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School Triathlon/Duathlon Planning Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
WHAT IS A TRIATHLON? .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
PLANNING A TRIATHLON ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Choose a circuit .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Contact Triathlon Quebec and send them the information relevant to your event ........................................................................... 5
An official will visit the competition site. ............................................................................................................................................ 5
OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PLANNING ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
The finish ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Diet ................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
An eco-friendly event .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Timing participants ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Volunteers ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
First aid .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
APPENDIX 1 : TRIATHLON CUSTOMIZED ................................................................................................................................................... 9
APPENDIX 2 : CATEGORIES AND MAXIMUM CIRCUIT LENGTHS FOR EACH DISCIPLINE ....................................................... 10
APPENDIX 3 : RULES ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
APPENDIX 4 : TRANSITION AREA............................................................................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX 5 : RULES AND IMAGES ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
APPENDIX 6 : INSPECTION CHECKLIST ..........................................................................................................ERREUR ! SIGNET NON DEFINI.
APPENDIX 7 : PREPARING CHILDREN FOR THE EVENT ..................................................................................................................... 27
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations, you have decided to host a triathlon event at your school! Triathlon Quebec is proud of your initiative and has conceived this SCHOOL TRIATHLON/DUATHLON PLANNING GUIDE in an effort to help you in your planning and create a fun and positive experience for all.
This guide provides the steps leading you to organize a successful event! Triathlon Quebec will answer any additional
questions and will even meet with you to validate all aspects of the race, rendering it safe for all participants and
volunteers.
Triathlon Quebec’s mission is:
to be the leader and reference in regards to triathlon's development and promotion in Quebec. to provide a transparent, customized and unifying structure enabling a safe participation at both the amateur
and competitive levels. to allow each participant to follow his/her personal goals while pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
The 2014 Triathlon Quebec team is young, dynamic and operates with an energy similar to a socially-aware startup business. Team
work, respect, mutual help, proactivity and an innovative spirit are among the team’s qualities. It is important to note that, as a
sports federation, our goal is not to be an obstacle to those who wish to engage in triathlon. On the contrary, we encourage creativity
and give back to those who support the discipline. We need to work together to develop a healthy and positive culture around
triathlon.
Merrell is the title sponsor of Triathlon Quebec in regards to the planning of school triathlons. Each year, Merrell’s team
visits several of these events with the goal of making them exceptional experiences for students. The team installs an
arch at the finish line creating the opportunity for students to finish the race feeling like true champions! The experience
is unique! Triathlon Quebec’s mission connects with Merrell’s slogan: OUT.PERFORM!
We encourage you to visit our website where you will find a great deal of information: www.triathlonquebec.org.
We wish you lots of fun throughout the planning of your event and are looking forward to
meeting you.
Trisportively,
Marie-Hélène Rathé Technical Coordonator, initiatory activities (school triathlons) (819) 216-0199 [email protected]
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WHAT IS A TRIATHLON?
In summertime, triathlon is a discipline combining swimming, cycling and running. During winter, it consists of the combination of snowshoeing, skating and cross-country skiing. After a few swimming, cycling, running, snowshoeing, skating or cross-country skiing training sessions, one already has a taste of triathlon and has completed an initiatory race. The frequency of these training sessions leads an ever-increasing number of people to engage in an active lifestyle integrating sport on a daily basis. Since year 2000, triathlon's popularity in Quebec is constantly rising. In recent years, the rate at which record participation levels have recurrently been observed in clubs and triathlon events throughout the province makes us wonder how far this will go! Does this only reflect a temporary trend or is the sport reaching a tipping point in its rate of adoption? As Pierre Lavoie puts it, we are rapidly moving towards this point of social transition if not already there. We must therefore continue on this path and realize that health and educating the youth are key to building a better future for our society.
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PLANNING A TRIATHLON
STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN PLANNING A MERRELL SCHOOL TRIATHLON
CHOOSE A CIRCUIT
Choose the simplest circuit possible.
Avoid busy roads.
Circuits used for different disciplines must not intersect.
Get in touch with the pool staff to know its availability.
