THE HANDBOOK

Consider this entry an electronic hodgepodge of information and forms you need as a member of West Coast Pentathlon. Here are the contents, which will change as we add and delete entries:

Pentathlon Equipment Checklist

Swimming

·          two swim suits (including competition suit)

·          two pairs of goggles

·          two swim caps (including USA)

·          flip flops

Running

·          track shoes or cross country shoes (depending on the venue)

·          trainers for warm ups and cool downs

·          socks (two or three pair)

·          running bras (women)

·          running shorts

·          running jerseys with name and country professionally printed

·          watch

Shooting

·          pistol

·          cloth

·          pellets

·          eye patch or occluder (optional)

·          ear protectors

·          safety glasses (optional)

Riding

·          ASTME approved helmet

·          two white dress shirts

·          two stock ties or dress ties (men)

·          dark-blue or black hunt coat with American flag on sleeve

·          two pairs of dark beige, tan or khaki riding breeches (preferably Tailored Sportsmen four-way stretch or Ariat)

·          belt

·          long socks

·          black leather gloves

·          tall black field boots

·          boot hooks

·          boot jack

·          boot polish

·          lint roll for garments

·          one pair of spurs, not to exceed 1/2 inch in length

·          one short bat

Fencing

All fencing gear must be FIE-approved.

·          fencing jacket with name in blue across back and American flag on arm

·          fencing knickers

·          underarm protector

·          fencing shoes

·          fencing socks (at least two pair)

·          fencing glove

·          three epees and cords

·          mask

·          chest protector (women)

·          buzz box

Travel tips

·          Always call 24 hours ahead to make sure that the flight still exists and departure times have not changed. Coordinate any changes of plans with the organizer, chaperone, or coach.

·          Check your airline’s website for its procedure regarding air pistols. Print these procedures and place them in your pistol case, along with the invitation to the event you will be attending. On the pistol case, tape a sign with COMPETITION AIR PISTOL, NOT A FIRE ARM in large type. Have a TSA-approved lock on the case.

·          When you arrive at the airport, declare your air pistol and show the clerk the airline’s regulations. He/she will still probably call over a TSA agent to talk to you but it’s better than your pistol being confiscated during the X-ray baggage check.

·          You are going to have more trouble getting your compressed air cylinders onboard than the air pistol itself. Only take one cylinder and make sure it’s completely empty. You may want to ship your air pistol and/or cylinder ahead to avoid any issues.

·          Be at the airport at least one hour before departure for domestic flights and at least two hours before departure for foreign flights. Remember it will take longer to declare your air pistol.

·          Always have your coaches’ cell phone numbers with you and make sure they have your cell phone number. Do the same for your chaperones, if any. Keep your cell phones turned on when possible.

·          At your training/competition venue, always be on time. If workouts are at 7 a.m., you should be there at 6:45. And at competitions, you should arrive 30 minutes early. Keep checking with the organizers to make sure that times and/or places have not changed. It happens. A lot.