Gala Types Explained
As a Club we regularly compete in team galas at all different levels whether it be Mini League, Essex League or Junior Speedo League. We also regularly enter teams of swimmers for open galas at various levels, which include novice galas, county galas going right through to regional and national galas.
We strive to participate in a varied range of galas in order to accommodate as many of our club members as possible.
Splash Nights
Usually the first taste of competition within our club. Although swimmers compete in "heats" they are in effect competing against themselves. The main aim of these events are for individuals to improve on their previous times while maintaining good style and keeping to the laws of swimming. Usually run three or four times throughout the year at Gloucester Park or Wickford and results posted on the notice boards & certificates awarded to all. Participation may lead to ASA Speed awards & selection for external club galas.
Club Championships
Not to be missed. This prestigious annual Club event held at Gloucester Park is open to ALL club members regardless of age or ability and all are encouraged to compete, even parents. It covers a vast array of events over a number of days culminating in a dedicated awards presentation evening later in the year.
Junior Speedo League Galas
These are mainly for our younger swimmers who are just starting to swim competitively. These inter-club galas take place at various locations dependent on the clubs that are in our league and tend to be on Sunday afternoons. This is a 'team' competition for swimmers up to 12 years where points are scored depending on each swimmers placing. There are two divisions in our region with 12 teams in each division. The top team from Division One goes forward to compete in a regional eliminator for the national final. Each year the bottom three clubs in division 1 are relegated and replaced by the top three teams in division 2.
Essex Mini League Galas
This inter-Club team competition is aimed at the under 13-age group. The league operates a time-faulting system where each event has a standard time set and if swimmers break that time they score no points. This is to encourage novice competitors with an opportunity for them to develop confidence. This means that these galas are not always suitable for our faster swimmers. Points are scored depending on each swimmers placing. Each club is involved in a series of galas with a final at the end of the season.
Essex League Galas
This is a higher level of competition, which provides opportunities for various age groups, U-11, U-13, U-15 and Open groups. Clubs compete in four galas with the team's place in each determining the level of competition (promotion) in subsequent galas.
Essex County Championships
The Essex County ASA Championships are restricted to swimmers who have attained the county qualifying times. The Club's Development Plan assumes that our top swimmers will be aiming at this event. This is an individual based competition with team events in relays. We have had success recently with both individual and team County Champions.
Open Galas
There are all sorts of levels of open galas, some opens are for novices whilst others are for much more experienced swimmers. These are individual entry based competitions where the minimum and maximum entry times are decided by the organisers thus limiting entries that are either too fast or too slow. Open galas are often big events with hundreds of entries and competition spread out over two or three sessions in one day, or even over two days. The target range of these galas is quite varied. The main difference between Open Galas and Team Events is that you have to pay an entry fee for each race.
National Speedo League
This is a very high standard national competition that is divided into 7 regional leagues. There are two divisions within the London league. Caters for the following age groups 9-11, 13 and under, 15 and under & Open. There are 24 teams in London Division 1. The league winners compete in the national A final and the runners up compete in the national B final (both at Ponds Forge, Sheffield). Each year the bottom four clubs in the division are relegated and replaced by the top four teams in division 2.
What you need for a Gala
- Racing costume/trunks - ideally in black
- Club swimming hat spare
- Club T-Shirt
- Club tracksuit
- Goggles spare
- At least two towels
- Pool shoes (suggested)
- Plenty of water/squash to drink
- A light energy snack (Avoid fizzy drinks and chocolate until after your swims!)
If you have any questions about galas, why not ask the Team Selectors or your Teacher/Coach!
It is important that you keep an eye on the notice board and website for all the latest gala information & team sheets.
