First Competition

Preparation

Before arriving at the gala make sure you know which races you are in and when sign-in closes.
Make sure you have all your equipment and that it is clearly marked:

• Swimming costume x 2
• Goggles x 2
• Swan swimming cap
• Swan T-Shirt
• Towel
• Water bottle and healthy snack (see Nutrition)

On Arrival

The first thing you do is check in with your coach.

You will find that most of the swimmers and parents gather together in one area – ask
your coach or buddy in the club. After you put your gear down near the team, find your
coaches and let them know you have arrived.

Warm-up

Before the races start you will be allowed some time to warm up. This is a good opportunity to get your muscles warm, please discuss with your coach the warm-up routine you should be doing.
Near the end of your warm-up time some of the lanes will be set aside for practicing your starts.
After the warm-up put your Swan swimming pool T-shirt back on to keep warm.

Event

For each event there will be a number of heats. Swimmers are seeded based on their entry time, not their age. At the end of the event the swimmers will be classified in their respective age group based on the time that they achieved in their heat.

Before each event

Listen out for the announcement to go to the marshalling area for your event.
Once you hear the announcement tell your swim coach that you have gone to the marshalling area.
At the marshalling area there will be marshalls (usually parent helpers) who will organise all the swimmers for an event.

The marshalls will:
• line you up with others in your heat in lane order
• keep in this order as you move around the pool – the marshall will guide you
• make sure you know what event you are swimming and the number of lengths in your race
• keep your Swan Swimming T-shirt on until the last minute
• At the start of the heat before yours, you will be asked to stand behind the lane you will be swimming in
• It is very important you are quiet at the start of all races
• wait for instructions before taking your place at the side of the starting block

Start of the event

The Referee signals that a race is about to start by a series of blasts on a whistle, followed, when the swimmers and officials are ready, by a single long blast. At this point the swimmers step up onto the blocks or get into the water if it is backstroke.
When the swimmers are ready the Starter gives the command “Take Your Marks” followed by the signal to “Go”, which may be by shot, klaxon or command.

All swimmers and spectators should be silent for the start of each race

After each event

After you have swum, hold onto the lane rope until the next race starts at which stage you will be instructed by the officials to leave the pool by the side. Do not climb over the touchpads as you may damage them. Collect your belongings, put on your Swan Swimming T-shirt and then go to your swim coach to discuss your race.
After your discussion with your coach re-hydrate and have a healthy snack before your next event (see Nutrition)

BASIC RULES FOR THE START, STROKES AND FINISH:

The one-start rule

Any movement on the blocks is interpreted as the swimmer trying to gain an advantage. Therefore, all swimmers must remain “completely still” once they are in the starting position. Any movement at this time will disqualify the swimmer (even to adjust goggles!)

Breaststroke

Movement of hands and feet must be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane. At some point during each stroke the head must break the surface of the water. At the start and turn only one complete stroke may be made under the water (i.e. one arm pull followed by one leg kick) before the head breaks the surface. At the turns and at the finish, the two hands must touch at the same time. Elbows should remain in the water at all times except on the turn.

Butterfly

Movements of hands and feet must be simultaneous. Arms must be brought forward above the surface, and back on or below the surface. At the turns and at the finish, hands must touch at the same time at the same level. One or more leg kicks and one arm pull are permitted under the water at the start and turns.

Backstroke

Swimmers must remain on their back during the race except when executing a turn. During the turn the shoulders may turn over the vertical to the breast but the swimmer must have returned to a position on the back when leaving the wall. Gliding into the turn is disqualifiable. At the turn a touch must be made by some part of the swimmers body. At the finish, the touch may be made by hand, arm, shoulder or head and some part of the swimmers body must be above the water and the swimmer must remain on their back.

The flags across the pool are to assist backstroke swimmers and indicate 5m to the wall.

Individual Medley

Order of the swim – Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle

All of the above stroke rules apply. In addition, during the Backstroke to Breaststroke Turn swimmers must touch the wall on their backs and then can push off on their front.

The Finish

Stay in the water and hold onto the lane ropes until advised to leave by the side by an official.

Gala Types