Affiliated To ASA East Midland Region & Derbyshire ASA
Open Galas
Hi, my name is John Staniforth and I am Open Gala Secretary for Dronfield Dolphins, I am assisted by Malcolm Pratt. I hope you find the following information about ‘Open Galas’ useful. The above link ‘What Does It Take To Be A Dolphin?’ is well worth reading in addition to the following.
Basic Points
Types Of Galas:
‘A’ Grades - Suitable for the more experienced swimmer.
‘B’ & ‘C’ Grades - More geared to give swimmers the chance to swim against competitors of similar ability. These galas often have cut-off times.
‘Designate’ Galas - These galas are more geared to swimmers aiming for their ‘National & District’ qualifying times.
Cost:
Entry costs are usually between £2.50 and £4.75 per event, and swimmers can enter as many events as they wish.
How To Enter:
You will normally find John or Malcolm at Dronfield Sports Centre on Wednesdays through to Mondays. Alternatively you can always send an e-mail. (see below).
THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE NEW SWIMMING PARENT
Congratulations! You have just joined a swimming club. The following are some observations from those of us who have gone before.
Necessary Stuff: Suits and goggles
The basic items needed are a suit and a pair of goggles. Going out and paying the equivalent for an inch of fabric as a Tokyo building plot for the first suit is not the best way to start. However, it is best to have two suits, one to wear at training and one for galas. The training suit will get worn and slow, and a gala suit needs to be snug and fast. When the gala suits wears out it becomes a training suit!
A couple of pairs of goggles are important because they always break at the wrong time.
The First Gala
Start with a swim bag the size of your child, stuff it with everything you would normally take to training (excluding floats & fins) and then double it! Also include warm clothing for your child. Pack light snacks and drinks (no glass bottles), ask the coaches for more advice as to what to eat on the day of a gala. Do not forget that spectating at indoor pools get extremely warm so wear clothes that will keep you cool. If you are taking non-swimming brothers and sisters pack some creative fun things for them.
Parents’ Role
Good sportsmanship starts with you; cheer your child and your team. Remember that improvement and personal accomplishments are more important than winning.
Competitive swimming provides many benefits to young athletes. They develop self-discipline, good sportsmanship and time manage ment skills. Competition allows the swimmer to experience success and to learn how to deal with defeat, while becoming healthy and physically fit.
As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving and supportive environment. This positive environment will encourage your child to continue. Show your interest by ensuring your child’s attendance at practices, and encouraging them to enter open galas.
Parents are not participants on their child’s team, but contribute to the success experienced by their child and their team. Parents serve as role models and their attitudes are often emulated by their children. Be aware of this and strive to be positive models. Most importantly, show good sportsmanship at all times towards coaches, officials, opponents, teammates and their families.
Be Enthusiastic and Supportive
Remember that your child is the swimmer. Children need help to establish their own goals, but make their own progress towards them. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals.
Do not over burden your child with winning or achieving best times. The most important part of your child’s swimming experience is that they learn about themselves whilst enjoying the sport. This healthy environment encourages learning and fun which will develop a positive self-image within your child.
One of the best ways to help a child achieve their goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake, but if that should happen, remember they are still learning. Encourage their efforts and point out the things that they did well. As long as they have given their best effort you should make them feel like a winner.
Please Also Read: ‘What Does It Take To Be A Dolphin?’
Click On Name To Send An E-Mail: John Staniforth Malcolm Pratt
The information on this page has been supplied by John Staniforth (Open Gala Secretary). Any forthcoming Open Galas will be shown on the Left with Links to Entry Forms & Relevant Information.
IF YOU NEED MORE ADVICE PLEASE ASK YOUR COACH OR CONTACT JOHN STANIFORTH or MALCOLM PRATT.
IF YOU NEED MORE ADVICE PLEASE ASK YOUR COACH OR CONTACT JOHN STANIFORTH or MALCOLM PRATT.
FORTHCOMING
OPEN GALAS
Updated 3/07/09
Please Take Note
Of Entry Deadlines
OPEN GALAS
Updated 3/07/09
Please Take Note
Of Entry Deadlines
