USAT Rule Book

Table of Contents Competitive Rules Article I: Scope, Purpose and Construction 1.1 Scope 1.2 Purpose 1.3 Construction 1.4 Rules Exceptions and Additions Article II: Membership 2.1 Membership/ Permit Requirements 2.2 Membership Eligibility 2.3 Athlete's Membership Rights 2.4 Membership Categories 2.5 Prize Money 2.6 Single Event Permits Article III: General Rules of Conduct and Penalties 3.1 Preparation and Training 3.2 Age Group Competition 3.3 General Conduct 3.4 Race Conduct 3.5 Unregistered Participants 3.6 Penalties and Prohibited Conduct 3.7 Time Penalties 3.7A Time Penalties for Elites 3.8 Acts Warranting Suspension 3.9 Effect Of Suspension 3.10 Reinstatement 3.11 Notice Of Disciplinary Action 3.12 Acts of Agents Article IV: Swimming Conduct 4.1 Permissible Strokes 4.2 Bottom Contact and Resting 4.3 Emergencies 4.4 Wetsuits 4.5 Notice Of Wetsuit Policy 4.6 Measuring Water Temperature 4.7 Official Equipment 4.8 Goggles 4.9 Illegal Equipment Article V: Cycling Conduct 5.1 Propulsion 5.2 Forward Progress 5.3 Knowledge of Course 5.4 Traffic Laws 5.5 Endangerment 5.6 Accidents 5.7 Dismounting 5.8 Illegal Equipment 5.9 Helmets 5.9A Helmets - Elite Rules 5.10 Position Fouls 5.10A Position Fouls - Elite Rules 5.10B Position Foul Penalties - Elite Rules 5.10C Assessment of Time Penalties/Conduct of Athletes - Elite Rules 5.10D Suspension Periods - Elite Rules 5.11 Bicycle Specifications 5.12 Untraditional or Unusual Bicycle Equipment Article VI: Running Conduct 6.1 Permitted Conduct 6.2 Knowledge of the Course 6.3 Permitted and Illegal Equipment 6.4 Run Example

Article VII: Transition Area Conduct 7.1 Entering and Exiting 7.2 Placement of Equipment 7.3 Bicycle Placement 7.4 Obstruction and Interference 7.5 Glass Containers 7.6 Indecent Exposure Article VIII: Doping Control Rules 8.1 Policy 8.2 Incorporation of Rules 8.3 Adoption of USADA Protocol Article IX: Race Officiation 9.1 Race Officials 9.2 Head Referee 9.3 Powers of Head Referee 9.4 Duties of Head Referee 9.5 Official Race Results 9.6 Race Marshals 9.7 Judges 9.8 Head Timer Article X: Protests 10.1 Proper Subject of Protest 10.2 Protests Involving Eligibility 10.3 Standing to File Protest 10.4 Summary Dismissal of Protest 10.5 Time for Filing Protests 10.6 Contents of Protest 10.7 Notice of Protest 10.8 Protest Committee 10.9 Protest Hearing 10.10 Protest Ruling 10.11 Effect of Protest Decision 10.12 Announcement of Official Results 10.13 Presence of Participants Article XI: Hearings and Appeals 11.1 Board of Hearings and Appeals 11.2 Proper Subject of Appeal 11.3 Appeals of Protests and Other Matters 11.4 Disciplinary Hearings 11.5 Appeal to Board of Directors 11.6 Emergency Hearings and Appeals 11.7 Investigations and Inquiries 11.8 Compliance with Final Ruling Addendum: Physically Challenged PC 1.0 General PC 1.1 Classification  PC 1.2 Competition Categories PC 1.3 Swimming Conduct PC 1.4 Handlers PC 1.5 Transition Areas PC 1.6 Cycling Conduct PC 1.7 Running Conduct

Competitive Rules

The Competitive Rules are intended to provide for the orderly and consistent administration of events sanctioned by USA Triathlon and are not designed to establish standards of care for the safety of participants or other persons. Every participant, official, volunteer and spectator should consider all safety issues and make related decisions prudently without reliance upon the Competitive Rules.

