Childrens Races

Triathlon Ireland is committed to nurturing the grass roots of the sport and giving children the opportunity to experience the sport of triathlon, regardless of their ability.  We aim to work with clubs and race organisers to provide races for our young athletes.

In this area, race organisers will find information about running a childrens race.

Recommended Distances for Childrens Races

Garda Vetting & Safeguarding

FAQ

Recommended Distances for Childrens Races

The distances below are recommendations only.  Hower, they must be closely adhered to.  If you are running a race where any of the distances are longer than outlined below, please contact Triathlon Ireland to discuss your proposed distances.

Triathlon

Note: All ages noted refer to the age of the child on 31^st December of the race year.

Aquathlon

Note: All ages noted refer to the age of the child on 31^st December of the race year.

Duathlon

Note: All ages noted refer to the age of the child on 31^st December of the race year.

Garda Vetting and Safeguarding

A crucial function in providing fun safe and fair opportunities for all to participate in triathlon is ensuring the safeguarding of children participating in the sport.
  In order to achieve this, Triathlon Ireland has set a number of operating procedures and policies to guide its race organisers, volunteers and officials when they are in contact with young people.

Any race organiser of a childrens race, must be Garda Vetted, complete a Form 8 New Leader form and attend a Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop.  The Garda Vetting process takes up to 12 weeks to process and and the Workshop is 3-4hrs. 

How to be Garda Vetted

You will need to complete a 2 page form and return to Triathlon Ireland.  To request a form, send an email to administrator@triathlonireland.com and we will post a form out to you.

Form 8 New Leader Form

This is basic information from the race organiser who signs that they understand the safeguarding code and will abide by it. This form involves a reference check and all references are confidentially checked centrally in TI office.

To request a New Leader form, send an email to administrator@triathlonireland.com and we will post a form out to you.

Where to find a Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop

Courses (3-4hrs) are run by tutors from The Irish Sports Council (or sport Northern Ireland if in the 6 counties). To find your local one please click here.

Ultimately, Triathlon Ireland is working towards best practice for the welfare of our young athletes and adult members who kindly volunteer their time to train and race with them.  It is a fairly straight forward process once people are given the instructions and you are welcome to contact the National Children’s Officer with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children in the above age groups race in Try-a-Try or longer distance triathlon?

No

Can children in the above age groups be part of a relay team in a Try-a-Try or longer distance triathlon?

No

Can children in the above age groups race on open roads?

No.  All 15yrs and under must be on either closed or private roads.

Can children in the above age groups swim in open water?

Yes, however, they must be wearing wetsuits.

Can children take part in an adults race?

No.  All children 15yrs and under may only take part in a race for 15yrs and under.  There are to be no competitors 16yrs and above in the same race.