Elite category information:

If a competitor competes in the Elite division, they are ineligible to receive masters or grand masters or any age group awards. They ARE eligible to receive the top three Overall awards. If they place in the top 3 overall, then participants in the Elite group will move up to fill that vacancy for awards purposes..

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

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 a wetsuit within such

temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Above 84 degrees, 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 minutes 4:00 minutes Disqualification

Long 4:00 minutes 8:00 minutes Disqualification

Ultra 6:00 minutes 12:00 minutes Disqualification

For a complete list of rules, please refer to the most up to date USA Triathlon Competitive Rules

at: http://triathlon.teamusa.org/content/index/1684