USA Triathlon makes no express or implied warranty, guarantee, or representation regarding the degree of safety, which may or may not result from compliance with the Competitive Rules. Examinations or inspections of equipment at sanctioned events are undertaken solely to monitor compliance with the Competitive Rules and do not guarantee or ensure safety from personal injury or property damage. The safety of race equipment is the sole responsibility of each and every participant.

Article I

Scope, Purpose and Construction

1.1 Scope. These Competitive Rules ("Rules") are adopted by USA Triathlon and govern the administration of all races and events sanctioned by USA Triathlon. These Rules are binding on all members of USA Triathlon and all persons who enter or participate in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon.

1.2 Purpose. These Rules are designed to set forth a standard set of parameters within which athletes can participate in triathlons and compete in a positive atmosphere of equal opportunity. These Rules are intended:

• To promote and maintain sportsmanship, equal opportunity and fair play;
• To encourage and reward individual performance and initiative;
• To protect the health, safety, and well being of participants;
• To promote the integrity of sport and triathlon as a positive cultural force in modern day society; and
• To foster the foregoing ideals through the establishment and enforcement of punitive rules.

1.3 Construction. These Rules shall be interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with their purpose. Whenever the context so indicates, the masculine or feminine gender, and the singular or plural number, shall be construed to include the other.

1.4 Rules Exceptions and Additions. For any particular event, a race director may request from USA Triathlon a specific exception or addition to these Rules. Any such request should be made with the consideration of the participant's safety as the highest priority. All requests for Rule changes must be made in writing. All exceptions or additions to these Rules must be expressly approved in writing by the Executive Director of USA Triathlon and must be announced to all participants prior to the event.

Article II

Membership

2.1 Membership/ Permit Requirements.

All participants in events sanctioned by USA Triathlon must be members of USA Triathlon and be able to present a valid annual membership card or must purchase a USA Triathlon single event permit. Any athlete who intentionally participates in an event despite lack of membership or ineligibility for the relevant membership class shall be suspended or barred from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any sanctioned event for a period of up to one year.

2.2 Membership Eligibility.

Membership in USA Triathlon is available to all persons in good standing with USA Triathlon who submit a completed application, pay the required membership fee, and comply with all the requirements determined by USA Triathlon to be applicable to the specific category of membership desired. No person shall be denied membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.

2.3 Athletes’ Membership Rights.

All athletes shall be entitled to due process with respect to any action revoking or suspending the athlete's membership in USA Triathlon. Due process shall include:

1. Reasonable notice (usually in writing ) of the charges or allegations made against the athlete;

2. A reasonable time within which to prepare a defense and to answer the charges or allegations;

3. The opportunity to respond to the charges and the ability to have the assistance of legal counsel in the preparation of any defense;

4. A hearing before an impartial and disinterested decision-making body; and

5. The ability to appeal an adverse decision and notice of the proper procedure for making such an appeal.

No person shall be suspended from USA Triathlon or declared ineligible to participate in USA Triathlon sanctioned events without fair notice of the allegations against such person and the opportunity for a hearing.

2.4 Membership Categories.

Annual membership in USA Triathlon will be available in the following categories and subject to the following requirements:

1. (1) Elite. Elite annual membership will be available to certain qualified, highly competitive, and experienced athletes. An Elite is eligible to receive prize money directly. Except as otherwise determined by USA Triathlon, no person may be granted Elite membership unless that person submits proof that, in at least three (3) different USA Triathlon sanctioned events occurring within a twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date of application, the athlete has officially finished as one of the top ten (10) males or females overall and within ten percent (10%) of the winning male's or winning female's time, whichever the case may be. For the purposes of this Rule, sanctioned events with less than 200 finishers shall be disregarded.  

   * Any person wishing to apply for an exception to the above requirements in order to obtain an Elite annual membership should contact USA Triathlon (info@usatriathlon.org)  for special consideration.
   
   (2) Elite Collegiate: Athlete who qualifies according to the criteria listed above, and does not accept prize money. 
   
   Foreign Elite athletes holding an Elite license from their National Federation or having raced as an Elite in international events are prohibited from competing within age group categories as an age group athlete or for age group awards in events where there is an Elite division or awards. Prior to entering any USAT event, foreign athletes must disclose their elite/pro status and that failure to disclose such is cause for Disqualification and up to a one year suspension from USAT sanctioned events.
    

