what and when to eat on the Club website here.
Pool Side Etiquette
Whilst you are on Pool Side representing Leatherhead Swimming Club we are there as a “Team” and we always sit together. You are under the supervision of the Club Coach who is in attendance at the Gala. Because of this, if you wish to leave the pool side you have to get permission from them. When you have swum your final race, you must ask permission from your coach to go home. Usually,
you will not be allowed to leave until the end of that session so that you can support the other Team Members.
Remembering your Times
After you have swum and have gone home you should make a record of your times either on the computer (see the draft log book on our website under “Swimmers Corner” or in a “Log Book” which you fill in by hand - you can get theses from the Club Shop. If you do this the next Gala entry Form you complete will be a lot easier!
Remember to look out on the Club noticeboard (as you enter the changing rooms at Leatherhead Leisure Centre) for a note of Press Releases following galas.
Remember “TEAM” means
Together
Everyone
Achieves
More!
This information is also available in a downloadable format here.
