Entering a Swimming Gala
Whether it's your first gala or your hundredth race, diving into the world of competitive swimming can be very exciting— and yes, maybe a little nerve-racking too (totally normal!). This guide is here to help you navigate every part of the journey so you can show up feeling confident, cool, and totally prepared.
Types of Swimming Galas — Explained Simply
D&G Mini Meets |
✓ Internal and informal club events designed for very young swimmers ✓ Super relaxed and fun—no pressure! ✓ Helps swimmers get used to what happens at galas |
Club Championships & Time Trials |
✓ Held within your own club ✓ Great for tracking progress and testing yourself ✓ A brilliant starting point for beginners |
Open Meets |
✓ Official, licensed competitions open to swimmers from many clubs ✓ You'll need to meet qualifying times to take part ✓ Great for gaining experience and working towards championships |
League Galas
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✓ Team-based events where clubs compete against each other ✓ Scores are added up to determine the overall club performance ✓ A fun way to swim alongside teammates and build club spirit |
Championships |
The big ones! These include: • County Championships (N&Ds) • Regional Championships (NERs) • National Championships Each level has strict qualifying standards. Swimmers must hit set times and enter through the usual D&G club mechanisms. |
Your D&G SQUAD REP will let you know when a gala is open for entry
Entering a Gala - Procedure
Step 1: Talk to Your Coach
Your swimmer should chat with their coach to decide which events to enter. The coach can guide them based on experience, progress, and goals.
Step 2: Log into your Club Organiser Account
• Click on Payments
• Select Fixture/Gala Payment
Step 3: Choose Your Gala & Events
• You'll see a list of galas your swimmer is eligible to enter
• Click into the gala
• Select your swimmer's chosen or eligible events
Step 4: Checkout & Payment
• Complete the checkout process
• Make payment for the selected events
Step 5: Confirmation
• Once payment is complete, you'll receive an email confirming your swimmer's gala entry
CLICK FOR SWIM ENGLAND COMPETITION GUIDANCE
What to Bring to a Swimming Gala
VIEW FULL KIT REQUIREMENTS HERE
Club Gear |
• D&G Club T-shirt for team spirit & warmth • D&G Club hat |
Race Essentials |
• Race suit (comfortable and competition-ready) • Goggles (plus a spare pair just in case!) • Towels — at least two (one for poolside, one to dry off) |
Poolside Comfort |
• Flip-flops or sliders • Keeps feet dry and safe around the pool area |
Food & Hydration |
• Water bottles — hydration is key! • Healthy snacks for energy boosts: - Bananas and flapjacks are top choices! - Light sandwiches, rice cakes, or dried fruit also work well Why it matters: Swimming uses a lot of energy, and your body needs fuel to perform and recover. Staying hydrated keeps you focused and feeling good. |
Entertainment |
• A book, tablet, or music to pass the time between races • Headphones (for quiet moments) • Something relaxing to help keep nerves calm Be careful with expensive electronics near the water! |
On Gala Day — What to Expect
Arrive Early!
Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before warm-up begins. Your coach or squad rep may ask for specific arrival instructions—check in with them the day before if you're unsure.
Warm-Up Time
Warm-ups are usually split by gender and age group. Listen out for announcements so you're ready at the right time.
Race Heats
Swimmers race in heats grouped by entry times, not by age. Don't be surprised if you're swimming alongside older or younger athletes—just focus on your swim!
Results & Medals
Medals and rankings are based on age group, not heat position. You might win a medal even if you weren't first in your heat—so every second counts, race right to the end!
Withdrawals
If you can't swim in an event, let your coach or club know as early as possible. Refunds are rare unless there's a medical reason—check the specific meet rules for details.
Team Managers
Every gala will have 2–3 Team Managers poolside. They're there to support swimmers, answer questions, and help with any extra needs. If your child has any medical or personal requirements, Team Managers should be informed ahead of time so they can help.
Swimming Gala Success Tips
✓ Track Your PBs
Keep a record of your Personal Bests (PBs) to see how you're improving over time. Even small improvements are huge wins—progress is the goal!
✓ Talk to Your Coach
Not sure which events to enter? Ask your coach! They know your strengths and can guide you toward the right races.
✓ Don't Fear Disqualifications
Every swimmer gets DQ'd at some point—it's all part of the learning process. Ask any one of our older performance swimmers and they'll tell you - DQs made them a better swimmer! Use it as a chance to improve your technique and understanding of the rules.
✓ Celebrate Every Swim
Effort and growth matter just as much as results—so be proud of every splash!
Gala Levels in More Detail
Swim England have produced an Open Meet Licensing Criteria document that provides a full explanation of the different levels of galas available. Below is a summary – here is the full Swim England Open Meet Licensing Criteria
"Every swimmer must have the opportunity to swim in appropriate, quality competition to enable them to achieve their true potential"
Level 1
Meets at this level include long course National, Regional and County Championships.
Purpose: To enable athletes to achieve qualifying times suitable for entry into National, Regional and County Championships.
Pool Length: Long course (50m) only.
Entry Criteria: A minimum qualifying time is required. Swimmer's submitted entry time can be verified in Rankings and must be from Level 1 or 2 for National events, and from Level 1, 2 or 3 for Regional and County Championships.
Level 2
Meets at this level include short course National, Regional and County Championships.
Purpose: To enable athletes to achieve qualifying times suitable for entry into National, Regional and County Championships.
Pool Length: Short course (25m) only.
Entry Criteria: A minimum qualifying time is required. Swimmer's submitted entry time can be verified in Rankings and must be from Level 1 or 2 for National events, and from Level 1, 2 or 3 for Regional and County Championships.
Level 3
Purpose: To enable athletes to achieve times suitable for entry into Regional and County Championships and other Meets at Level 1 or Level 2.
Pool length: Long course (50m) or Short course (25m)
Qualification Standards: Upper cut-off times are required for entry, and lower qualifying times may be set.
Level 4
Exceptionally, Open Meets which are not Levels 1, 2 or 3, (e.g. Borough Championships), and events meeting the Swim England criteria for a Low Level Competition which are:
A single club competition restricted to its members (as in Club Championships and Time Trials), or Inter-club competitions providing:
- The event does not include more than eight clubs
- The participating clubs must be invited by the promoter to take part in the event
- The promoter has supplied the conditions for the event
- The whole event takes place in one pool on one occasion and does not form a series of events
Purpose: For the development of inexperienced athletes and those seeking to compete outside their own club environment. Times recorded are suitable for entry into County Championships where acceptable to the County concerned, and Meets at Level 3.
Times are not acceptable for entry into Regional and National Events.