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.