Conditions and Guidelines for
Youth Events
Documents
TSA Youth Racing Circuit Conditions and Regatta Guidelines 2023 (Updated 1/2023)
TSA Youth Racing Circuit Conditions and Regatta Guidelines 2024 (Updated Conditions COMING SOON)
Regatta Network Set-Up Notes for TSA Events (Updated 1/2018)
TEMPLATE – Notice of Race (2024) (Updated NOR Template COMING SOON)
TEMPLATE – Sailing Instructions (2024) (Updated NOR Template COMING SOON)
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