The SCAMPER series will be back next week, but with only one month left to register we wanted to get some information out to you about how to start a new team if you are interested in coaching, or if you have a child who you think would enjoy the program.
Step 1: Identify 4-5 students, plus 2 alternates, in grades 5 through 8, to form a competition team. It might be fun to come up with a team name and, if funds are available, a team shirt/jersey for competitions! Some teams are made up students who are already friends, and some teams are created as a way to make new ones among people who are just interested in exploring their creative side in a fun and supportive way.
Step 2: Recruit another teacher or parent to serve as an additional coach or volunteer. Each team needs a Head Coach to successfully run a team, though additional coaches or adults (16 years or older) may be needed. Each team must provide at least one coach/volunteer to assist with the successful management of each Round Robin or Regional meet.
Step 3: Register your team with the national US Academic Triathlon office by Nov. 14, 2014. Final payment is due by Dec. 14, 2014. To register, complete either the Xcel spreadsheet or the PDF registration forms on the Registration page. You can fax, email, or snail mail it to the contact information below:
US Academic Triathlon
P.O. Box 333
Northfield, MN 55057
Fax: 507.301.3512
State Coordinator Email: sarahjksheldon@gmail.com
Step 4: Review the Program Manual, which will be sent electronically to first-time coaches upon successful registration, or can be downloaded here: Program Manual. Make sure you are familiar with all expectations of the Head Coach, additional coaches/volunteers, team members, and the competition process. During the course of your USAT season, you may be asked to host a meet at your school. The Program Manual and the State Coordinator will be your essential resources for hosting your first USAT Meet.
Step 5: Create your team’s Competition Kit – your team’s box of essentials necessary to work through any problem thrown at them during a Meet. See the Program Manual for details of what goes in your team’s Competition Kit.
Step 6: Practice! You can find practice problems on this site. You additional tips and practice ideas you can subscribe to the USAT blog or follow us on Facebook.
For questions about recuitment, please contact Sarah Sheldon at sarahjksheldon@gmail.com.
usacademictriathlon.com 