USAT and all those RULES!

First, what is USAT? USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the multi-sport disciplines of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. Among its purposes are to coordinate and sanction grass-roots and elite multi-sport events across the country and works to create interest and participation in those programs.

So, USAT is the group who creates a standardized set of rules for the events you participate in. You may be thinking something like, "...but in one triahtlon I did, I was allowed to wear my iPod." That may be true...or half-true. Either that event was not sanctioned by USAT or the race director and/or course marshals were not fully enforcing the rules.

What's it mean to be a USAT Sanctioned event?
The term "sanction" refers to the approval of a multisport event which means the following:
* The course is well-planned and documented local permits have been obtained.
* The event safety plan has been carefully reviewed by the experienced staff at USA Triathlon.
* Proper insurance coverage, including general liability and athlete excess medical, is in place.
* All participants will be either annual members of USAT or one-day license holders.
* The results (adult triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon races only) will be scored in the annual national rankings.

Why does that matter to me?
It means the course is safe. It means the race has been put on legally and the people organizing the race are qualified to do so. Even if you're NOT concerned with your annual rankings within the Tri community, USAT-sanctioned races are still ones to seek out because of their consistency and reliability.

Participate in MORE then 3 multi-sport events a year and NOT an annual USAT member?
Let's save you some money, honey! If you're racing more than three times each year, it’s a better value to purchase an annual USAT membership. It’s $39. If you’re planning to purchase an annual membership and have already purchased a one-day pass at a previous event, save the receipt! You can send it in to USAT for $10 off your annual membership. More info here




And for a little bonus-reading, here are a list of the top eleven most commonly violated rules. Please pay attention to numbers 8 and 10...we get a lot of questions on those. And don't forget to help us out with number 11...let's keep it green!


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, a ge 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 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


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



AND, just when you thought we were done...
A couple of rules for you to remember before (and at) Packet Pick-up:
-Current USAT membership AND photo ID are required for packet pick up
-Athletes must pick up their own race packets
-ALL relay team members must be present together for packet pickup


It may seem like a lot of rules, but they're there to keep you safe and us ALL out of trouble. Thanks for following them!