? USAT SMW Youth Coaches

 
Junior and Junior Elite

The "junior" age division is comprised of athletes between the ages of 16 and 19, with racing age determined on December 31st of the competition year. Athletes age 15 and under race in the "youth" division.

Junior athletes have the opportunity to compete in two distinct styles of racing referred to as drafting or “elite” and  non-draft  or “age-group” formats and compete in regional, national, and or world championships in each format.  Rules, event qualification, and equipment is unique to each style and athletes are encouraged to review all information on the USAT Website.

Non-Draft (or traditional USAT age-group style of racing)
Most juniors participate in the traditional, non-drafting triathlon format. USAT has designated a number of non-drafting Talent ID Races around the country to serve as age-appropriate, entry-level triathlons.

USAT supports a Junior Sprint World Championship team for athletes age 16-19. Qualification is required.

2012 AG16-19 Sprint Distance World Championship Qualification Criteria
 2012
Auckland, New Zealand
October 22, 2012
 http://www.triathlon.org/

Draft Legal or “Elite” Racing
 Junior Elite Racing Common Q&A

Such designation means that the athletes may ride in packs or “draft” on the bike. These races mimic the ITU World Cup and Olympic format of racing.
There are varied classifications of draft-legal events.

  • Youth F1. Ages 12-16. Entry Level Draft Legal event. SuperSprint Distance
  • Junior Elite. Ages 16-19. Sprint Distance
  • Elite Development Race. Ages 16-23. Olympic Distance

It is very important to note that ITU draft-legal rules do apply and it is HIGHLY recommended that you familiarize yourself with these.  Please review the Junior Q&A document above. 

Field limits are 75 athletes per division.  Athletes 16-19 years old (Junior Elites) must satisfy the eligibility standards before registering for the event.  Click here to review these criteria.