Obtain all necessary permits and approvals from local authorities regarding the use of each circuit and location – namely for all aspects of swimming, cycling, running, transitions and considering each of the city's jurisdictions.
CONTACT TRIATHLON QUEBEC AND SEND THEM THE INFORMATION RELEVANT TO YOUR EVENT
The names of the school and city planning the event.
The location of the event (if not hosted on school grounds).
The date and time for the start of the first race and the approximate end time of the event.
The amount of participants, the age categories and the desired circuit lengths.
The name, email and telephone number of the person responsible for the event.
A brief description of the circuit: type of ground surface, length, topography, depth, water temperature, etc.
AN OFFICIAL WILL VISIT THE COMPETITION SITE He/she will inspect every technical aspect regarding the circuit and the site.
He/she will also provide recommendations regarding the circuit, the
transition area and the schedule.
He/she will identify important areas throughout the site where volunteers
are needed.
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OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PLANNING
THE FINISH
The finish area – ideally the last 50 meters before and 10 meters following the finish line – must be
fully guarded in order to guarantee participants a completely controlled arrival.
DIET
Do not forget to nourish your body and mind!
Triathlon Quebec knows a HEALTHY DIET keeps you fit, positive, happy and motivated. Here are a few tips
to help students and everyone else maintain healthy eating habits.
We highly recommend providing students with water after the event.
Children will surely be very hungry following such an intense activity. We suggest giving them a healthy snack such as fruits or vegetables. Avoid snacks containing a high level of sugar or trans fat. AN ECO-FRIENDLY EVENT
Triathlon Quebec truly cares about the environment and encourages you to organize an eco-friendly event. Here are a few actions which can make a big difference:
Limiting the use of water bottles (using a pitcher of water)
Using biodegradable cups made from recycled cardboard
Using paper bags to carry snacks for the event
Sharing any leftover food
Choosing local fruits and vegetables that are in season
Using unbleached towels made from recycled materials
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TIMING PARTICIPANTS
If you are considering timing participants, your best bet is to hire a timing service using
electronic sensors to record performances automatically for each circuit. A few companies
offer such services. You may also use hand timers. However, if the number of participants
exceeds 100, limiting yourself to recording only their total time would be preferable. Some
schools choose not to time participants; their students participate in the triathlon purely for
fun.
VOLUNTEERS
Organizers must make sure all volunteers are familiar with the facilities, locations and medical procedures.
We recommend having a pre-event meeting to ensure all volunteers know their role
and the event schedule.
When recruiting volunteers, ask about any previous experience relating to triathlon, bicycle
repair, nutrition or even activity leadership. Such information may be useful in optimizing
your human resources.
Volunteers are needed to :
1. inspect participants’ equipment and control transitions requiring its use. 2. signal the start of races. 3. ensure pool safety (lifeguard). 4. make sure participants enter or remain on the right circuit. 5. ensure safety on the bicycle circuit (parking entrance, intersections, obstacles). 6. make sure cyclists and runners do the appropriate number of laps (some schools draw marks on athletes forearms
or place elastic bands on their wrists). 7. welcome students at the finish line. 8. control access to the transition area.
* See appendix 6 for the detailed volunteers checklist
Page 7
Be prepared to provide first aid and make sure competent people are there to intervene if necessary.
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FIRST AID
Page 9
1. Traditional triathlon
2. Duathlon
3. Triathlon in the woods
4. Duathlon in the woods
5. Aquathlon
6. Aquabike
7. Winter triathlon
8. Winter duathlon
APPENDIX 1 : TRIATHLON CUSTOMIZED
Triathlon Quebec is aware of the possible constraints you may encounter while planning your event, whether it be the temperature, the weather or a lack of resources (physical or financial). This is why we offer a range of events adapted to your needs all year round.
APPENDIX 2 : CATEGORIES AND MAXIMUM CIRCUIT LENGTHS FOR EACH DISCIPLINE
TRADITIONAL TRIATHLON
Traditional triathlon is the combination of three sports: swimming, cycling and running.
