Rules & Regulations

RULES 101: A Must Read

Here’s a simplified version of the rules of the road that will suffice for the first timers: it’s the competitive age-groupers responsibility to understand and follow complete USAT regulations:

• You must have your ANSI helmet on and strapped before mounting your bike.
• You must walk or run in the transition area- no riding ‘til the mount line.
• You must have your race number pinned on and visible and numbers on your bike and helmet.
• Do not follow the biker in front of you too closely. Be at least 2 bike lengths behind them. It’s dangerous and a position violation, called drafting.
• Ride your bike as far to the right side of the lane as possible. Pass only on the left (within the lane) and then immediately return to the right. Violation of this rule is blocking. Let the faster riders going for the age group awards go through.
• Read rule #5 and 3 more times.
• Rack your bike properly and respect your fellow competitor’s equipment.
• Follow the directions of the Race Officials and Marshals without question.
• No head phones- be alert and aware. Know the course.
• You must wear your timing transponder throughout the race. Hand it to a Race Official after crossing the finish line to receive a time. You will be charged $20 if you do not return the transponder.

HAVE FUN!!!! And thank a volunteer, at least once. THANKS!

MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED RULES & PENALTIES

Helmets : No modifications may be made to the helmet. Helmets must be worn as they were purchased. If the helmet came with a cloth cover, the cover must be on the helmet when competing. Penalty: Disqualification

Chin Straps: Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle. Penalty: Disqualification on the course; Variable time penalty in transition area only.

Outside Assistance: No assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used. Triathlons and Duathlons are individual tests of fitness.

Penalty: Variable time penalty

Transition Area: All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corral. All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in their designated bicycle corral. No person shall interface with another participant’s equipment or impede the progress of another participant. No participants shall bring ANY glass containers into the transition area (DQ!) Penalty: Variable time penalty

Drafting:

• Drafting: Keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds.
• Position: Keep to the right hand side of the lane of travel unless passing.
• Docking: Riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and interfering with other cyclists attempting to pass.
• Overtaken: Once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.

Penalty: Variable time penalty

Course: All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course and to stay within all coned lanes. Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue. Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow line for ANY reason. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times. Penalty: Referee’s discretion

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden. Penalty: Disqualification

Headphones: Headphones, headsets, walkman’s etc are not to be worn at any time during the race. Penalty: Variable time penalty

Race Numbers: All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run. Numbers must face the front and be clearly visible at all times. Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way. DO NOT transfer your number to any other athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing. Penalty: Variable time penalty for missing or altered number, Disqualification and one year suspension from membership in USAT for transferring a number without race directors permission.

Wetsuits: Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USAT up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided, however that participants who wear wetsuits within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

Variable Time Penalties (additional time penalties and disqualifications are subject to the discretion of the Race Director)

For a complete list of rules, please refer to the current USA Triathlon Competitive Rules at: www.usatriathlon.org

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