U.S.Academic Triathlon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I get USAT started in my area?

A. Host an Invitational Meet! Everything comes in a kit from the National Office, so pick a date, invite colleagues from neighboring districts to bring teams, and watch students bloom as they went their way through this mental footrace!

Q. What type of students does USAT best?

A. Any student who has enthusiasm for writing plays, playing games, answering trivia questions, or thinking on their feet will love USAT. Students of all ability levels are appropriate, because the entire teams always in involved in USAT solutions. Even timid team members are invited to be present on stage, whether they choose to have a speaking role or not.

Q. What’s the real purpose of USAT?

A. The real product of USAT competition is personal growth. Students learn to think outside the box, to have positive educational experiences that last a lifetime. They have to take positive risks, to approach each new problem with a sense of humor and a send of their own self worth. As students enjoy a Triathlete’s season, they become aware that AT really stands for “Able Thinkers”. Students learn that, on any given day, they may win or lose, and that sometimes they do not com home with the medal; but only by experiencing this do they become poised and balanced adults. They learn so much by stretching themselves, and by taking a chance! The safety net built into USAT is that, even if one member of the team is stuck, the team member can ask the team for help, and a way to go on tackling each Meet challenge.

Q. Who coaches USAT?

A. Teachers, principals, parents and other volunteers all serve as USAT coaches. Programs are almost exclusively run through school districts, although certain other groups, such as after-school programs, magnet programs, and parent groups, sponsor teams. A Training Tape and Materials are available to help coaches become familiar with the program. All Meets are hosted by experienced USAT coaches, who use the official Program Manual rules and forms.

Q. What about postponed Meets?

A. If a Meet must be postponed, all coaches talk about a make-up date. A “snow date” is chosen each year. Regular Season Dates ensure the security of questions used.

Q. Where can I find practice materials?

A. There are samples on this website. Additionally, almost any game or learning activity can be modified to become an Academic Triathlon challenge in the hands of a creative coach! Students gain from shared game-playing experiences, and team-building is important to the success of the team. Also, teams that get along and practice positive assertions usually score better than those teams who are not as experienced in brainstorming techniques. (Click “samples)

Q. What about the element of competition in learning?

A. Adding a competitive component to these activities helps teams strive to do their best. Unlike some other thinking skills competitions that offer only one chance to compete, Triathletes know they’ll play at least three Round Robin scrimmages, at which they’ll learn to do even better, to employ new strategies, and to learn, along with so many other students, that there’s truth to the adage that there’s more than one way to skin a cat!