Swimming Cycling Running
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 25m 1km 250m
2nd
, 3rd
grade 75m 2km 750m
4th
, 5th
grade 150m 4km 1,5km
6th
grade, secondary 1 200m 8km 2km
Secondary 2 and 3 400m 8km 3km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 500m 15km 4km
DUATHLON
Duathlon is the combination of two sports: running, cycling and once again running.
Running Cycling Running
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 250m 1km 150m
2nd
, 3rd
grade 750m 2km 250m
4th
, 5th
grade 1,5km 4km 750m
6th
grade, secondary 1 2km 8km 1km
Secondary 2 and 3 3km 8km 1,5km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 4km 15km 2km
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TRIATHLON IN THE WOODS
Triathlon in the woods is the sequence of three sports: swimming, mountain biking and trail running.
Swimming Cycling Running
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 25m 1km 250m
2nd
, 3rd
grade 75m 2km 750m
4th
, 5th
grade 150m 4km 1,5km
6th
grade, secondary 1 200m 8km 2km
Secondary 2 and 3 400m 8km 3km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 500m 15km 4km
DUATHLON IN THE WOODS
Duathlon in the woods is the combination of two sports: trail running, mountain biking and once again trail running.
Running Cycling Running
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 250m 1km 150m
2nd
, 3rd
grade 750m 2km 250m
4th
, 5th
grade 1,5km 4km 750m
6th
grade, secondary 1 2km 8km 1km
Secondary 2 and 3 3km 8km 1,5km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 4km 15km 2km
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AQUATHLON
Aquathlon is the sequence of two sports: swimming and running.
Swimming Running
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 25m 250m
2nd
, 3rd
grade 75m 500m
4th
, 5th
grade 200m 1km
6th
grade, secondary 1 300m 1,5km
Secondary 2 and 3 400m 2km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 600m 3km
AQUABIKE
Aquabike is the sequence of two sports: swimming and cycling.
Swimming Cycling
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 25m 1km
2nd
, 3rd
grade 75m 4km
4th
, 5th
grade 200m 4km
6th
grade, secondary 1 300m 8km
Secondary 2 and 3 400m 8km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 600m 15km
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WINTER TRIATHLON
Winter triathlon is the sequence of three sports: snowshoeing, skating and cross-country skiing.
Snowshoeing Skating Skiing
Kindergarten, 1st
grade 250m 1km 750m
2nd
, 3rd
grade 500m 1,5km 1km
4th
, 5th
grade 750m 2km 1,5km
6th
grade, secondary 1 1km 3km 2km
Secondary 2 and 3 1,5km 4km 2,5km
Secondary 4 and 5, CEGEP, teachers 3km 6km 4km
WINTER DUATHLON
Winter duathlon is the sequence of two sports: snowshoeing and skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or skating
and cross-country skiing.
The total circuit length is the same as for winter triathlon without the portion attributed to the missing sport.
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APPENDIX 3 : RULES
Penalties are not enforced in school nor beginner events since their purpose is to teach participants the rules and, above all,
provide a fun and positive experience encouraging them to be active!
Participants and parents must show sportsmanship and remain polite at all times.
ESSENTIAL SUMMER RULES
SWIMMING
Swimming may take place in a lake or an indoor/exterior pool.
Participants may use floating aids such as PFDs, floats, pool noodles or kickboards.
Propelling equipment such as swim fins is not allowed.
Helpers following behind the swimmers are allowed in the water. Swimmers may rest by holding on to their helpers' arms, a
kickboard or a boat provided they do not receive help moving forward.
Wearing goggles is highly recommended although not mandatory.
TRANSITION AREA
Only participants may access the transition area.
Participants must register for the race, pick up their bib and have a number assigned before accessing the transition area.
Participants’ bicycles must be safe and function properly (functional breaks, adequately inflated tires, etc).
The use of a bicycle is not allowed in the transition area. Participants must walk next to their bicycle.
Participants must always be wearing a buckled helmet while moving their bicycle.
Participants must get on or off their bicycle when entering designated areas.
CYCLING
Wearing a certified bicycle helmet is mandatory.
Participants must buckle their helmet before touching their bicycle.
