A guide to competitions and galas for swimmers and parent

Swim England Performance Pathway.

Chorley Marlins is a competitive swimming club and all members are encouraged to compete in competitions; whether that is in our own internal club galas, team events or individual open events.
If you are new to competitive swimming then the following information will be useful, committee members and liaison officers are usually on hand at the weekends to help with any queries you may have.
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There are many benefits to entering galas:

• it enables swimmers to track their progress,
• Swimmers then stretch themselves to achieve personal best times (PB’s),
• Put into practice everything they have been learning in training,
• Watch more experienced swimmers and gain valuable knowledge,
• Represent Chorley Marlins Club and be part of a team,
• Have fun and meet new friends,
• Sense of achievement.

The Marlins website or the Marlins notice board (Situated outside the café at All seasons leisure centre) is a good way to find out about upcoming galas, if you are unsure whether you can enter, please speak to Mary (Head Coach), Claire (competitions officer) or a member of the committee who are usually at the pool from 5pm on Saturdays & Sundays.  The entry forms for galas can be downloaded from the website or can be found on the notice board.  Please ensure the entry forms and payments are in by the closing date, otherwise you may not be able to enter.
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Once your child has started to swim in competitions their personal best times will be kept on the ASA website www.swimmingresults.org/biogs/ here you can enter the child’s surname, then find forename and you will find times and will be able to keep a track on progress.

Gala Day hints and tip

Don’t panic! If it’s your 1st gala or your 100th gala, you will feel nervous it is perfectly normal and just remember everyone is feeling the same.  There will always be coaches and chaperones on poolside to help and guide you throughout the day, please ask if there is anything that you are worried about.
Make sure you pack your bag the night before especially if it’s an early start.
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Here is a checklist of things you may need:

• Swimming costume or jammers
• Marlins swimming hat
• 2 pairs of goggles (1 as spare)
• 2 towels (you will need one poolside with you)
• A pair of flip flops or poolside shoes
• Marlins t-shirt/hoodie (It can become cold on poolside between races)
• A healthy drink (Not fizzy and in a plastic bottle)
• Snacks
• Something to keep you occupied on pool side e.g. iPod and headphones, tablet, phone, book etc.

Make sure you arrive at the venue with plenty of time before the warm-up, please report straight to the coach on poolside, it is very important the coach knows you are here.  If you are not swimming for any reason please let the coach know as soon as possible so you can be withdrawn from the event.  Make sure you familiarise yourself with the venue and ask if you are unsure about anything.
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Please cheer for your teammates on the day and enjoy yourself. Please stay poolside until the coach dismisses you.  Do not go outside on your own.  Parents are not permitted on poolside at a competition. 
 
For further information on diet and fluids before, during and after an event please see: www.swimming.org/masters/what-to-eat-during-swimming-competitions/
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