USA TRIATHLON

MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED

RULES & PENALTIES

 

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

 

1. Helmets: (Penalty: Disqualification)

No modification may be made to the helmet.  Helmets must be worn as they were purchase.  If the helmet came with a cloth cover, the cover must be on the helmet when competing. 

2. Chin Straps: (Penalty: Disqualification on the course; Variable time penalty in transition area only.)

Chin Straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle.  DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.

3. Outside Assistance: (Penalty: Variable time penalty)

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

4. Transition Area: (Penalty: Variable time penalty)

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 interfere with another participant’s equipment or impede the progress of another participant.  No participant shall bring any glass containers into the transition area (DQ!).

5. Drafting: (Penalty: Variable time penalty)

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 traffic unless passing.

Blocking—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.

6. Course: (Penalty: Referee’s discretion)

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 center line for ANY reason.  Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times.

7. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: (Penalty: Disqualification)

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

8. Headphones: (Penalty: Variable time penalty)

Headphones, headsets, walkman’s, etc. are not to be worn at any time.

9. Race Numbers: (Penalty: Variable time penalty for missing or altered number. Disqualification and one year suspension from membership in USAT for transferring a number without race director permission)

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 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.

10. Wetsuits:

Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon 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 wetsuits at their own discretion, provided, however that participants who wear a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards.  Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

11. Abandonment: (Penalty: Variable time penalty)

All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time.  No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.

12. Bar-end Plugs: (Penalty:  Disqualification)

Handlebars and stem must be fashioned to prevent any danger.  All handlebar ends must be solidly plugged to lessen the possibility of injury.

 

VARIABLE TIME PENALTIES

DISTANCE CATEGORY

1ST OFFENSE    

2ND OFFENSE

3RD OFFENSE

Short or Sprint

1:00 minute 

2:00 minutes

Disqualification

International & Olympic

2:00 minutes

4:00 minutes

Disqualification

Long

4:00 minutes

8:00 minutes

Disqualification

Ultra

6:00 minutes

12:00 minutes

Disqualification

 

Last Revised 2/12/2004