1. Entries are limited to one boy/girl per section for each event. Children under the age of 8 may not compete and competitors should be current members of the pack / troop.
2. A boy/girl may enter only ONE event and one relay. They will not be permitted to enter a race to swim for fun/ or no points, as this is confusing for the spectators, judges and scorers.
3. Ages count on the day of the Gala.   To enter under 9½ events a competitor must have been born on or after 17//04/2000.  The maximum age for a cub scout is 10¾ providing they are still an active member of the cub pack. To enter under 12½ events a competitor must have been born before 17/04/97 The maximum age for a Scout is 14½ providing they are still an active member of the Troop.
4. A boy/girl may enter is his/her own age group OR the age group above BUT can only swim in one age group within his/her section.
5. All boys/girls must be an invested member of the Scout Movement of the day of the Swimming Gala.
6. Swimmers may choose a standing start or a diving start (except those starting in the shallow end, where for safety reasons a diving start is not allowed) competitors in all events must look to their starting, turning and finishing positions. Butterfly is not allowed in the Breast Stroke events.
7. Only the TEAM MANGER and one Assistant per section are to be on the poolside with each group. (During changeover allowances will be made).
8. It is the responsibility of the SECTION LEADER and TEAM MANAGER to ensure that all competitors are capable of completing the event for which they have been entered and to see that swimmers are at the start at the right time.  The general behaviour of swimmers at the poolside is also the responsibility of the TEAM MANAGER. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED POOLSIDE
9. The Pre-Entry slip to be handed in at DHQ or sent to Mrs. Michèle McNamara by October 3rd entries received after this date will not be allowed.  Detailed entry form to be handed to Michèle by 17.15 on the night of the Gala for cubs and 19.00 for scouts (if not before) and all entries to be written in legible BLOCK CAPITALS so that certificates can be correctly completed.  Make sure Date of Birth is completed.
10. Length events, the first 3 of each heat will go through to the final or the first 2 where more than 2 heats are required. (Times will be recorded as a back up). Relays will now have heats and a final.
11. If any blatant disregard of the rules is established the whole Group will be disqualified.
12. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PHOTOGRAPHS MAY ONLY BE TAKEN AT THE EVENT WITH THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POOL, PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A FORM AT THE RECEPTION DESK. PLEASE MAKE YOUR PARENTS/LEADERS AWARE OF THIS. Apparently the new manager wishes me to make sure you also inform parents/spectators that even if they comply with this, if any other adult/parent present at the gala objects to photographs being taken, permission to take photographs will be withdrawn.
13. Finally he is also very concerned about the competitor’s ability to swim; he insists they must be able to swim at least 25 meters in a recognisable stroke. IT IS UP TO YOU AS LEADERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS RULE IS ADHERED TO.

 

Summary of changes to rules & arrangements from last year

 

Following discussions at both the CSL & SL meetings the following have been changed:-

 

1. Maximum age for a scout to compete is 14½

2. The scout age ranges will therefore be amended to Under 12½ and over 12½

3. The date of birth for scouts in the lower age group  has therefore changed to 17th April 1997

4. All races will be heats including Relays; however the Group team trophy relay race will still have to be based on times, since we will not have enough time between any heats and a final for competitors to have a rest, if we are to be on schedule for the rest of the gala.

5. A two handed finish in the breast stroke races in now no longer required.

6. The rule regarding the number of adult’s poolside is still 2 per team but we appreciate during the changeover period there may be more than this.

 

If you have any queries regarding these changes please contact me either by phone or on the following e-mail address – akelamac@hotmail.co.uk

 

It is hoped that the cubs part of the gala will conclude by 19.15 approx, with the group team trophy in between and the scout gala commencing at approx 19.30, scouts will need therefore to be at the pool by 19.15 ready to swim and those competing in the group team trophy race may need to be there a little earlier. Cubs will then be expected to leave after the presentation of the cub trophy.