race director to determine the youngest age of participants allowed in each of these races, but it is usually 13 or 14.
Youth Elite vs. Junior Elite – In the United States, the addition of the word “elite” to Youth or Junior means the race format is draft- legal. In the world of short-course international competition, “elite” racing typically follows draft-legal rules. With over 4,300 USA Triathlon- sanctioned triathlons in the U.S., and hundreds of events aimed at youth and junior athletes, we add the word “elite” to clearly identify this special category of event and the unique skill- set necessary to compete in them. This term also mirrors the aspirations of the athletes attracted to this dynamic format.
F1 Triathlons – F1s are introductory draft-legal super-sprint triathlons. They are intended to bridge the gap between traditional “kids” tris and faster- paced Youth Elite/Junior Elite Cup racing. The “F” in F1 reflects the fast and furious style of racing that encourages a focus on fundamental and plenty of fun, too. Participating in an F1 is a good way to try draft-legal racing without the pressure of national-level competition.
Youth Elite Cup – This is a national-caliber, draft- legal race for 13-15 year olds. Competitors cover the super-sprint distance on multi-lap courses. Without a doubt, these kids are the quickest in the nation and they transition from swim to bike and bike to run as fast as any pro. Participants can earn rankings points toward their Youth Elite National Ranking at these events.
Junior Elite Cup – This is a national-caliber draft- legal race for 16-19 year olds. Like Youth Elite Cups, competitors race in front of fans on closed, multi-lap courses. Ranking points are awarded toward one’s Junior Elite National Ranking. From these events, USA Triathlon selects its teams for the international competition. If you consider yourself a top-flight junior triathlete, this is where you’ll prove it.
USA Triathlon Junior Elite Series – The Junior Elite Series is the combination of all Youth Elite and Junior Elite Cups held in a season. Points are awarded toward series titles for individuals and development teams. The Series culminates at the USA Triathlon Youth Elite & Junior Elite National Championship.
Mixed Team Relay – The triathlon mixed team relay is a draft-legal relay race in which teams are comprised of two males and two females. Each team member completes a full triathlon before tagging the next athlete. Distances are very short and the race tests the top end speed of the athletes. The International Olympic Committee is considering the Mixed Team Relay for inclusion on the Olympic Program as early as 2016.
Elite Development Races – Elite Development Races, or “EDRs”, aim to bridge the gap between Junior Elite and post-Collegiate elite racing. EDRs are draft-legal, sprint distance races. USA Triathlon designates a couple EDRs each year. Top finishers are eligible to earn a USA Triathlon Elite License at these events and graduate to the top international competitions.
Racing Age – Finally, a word about how USA Triathlon determines racing age. Age for all youth and junior events is determined by how old the athlete will be on December 31. This ensures that athletes race the same competition, at the same distances, for the entire season. No “aging up” a few days before a national championship or being expected to double race distances mid-season. No complicated qualification systems for series championships. Together with single-year award divisions, this method of classification reduces the so-called relative age effect to a minimum. At the end of the day, someone will always be 364 days older or younger than youngest or oldest athlete in the division, but that is true under any rule one applies.
Parents and coaches should note that none of these formats exceed the sprint distance. A sound developmental program for a teenage athlete will ensure that he or she maximizes speed potential before increasing race distance. Short, fast events allow young athletes to focus on the fundamentals of swim, bike, run and transition, while keeping the summer tri season in balance with school-sport commitments. Short races also allow athletes to race more often during the summer, helping them gain experience more quickly. As a fellow junior tri coach once said, “leave them wanting more.”
USA TRIATHLON YOUTH GUIDE
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