1

The names of children selected to represent the club are always posted on the club notice board usually about one week before a gala.  Names should be ticked as soon as possible to enable reserve swimmers to be asked if necessary.

2

There is usually no charge for swimmers in club galas.

3

Times stated for galas are usually “warm-up” times.  Swimmers should be at the pool 10 minutes before this time.

4

Travel arrangements should be carefully checked.  A coach is usually provided for swimmers and supporters if the venue is some distance away.  A small charge will be made to cover the cost of hiring a coach.  Please indicate on the team list if you are making your own arrangements for traveling to an away gala or it will be assumed that you will be using the coach.  Obviously, it is preferable that swimmers and spectators use the coach provided as, apart from the team spirit which develops, it helps offset the costs at hiring it.

5

By ticking their names swimmers are indicating that they will be available to swim at the gala.  The coaches will decide which event or events the swimmers will participate in.  On certain occasions swimmers may only be required to swim in one event although 2 (or more) is more often the case.

6

Swimmers are encouraged to wear club swim wear, caps and shirts whenever possible at galas.  Under no circumstances should children wear other club caps or shirts whilst representing Rossington.

7

Swimming gear should be clearly named, preferably including the club name, to enable swimmers to be reunited with errant caps, costumes, goggles and towels particularly at away galas.

8

Swimmers should make use of facilities for ensuring the safety of their clothes and valuables. Lockers, for example, should be used whenever they are available.  Clothes should not be left loose in changing rooms.  It is advisable for swimmers to bring 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 coins as lockers are often coin operated.

9

The club recommends 2 towels and tops, particularly for younger swimmers to avoid getting cold in between swims or after warm up.

10

Swimmers are requested not to have picnics on the poolside and are also strongly advised not to eat or drink at all between swims.

11

No glass bottles should ever be taken into the changing rooms or onto the poolside by swimmers or spectators for very obvious reasons.

12

Team managers will inform swimmers well before they are needed for a swim.  They would appreciate not being “pestered”.  Swimmers should be available on the poolside to swim whenever they are requested to do so by team managers.  They should only leave the poolside if the team manager has been informed.

13

It is suggested that inexperienced swimmers spend some time before a gala practicing diving in with goggles on if they are to be used in a race.  Many new swimmers do not have their goggles adjusted correctly or tightly enough and are at a great disadvantage if they come off on entering the water.

14

When the referee’s whistle is blown before the start of a race there should be no noise or movement which could distract a swimmer who is about to race.

15

When swimmers have climbed onto the blocks they should stand well back until the starter announces “Take your marks …” Only then should swimmers step to the edge of the starting block.

16

At the end of a race swimmers must stay in the water until told to climb out by an official (the referee).  This does not apply in a relay race except in the case of the final swimmer.

17

Many other rules and laws about racing are contained In the A.S.A. booklet “Laws of the Sport” which should be available from any large bookshop.  We strongly suggest that children or their parents should read the section on racing (only about 20 pages) if they are involved in swimming galas.

18

Swimmers who are representing Rossington A S C are ambassadors for the club and their behaviour should be exemplary at all times.  The club has a very good reputation and it is important that we keep it.  The committee will deal severely with any member of the club whose behaviour is not of an acceptable standard.