York City Baths Club

Competitive Swimming……….What to do.  

You will receive information from your squad secretary approx 6-8 weeks prior to a gala date. Make a note of the dates in your diary and fill in the entry form with your chosen events. (you may wish to discuss the entries with your coach).  You must include a personal best time for each entry and you should indicate whether the time is short course (25m) or long course (50m). If you have not swum an event before or you do not have a time ASK YOUR COACH. Do not expect the entries secretary to do it. Entries submitted without a time may not be accepted.

KEEP THE GALA INFORMATION SHEET SAFE WITH A RECORD OF THE EVENTS YOU HAVE ENTERED.

Make sure you have included your middle initial (if you have one)  your date of birth and your ASA registration number then pass the entries form to your squad secretary ASAP (and before the closing date) along with a cheque for the correct amount. If you are not accepted for a swim the entry fee will be refunded.

In the week prior to the gala you will receive your entry cards or confirmation of your events from your squad secretary. Check the entries against your records to ensure that they are correct. Also check the dates of swims, times entered, and make a note of warm-up time, start time and the time by which cards must be posted. (usually the warm-up time). Remember that galas usually start warm-up at 8.00am and finish around 5.00pm or later. Plan your day!! Find out where the pool is, get directions if you haven’t been before. Ask about parking. Check the YCBC website.

Prior to a major meet your coach may alter the training to include ‘peak performance’ or taper work and you may have rest nights included in the preparation, ie; no training. The nights off training are specifically there for you to REST. Use the opportunity to go to bed at a reasonable hour.

In the week before your swims you will need to start ‘carbohydrate loading’.

Bread,  pasta,  pizza and potatoes are all a good source of carbohydrates. These are the fuel for your energy system but don’t overdo it!  Remember, ‘A car will not run without petrol‘.  If you eat sensibly you will burn off what you eat in training.

The day before you swim prepare your swim bag. Check……..

1. You have enough swim suits to wear a dry suit prior to all heats and finals throughout the meet.

2. Racing goggles and a spare pair. Check the condition of straps and that they are tight enough.

3. Y.C.B.C. cap and a spare.

4. At least 2 towels. You may also use a body ‘shammy’ to get excess water off and keep your main towels dry. Pack a plastic bag to keep clothes dry.

5. Drinks bottles. Enough for you to keep sipping throughout the day to avoid de-hydration. ( No fizzy drinks)

6. Inhalers or any other medication you require. Make sure your coach is aware and if necessary complete an ASA declaration for prescribed medication.

7.  YCBC Tracksuit, YCBC ’T’ shirts, sweatshirts and poolside shoes.  Remember it can be cool on poolside as well as hot. It is important that you stay warm.

8.  You will need a pack up. Refer to your nutrition sheet and have snacks with you to be eaten throughout the day. Bananas are particularly good for energy and digestion

On the day of competition allow plenty of time for your journey and plan to arrive 15 minutes before the warm-up time. Make sure you go to the right pool,  in the right city. Many people have made this simple mistake. Don’t arrive at Leeds when you should be in Sheffield!!!!!

As soon as you arrive at the pool POST YOUR CARDS.  Post your cards yourself. Do not rely on parents or anyone else. They are your responsibility so you take charge of them.

If it is a gala without entry cards and you wish to withdraw from an event you must inform the meet organisers of your withdrawal prior to the start of warm-up. If you do not withdraw you can be fined £10.00 per event

Get changed ready for warm-up wearing an older costume and meet up with coaches and other YCBC swimmers on poolside. Lock your clothes etc in a locker and take your swim bag onto poolside. Always put your equipment back in your bag. When you need it you will know exactly where it is. 

When cards are re issued you will need to keep them safe. The card must be passed to the timekeeper in your lane prior to your swim. Do not tear it or destroy it in some other way. Your times will be recorded on it and it will be re issued again if you make a final.

Check the programme and ensure that you are on poolside at least 2  events before you swim. Coaches are responsible for you whilst you are on poolside Not when you are on the balcony. Parents are not allowed on poolside. Never go on the balcony when wet or without shoes and clothing

After you have swum always check the results displayed on a wall to see if you are required for a final or presentation and inform coaches before you leave poolside. If you do not wish to swim in a final you must inform the meet organisers within half an hour of finishing your heat swim.

RECORD ALL YOUR TIMES FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

If you are unsure about anything please ask.

Good luck, swim fast and you will enjoy your competitions.

Andrea Ellis and Alan Sunderland

Coaches

YCBC