possible first ever tri

basically im considering doing this as my first tri and see how everything works...
http://www.triitnow.com/SpringRidgeSprint.htm

my problem is i wont be able to make it on saturday for the meeting to elarn the rules/course etc...

what can u guys tell me to get me prepared so i don't get DQed on my first tri?

obviously helmets are required.. but any particular type u have to have?

are they ussually pretty helpful ahead of time to make sure i know what im doing?