Stowmarket Swimming Club

Members > Newsletter articles - September 2005

Introduction to a Swimming Gala

Welcome to the world of competitive swimming. This is a rough guide for parents and swimmers who are new to competitive swimming or need a few things clarifying.

Why do swimmers enter Galas or Open Meets?

Competition gives swimmers a chance to measure their improvement.

Galas are different from Open meets. In a gala the swimmer is chosen by the Team Manager and is part of the team representing the club.

They will possibly be chosen to swim in an individual event but more importantly will form part of the relay team for their age group.

How do you know when you are chosen for a Gala?

If you are chosen to represent your club, the Team Manager will inform you, giving you a slip, to return letting them know whether you will/will not be able to swim.

What to take with you:

• Club T shirt

• Club Hat

• Towels

• Navy shorts/tracksuit bottoms

• Goggles (plus a spare pair)

• Swimming costume/trunks

• Drink & snacks

What to do when you get there?

On arrival at the gala, get changed and make your way onto poolside in your club gear. You will probably bump into a few team mates in the changing rooms. If not you will be able to find them on poolside.

Parents should go to the spectator area, they are not allowed at the water's edge, remembering that you will be expected to pay for watching and a programme. It is expensive to host a gala and this is one way of generating income.

Once on poolside:

The Team Manager/Coaches will be there and a team list will be pinned to the wall, for you to find out what you are swimming and when your race will be.

The Team Manager or Coach will inform the swimmers when and how to warm up.

Always stay with the team and inform the Team Manager/Coach on poolside if you are going back to the changing rooms for any reason, or to the toilets. If they need you they will be able to find you for your race.

You will be sent up to the start 3 races before your swim either on your own or with other members of your relay team.

At the end of the gala, or after your swim make sure you check with the Team Manager or Coach before leaving poolside. This is because at some galas the team needs to stay together right till the end of the gala, in case there are any presentations of awards.

Things to remember:

There are always people around who you can ask for advice if you are unsure.

Don't wear endurance type costumes for racing as they are thicker and may slow you down.

Open Meets

Open meets are where the swimmer is entered individually. The Club Coaches/Team Managers will normally advise you which Open Meets to enter your child into.

If you are new to competition, they will normally advise you of Open Meets the club is going to as a team, so you will not be alone.

What Gives you CRAMP?

Cramp is a common injury for athletes at all levels and affects the hardworking muscles such as the calves.

So what is CRAMP?

It is when a muscle goes into spasm and refuses to relax. Pain in affected muscles range from a slight spasm to agonising pain, and can last for a few seconds to 15 minutes.

Why do we get CRAMP?

There are three major factors:

Fatigue: Cramp sets in when muscles are tired
Hydration: We get cramp when we have not drunk enough fluid.
Conditioning: The less fit we are, the more likely we are to suffer.

It is common in most athletes and can set in during long bouts of exercise, particularly when a swimmer is dehydrating.

The immediate treatment for muscle cramp is to stretch and gently massage the muscle, the use of an ice pack is sometimes necessary in the severe cases.

How can you avoid CRAMP?

Warming up properly, keeping a good level of fitness and drinking lots of fluid and a nutritious diet.

*Keeping a drink on poolside can help reduce the risk of dehydration and cramp.*

Swimming Officials

All Swimming galas require a number of officials in order to take place.

1 Referee, sometimes 2

1 Starter

1 Chief Timekeeper, sometimes 2

2 Judges of Strokes (JoS)

2 Inspectors of Turns (IoT)

2 Finish Judges

At least 1 Timekeeper per lane

2 Clerks of Course (CoC) (1 male, 1 female)*

2 Recorders*

1 Announcer*

1 or 2 Door/Programme*

*The only qualification required is the willingness to help!

WITHOUT THE OFFICIALS THE GALAS CANNOT TAKE PLACE

We always need more people willing to qualify as officials, both Timekeepers and Judges, and the more offers we receive from parents of the younger swimmers the better. Remember the officials are just as important as the swimmers; both are the future of the club.

If you would like to find out more about becoming an official, please see Sue Duszynska.


Thursday nights
Stowmarket Swimming Club runs a special needs session on a Thursday nights. Not a lot of people know what goes on, but there are numerous volunteers who help to make it a very valuable session for the participants. It is proving to be a huge success and here are just a few stories from the parent's of the swimmers who take part.
We are so pleased that we saw the advert for the Thursday night special needs swimming sessions, in the Suffolk Autism project newsletter in January 2004. The sessions have given George the chance to learn to swim. It is so lovely for us to see our little boy swim he really enjoys being in the water and looks forward to it every week. With the help and understanding that the Stowmarket Swimming Club has given George, he has now got his 5 and 10 metres certificates. George used to just cling to us in the pool, but he now swims with confidence and a smile on his face. A big thank you to all of you who give up your time on a Thursday evening, it is very much appreciated. David, Susan and George	My son Aaron has been coming to the Thursday sessions for over a year now. I saw an advert in the Suffolk Autism Project's newsletter saying that the Stowmarket Swimming Club welcomed children with Autism and Aspergers! Aaron has Aspergers Syndrome which amongst other difficulties has affected his co-ordination, concentration and how he socialises with other people. When Aaron first started despite us paying for private one-to-one tuition he could not swim a length and was too anxious to get into the big pool with Debbie. Now there is no stopping him – he loves the classes and recently got his 400 metre badge. (Making it six badges Mum had to sew on his towel!) More importantly he has been able to socialise with all the young 'Seals' who help. They are all great role models and I really appreciate all the time and effort they have put in. I know they have not been told about any of the children's disabilities and yet they seem to know how to get the best out of our children. Aaron has great fun every week and I would like to thank all the adults and children who have encouraged him. Jo
A big thank you to Jo, David, Sue & George for their letters of appreciation and all the volunteers who are helping to make the Thursday night sessions such a success