2. Age Group. The following divisions shall be available within the Age Group category of membership: (i) regular membership; (ii) youth membership (7 to 17 years of age).

2.5 Prize Money.

When prize money is available in any event, no restrictive rules or conditions which have the effect of impeding performance may be placed upon any one category of members or group of participants unless such rules or conditions are imposed equally upon all those participants who are eligible for prize money.

2.6 Single Event Permits.

At the discretion of USA Triathlon, persons who are not annual members of USA Triathlon may be allowed to participate in certain sanctioned events through the issuance of a single event permit. USA Triathlon shall determine the fee and establish the requirements necessary to obtain a single event permit. Any person obtaining a single event permit shall be subject to all of the Rules, Regulations and Policies of USA Triathlon.

Article III

General Rules of Conduct and Penalties

3.1 Preparation and Training.

No person shall participate in a triathlon or other multi-sport events unless such person;

(a) is trained adequately for that specific event, as might be expected of a prudent person entering a similar competition, and

(b) is in excellent health, based on recent training, physical examinations, if any, and generally accepted standards of good health.

3.2 Age Group Competition.

(a) All age group athletes must participate and compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s actual age on the date of the event.

(b) Clydesdale/Athena Categories - The official minimum weight standards for this category is 200 pounds for men, 150 pounds for women, to be monitored by the local race director. The age breakdown will be 39 years of age and under and 40 years of age and over.

3.3 General Conduct.

At or during an event, or while at the event site, all participants must:

1. Act in compliance with these Competitive Rules;

2. Conduct themselves in a matter that is not offensive in any way to fellow participants, spectators, officials or volunteers and is considered reasonable and acceptable in the community;

3. Treat all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators with fairness, respect and courtesy;

4. Refrain from the use of abusive language or conduct; and

5. After violating any of the Competitive Rules, report such violation to the Head Referee or retire from the event.

3.4 Race Conduct.

All participants in USA Triathlon sanctioned events must adhere to the Rules in this Section 3.4:

1. Entire Course. Participants must cover the prescribed course in its entirety. It is the participant's responsibility to know the course. Any violation of this section, even if no advantage is gained, shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee in his sole discretion determines that (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii) the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(l). In the event the Head Referee makes such a determination, the penalty shall be disqualification.

2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including the improper use of language or conduct directed toward an official. Violations of this Section shall result in disqualification or a variable time penalty depending on the severity of the violation as determined in the sole discretion of the Head Referee.

3. Obstruction. Participants shall refrain from intentionally or accidentally blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering with the forward progress of another participant. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

4. Unauthorized Assistance. No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official) physical assistance in any form, including food, drink, equipment, support, pacing, a replacement bicycle or bicycle parts, unless an express exception has been granted and approved, in writing, by USA Triathlon. The receipt of information regarding the progress, split times, or location of other competitors on the race course shall not be considered the acceptance of unauthorized assistance. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

5. Re-entry. Upon leaving the course, a participant shall re-enter the course and continue at the same point of departure. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee in his sole discretion determines that (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii) the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(l), in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.

6. Race Numbers. Participants shall plainly display their race numbers at all times, and shall maintain the race number in an unaltered, unobstructed and readable state at the start and finish gates, in the transition areas, and on the course. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

7. Unfair Advantage. No participant shall use his body, head, arms, or legs to gain an unfair advantage, or to push, pull, hold, strike, or force through one or more participants. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

8. Abandoned Equipment. No participant shall leave any equipment or personal gear on the race course. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

9. Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset, radio or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

10. Glass Containers. No participant shall utilize any glass bottles or glass containers at any time during the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee determines that such conduct constituted endangerment under section 3.4(l), in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.

11. Unauthorized Equipment. No participant shall use any equipment which the Head Referee determines to be improper, including but not limited to equipment which might provide an unfair advantage or endanger other participants. Unless otherwise provided for in these Rules, any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

12. Endangerment. No participant shall commit any dangerous act which could cause injury to any participant. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.

13. Wave Starts. When the beginning of any event is commenced by starting designated "waves" or groups of participants at different times, all participants shall start in and with the proper wave or group. Any participant who violates this section by starting in an improper and earlier wave or group shall be disqualified. Any participant who starts in an open, elite or other special wave shall be ineligible for age group awards and USAT national rankings.

