Atlantis ASC Team Gala Guidelines

¨           At Sussex League / Invitation Events you are a member of the team and a representative of Atlantis S.C.  We expect your behaviour to be exemplary at all times.  This includes poolside, changing areas and reception areas.

¨           There will probably be 2 Team Managers at each event.  They will tell you when you should go to the whipping area for your events.  They may decide to switch teams around right up to the last minute so pay attention.  If you want to leave poolside, for whatever reason, you MUST tell your team manager - you may be required to swim at short notice.  Also, tell the team manager yourself, don't leave a message with someone else.

¨           If you are taking medication or carry an asthma inhaler, tell your Team Manager - or better still leave the medication with them for safe keeping.  Please note however, it is NOT the Team Manager's responsibility to ensure you take your medication.

¨           Take 2 towels with you - one for poolside to towel off after events and a dry one for when you eventually get changed

¨           To help keep warm between events you should take with you a loose T-shirt and a pair of shorts.  We expect these to be official club kit - e.g.: Gold 'T-bag' shirts, black shorts, track tops etc.  If swim caps are worn these should be the black Atlantis caps.  Lets look like a team who means business.

¨           Take a drink with you to sip between races - You should all have been given an Atlantis drinks flask.  Sports drinks can be expensive.  Diluted cordial with a small pinch of salt added is just as effective. NO FIZZY DRINKS.  Do not take glass bottles or canned drinks poolside.

¨           Use the warm up time and the time between events to familiarise yourself with the pool. Diving blocks have different heights - this can affect your start.  Is it a deck level pool?  Is there electronic timing? (Remember - you have to hit the pads on a finish).  Where is the electronic scoreboard situated so you can see your finishing position and your new PB time?

¨           At the end of the race, do NOT lean on the end of the pool - move away and rest on the lane ropes but do not hang over them.  Stay in your own lane and do NOT leave the water until told to do so by the referee.  ALWAYS exit the pool by the side - not over the end (especially when electronic timing is in use)

¨           Do NOT take sugary sweets or jelly for consumption poolside.  Sugar gives you an energy rush that only lasts a short while and leaves you more tired once it is fully absorbed.  A good meal, high in carbo-hydrates (pasta etc) an hour or so before the event will help to sustain your energy level.

¨           If you are not waiting to swim, it helps swimmers to have someone at the turn end to give encouragement.  Team Captains may appoint these tasks on a rota basis but if you see your lanes unsupported - offer to do it.

¨           Celebrate your own and your team mates' victories.  Congratulate your team mates on their efforts - even if they didn't win.  Be sporting - accept defeat gracefully and applaud your opponents' success.

¨           Once your final race is ended, you are expected to remain poolside to support your team.  Most team events end with a Squadron Race.  If you are not required to swim, you WILL be required to cheer your team on.  Only after the final results are announced should you leave the poolside to get changed - unless you have been given prior permission by the team manager / coach.

Enjoy your competitions - and Swim to Win.

These are what you have been putting all your hard work in training for.