Most Commonly Violated Rules & Penalties
1. Helmets
Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Helmets must be worn at all times while
on your bike. This means before, during, and after the event.
Penalty: Disqualification
2. 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
3. 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
4. Transition Area
All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually
assigned bike corral. The wheel of the bicycle must be down on the side of the assigned
space. 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. All bar ends must be solidly plugged. No
participant shall bring ANY glass containers into the transition area.
Penalty: Variable time penalty
5. 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.
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.
Penalty: Variable time penalty
6. 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 center line for ANY reason.
Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times.
Penalty: Referee's discretion
7. Unsportsmanlike-Like 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
8. Headphones
Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices,
etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race.
Penalty: Variable time penalty
9. 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 director permission.
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°Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78° but less
than 84° Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at
their own discretion, provided, however that participants who wears a wetsuit
within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards.
Above 84°,
wetsuits are prohibited.
11. Abandonment
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.
Penalty: Variable time penalty
Variable Time Penalties
| Distance Category |
1st Offense |
2nd Offense |
3rd Offense |
| Sprint |
2:00 minute |
4:00 minutes |
Disqualification |
| Intermediate |
2:00 minute |
4:00 minutes |
Disqualification |
| Long |
4:00 minute |
8:00 minutes |
Disqualification |
| Ultra |
6:00 minute |
12:00 minutes |
Disqualification |
For a complete list of rules, please refer to the most up to date USA Triathlon
Competitive Rules at: http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/1684
Download PDF of this information here
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