Complete article can be found on USA Triathlon website [link here].
TRIATHLON ETIQUETTE
The next time someone blows by you on their $6,000 aero carbon fiber rocketship bike or swims over the top of you like they are wrestling an alligator, smile and say, “Thank you. Have a great day!”
While that may be a difficult thing to do in reality, there are some things you can do in terms of etiquette and sportsmanship to ensure that you and your fellow competitors have a great race or training day.
Below are a few suggestions on multisport manners. I’m sure many of you have a long list of etiquette violations you would have liked to offer to some athletes but the best thing you can do as a coach and athlete is to be a mentor and example. Actions will speak louder than words in training and racing!
During training:
- Be on time for the group ride, runs and swims. No one wants to wait around.
- Don’t ask your running partner to carry the gels or water just because they have pockets.
- Don’t make workouts races. Why bike or run with someone if you continually pull ahead?
- Do ask permission to swim in a lane before getting in at the pool.
- If there are two swimmers in a lane there is no need to circle swim but more than two you will need to circle swim in a counterclockwise direction.
- No hand paddles when swimming in a lane with others.
- To pass another swimmer in the lane, tap their toes and the quickly accelerate around them.
- No spitting or snobbers when pack riding! Pull away from the group when spitting or snobbering.
- Always ride as straight a line as possible when group riding or racing.
- I strongly discourage aero bar use during group rides.
- When braking on turns and descents be sure to yell out “braking” so others know you are slowing down.
- Ask your running and cycling partners to select the route and don’t take pleasure in pushing them during aerobic sessions. ~ We are all guilty of this!
- If you are pacelining during a training ride, be sure you understand the rotation so that you keep the pack moving in a smooth order.
- Never use headsets when riding unless you are indoors.
- Set the example for the other athletes during training. Be a mentor not a monster training partner.
- Do point out road hazards and signal your intentions on group rides. This includes commenting when cars are up and back (when two abreast) and when you are stopping at a traffic light.
- Do smile a lot and make positive fun conversation. No one likes a whiner/ complainer.
- If you are training on the local running track stick to the outside lanes if you are a slower runner or recovering. Let the speedsters have the inside lane.
- When walking always stick to the outer lanes.
- If you are trail running or riding let the person on the way up have the right away.
- Dogs are great companions on the trails but keep them away from other runners and riders. I’ve seen some terrible falls occur because a dog got tangled up in someone’s feet running.
At the race:
- Don’t monopolize someone’s time race morning with chit chat. They and you should be focusing your energy on the race, your equipment and the course.
- Observe all race rules at all times.
- Don’t use a radio headset during the bike or run.
- Don’t place your bike and equipment on top of someone else’s in the transition area. Respect the athlete’s space and equipment.
- If you are a slower rider stay on the right side except when passing. Keep a straight line when riding. Only discard your water bottles and trash at an aid station. If you have to discard a bottle, make sure you throw it away from the other athletes.
- There is no littering on the race course.
- If you have mechanical problems, pull off the course on the right. Always let the rider ahead know you are passing on the left. And above all obey all safety rules on the course.
- Keep your pets at home if you are racing. Do you really need another distraction?
- The swim is always tough, but I’ve seen athletes actually push and crowd others away from their start positions. Don’t grab, push or pull others during the swim. It’s not combat swimming!
- During the run keep to the right except to pass. When you do pass someone or see them at the turnaround offer a word of encouragement.
- Be careful at the aid stations. This is usually the area where most of the items like gel packs and bottles are dropped and the pavement can be extremely slick. There is plenty to drink for everyone. Give each other room to drink and go.
After the race:
- When you cross the finish line, don’t be dramatic. You did a good job by finishing, now remove your chip or number, get a drink and move away from the finish chute without a lot of drama!
- Treat the finish line workers with respect. Your day is over they still have a lot to do.
- After you recover a bit, cheer on the other competitors and talk with the athletes. Pat all the youth on the back and offer words of encouragement when they finish!
- If you stick around for the awards then wait until all the awards are given out. I know it is tough at times but support the other competitors till the end.
- Good or bad race - “Be your own HERO!” after the race. Smile, hold your head high and take pride inside. You stepped up to the start line and you did it, you put yourself in the heat of competition and you finished even if the only person you were competing with was yourself!
Volunteers and Race Directors:
- Thank them! Never ever yell at the race volunteers.
- Make an extra effort to thank the race director. Without them there would be no race!
USA Triathlon
Coaching Education
No comments:
Post a Comment