Participants’ helmets must be in good condition. They must not be broken nor cracked.
Participants must adjust their helmet on their head before the start of the race.
Participants may unbuckle and remove their helmet only after placing their bicycle in their personal assigned space inside the
transition area.
All types of bicycles are allowed.
Removing the kickstand from bicycles is highly recommended for safety purposes.
Earphones are not allowed on the circuit.
Using the drafting technique during the race is not allowed (see appendix 1).
See appendix 1 for all matters relating to bicycle pedals.
Page 14
RUNNING
Participants must wear their bib on the front of their body while running.
Earphones are not allowed on the circuit.
ESSENTIAL WINTER RULES
SNOWSHOEING
Participants must have their snowshoes attached to their feet during the whole length of the circuit.
Participants must be in their personal assigned space inside the transition area in order to put on or remove their snowshoes.
SKATING
Wearing a certified skate, bicycle, hockey or ski helmet is mandatory.
Participants must buckle their helmet before putting on theirs skates.
Participants may unbuckle and remove their helmet only after removing and placing their skates in their personal assigned space
inside the transition area.
All types of skates are allowed (nordic blades as well).
Participants must put on and tie their skates while sitting on their personal transition chair.
Participants using nordic blades must attach them while sitting on their personal transition chair.
The event organizer may delimit a special area next to the ice containing chairs facilitating the installation and removal of nordic blades provided it first be approved by the technical delegate.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Skiers are not allowed to put on their skis nor slip their ski poles’ lanyards around their wrists in the transition area.
Skiers must hold their skis and poles vertically at all times in the transition area. The tip of the skis must always be held upwards
and the poles' ferrules downwards. Skiers may put on their skis and use their lanyards only after crossing the mount line.
Skiers must put on their skis and slip their poles' lanyards around their wrists after crossing the mount line (once outside the
transition area).
All types of skis are allowed. The technical delegate and/or the race director may apply certain restrictions depending on the
circuit and terrain.
Skiers must remove their skis and lanyards before crossing the dismount line (before entering the transition area). They must also
hold their skis and poles vertically at all times.
Participants may only remove their skis 10 meters after crossing the finish line. At this point, the last ski inspection may occur (using the participant’s number).
*See appendix 5 for rules and images
Page 15
APPENDIX 4 : TRANSITION AREA
DURING SUMMER
The ground surface must be hard, flat and smooth.
The allocation of places in the transition area will be determined by the order in which the group enters the water in respect to the starting wave. Make sure different age groups are not using the transition area at the same time.
The transition area must be conceived in a way to ensure all participants cover the same distance.
Try to maintain paths as rectilinear as possible.
Do not place the entrance and exit in the same location. Differentiate them to facilitate the movement of incoming and outgoing triathletes and avoid collisions (see diagram below).
Participants may only get on their bicycle at the mount line (after exiting the transition area), which must be highlighted by the placement of an actual drawn line. You must position a volunteer next to it to ensure compliance with the rule.
Participants may only get off their bicycle at the dismount line (before entering the transition area), which must be highlighted by the placement of an actual line. You must position a volunteer next to it to ensure compliance with the rule. Participants may remove their helmet only after putting away their bicycle.
The transition area must be guarded by security staff from the moment participants enter with their equipment to the moment the last participant leaves with his/her equipment. The transition area must only be accessible to participants and assigned volunteers.
The use of bicycle racks is not necessary. Bicycles may be aligned on the ground, facing the exit of the transition area.
Page 16
Entrée veto
Sortie
course a pied
Entrée natation
Sans support a velo
Avec support a velo
Sortie
velo
30********* (47
1oPoAAAAA
a RITES BOUGER
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Schema: ZONE DE TRANSITION
TRIRTHLON Page 17
DURING WINTER
The ground surface must be hard, flat and smooth. Be sure to compress the snow in the transition area to avoid sinking.
The allocation of places in the transition area will be determined by the order in which snowshoeing participants start the race. Make sure different age groups are not using the transition area at the same time.
The transition area must be conceived in a way to ensure all participants cover the same distance.
