Competitions- Advice for Novice Galas

Novice galas are an opportunity for less experienced swimmers to participate in competitions against novice swimmers from other clubs or within the Novice Squad itself. They give swimmers the chance to learn how galas are run, test their own skills and try to follow the various stroke rules.

Before the race - think about it.

·      Remember how far you have to swim and what stroke you are doing.

·      Remember your stroke technique.

·      Think about what your coach has told you about your strokes, breathing etc.

·      Don't allow the excitement to make you forget everything.

Some key swimming rules

·      At the start the referee will blow the whistle to tell you to get onto the blocks. (You may dive from the side if you prefer.) When the referee tells you to 'take your marks' move quickly into your start position. The 'Go' signal will be a whistle, buzzer or gun.

·      Breaststroke/Butterfly: At the turn and finish of the race you must touch with both hands at the same time. At the start and turn in breaststroke you may do only one stroke under water.

·      Front crawl: Only attempt the tumble turn if you are confident of doing it well. Otherwise, make sure you touch the wall and push off strongly and quickly in a streamlined position.  

·      Backstroke: Only attempt the backstroke turn if you are confident of doing it well. Otherwise stay on your back, touch the wall with your hand (or head!), swing your legs around and, staying on your back, push off strongly and quickly in a streamlined position.

·      Make all turns as quickly as possible.

·      Remember you have not finished the race until you have reached the wall.

·      At the end of the race stay in the water until the referee tells you that you may get out. This is to allow time for all swimmers to finish the race and enables the referee to talk to any swimmer who may not have followed the rules.

These are only a few of the rules of swimming so remember all that you have been taught. It is unusual in a Novice gala for a swimmer to be disqualified, but the referee will tell you if you have done something wrong. Listen carefully to what is said and remember NOT TO DO IT AGAIN. In other galas you might be disqualified.

Competition poolside behaviour

·      Never leave the poolside without asking the coach.

·      Look at the order of events, usually on the wall by the team, to know when you will be swimming.

·      Do not ask the coach unnecessary questions. Remember there are a lot of swimmers and your question may cause the coach to miss someone else's race.

·      You must be quiet for the start of every race, otherwise the swimmers may not hear the starter. Once the race has started cheer on your swimmer.

·      Galas are meant to be fun. They are a chance for you to compete against others but also to compete against yourself, to improve your personal best (PB). They give you a chance to get to know your team-mates better. Take an interest in other people's races and stay until the end of the gala.