Conditions and Guidelines for

Youth Events

Safety Guidelines

Some key items from the Conditions and Guidelines for all volunteers to note:

The TSA Conditions (Para. 15.1) state that all life jackets should be US Coast Guard approved. Previously, the popular Zhik brand life jackets were not U.S. Coast Guard-approved. In 2019, however, Zhik released a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD. All sailors who wear the Zhik brand PFD should ensure theirs is the newer version that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved. If it is not, the sailors should be asked to find or borrow something different. They should not be permitted to compete in the non-approved life jackets.

The official notice board should have local emergency contacts and other important safety information. Additionally, one person should be designated as on-shore safety. This person:

  • is tuned to VHF RC communications

  • has all key contacts for local emergency as well as sailors’ parents numbers provided at registration

  • looks for sailors returning to shore, communicates with RC

  • has access to a first aid kit

  • knows how to reach local emergency teams and how to communicate about access to the venue

Some TSA parents are doctors. Contact us prior to the start of the event and we can provide names of some doctors who will be on site just in case.

On the water, the RC and/or safety boats should always stay out until the last competitor has returned to shore. This is stated in the Guidelines (Para. 19.12.12).

The competitors’ briefing should include remarks about any local hazards. Particularly, look ahead to the busy launching and retrieving process to avoid confusion from parents and sailors.

Green fleet should have a separate briefing and a separate line on the water. Encouraging communication from the PRO is always welcome on the Green line!


Regatta Planning Checklist

One month prior to Regatta:

      • Use most current NOR template above

      • Review with TSA Youth Committee Co-Chair (or designated Appointee) and open registration

      • Share Conditions and Guidelines with all RC volunteers

One week prior to Regatta:

      • Use most current SI template above and review with TSA Youth Committee Co-Chair (or designated Appointee)

      • Review RC equipment (mark boats, flags and marks)

      • Share PRO and Protest Committee names with TSA Youth Committee Co-Chair (or designated Appointee)

      • Review Safety plan and resources with volunteers and TSA Youth Committee Co-Chair (or designated Appointee)

      • Verify that all RC volunteers have reviewed Conditions and Guidelines

Friday night or Saturday morning of Regatta:

      • As needed, the TSA Youth Committee Co-Chair (or designated Appointee) is available to meet with PROs and Regatta Chair to review and answer questions regarding:

          • goal is to race as much as possible

          • course preference for each fleet

          • green fleet rule of thirds

          • safety resources and plan