TS Academy 2017/2018 (TSA)
Academy Summary
The TS Academy is aimed at exploring the potential of athletes who have shown the basic
physical capacity suitable for competitive triathlon and providing them with a
development opportunity. The TS Academy is aligned to the BTF Athlete Development
Framework (ADF).
Minimum age for entry to this level is 14yrs old by 31st December 2017
Maximum age for entry to this level is 17 yrs old by 31st December 2017
There is a maximum of 20 places available on Academy squad for 2017/18 & places will be
determined at the discretion of the Triathlon Scotland Performance Management Group
Academy Selection Criteria
To be considered for entry to the Academy, an athlete must achieve the following:1)
Have a 320 or above points score calculated using the swim / run ‘points matrix’
(available on the Triathlon Scotland National Squads Home Page) or using the points
calculator.
NB: Evidenced performances achieved since 1 September 2016 that have been performed
at
official events, trials or clearly videoed showing the complete effort.
2) Finished at least one multisport (aquathlon / duathlon / triathlon) event in the past 12
months ( 1 September 2016 – 1 September 2017)
3) Be able to complete all skills listed on the competencies skill sheet (appendix A)
If selected an athlete could remain part of the TS Academy for up to 3 years as long they
are progressing and meeting their agreed targets. Beyond that athletes are expected to
have met confirmation or development squad entry standards or will be re-directed to
other opportunities within the sport.
Points matrix Distances
Age end 2017
Swim distance
Run distance
Race Category 2018
14
200m
1500m
1st Year Youth
15
200m
1500m
2nd Year Youth
16
400m
3000m
1st Year Junior
17
400m
3000m
2nd Year Junior
Note:
1. There is no points cap as in previous years simply add swim and run points together
to get a total.
2. 16 year olds now time trial over 400m swim / 3000m run
3. Swim is in a 25m pool and from a dive start
Current TS Academy athletes re-applying
Current TS Academy athletes are required to re-apply for the squad on an annual basis,
this can be achieved by following the application process detailed below.
Current Academy athletes will be required to attend the 2017 trial day on Saturday 9
September and expected to meet the entry standards relevant to their age. After the trial
day, current squad athletes will be invited back on Sunday 10 September for a 20 min
profile review meeting with relevant Academy coaching staff. At this meeting each
athlete's conduct, progress, race experience and aspirations in the sport will be discussed
using the TS athlete profile (this will be sent out to and discussed in advance with all
athletes reapplying), culminating in decision on squad entry for 2017/18.
Application Process
Athletes wishing to apply for the TS Academy must do the following.
1) Register to attend the Academy trial day via EntryCentral (entries will open on 1
August 2016 and close on 28 August 2017)
2) Attend the Academy trial day on 9 September 2017. Athletes will be expected to
prioritise attendance at the trial day over other activities. If an athlete cannot attend
or perform at the trial due to illness / injury then they will need to notify the SHPC
coaching team in advance.
Academy Program of Activity
The Academy provides 5 weekend camps and 1 Easter camp per year. The dates of the
weekend camps will be confirmed as soon as the key X-C and swim meet dates are
confirmed to avoid clashes where possible. All weekend camps are scheduled to begin on a
Friday evening at 5pm and end on a Sunday evening at 4pm. Athletes are expected to
attend all camps, unless otherwise discussed with Academy coaching team. If an athlete
has been unable to attend 3 or more of the winter weekend camps then their place on the
Academy will be reviewed as it would be deemed that they are not ready to engage fully
with the programme of activity required for progression.
The Easter and race camp dates are to be announced as soon as the 2017-18 calendar is
confirmed.
Who to contact?
For more information regarding the TS Academy please contact Fiona Lothian (Head of
Performance).
Frequently asked questions:
Which age category column do I use?
Use the age you will be on the 31st December of the year the trial takes place. For
example: if you were 14 on 6th July 2016 you would refer to the 14 year old age category
on the points matrix sheet.
How can I submit evidence of times that I have achieved?
We want to make the evidencing process as easy as possible, but we also recognise the
importance of having the submitted evidence verified. Because of this we will only accept
evidence that meets the following criteria:1) Results of any event that are displayed on either power of 10 or British Swimming
2) Results from a local event must be from an officially accurate course and available
for the general public to access either online or an official results sheet.
3) You can get someone to video the complete time trial taking place and supply that
video evidence to Triathlon Scotland coaches. It would need to follow the athlete
for the duration of their effort
4) The yearly selection day trials in September, give an opportunity to get verified
times by Triathlon Scotland coaches.
What if I am ill or injured and unable to complete the selection day trials?
If injury or illness stops you from competing at the trials then you would be assessed on
other evidence you can provide (See above). You would need to notify Triathlon Scotland
coaches of your reason for absence.
Can I attend the trials if I'm not applying for the Academy?
Yes you can attend the trials even if your not applying for the Academy, however we will
set a generous minimum standard which will be displayed on the entry details on Entry
Central. The trial registration will open on 1 August 2017 and will close on 28 August
2017.
What is the minimum standard required to be considered for the Academy?
The minimum points total is 320 points
What is the capacity of the Academy?
The proposed capacity of the Academy is 20 athletes
Note: In 2017-18 the Academy has replaced to Foundation Squad
Further reading
ADF Booklet
Appendix A
Description
Ride a road bike with road /
triathlon cycling shoes and
pedals
Take one hand off the
handlebar for 10sec and
continue to ride in a
straight line
To reach to your bottle
cage, have a drink and put
the bottle back in the cage.
Be able to change gears,
ride out the saddle, ride on
the drops and ride on the
hoods
Change a tyre inner tube
(less than 10min for JNR’s)
Be able to put your chain
back on unassisted
Youth
Junior
BY 3RD FS WINTER CAMP
YES
YES
YES
BY 3RD FS WINTER CAMP
YES
YES
YES
BY 3RD FS WINTER CAMP
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Complete a full ‘M’ frame
safety check unassisted
(https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=JwSi-AGwm5g)
YES
YES
Complete a running mount
and dismount in bare feet
BY 3RD FS WINTER CAMP
To ride for 1hr continuously
(YTH) or 2hrs continuously
(JNR)
To be able to pump up your
tyres using a track pump
To be able to ride in a
group of 6-10 people,
sitting within 30cm of the
wheel ahead and be able to
signal and communicate
YES
YES
YES
BY 3RD FS WINTER CAMP
BY 3RD FS WINTER CAMP