3.5 Unregistered Participants.

1. Any person who participates in any portion of a sanctioned event without first properly registering and paying any required registration fee shall be suspended or barred from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any sanctioned event for a period of up to one year.

2. Any person who in any way assists another athlete to violate Section 3.5a by providing or selling a race number to that athlete shall be suspended or barred from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any sanctioned event for a period of up to one year. 

Any second violation of this Section shall result in a lifetime suspension or ban from membership in USA Triathlon.

3.6 Penalties and Prohibited Conduct.

Penalties, including disqualification and suspension, may be imposed upon race participants and/or members of USA Triathlon who violate any of these Competitive Rules or who solicit, encourage, or assist a violation of these Rules. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the specific penalty to be imposed in any given case shall depend on the nature and severity of the violation as determined by the Head Referee or USA Triathlon. The following penalties may be imposed for a violation of these Rules:

1. Assessment of a time penalty

2. Disqualification

3. Written reprimand or censure

4. Monetary fines

5. Suspension from membership in USA Triathlon ( including retroactive suspension) and

6. Permanent expulsion from USA Triathlon.

3.7 Time Penalties.

1. In General. A time penalty may be imposed for a violation of any Section of these Rules in which a time penalty is expressly authorized. In the event that a participant is assessed a time penalty, the applicable time period shall be added to that participant's aggregate finishing time in calculating official race results. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.10B of these rules, time penalties shall be cumulative and a participant may be assessed more than one time penalty for violations of the same rule.
    

2. Variable Time Penalties. A "variable time penalty" as used in these Rules shall mean a time penalty that varies in accordance with the distance category of the event. The variable time penalty for each of the distance categories shall be the following:

USA Triathlon or the AAC shall determine and publish the criteria pursuant to which distance categories are defined for purposes of this Section. The "long" distance category shall include events equal to one-half of the Ironman distance, and the "ultra" distance category shall include Ironman distance events.

3.7A. Time Penalties for Elites. 

A "variable time penalty" as used in these Rules shall mean a time penalty that varies in accordance with the distance category of the event. The variable time penalty for each of the distance categories shall be the following: 

3.8 Acts Warranting Suspension.

In addition to other penalties that may be imposed at the discretion of USA Triathlon, the following acts may be grounds for suspension for a period of time designated by USA Triathlon:

1. A flagrant or willful violation of the Competitive Rules;

2. Gross or continued unsportsmanlike conduct;

3. Physical violence directed toward a race official, participant, volunteer, spectator, or other person;

4. Any fraudulent act, such as falsifying name or age, filing a false affidavit or protest, or providing false information to USA Triathlon, the Board of Hearings and Appeals, or race officials;

5. Intentionally participating in an event despite failure to register, lack of membership, or ineligibility for the relevant membership class;

6. Repetitive or recurring violations of the Competitive Rules;

7. Failure to notify a race official after withdrawing from a race;

8. Violation of the Medical Control Rules as set forth in Article VIII;

9. Refusal to abide by the final determination by USA Triathlon on any matter relating to these Rules or the sport of triathlon; and

10. Any act which disgraces or brings discredit to the sport of triathlon.

3.9 Effect of Suspension.

Any person suspended from membership in USA Triathlon shall be ineligible to participate in any USA Triathlon sanctioned event and shall be disqualified from any USA Triathlon sanctioned event during the suspension period and until such time as that person has applied for and received written notice of reinstatement from USA Triathlon.

3.10 Reinstatement.

Any person who has been suspended must apply in writing to USA Triathlon for reinstatement after or immediately preceding expiration of the suspension period.

3.11 Notice of Disciplinary Actions.

Any person reprimanded, censured, suspended, or expelled from USA Triathlon shall be entitled to receive reasonable notice of such disciplinary action.

3.12 Acts of Agents.

The conduct of any agent acting with apparent authority on behalf of a participant shall constitute grounds for penalizing such participant if such agent's conduct violates any of these Rules.

Article IV

Swimming Conduct

4.1 Permissible Strokes.

Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water, and may tread water or float.

4.2 Bottom Contact and Resting.

A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object. Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain forward progress. A violation of this section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee in his/her sole discretion determines that (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii) the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(l).

