1. Does my child have to be an annual member of USA Triathlon (USAT) in order to race?
No, your child does not have to be a member of USAT in order to race. However, if he or she is not a member, an annual membership must be purchased at a cost of $10. This must be paid at the time of registration. If your child is an annual member of USAT, his or her membership card must be presented at packet pickup. If the card is not presented, the $10 membership fee must be paid before the packet/race numbers can be issued. Please do not ask the volunteers at packet pickup to make exceptions.
2. Is my child required to have a certain kind of bike?
No. Any type of bike is fine. However, please ensure that the bike is in good working order, brakes function properly and the bike fits properly, i.e., the child can reach the pedals without overextending their legs, they can stand over the bike comfortably, can brake properly and otherwise handle the bike safely.
Please note: As per USAT youth rules, “Only standard drop, straight, or curved handlebars are allowed. No aero or time trial bars may be attached to the bike or used during competition. No disk wheels or wheel covers are allowed.”
3. Can my child use training wheels?
No, training wheels are not permitted.
4. What is the transition area?
This is the area where the athletes will place their bikes and other gear prior to the race, and where they will change clothes and equipment in between the swim and bike portions of the race and in between the bike and run portions of the race. PARENTS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE TRANSITION AREA BEFORE THE START OF THE RACE TO ASSIST THEIR CHILDREN IN SETTING UP THEIR EQUIPMENT. AFTER THE RACE STARTS, ONLY PARTICIPANTS ARE ALLOWED IN THE TRANSITION AREA AT ANY TIME. Volunteers will be stationed in the transition area to assist athletes during the race.
The transition area will have two entrances/exits:
Swim Finish/Bike Finish
Bike Start/Run Start
All participants will have a bike rack with a number range that corresponds with his/her bib number. Find that rack and place their bike anywhere along that rack. Each rack accommodates six bikes – three on one side and three on the other side.
Participants will not be allowed to mount bikes inside the transition area. They will need to walk/run their bikes to the designated mount line. They will also be required to dismount prior to entering the transition area at the end of bike portion of the race.
5. What is body marking?
Prior to the race, each participant will need to have their race number written on their body (arms and legs) in black marker. Volunteers will be stationed near the transition area to do this. Please be sure your child gets body marked prior to the race start.
6. Can my child use water wings or other flotation devices for the swim?
No flotation devices of any kind are allowed.
7. Can I ride and run with my child?
No, in order to help ensure the safety of the athletes, we will not allow parents/family/friends to ride or run with their children. We will have numerous volunteers stationed throughout the course to direct athletes as well as Police officers to direct traffic along the bike course.
8. Can I help my child during the race?
No, parents/family/friends are welcome to help athletes set up their equipment in the transition area prior to the race start. However, once the race begins, athletes may not receive assistance except from race officials and volunteers.
