EAST MIDLANDS TRI-STARS AND YOUTHS FAQ
(The link to the British Triathlon Rule Book can be found on the home page of www.britishtriathlon.org)
Q: What equipment does my child need to take part in triathlon?
A: For their first venture into the world of multisport you really don’t need anything special - their swim gear, running shoes, t-shirt, a road worthy bike and helmet. Don’t go splashing out on fancy gear - it really isn’t necessary at first. Certain time saving devices are relatively cheap and easy to obtain – the main two being elastic lock-laces and number belts (it can be tricky putting on a t-shirt when you’re wet and slipping on a belt is much quicker) – please note though that boys (if they swim in trunks) must have their top half covered when they get on the bike and run.
Q: What are the local events?
A: A full listing of all British Triathlon sanctioned events can be found under the Events tag on the British Triathlon website. However certain races have been selected for the East Midlands Series of Events for Tri-Stars and Youths and these are as follows:
Date / Venue / Event Type / Race OrganiserSat 8th April / RAF Scampton, Lincoln / Tarmac Duathlon / Lincoln Tri Club
Sat 22nd April / Duston / Pool Triathlon / Just Racing
Sat 27th May / Darley Moor / Duathlon / Huub/Peak Performance
Sun 25th June / Clifton, Nottingham / Pool Triathlon / 4 Life Tri Club
Sat 1st July / Foremarke School, Derby / Pool Triathlon / PMA Events
Sat 9th September / Harvey Hadden / Pool Triathlon / Absolute Tri Club
Sat 16th September / Yarborough LC, Lincoln / Pool, Tarmac Triathlon / Lincoln Tri Club
Q: What are the age groups?
A: Triathlon age groups for youngsters are straightforward. There are four age categories which are based solely on the year of birth. So for 2017 they are as follows:
Category / Age (on 31/12/17) / Year of Birth*Tri-Star Start / 8 / 2009
Tri-Star 1 / 9-10 / 2007 and 2008
Tri-Star 2 / 11-12 / 2005 and 2006
Tri-Star 3 / 13-14 / 2003 and 2004
Youth / 15-16 / 2001 and 2002
*Tri-Star Start is no longer included in the East Midlands Individual or Club Championship Series
Q: What are the distances for each discipline?
A: The following maximum race distances are applicable for each age group (Youths may take part in events up to and including Sprint distance – see Rule Book for further clarification)
Q: Will my child have to cycle on open roads?
A: NO - all the races in the East Midlands Series for tri-stars and youths take place in a traffic free environment - some are on grass and some are on tarmac.
Q: My child can only do breaststroke – is this okay?
A: That’s fine. The only thing that is not permitted is back stroke.
Q: Can I run alongside my child?
A: NO! that’s outside assistance and not allowed and may mean that your child is given a time penalty or perhaps even disqualified.
Q: What are the IRC’s?
A: Inter-Regional Championships – this is the national competition for triathletes in the tri-star 2 and tri-star 3 categories and a highlight of the season. Each region sends a team of twelve athletes made up as follows:
Tri-Star Two - 3 boys & 3 girlsTri-Star Three - 3 boys & 3 girls
Each region has different qualifying criteria, for the East Midlands, the criteria is as follows. Our Tri-Star 2 and Tri-Star 3 team members will be selected from their performances in the following 3 races:
Sat 1st July – Eton Dorney Open Water Triathlon (primary qualifier)10th/11th June – Leeds Open Water Triathlon (results only used if exceptional circumstances – see IRC rules)
The decisions for team selection will be made by the East Midlands Committee, who will use the results from these races via assessing Points/Placement and head to head results. It is intended to announce the full team and reserves by before the end of July 2017. This decision will be final. Any questions please contact Stephen Greene –Junior Series Co-ordinator –
Q: Does my child have to be a member of Triathlon England in order to compete?
A: No, to take part in any of the Junior Events they do not have to be a Triathlon England Member but there is usually an increased entry fee to cover a day licence. However if your child wishes to take part in the East Midlands Series for 2017 they will have to be a Triathlon England member, as do they if they wish to get chosen to represent East Midlands at the IRC’s then membership is required.