4.3 Emergencies.

A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek assistance. A swimmer who has received official assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance. 

4.4 Wet suits.

Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit 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 wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council.

4.5 Notice Of Wet Suit Policy.

The wet suit policy for any particular race shall be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such literature shall include the following information, if applicable:

(a) Any changes from Section 4.4;
(b) Any specific restrictions on equipment;
(c) Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy for elite athletes.

(a) Illegal Positioning. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, while on the cycling course, no participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another participant or that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle (including authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete's responsibility to continually communicate to the vehicle to move away.

(b) Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area surrounding every bicycle which shall be two (2) meters (approximately six feet) wide and shall extend ten (10) meters behind the bicycle. The longer sides of the drafting zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle extending ten (10) meters behind the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts. The drafting zone therefore extends one meter (or approximately three feet) to each side of every bicycle and ten (10) meters behind every bicycle. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending three (3) feet to each side of the vehicle and fifty (50) feet behind the vehicle.

(d) Position on Course/Right-of-Way. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, a participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in position first without contacting another participant.

(f) Blocking. Cyclists who have assumed a proper position must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.

(g) Position and Passing. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and he is confident of his ability to overtake and pass the other cyclist.

(h) Being Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the side or to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist.

(i) Overtaking. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another  unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached decreases speed.

(j) Re-Passing. An overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone before attempting to re-pass another cyclist. In no case, however, shall a participant move into the path of another participant possessing the right-of-way.

(a) First Violation – Time Penalty. A variable time penalty shall be imposed for the first violation of Section 5.10A in any event.

(b) Second Violations. For a second violation of Section 5.10A in the same race, a fine shall be imposed in the amount of $200 and the athlete shall be disqualified from the event and shall be required to immediately withdraw from the race and vacate the course. An athlete charged with any second violation of Section 5.10A shall safely pull over to the side of the bicycle course, shall come to a complete stop, and shall abide by all instructions from race officials.

(c) Two Violations/Three Races. In addition to the above penalties, if an athlete is penalized for committing two (2) violations of Section 5.10A in each of three (3) separate races during anyone calendar year, the athlete shall be suspended from membership in USA Triathlon and AAC for a period of four (4) weeks plus one day.

(a) First Violation – Stop and Go System. Unless a Penalty Area System is being used pursuant to subsection (b), an athlete charged with a first violation of Section 5.10A shall safely pull over to the side of the bicycle course and shall come to a complete stop, placing both feet on the ground. The athlete shall properly attach the penalty indicator and shall remain stopped under the direction of the race official for a period of time equal to the applicable variable time penalty. When the official indicates that the time penalty has expired, the athlete may continue with the race.

(b) First Violation – Penalty Area System. Notwithstanding subsection (a), if a Penalty Area is being used in the event, an athlete charged with a first violation of Section 5.10A shall (1) safely decrease speed while maintaining a straight line of movement, (2) come to a complete stop, and (3) place both feet flat on the ground while completely stopped. Provided that, in the judgment of race officials, the athlete complies with the full stop requirement, the athlete may continue with the race. After completing the bicycle course and properly securing the bicycle, the penalized athlete shall immediately report to the designated penalty box or penalty area, which shall be located within or adjacent to the transition area (the "Penalty Area"). The penalized athlete shall remain in the Penalty Area for a cumulative amount of time equal to the variable time penalty assessed against the athlete. After such time has expired as determined by race officials, the athlete may exit the Penalty Area and continue with the race. Any time served in the Penalty Area shall become incorporated into the athlete's official time for the event.

(c) Use of Penalty Indicator. While stopped on the bicycle course for a first violation of Section 5.10A, an athlete shall be required to wear or affix to the bicycle a penalty indicator. The penalty indicator may be a florescent tape, wristband, or any other marker designated by race officials. Each athlete is required to carry the proper penalty indicator during the bicycle portion of the event. If charged with a penalty, an athlete who has accidentally lost the penalty indicator must alert race officials and obtain a replacement indicator. The penalty indicator will serve as notice to officials and spectators that the athlete has been penalized. No athlete shall intentionally remove the penalty indicator until all professional athletes have completed the event. This rule shall apply notwithstanding the athlete's disqualification from the event. Any violation of this Section 5.10C(c) shall result in disqualification and suspension from AAC and USA Triathlon for a period of three (3) months.

