Your First Team Gala
It’s very exciting for both the swimmer and parent when you get the first selection for a team
gala so here’s some tips to ensure it goes smoothly.
Before You Go
 Where? Find out where the gala is and where you can park.
 Check the times of the gala and whether the sessions have changed or not! There
will be a gala page for most galas on the host swimming clubs website. This may
also include accepted entries so that you can check you are in all the races you
entered.
 Check which races you are swimming with the Coach/Team Manager. You will only
be told on the day of the gala not before.
 Pack your kit bag – See ‘Tips for Swimmers’ and ‘Checklist’
At The Gala
 Signing in. This is normally done by the Team Manager/Coach so make sure you let
them know you have arrived, they will let you know if you need to sign in yourself.
 Find your team mates. You will find the rest of your fellow team mates sitting in an
area by the pool with the coach. You must stay there in between the races and tell
the coach or any club officials if you are going off somewhere like to the toilet, so that
they know where you are and you don't miss any races. Some clubs don't like you
going into the balcony to see your parents as it gets water everywhere.
 Warm Up. All swimmers will take it in turns to practice their strokes before the races
they are about to swim. You should practice your strokes, sprinting and diving and
your backstroke stroke count so that you are confident about when to turn.
 Whipping. You then will need to wait until you are called for your race. This is called
whipping. The coaches will have the details of your races and usually there will be
someone from the club as well to help. You will need to take your hat and goggles,
but can leave your flip flops and t-shirt on if you want to.
 Start. When it is your turn to race, you will need to go and stand behind the starting
blocks and wait for the race before you to finish. During this time you can get your
hat and goggles ready and put your t-shirt and hat either in a box by the officials chair
or on the floor near them you can pick them up after.
 Last Minute Warming Up. You can also do some warming up exercises, like
jumping and stretching your arms.
 Start. When it is your turn to race you will need to go to the block and wait for the
referee to blow his/her whistle several times to indicate that you need to get on the
block and be ready to take your position, followed by a single long blast. This
indicates that you need to get in your ready position or jump in the water for back
stroke. After the starter has said "Take Your Marks", you must not move until you
hear the starting signal
 At the end of your race the referee may ask all the swimmers to leave the pool in
preparation for the next race.
 Or you may need to wait in the water holding the lane rope until told otherwise. Make
sure you do not move whilst the next race is starting.
 Once the race has started you may leave the pool and fetch your t-shirt and flip flops.
 Coach. Return to your coach and team mates. Your coach will want to give you
some feedback about how you raced.
 Disqualification. Most swimmers are disqualified at least once, usually several
times, when they start swimming. DO NOT WORRY! Just find out why you were
disqualified and learn from your mistake. Sometimes it is confusing when you are
swimming in a different pool or racing for the first time. Even the older experienced
swimmers sometimes get disqualified when they aren't thinking.
 Make sure you drink lots and eat between the races (but not just before!)