Do not place the entrance and exit in the same location. Differentiate them to facilitate the movement of incoming and outgoing triathletes and avoid collisions (see diagram below).
Participants must enter the transition area wearing their snowshoes. They must buckle their helmet before tying their skates while sitting on their assigned chair. In the case of school events, adults may help students tie their skates. Participants using nordic blades may attach them while sitting on their chair or next to the ice rink if an area is delimited for this purpose. After the race, participants must go back to their chair to untie their skates. They may unbuckle their helmet only after removing their skates.
Skiers must put on their skis and slip their poles' lanyards around their wrists at the dismount line (after exiting the transition area), which must be highlighted by the placement of an actual line. You must position a volunteer next to it to ensure compliance with the rule.
The transition area must be guarded by security staff from the moment participants enter with their equipment to the moment the last participant leaves with his/her equipment. The transition area must only be accessible to participants and assigned volunteers.
The use of ski racks is not necessary. Skis may be aligned on the ground, facing the exit of the transition area.
Page 18
Page 19
All participants must have their bicycle helmet approved. Helmets must be in good condition and adjusted to the participant’s head.
Participants carrying or riding their bicycle must have their helmet buckled at all times.
Participants must leave their bicycle in the transition area after using it.
APPENDIX 5 : RULES AND IMAGES
Page 20
Running or cycling without a shirt is prohibited.
Drafting – the act of following close behind another cyclist, group of
cyclists or even a vehicle in order to reduce the effect of drag by
exploiting their slipstream – is forbidden (it is only allowed during elite
Quebec Cup events integrating drafting).
The slipstream zone for all athletes consists of a seven-meter-long by three-
meter-wide (7 x 3) rectangle starting from the foremost point reached by the
front wheel. An athlete may pass through another’s slipstream zone provided
he/she is gaining ground. A maximum of 15 seconds is allowed in another
athlete’s slipstream zone.
Aerobars allowing a better aerodynamic body position on the bicycle are not permitted for safety purposes.
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Platform pedals, as opposed to clipped or cage pedals, are allowed for all age groups.
Cage pedals are not allowed for groups 15 years and under nor for elite categories.
Clipped pedals are allowed for all age groups provided these conditions :
For participants 13 years and under the clip must be integrated in the shoe in a manner enabling the sole to be in direct contact with the ground without the clip touching.
Participants 13 years and under must be able to clip their shoes on both sides of their pedals.
Participants 14 years and older may use any clip system.
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APPENDIX 6 : INSPECTION CHECKLIST
INSPECTION CHECK SHEET – TRIATHLON QUEBEC Please note: this is a very precise list used to verify sanctioned triathlons. Some elements may therefore not apply to your event. However, we choose to provide this list in hopes of helping you cover as many details as possible throughout your planning.
Chief Official = CO Technical Coordinator = TC Race Director = RD
- Placement of parking areas CO TC RD
- Indicators (signs, posters, volunteers) CO TC RD
- General organization and opening hours CO TC RD
Reception area
- Opening days and hours TC RD
- Number of volunteers at the reception TC RD
- Bib number distribution & age TC RD
- Task division and organization RD
- Spatial layout RD
Registration
- Number of participants CO TC RD
- Registration deadline TC RD
- Age categories CO TC RD
Schedules & meetings
- Morning of the competition : Overseeing the circuit with the organizers and the chief official
CO TC RD
- Motivational meeting + last briefing at least 20 minutes before the opening of the transition area. CO RD
- Opening of the transition area CO TC RD
Equipment
- Arch TC RD
- Tent TC RD
- Transition flags TC RD
- Banner TC RD
- TQ kiosk TC RD
- Cones TC RD
- Radios TC RD
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Supplies
- Number of help stations CO TC RD
- Locations CO TC RD
- Mandatory help station : Transition area exit / Start of foot race
TC RD
- fruits, water, healthy snacks TC RD Officials
- Number of officials TC RD
- Chief official TC
- T-shirts, jackets, timers, whistles... TC
- Accommodations TC RD Medical requirements
- First aid team / first responder CO TC RD
- Ambulance CO TC RD
- Notified medical facility CO TC RD
- Emergency plan CO TC RD Volunteers - Number of volunteers in relation to the number of participants CO TC RD
- Neck leash with circuit map + schedules + important cell phone numbers RD
Define ‘’priority levels’’ for key positions: Level 1 : Mandatory presence Level 2 : Highly recommended presence
Level 3 : Recommended presence
Level 4 : ‘’Supporting’’ volunteer
RD
Distinctive t-shirts or bibs. In case of rain and/or cold temperatures, wear it over your jacket or sweater. RD
- Underline the importance for volunteers to hold their position until the end of the race + make them understand the importance of their presence at the event (motivation!).
