Gala Tips

If you are chosen for a Club team gala, you must ensure you tick your name on the noticeboard and indicate if you will be travelling by car or coach (if there is one). You should be given a Gala Card by a Coach, detailing information about the gala.

You will be required to pay a match fee of £4 whether you travel by car or coach, and this is payable to a named parent (keep an eye on the team sheet). Most galas charge for spectators and this is generally £1 per person.

Remember

    ~ Always arrive promptly for a gala (preferably early) and certainly don't be late for the coach.
    ~ Ensure you listen to what the stewards tell you to do and act on it.
    ~ Be aware of when and what you are swimming. The stewards will be able to tell you.
    ~ If you need to leave poolside, please ensure you tell the stewards.
    ~ Even if you just go to the toilet - tell the stewards. They need to know where all the swimmers are.

What to take

Clothing:
    ~ Swimming costume/trunks.
    ~ Club hat.
    ~ Goggles.
    ~ Tracksuit/shorts and spare t-shirt/t-bag shirt for on poolside (to keep warm).
    ~ Poolside footwear (either proper poolside shoes or extra clean trainers).
    ~ 2 towels (one for use during the gala, and one for getting dry afterwards).

Food:
    ~ Drink in plastic bottle with secure lid. No need for anything special but not a fizzy drink.
    ~ Sandwiches, banana, pasta are suitable foods.
    ~ Don’t eat everything you have all at once! Eat gradually during the gala.

Open Galas

These differ from a Club Gala, in the fact that you have to pay for each event you enter, and there is a closing date for when an entry has to be made.

No match fee is charged, and you will need to make your own travel arrangements.

Most Open Galas will charge for spectators.

There will generally be either a Coach or parent/s on poolside to ensure the swimmers know what is going on. You should keep them informed if you leave poolside, for whatever reason.

The clothing and food requirements are the same, although Club hats are not compulsory, and you will need to ensure you have ensure you have enough food to last you for the whole length of the sessions.