Be Prepared
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail!
- You should plan to arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the warm-up is scheduled to start. The warm-up time and procedure is normally detailed in the Meet information displayed on the website or notice boards.
- Remember your swimming kit - costumes (for warm-up and racing - please do not warm up in your racing costume), towels, hats, goggles and possibly entry cards. You will also need a club shirt and tracksuit, food and drink for the period of time you are at the competition
- On arrival, you will need to 'sign in' or post your 'entry cards.' The number of Open Meets now using entry cards is very small, it is becoming normal practice for swimmers to 'sign in.' For some meets the coach needs to complete a 'withdrawal form' listing those swimmers that will not be competing, it is therefore very important that swimmers arrive on time
- Find the changing rooms. Please ensure that all valuables are locked away and not left in open lockers. The team will sit on poolside together, so look for some familiar faces
- A coach or team manager will usually be present to supervise the swimmers and control the warm up. Swimmers will need to listen to announcements about their race(s) and will have to report to the Competitor's Stewards prior to the start of their race(s).
- Once you have raced make sure that you swim down, if a swim down faciltiy is available. Then report to the Coach/Team Manager who will discuss your performance with you. Swimmers should not leave poolside unless they have permission from either the coach or team manager
- The Meet will usually start about 10 minutes after the warm-up has finished. Remember to keep silent at the start of all races
- According to ASA law (and for insurance purposes), parents are not allowed on poolside unless they are serving in an official capacity. Swimmers should not enter the spectator area unless they have dried off and are wearing trainers or other suitable footwear
Problems for Swimmers at Galas and Meets
- Lost Cards, Late for Warm Up or Illness - contact the coach immediately.
- Broken Goggles and Torn Hats - Always bring spare goggles and spare hat to all competitions.
- Disqualification - This will occur if the swimmer does something illegal e.g. incorrect turns or finish, incorrect leg or arm action, or false starts. Disqualification will probably happen to the vast majority of swimmers, there is no harm in making mistakes providing you learn from them.
- Problem During a Race - If you feel ill during a race then you should stop immediately and leave the pool, ensuring that you do not get in the way of other swimmers. If your hat or goggles come off then you should try to finish the race. At the end of the race the swimmer must stay in the water until told to leave by the Referee of delegated official.
Parents at Galas and Meets
- At most galas and open meets you will be charged an entry fee. This may or may not include a programme and raffle ticket(s). The entry fee varies from one gala/open meet to another.
- If attending an open meet you are advised to bring food and plenty of drinks with you for the day - some pools have good cafeterias, but can be expensive. Don't forget food and drinks for the swimmer!!
- Be prepared for a long wait, the average gala will last approximately 2 hours and most are held on a Saturday evening, starting at about 6.00pm. Open Meets are normally held over a Saturday and Sunday, some over 3 or 4 days with National Age Group and Youth Competitions lasting 4 or 5 days. The meet will be split into sessions with each session lasting approximately 2 - 3 hours.
- You are advised to dress in light clothes - most swimming pools are very hot and humid. If at an open meet it is a good idea to bring a cushion as sitting on a hard plastic or wooden seat for several hours does become uncomfortable.
- The use of cameras is allowed at most competitions, however you will need to register your details before being allowed to use a camera, video-camera or mobile phone camera at galas and open meets. This is a requirement of the ASA's Child Protection Policy - (Child Protection FAQs).
Supporting Your Child
- Be prepared for your child not to swim up to your expectations!
- Attending galas and open meets are part of the development process. It is a learning experience for your child as much as providing opportunities to achieve qualifying times for higher level competitions such as County, Regional (District)and National Championships.
- Supporting your child through a disappointing swim is as important as giving praise when they swim well.
- Please do not be tempted to 'Coach' your child, although you may think you are helping your child to swim better by offering technical advice on 'how to race', this is normally counter-productive. Areas of concern should be discussed with your child's coach by arranging a meeting.
Swimming Glossary and Terms
New to swimming? Overheard a comment that you do not understand? Then read the Swimming Glossary and Terms and the guidance for Bagcat competitions, so you know what others are talking about!