(d) Penalty Area Conduct. While in the Penalty Area, no athlete shall dress, undress, change uniforms, or adjust any race equipment. Running shoes may be worn into, but shall not be carried into the Penalty Area. While in the Penalty Area, no athlete shall accept any form of aid or assistance, including food, drink, or equipment, from any other person, including race officials. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.

(c) A vertical line touching the front most point of the saddle may be no more than 5 centimeters in front of and no more than 15 centimeters behind a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle, and the cyclist must not have the capability of adjusting the saddle beyond these limits during competition.

(d) The "front-to-center" distance, which is defined as the distance between a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle and a vertical line passing through the center of the front axle, must measure not less than 54 centimeters and no more than 65 centimeters, except that in the case of bicycles for taller participants (where the distance between the center of the chain wheel axle and the top of the saddle is greater than 80 centimeters), the front-to-center distance cannot exceed 68 centimeters and, in the case of bicycles for shorter cyclists (where the distance between the center of the chain wheel axle and the top of the saddle is less than 71 centimeters), the front-to-center distance cannot be less than 50 centimeters. Applicability of the two foregoing exceptions is determined by measuring from a point on top of the saddle which is 14 centimeters behind the front most point of the saddle.

(e) There must be no protective shield, fairing, or other device on any part of the bicycle (including frame, wheels, handlebars, chain wheel, and accessories) which has the effect of reducing resistance. Aerodynamic carriers for food, water, and or cycling provisions may be attached to or be an integral part of the aero-handlebars if they meet the following guidelines:

(i) the carrier can pass from front to rear, through a rectangular loop with dimensions of 10 inches (25 cm) in width and 8 inches (20 cm) in height.

(ii) The front of the carrier is behind the cyclist's hands when the hands are placed in their customary position on the end of the aerobars, and

When the carrier is an integral part of the aerobar, this integrated unit must be able to pass through the rectangular loop defined in (i) above and the carrier portion of the unit must meet criteria (ii) and (iii). In the event that compliance with this section is in doubt with respect to any particular carrier or integrated unit, a member of USA Triathlon may submit the carrier or integrated unit to USA Triathlon for evaluation.

(f) No additional equipment, whether it is worn under the competitor's clothing, over the competitor's clothing, or is otherwise attached to the athlete's body, which has the effect of reducing wind resistance is permitted. An exception is the use of safety helmets as described in Section 5.9. Such helmets may have the effect of reducing the wind resistance of the head only.

(g) Except as otherwise determined by the race director in the interest of safety, the front wheel may be of a different diameter than the rear wheel, but the front wheel must be of spoke construction. The rear wheel may be either spoke or solid construction. Wheel covers shall only be permitted on the rear wheel.

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

(k) All aspects of the bicycle must be safe to the user and to other participants in the event. Minimum safety standards include, but are not limited to, properly glued and sealed tires, tight headset and handlebars, and true wheels.

Any unusual bicycle construction or equipment to which the specifications in Section 5.11 cannot easily be applied shall be illegal unless prior approval is received from the Head Referee before the equipment is used in the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.

A participant must run or walk the entire portion of the run course. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all runners shall follow and remain within the prescribed course. A participant who gains forward progress by crawling or otherwise violates this Section shall be disqualified.

A participant must reduce cycling speed to an acceptable and safe level when exiting and entering the transition area. Failure to do so shall result in a variable time penalty.

All participants shall place equipment only in the properly designated and individually assigned bicycle corral and shall at all times keep their equipment confined to such properly designated areas. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in the properly designated bicycle corral after completion of the cycling course and before beginning the next segment of the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

No participant shall impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participant's equipment while in the transition area. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless such obstruction or interference renders another participant unable to complete the event, in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.

