Bradford Dolphin Swimming Club - Gala Information

Depending on the ability of the swimmer and on the advice of the Chief Coach, swimmers may be eligible to enter swimming galas and competitions.

All galas and competitions are subject to the rules of the ASA.

Swimmers must be members of the Bradford Dolphin SC and the ASA prior to entering galas and competitions.

Bradford Dolphin swimmers enter two types of galas:

A) Local Galas

  • Bradford Dolphin Gala – held twice yearly at Bradford Grammar School.  Open to all club members.   Entries are for individual swimmers at age group level
  • Airedale & Wharfedale – held throughout the year at Aireborough Pool, Guiseley.  Entry subject to Chief Coach discretion.  Entries are for individual swimmers and teams at age group level
  • Bradford & District – held throughout the year at Shipley Pool.  Entry subject to Chief Coach discretion due to higher qualifying requirements.  Entries are for individual swimmers and teams at age group level
  • Invitation Galas – where we swim as an invited club for points with an overall winner.  This is great for team spirit and experience

B) Open Competitions/ Graded Meets

On occasions, the Chief Coach may invite swimmers of the required ability to compete in Open Competitions which are of a higher standard than local galas.  See Q&A’s for further details.

Gala /competition entries

Entry forms for galas will be distributed by the Championship Secretary and will need to be completed and returned to the Championship Secretary by the designated closing date.

Any swimmer competing in an open/graded meet will be required to provide their ASA Registration number on the entry form.   Your ASA registration number is a six digit number which can be found on your ASA Registration Card distributed by the ASA Registration Officer.  If you cannot find your number, do not worry, please ask the ASA Registration Officer or the Championship Secretary.

Depending on which gala/competition is being entered, there may be different criteria for age groups e.g. age on day of competition or age at 31st December.  This will be clearly specified on the entry form.  There may also be a requirement to provide an entry time – please see your Coach if you have any concerns.

We ask that all swimmers wear Bradford Dolphin club costumes at all competitions.  This helps portray a professional appearance for the club and also supports team identity.    In addition, all swimmers should have with them a Dolphin T-bag, spare costume, 2 pairs of goggles, Dolphin hat (essential for girls) and sufficient liquid refreshment.  Please note that shorts are totally unsuitable attire.

Some galas operate an entry card system e.g. Airedale & Wharfedale.  Where this is the case, your card will be given to you prior to the gala and this will require ‘posting’ in a box in the pool foyer/outside the changing rooms.  The time by which the card needs to be posted will be stated.  If you lose your card or are likely to be late, please notify your Coach as soon as possible.

Gala/Competition Preparation

  • always check the start times etc the day before the gala – this is the parent/swimmer responsibility
  • ensure that you have all equipment and drinks/food
  • arrive in plenty of time – at least 15 minutes before your warm up
  • post your entry cards before getting changed
  • get changed and let your Coach know you have arrived
  • be ready for warm up on time and ensure that it is relevant to the stroke/ distance you are swimming – check with your Coach if you are unsure
  • follow the instructions of your Coach/ Team Manager at all times
  • speak to your Coach immediately after your swim for a debrief and feedback
  • check to see if you have made a final before leaving the pool
  • do not leave the pool side without permission from your Coach/Team Manager
  • after the gala ensure that you have all your equipment and rubbish with you before leaving the pool

 

Where you have any questions or concerns re galas, please contact the Championship Secretary for clarification.

If you are unable to swim in a gala where you have been entered, either as an individual or team swimmer, it is imperative that you notify the Chief Coach as soon as possible.  This will enable the Chief Coach to re-plan team events and call in reserve swimmers if required

Expected behaviour at galas – please see the Code of Conduct (Section 5)

Your record of achievements

It is recommended that you keep a record of your times achieved at galas/ competitions.  These times will be required for entry into open competitions when you reach this level.   You will find a record sheet in the back of the Club Handbook..

Photography at galas/competitions (including mobile phones)

The club reserves the right to take photographs /video at Dolphin Galas (in line with the recommendations of the ASA Child Protection Policy).  Photographs may be used for promotional purposes and parent permission is obtained via the membership form.

In line with the recommendation of the ASA Child Protection Policy, any other person wishing to take photographs or video at galas/competitions must register their details at the entry desk.  A record will be kept of the individual’s name and address.  Specific details relating to photography registration will be announced over the PA system prior to the start of the gala.

Photography is totally prohibited at some galas/competitions – please refer to the gala programme /announcements.

Mobile phone use is prohibited at all pools as a condition of pool hire.