We Currently Need a volunteer for the position of Championship Secretary to help the club compete in Local Galas & Open Meets
Gala Entry
- Bradford Dolphin swimmers may enter two types of galas, Local Galas or Open Meets, see 2024 details below
- Depending on which gala/competition is being entered, there will be different criteria for age groups e.g. age on day of competition or age at 31st December. Swim Club Manager helps us invite the correct swimmer to the correct event, so please ensure your info is upto date.
- There may also be a requirement to provide an entry time, as some galas have “slower than” times others have “faster than” times. Again Swim Club Manager helps us manage these requirements and select suitable swimmers for each event.
- Swim times are available for each swimmer/parent to view on Swim Club Manager/ My Swimming/ Swim Times.
- Emails to all eligible swimmers for each gala will be sent out, please click on the link on the bottom of these emails to see the events available to each swimmer.
Gala Competition Day
- Always check the start times etc the day before the gala – this is the parent/swimmer responsibility.
- Ensure that you have all equipment, drinks and snacks/food.
- We ask that all swimmers wear Bradford Dolphin club T-bag’s at all competitions. This helps portray a professional appearance for the club and also supports team identity. In addition, all swimmers should have with them a spare costume, 2 pairs of goggles, Dolphin hat (essential for girls). Please note that loose shorts are unsuitable attire, swim jammers are required for boys.
- Arrive in plenty of time – at least 15 minutes before your warm up.
- Get changed and let your Coach know you have arrived.
- Be ready for warm up on time and ensure that it is relevant to the stroke/ distance you are swimming – check with your Coach if you are unsure.
- Follow the instructions of your Coach/ Team Manager at all times.
- Speak to your Coach immediately after your swim for a debrief and feedback.
- Check to see if you have made a final before leaving the pool.
- Do not leave the pool side without permission from your Coach/Team Manager
- After the gala ensure that you have all your equipment and rubbish with you before leaving the pool
- If you are unable to swim in a gala where you have been entered, either as an individual or team swimmer, it is imperative that you notify the Head Coach as soon as possible. This will enable the Head Coach to re-plan team events and call in reserve swimmers if required
Gala Photography (including mobile phones)
- The club reserves the right to take photographs /video at Dolphin Galas (in line with the recommendations of the Swim England Child Protection Policy).
- Photographs may be used for promotional purposes and parent permission is obtained via the membership form.
- In line with the recommendation of the Swim England Child Protection Policy, any other person wishing to take photographs or video at galas/competitions must register their details at the entry desk. A record will be kept of the individual’s name and address.
- Specific details relating to photography registration will be announced over the PA system prior to the start of the gala.
- Photography is totally prohibited at some galas/competitions – please refer to the gala programme/announcements.
- Mobile phone use is prohibited at all pools as a condition of pool hire.
Post Gala
- Inline with Swim England guidelines the gala organiser will record & publish swim times achieved for each competitor.
- These swim times will be uploaded onto Swim Club Manager for each swimmer when they have been received.
- Swimmers are encouraged to review their achievements, ‘Did they get a personal best (PB)’, ‘Did they learn something new?’ and set personal goals for their next competition.
- Swimmers should discuss any concerns or goals with their coach.
Types of Galas
- Local Galas:
Bradford Dolphin Gala
We are currently looking for a suitable venue to hold the Bradford Dolphin Galas. These Galas are open to all club members. Entries are for individual swimmers at age group level.
COB Rising Stars Galas
Rising stars galas are open to swimmers aged 14 and under, they are an excellent introduction to competition for our youngest and inexperienced swimmers to help build confidence. Entry to individual events is limited with “times slower than”
Venue: Aireborough Pool – Please note this is a different venue from last year
Start 5.00pm - Finish 8.00pm
Rising Stars Winter Gala -Saturday 27th January 2024 - Entries Close 19th January
Rising Stars Spring Gala - Saturday 27th April 2024
Rising Stars Summer Gala - Saturday 27th July 2024
Rising Stars Autumn Gala - Saturday 26th October 2024
Airedale & Wharfedale Galas
A&W galas are open to swimmers aged 9 and over, these are great competitions for all but our youngest swimmers.
Venue: Aireborough Pool
Start 5.00pm or 6.00pm - Finish 8.00pm or 9.00pm
A&W Gala 1 - Saturday 9th March 2024
A&W Gala 2 - Saturday 13th April 2024
A&W Gala 3 - Saturday 17th May 2024
A&W Gala 4 - Saturday 22nd June 2024
A&W Gala 5 - Saturday 21st September 2024
A&W Mixed Teams Gala (U12 TEAM GALA) - Saturday 12th October 2024
A&W Winter Inter-Club Gala (TEAM GALA) - Saturday 30th November 2024
- Open Meets
Once a swimmer has built up confidence and experience at Local Galas it will then be time to think about Short Course Open Meets. In previous years we have entered into the following events, but again we need a Championship Secretary volunteer and additional Team Managers volunteers before we can enter swimmers to these meets. Generally Open Meets are open to swimmers 11 and over.
Team Jorvik
Venue: The John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds
Jorvik Viking Sprints - 15th June 2024 - Entries open end of February
Spenborough
Venue: The John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds
Spenborough Bonfire Bash - November 2024 (TBC)
Doncaster Dartes
Venue: The John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds
Doncaster Dartes September Sprints -Sunday 8th September 2024
Doncaster Dartes Swim-along-a-Santa December 2024 (TBC)
last updated: 05/02/2024