Rules & Regs. – Cliff Note Version
The following rules represent the more salient USAT rules; those closely monitored at most races. The penalties for violation are either time penalties or disqualification. The list below does not represent a comprehensive list, you're on your own for that (hint: see USAT website).
Helmet - no modifications may be made. Helmets must be worn as they were purchased. Helmet Chin Straps - must be buckled at all times when on the bicycle. Do not unbuckle your chin straps unless you have gotten off your bike. Outside Assistance – simply not allowed other than that offered by race and medical officials. Bike - handle bar "plugs" on bikes used for participation in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event. During bike inspections, prior to the racking of your bike, officials will inspect your bike to see if your handle bar ends are plugged. Try to avoid last minute fixes to this at the race since you'll have enough nervousness as it is. Transition Area - all equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corrals. Max races assign bikes to bike racks based on your bib-race number. 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. And no glass containers are allowed in the Transition Area.
Drafting – each bike has an "imaginary box" (no we aren't sleep deprived). Put another way, there is a drafting zone two meters wide and seven meters long, beginning at your front wheel. You have 15-seconds to travel by another cyclist's box and when passing, always pass on the left. Translation – stay three bike lengths behind and pass quickly on the left!
Headphones – it's a good thing we have great music at the Transition Area, since you're not allowed any type of headset, headphone, etc. any time during the race. Race Numbers – should be visible at all times on bike and run, even though chip timing is used. Course Boundaries – follow the prescribed course and stay within all coned lanes. Do not cross a solid center road line to pass other cyclists. Please obey all traffic laws.
Wetsuits – wetsuits are allowed as long as the Fahrenheit temperature is <84 degrees. It's only a matter of whether you qualify for awards or not, summarized as follows;
Temperature |
Eligible for Awards |
< 78 |
Yes |
>78 but <84 |
No |
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – refrain from foul, harsh, argumentative, abusive language and other conduct towards volunteers, spectators, fellow athletes, Officials, our dog, etc. We'll have a few big boys monitoring the race and you'll most likely be disqualified.
Variable Time Penalties – guess what, they vary. There are different categories and different penalties based on the offense and event race distance. USAT Officials know their stuff, so you can talk to them if you fit in this category at race finish.
Swimming Notes – you may rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat or rope or you may stand on the bottom. A swimmer needing assistance should raise an arm overhead and yell. You are not disqualified if the assistance didn't help you make forward progress.
Wave Starts – the swim portion of a race is commenced by starting designated "waves." A wave equates to a category of swimmers pre-established by Max. All participants must start with their assigned wave or disqualification results (you will stand out in the crowd too, since your swim cap will be a different color).
Protests – you are allowed to protest to the Head Referee at the sanctioned event. Everyone makes mistakes, so you never know. Details on the process are in the USAT Handbook.
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