12-Jun-2007 - Plymouth Aquathlon 2007 – Review Report
Following a number of e-mails and phone conversations querying the delivery of the Plymouth Aquathlon, a meeting was held on 9th June to review the event. The following conclusions were draw from this meeting:
- Volunteers - Plymouth Tri Club (PTC) were short of what they deemed the desired number of volunteers for the event, and therefore left themselves stretched throughout the event. This was down to volunteers having already attended the Kids of Steel event four weeks earlier, and also committing to attend the Adult Triathlon taking place in three weeks. Conclusion – more time must be had between events to ensure volunteers are willing and able to commit to supporting races.
- Race Number – Numbering of athletes with a marker pen was inadequate as several athletes numbers smudged or wiped off. This made the time keepers role very difficult in some cases. Conclusion – Numbers will be provided for all future events.
- Running without top – A limited number of athletes ran the race without tops. The volunteer in transition was not from a triathlon background, and was unaware of this rule. Conclusion – An in-depth race brief for marshals must take place before events. Race referee would be better positioned in/around transition.
- Referee visible – Race referee did not wear high visibility vest, as he was on poolside. Conclusion – Race referees must be highly visible to all competitors, spectators and volunteers, and wear appropriate clothing.
- Parents in Transition – A limited number of parents entered transition to assist their child. This situation stemmed from the Kids of Steel event, where parents had been able to assist athletes. This event was the first competitive event for many athletes. Conclusion – Stricter marshalling around transition.
- Number of laps run – It has become apparent that a very limited number of athletes may not have completed the appropriate number of laps for their event. – Conclusion – A simple system of using bands, handing them out for each lap run.
- Parent Code of Conduct – Parents behaviour as whole was very good, let down by one or two. Volunteers and parents were unaware of the appropriate appeals procedure for the event. Conclusion – Display the Parent Code of Conduct, Appeals Procedure and other relevant documents at registration. Make all volunteers aware of these documents.
- Race Results – After in-depth review of the events results PTC conclude that the results for the event stand. PTC concluded that a very limited number of athletes may not have completed the appropriate number of laps, leading to confusion in positioning.
- Appeal - Athlete Number One - With some numbers rubbing off athletes arms/legs, it may have been the case that athlete number 1 and athlete number 10 finishing line times were mixed up. Having scrutinised the results PTC concluded that it was not possible to say whether this was the case or not. If this had been the case athlete number 1 would have run an exceptionally fast run split, or completed incorrect laps. PTC has no evidence to prove either case.
It could also be the case that athlete number 10 was a lap ahead of athlete number 1 due to athlete number 10 swimming a considerably faster swim split. This may have lead to the misconception by spectators that athlete number 1 was ahead of athlete number 10 when athlete number 1 passed athlete number 10. Athlete number 1 would have had to pass athlete number 10 twice to be ahead of them if athlete number 1 had been a lap behind athlete number 10. PTC has no conclusive evidence of this.
Conclusion – PTC conclude that the race results will stand. Triathlon England South West will be provided with this report and the appeal form from athlete number 1. It will be for them to decide whether or not the results should be considered for the South West Series. PTC recommends that they are.
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