USA Triathlon condemns the use of substances or methods on the International Triathlon Union (ITU) list of classes of prohibited substances and methods. Additionally, USA Triathlon condemns the use of substances or methods aimed at artificially enhancing athletic performance. The use of prohibited substances or methods or the use of substances or methods aimed at artificially enhancing performance, frequently referred to as "doping," contravene the ethics of both sport and medical science, threaten the integrity and dignity of Olympic sport, erode public confidence in the Olympic Movement and jeopardize the well being of athletes. Additionally, the use of substances on the ITU prohibited substance list or the practice of artificially enhancing performance is inimical to the concept of sportsmanship and frustrates the desire to conduct fair athletic competitions. As a member National Governing Body of the United States Olympic Committee ("USOC") and as a member Federation of the International Triathlon Union ("ITU"), USA Triathlon adheres to the anti-doping rules of the USOC and the ITU. In addition, USAT complies with USOC Bylaws Chapter XXIII, Section 2(G), which provides that, as a condition of membership in the USOC, each National Governing Body complies with the procedures pertaining to drug testing and adjudication of related doping offenses of the independent anti-doping organization designated by the USOC to conduct drug testing. The USOC has designated the United States Anti-Doping Agency ("USADA") as that organization.

It is the responsibility of each member of USA Triathlon to comply with the applicable anti-doping rules, regulations and policies of the ITU, the USOC, the IOC and the USADA, that are hereby incorporated in full by USA Triathlon. It is also the responsibility of each member of USA Triathlon to submit, without reservation or condition, to in-competition and out-of-competition doping controls conducted by either the ITU or the USADA. Out-of-competition (short notice) testing of athletes may take place at USA Triathlon elite-level camps, training sessions at USOC facilities or at other designated sites. Out of competition testing (no advance notice) testing of athletes may take place at any time for those athletes designated by USA Triathlon for inclusion in USA Triathlon's Out-of-Competition testing pool. Additional information regarding the anti-doping rules of the ITU, the USOC and the USADA, may be found at www.triathlon.org and www.usantidoping.org. Athletes may also contact the USADA Drug Reference Line at (800) 233-0393 for information on medications and other substances.

8.3 Adoption of USADA Protocol.

Pursuant to USOC Bylaws Chapter XXIII, Section 2(G), the conducting of doping controls of members and the management of positive, elevated test results and/or other doping violations for USA Triathlon members (post October 2, 2000) is the responsibility of the USADA.  Any inconsistent provisions with USADA’s full responsibility of anti-doping matters including the testing, adjudication/results management or sanctioning of doping violations, elsewhere in USA Triathlon’s Competitive Rules are hereby superceded. USA Triathlon will, without further process, enforce and publish any sanction communicated to USA Triathlon by the USADA resulting from adjudication of a doping violation under the USADA Protocol.  

The race officials at all events shall consist of a Head Referee, Marshals, Judges, and a Head Timer. The race officials shall conduct each event in accordance with these Competitive Rules and shall uphold and enforce these Rules and any other regulations or policies of USA Triathlon in an impartial manner.

Beginning with the start of the event and until all scores are finalized, the decisions of the Head Referee are final and binding with respect to all competition matters pertaining to the event, with the exception of decisions by the Protest Committee.

(a) To interpret and enforce these Competitive Rules and any other regulations or policies of USA Triathlon;

(b) To supervise and control the general conduct of all participants, to require that a participant withdraw from an event, and to intercede during a competition at any stage to ensure that the Competitive Rules are observed;

(c) To invoke and impose penalties for violations of these Rules and to prominently post a list of all violations and penalized participants designated by race number at a site located near the finish of the event;

(d) To make decisions on any point not specifically covered in these Rules;

(e) To instruct, direct, assign duties to, and delegate authority to all other race officials;

(f) To overrule any Judge, Marshal, or other race official on any point of interpretation of these Rules, and to resolve differences of opinion between or among Marshals, Judges, or other race officials;

(g) To examine the equipment or other items of any participant at any time to check compliance with these Rules, and to make the final and binding decision as to whether any equipment or other item is improper or unauthorized;

(h) To establish all aspects of protest procedure, including the time and place of hearing, to impose sanctions for noncompliance with established procedure, and to assess penalties in accordance with the resolution of any protests; and

(i) To prepare a report of actions taken and decisions rendered by the Protest Committee and to make recommendations on improving race operations.

(a) The Head Referee shall wear distinctive clothing or other means of identification;

(b) The Head Referee shall establish an officials' headquarters located near the finish of the event;