Swimmer Guidelines for Competitions

When swimming in competitions swimmers must:

• Try at all times to be available when selected.
• Give proper notice if unavailable .Swimmers who fail to scratch (be marked as unavailable) from events will be fined.
• Report to coach/accompanying adults in the correct place at the correct time.
• Swim as per selection.
• Give maximum efforts at all times.
• When required, to be correctly kitted out with club gear.
• Vocally support fellow swimmers and show all swimmers courtesy.
• Obey without question and instructions from Gala Officials at all times.
• Ensure when representing the club that your behaviour is beyond reproach.
• On the day of the Gala do some light stretching an hour or so before the event.
• Make good use of the warm up as per Coach’s instructions to get used to the feel of the wall in the water. All pools are not the same; Backstroke swimmers should check the distance from flags to the wall during warm up;
• After the warm up, dry off and wear tracksuit or T-Shirt and keep warm;
• All swimmers should report to the Gala Stewarts and ensure to be on time at the Marshalling Area before swimmer(s) event;
• No swimmer may leave the designated swim area in which the Gala is taking place without the permission of the coach/team manager.
• Swimmers should not challenge or show any form of dissent of any decision by the Race Referee or any other Official, as such a challenge may result in disciplinary measures being applied.
• In the event of a fine being levied due to the swimmer failing to turn up, this must be paid by the swimmer or his parents/guardians.
• It is not the Coach’s duty to look after children at Galas.

• It is important for the swimmer to be prepared for the event. Remember to bring drinks & snacks with you as often there is no time between swims to go & get anything.  Also on poolside at most venues you need to wear flip flops or pool shoes. 
• VERY IMPORTANT at all competitions/galas/away trips/tours each child under 10yrs must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/designated adult. Such designated adult must on each occasion be requested in advance and have consented to act as such. Generally the adult/child over 10yrs ratio will be 1-10. This is subject to the nature of activity/trip etc. All supervision must be by adults in pairs of the appropriate gender.strong>