Team Galas
The Club competes in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Diddy League for swimmers in the 9 – 12 age groups. There are three galas in
this series, which takes place from April to June and the club competes against
other clubs in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas.
The Club also competes in the West Midlands region of
National Arena League which has three galas between October and December. In addition, we enter teams in local ‘friendly’ and novice
galas throughout the year for all age groups. Depending on the gala there can be any combination of ages
from 9 year old to Open (16 and above) age group. In novice galas our aim is to expose the lesser experienced
swimmers to gala conditions before they are thrown into a competitive league or
‘Open’ gala.
In both friendly and league team galas the criteria for
selection is on speed, strength of stroke and a commitment to swimming.
Dronfield Dolphins competes to win - we are a competitive club, and it should
be every swimmers aim to be selected to represent the club.
Teams are selected by the coaching staff, with co-operation
and consultation from the team managers. The Team managers are responsible for
the team on gala day. We try to inform swimmers as soon as possible that they
have been chosen to represent the club, which is usually at least two weeks
before a gala. When a swimmer is chosen to swim for the club, it is the
responsibility of the swimmer to confirm their availability with the Team
Manager. If transport is being arranged for the gala then the Team Manager
needs to know as soon as possible so that they know how many spaces are
required. If swimmers do not turn up for a gala or do not inform the
team manager in sufficient time then this could well affect their selection for
future galas. It is very difficult to find a substitute swimmer at short
notice; and one person missing could mean that a relay team cannot swim, thus
denying the team of valuable points.