TS Academy 2017/2018 (TSA)

TS Academy 2017/2018 (TSA)

Academy Summary

The TS Academy is aimed at exploring the potential of athletes who have shown the basic physical capacity suitable for competitive triathlon and providing them with a development opportunity. The TS Academy is aligned to the BTF Athlete Development Framework (ADF).

Minimum age for entry to this level is 14yrs old by 31st December 2017

Maximum age for entry to this level is 17 yrs old by 31st December 2017

There is a maximum of 20 places available on Academy squad for 2017/18 & places will be determined at the discretion of the Triathlon Scotland Performance Management Group

Academy Selection Criteria

To be considered for entry to the Academy, an athlete must achieve the following:-

1) Have a 320 or above points score calculated using the swim / run ‘points matrix’ (available on the Triathlon Scotland National Squads Home Page) or using the points calculator.

NB: Evidenced performances achieved since 1 September 2016 that have been performed at

official events, trials or clearly videoed showing the complete effort.

2) Finished at least one multisport (aquathlon / duathlon / triathlon) event in the past 12 months ( 1 September 2016 – 1 September 2017)

3) Be able to complete all skills listed on the competencies skill sheet (appendix A)

If selected an athlete could remain part of the TS Academy for up to 3 years as long they are progressing and meeting their agreed targets. Beyond that athletes are expected to have met confirmation or development squad entry standards or will be re-directed to other opportunities within the sport.

Points matrix Distances

Age end 2017 / Swim distance / Run distance / Race Category 2018
14 / 200m / 1500m / 1st Year Youth
15 / 200m / 1500m / 2nd Year Youth
16 / 400m / 3000m / 1st Year Junior
17 / 400m / 3000m / 2nd Year Junior

Note:

1. There is no points cap as in previous years simply add swim and run points together to get a total.

2. 16 year olds now time trial over 400m swim / 3000m run

3. Swim is in a 25m pool and from a dive start

Current TS Academy athletes re-applying

Current TS Academy athletes are required to re-apply for the squad on an annual basis, this can be achieved by following the application process detailed below.

Current Academy athletes will be required to attend the 2017 trial day on Saturday 9 September and expected to meet the entry standards relevant to their age. After the trial day, current squad athletes will be invited back on Sunday 10 September for a 20 min profile review meeting with relevant Academy coaching staff. At this meeting each athlete's conduct, progress, race experience and aspirations in the sport will be discussed using the TS athlete profile (this will be sent out to and discussed in advance with all athletes reapplying), culminating in decision on squad entry for 2017/18.

Application Process

Athletes wishing to apply for the TS Academy must do the following.

1) Register to attend the Academy trial day via EntryCentral (entries will open on 1 August 2016 and close on 28 August 2017)

2) Attend the Academy trial day on 9 September 2017. Athletes will be expected to prioritise attendance at the trial day over other activities. If an athlete cannot attend or perform at the trial due to illness / injury then they will need to notify the SHPC coaching team in advance.

Academy Program of Activity

The Academy provides 5 weekend camps and 1 Easter camp per year. The dates of the weekend camps will be confirmed as soon as the key X-C and swim meet dates are confirmed to avoid clashes where possible. All weekend camps are scheduled to begin on a Friday evening at 5pm and end on a Sunday evening at 4pm. Athletes are expected to attend all camps, unless otherwise discussed with Academy coaching team. If an athlete has been unable to attend 3 or more of the winter weekend camps then their place on the Academy will be reviewed as it would be deemed that they are not ready to engage fully with the programme of activity required for progression.

The Easter and race camp dates are to be announced as soon as the 2017-18 calendar is confirmed.

Who to contact?

For more information regarding the TS Academy please contact Fiona Lothian (Head of Performance).

Frequently asked questions:

Which age category column do I use?

Use the age you will be on the 31st December of the year the trial takes place. For example: if you were 14 on 6th July 2016 you would refer to the 14 year old age category on the points matrix sheet.

How can I submit evidence of times that I have achieved?

We want to make the evidencing process as easy as possible, but we also recognise the importance of having the submitted evidence verified. Because of this we will only accept evidence that meets the following criteria:-

1) Results of any event that are displayed on either power of 10 or British Swimming

2) Results from a local event must be from an officially accurate course and available for the general public to access either online or an official results sheet.

3) You can get someone to video the complete time trial taking place and supply that video evidence to Triathlon Scotland coaches. It would need to follow the athlete for the duration of their effort

4) The yearly selection day trials in September, give an opportunity to get verified times by Triathlon Scotland coaches.

What if I am ill or injured and unable to complete the selection day trials?

If injury or illness stops you from competing at the trials then you would be assessed on other evidence you can provide (See above). You would need to notify Triathlon Scotland coaches of your reason for absence.

Can I attend the trials if I'm not applying for the Academy?

Yes you can attend the trials even if your not applying for the Academy, however we will set a generous minimum standard which will be displayed on the entry details on Entry Central. The trial registration will open on 1 August 2017 and will close on 28 August 2017.

What is the minimum standard required to be considered for the Academy?

The minimum points total is 320 points

What is the capacity of the Academy?

The proposed capacity of the Academy is 20 athletes

Note: In 2017-18 the Academy has replaced to Foundation Squad