Some competitions you will enter as an individual and some are team competitions, where the coach picks the team. If you are eligible for a competition your coach will give you a note telling you that it is suitable for you.
Once you have entered a competition you will have to pay the fee even if you cannot attend, as the club will have already paid this on your behalf.
Novice Galas
Novice galas are intended as an opportunity for less experienced swimmers to participate in competitions against swimmers from other clubs or within the Novice Squad itself. They give you the chance to learn how galas are run, the various stroke rules and the opportunity to test your own skills.
Before the race - think about it.
Remember how far you have to swim
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
There are a few basic rules for you to remember, firstly about swimming itself and secondly about discipline on poolside.
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 tell you to 'take your marks' move quickly into your start position. The 'Go' signal will be a whistle, buzzer or gun.
Breastroke and 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 breastroke 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 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 nay swimmer who may not have complied with 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. Take note of what is said to you and remember NOT TO DO IT AGAIN. In other galas you might be disqualified.
Discipline
Never leave the poolside without asking the coach
Always look at the order of events, usually on the wall beside the team and work out when you will be swimming
Do not ask the coach unnecessary questions. Remember there is 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. A chance for you to compete against others but also to compete against yourself, to improve your personal best (PB). They also give you a chance to get to know your teammates better. Take an interest in other people's races and stay until the end of the gala.