CO RD
- Volunteers must cover all U-turns CO TC RD
- Supervision of children’s triathlons on the circuit and in the transition area CO TC RD
Page 24
Transition area
- Ensure fairness in the transition area CO TC RD
- Ensure safety CO TC RD
- Closed area (fences) CO TC RD
Width of the aisles
- Safe, unidirectional circulation in the transition area & entrances / exits
CO TC RD
- Helmet, bicycle, equipment inspection CO
- Limit access to the area as much as possible; only allow participants + trainers CO
CO Swimming
Fairness + safety
- Lake / Pool CO TC RD
- Number of national lifeguards + diploma verification TC RD
- Available equipment :
TC RD Kayak
Motor boat
buoys
- Water temperature :
Reminder of the TQ rules
On the website / newsletter a few days before the race
Post it in the reception tent
CO TC RD
- Distinctive colors for swimming caps TC RD
- Starting waves CO TC RD
Total area and length covered by the exit path from the water TC RD
- Reminder of the rule (namely regarding dolphin leaps) CO
Sweeping of the exit path and transition area if paved TC RD
- Foot rinsing if there is sand on the way to the transition area TC RD
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Cycling
- Circuit safety CO TC RD
- Circuit closed to vehicles CO TC RD
- Police presence RD
- Barriers at intersections & volunteers CO TC RD
- Reminder of the rules regarding helmets and pedals (according to the age category). CO
Timing carpet (optional) TC RD
Bib worn at the back CO
Manhole covers perpendicular to the circuit CO TC RD
Safety paint marks around manholes and road imperfections CO TC RD
Running
- Safe and fair circuit CO TC RD
- Timing carpet (optional) TC RD
- Bib worn at the front CO
Finish area
- Straight line for 200 meters (if possible) secured by barriers CO TC RD
- Planning of the arch area, barriers, timing carpet, supplies, retrieval of the electronic chips. Area closed to public (according to the circuit).
TC RD
- Media zone + commentator RD
- Tent area with official timer RD
- Podium area RD
- Medals TC RD Village area
- Plan the village area for it to be safe (using weights to reduce wind pressure on the tents) and enjoyable for the public.
Secured pedestrian passages
- Organization of the village
TC RD
TC RD
RD
- Supervision of pedestrians CO TC RD
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APPENDIX 7 : PREPARING CHILDREN FOR THE EVENT
Let them have fun!
At a young age, an essential part of the child's development is having fun doing sports and playing creatively. Having fun is a means for children to explore the world surrounding them. Let them play, learn new techniques and make new friends. Even though they are at a highly favorable stage in their physical development process for learning new techniques, this must occur in a fun context. Structured and non-structured activities must be amusing for children to develop properly.
Preparing Children for a Summer School Triathlon
At the pool
Play in the water! Cat and mouse, water polo and basketball are fun games to play in the pool. Find fun ways of gradually improving the child's endurance level. Start by covering half of the required circuit length for the child's age group and increase length each week until the full distance is covered. Make waves in the pool and encourage the child to swim across them. No pool available? Visit a water playground or use a garden hose to create obstacle courses.
When riding your bicycle Ride your bicycle with your whole family; to go to school; to run some errands; as often as you can. Switch gears with accurate timing to keep a steady pace when riding uphill or downhill. Practice certain techniques such as stopping suddenly while using the pedals to maintain your balance (track stand). Pick up cones or water bottles when passing next to them (balance transfer). Pass through an obstacle course you built yourself.
