Rules For Safety

All TRi KiDS Triathlons are sanctioned and insured by the provincial governing body of triathlon, Ontario Association of Triathletes (OAT).

Review and/or print off the RACE DAY CHECKLIST.

Athletes in the 3-5 age group MUST be accompanied by ONE parent/guardian.  Even if your child can swim unassisted you must be within arm's length of him/her in the pool. Athletes 7 and under may use water wings. Life jackets will be provided and given out on the pool deck. Flutter boards or fins are not allowed.

Each athlete must have a well maintained, safe bicycle or tricycle and must wear a bike helmet with chip strap. Bike inspection is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Bike helmets must be buckled during the bike portion of the event, including when in the Transition Zone. Helmets must comply with either CPSC, SNELL or ANSI standards as indicated by a label on the inside. No helmet = no race.

All athletes must wear a shirt while on the bike and run portions of the race.

No parents/guardians or spectators are permitted in the Transition Zone or on the race course at any time with the exception of the 3-5 age group. Volunteers will be guiding and assisting the athletes.

All athletes must follow the directions given by race volunteers wearing GOLD VOLUNTEER t-shirts.

No athlete may ride his/her bike in the Transition Zone. Athletes must have their chin straps secured at all times while in contact with their bike.

Athletes will mount and dismount their bikes at the designated lines outside of transition.

Body marking (on the arm and/or leg of the athlete) with the athlete’s number will available at kit pick-up and on race day. This is not mandatory - just fun for the kids as it helps them really get into the spirit of triathlon.

Athletes and parents are encouraged to attend a pre-race orientation session during race kit pick up.

 

Transition Zone

The Transition Zone is a large, secured area near the swim exit. It is the area where athletes transition between the swim and bike and the bike and run. Athletes will place (rack) their bikes, helmet and run gear in designated areas within transition. The bike racks will be marked with AGE GROUP signs. Rack your bike according to your age group. 

After the swim the athlete will find his/her spot. Athletes put on shorts and a shirt over their bathing suit with their race number pinned on in advance. The athlete takes his/her bike and exits the Transition Zone following the sign that says Bike Exit. The bike cannot be mounted until the athlete passes the Bike Mount Line, which will be clearly marked. Bike helmets must be worn with chin strap in place at all times while the athlete is in contact with the bike, even when dismounted. After the ride the athlete returns to the entrance of Transition Zone. The athlete must dismount the bike prior to crossing the Bike Dismount Line. The bike is placed in the rack, helmet and other riding equipment is removed, and the athlete prepares for the run. Participants run to the Run Exit sign in the Transition Zone and go off to complete the final leg of their race.

The race ends under the finish line to the cheering of family, friends and spectators. A job well done!

A few notes on the Transition Zone:

1. Get to the race early so that you can set up your race gear. Look for your designated area based on your age group. Please be courteous to other athletes while setting up in transition.
2. Bring two towels. Put a towel on the ground beside the bike and place your race stuff on it. The other towel is for drying after the swim.  We suggest you have a water bottle there so you can grab a quick drink before exiting the Transition Zone.
3. We will have volunteers in the Transition Zone to assist athletes so we ask that parents stay out for the safety of the athletes. There will be a separate Transition Zone for 3-5 year old athletes. One parent will be permitted in this zone. 

Lap and Loop Counting

Be sure your child knows how many LAPS in the pool and LOOPS of the bike and run course they are required to complete.  Depending on the location many of the older age groups will be completing several loops of both the bike and run course.  It is the responsibility of the athlete and their parents to keep track of completed loops.  We will post a Loop Grid on each event page as we get closer to race date and we will distribute a Loop Grid handout at race kit pick up. 

Volunteers will assist with LAP counting in the pool.

Some suggestions for assisting with loop counting are:

• masking tape pieces or stickers placed on the handle bars of the bike
• elastic bands on the wrist of the parent  
• parents mark down on paper when their child passes them completing a loop. Call out the loop number to your child ... "one more to go"
  

We will take this opportunity to remind participants that this is a non-competitive event and we are not disqualifying or holding back any participant who does not complete their required distance.  There is no way to manage the counting for our 400+ athletes on the race course.  Results are posted in alphabetical order and not in finishing order.

Equipment Required for the Race

Equipment required to participate in all TRi KiDS Triathlon races include:

• bicycle (road bike or mountain bike) or tricycle. Training wheels are allowed.
• bike helmet with chin strap
• swim suit and goggles (optional)
• running shoes (no sandals)
• shorts and shirt
• water bottle, hat and towels, don't forget sunscreen
• your personalized race bib – pinned to the front of the shirt you will be riding and running in.

Bike Helmets
Be sure to check your child's helmet before race day.  Inspect the helmet for cracks or chips and make sure it fits your child properly.  The helmet should feel snug and not slide around with movement.  The straps should form a V-shape around each ear and the chin strap must fasten securely.  We have noticed many helmets that do not fit properly. Helmets that are not fitted properly are less likely to protect your child from injury. 

Visit your local bike shop if you are unsure of a proper fit for your child.

Bike Inspection

We recommend that you take your bike in for a pre-race bike inspection the week before the race. Inspections at a bike shop will include checks on brakes, steering, wheels, inflation pressure, tire condition, chain, and pedals. Pedals will be inspected for sharp edges and appropriate measures taken to prevent cutting injuries should the pedals hit the athlete's legs.

Although bike inspection is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.

Check the race event page for our bike shop partners for each race and visit them for your pre-race bike inspection.

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR CHILD'S BIKE?!?

It's alarming how many bikes may not be in safe working order. We often get feedback from the wonderful folks that offer their time to provide pre-race inspection and they conclude that many bikes are UNSAFE.  Loose handlebar bolts, zero tire pressure, no working gears and brakes not functioning....these create dangerous situations for your children and put others at risk.  Spending a bit of time to check out their bikes will ensure a safe race.  We want to avoid disappointment if participants are unable to race at the last minute because of a technical issue that could have been avoided. For example, a flat tire.