Gala Entry Process explained
Gala Types
For squad swimmers there are generally two types of competitive galas, 'Open' & 'League' events.
League Galas
An example of these are Mini League & Essex League. Swimmers compete as a team gaining points depending on their finishing position. Individual points are totalled, team points awarded and league positions updated. You will only compete in this type of gala if chosen by our Team Selectors who will post the team up on the notice board/website at the earliest opportunity. If your name is on the team sheet you must place a tick against it indicating your availability or notify the Team Selectors that you are not available so that a replacement can be found.
On the day - you must ensure you turn up in good time and make yourself known to the Team Selectors and Coach.
There are no entry costs for the individual to compete in a League gala's.
Open Galas
These are open to any individual that meets the events requirements, i.e. a swimmer's event entry time must fall into a certain range, no slower than or no faster than the times listed for each event. The Runnymede Jingle Bells gala is an example of an open. Swimmers at opens will compete as individuals, normally the top three (sometimes top six) of each age group winning a medal or trophy. Our events calendar will indicate which opens are suitable for which squad, i.e. A-Academy / R-Rookie / S-Senior. Again you will be assumed available unless you notify your Coach otherwise. Your Coach will advise you as to which events they recommend each swimmer to compete in and they will pass on an agreed list to our Gala Secretary. You may be requested to complete an entry form containing your personal details & ASA number etc. It is the Gala Secretary's job to collate all entry forms & forward to the host gala club in good time.
You will have to pay for each event you are entered for, normally about £4 each. Once the entry list is finalised you are bound to pay the Gala Secretary regardless of any future withdrawal. Nearer the time the host club will return a list of accepted entries. As you may not have been accepted for all your events a refund will be organised. This accepted list will be published on the notice board/website.
On the day - Some opens will require you to sign-in when you turn up before the session starts and some will require you to post an entry card, in which case you will have received from the Coach beforehand.
Some tips:
- Keep an eye on the Notice Board/website for latest gala/team information, including warm-up times, maps/directions, what to wear/bring etc.
- Open gala's are becoming increasingly over-subscribed and will accept entries on a first come - first serve basis. It is therefore imperative that as a Club we get our entries and monies in at the earliest opportunity so please help us with this.
- Remember you will be assumed available to attend ALL suitable galas unless you notify your Coach/Team Selector beforehand.
- Keep you PB's (personal best) times up to date.
- Keep your ASA number handy.
- Team Selectors - Ann & Brendan Robinson
- Gala Secretary - Sue Fowler
- Any questions just ASK.