When running Play games requiring some running such as soccer, ultimate or cat and mouse. Using a map of your neighborhood, define a circuit covering 75 to 100% of the school triathlon circuit length. You may set the finish near a convenience store where you can get refreshments. You can also complete the circuit by bicycle and stop for ice cream afterwards. Define a historical circuit passing next to interesting historical sites.
During transitions If you do not have access to a pool, bring your children to a water playground or use garden hoses to simulate the transition. The children will thus be able to learn to dress themselves while being wet. Build homemade obstacles to practice bicycle manoeuvres required during transitions. Ask your students to build a fun circuit on their playground requiring them to get on and off their bicycle, to run next to it and any other pertinent manoeuvre you may think of. Organize relay races in which students start without any shoes and must put them on during the race.
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EXAMPLES OF FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH CHILDREN
Step 1 Name : The sea lion No of players : 2+
1 : Take a ball suitable to be used in the pool. 2 : Swim 10 laps across the pool while pushing the ball using only your nose. 3 : Time yourself and try to break your own record.
Step 2 Name : Object hunt on two wheels No of players : 3+
1 : Find a space vast enough to allow you to ride your bicycle, a vacant lot for instance. 2 : Create a circuit by placing 20 objects such as old toys and teddy bears on the ground. At the end of the circuit, place a box big enough to contain the 20 objects. 3 : Get on your bicycle and complete the circuit by picking up the objects. Place each object in the box. 4 : The goal of this game is to pick up all of the objects as fast as possible.
Step 3 Name : The obstacle course No of players : 3+
1 : Create an obstacle course adapted to your location. 2 : Jump over objects (balls, boxes, hula hoops), go around furniture and trees, crawl under a table or a bench. 3 : Go through your obstacle course 10 times. 4 : The goal of this game is to complete the course as fast as possible.
Step 4 Name : Disguised transitions No of players : 3+ 1 : Jump in a pool or spray yourself with water using a garden hose. 2 : Run barefoot for at least 50 meters wearing only your bathing suit. 3 : After 50 meters, put on socks, a funny shirt and rain boots. 4 : Run back to your starting point and put on a clown wig or a hat. 5 : Run for another 50 meters then remove the wig or hat. 6 : Cover the last 50 meters sprinting while removing your boots and socks. 7 : The goal of this game is to execute transitions as fast as possible.
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Preparing Children for a Winter School Triathlon
Snowshoeing
Plan a treasure hunt during which children will have to run from one clue to the next wearing snowshoes. Play tag with snowshoes on. Create an obstacle course by placing sticks on several cones. Children must go over or crawl under the obstacles according to the teacher’s directions. The group may be divided into two or three teams.
Skating
Play soccer wearing skates to practice your balance. Play dodgeball or cops and robbers. In the latter, the cops remain outside of a circle skating clockwise while the robbers inside the circle skate in the opposite direction. At the signal, the robbers must exit the circle without being touched by the cops.
Cross-country skiing
Organize a relay race for teams of 3 or more. Increase your balance by practicing lateral movements, with and without poles, when going uphill or downhill. Visit the Quebec cross-country ski federation’s website for more information: www.skidefondquebec.ca
Other ideas for winter
Propose ‘’extended recesses.’’ Structure physical education and health class activities around the theme of WINTER FUN. You can for
instance : o use an ice rink, trails or a park near your school to expose students to certain physical activities and
sports; o recognize the dynamic attitude of students who invited other children or adults to play outside by giving
them a participation certificate. Inform children and their families regarding WINTER FUN activities organized by the city and various sponsors. Plan an ‘’active’’ school trip to a regional park, ski station, etc. Make sure the schoolyard is in a safe condition. Recruit ‘’young leaders’’ to direct several games and activities and
provide the necessary equipment. These activities may be mini-soccer on the snow, basket-box, dodgeball, street hockey, ice tag, a game of capture the flag, making snowmen or sculptures, etc.
Organize family activities outside of school hours and implement a system for sharing sports and outdoors equipment.
….........ACTIVATE THE YOUTH AND HAVE FUN!
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