The Great Floridian Triathlon will be a USAT Sanctioned event and all USAT rules will apply. Below is a list of the most commonly violated USAT rules.  Please look them over so you don't get an easily avoidable penalty or disqualification!

 

 

 

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 fastened at all times when on a bicycle.  DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.

  Penalty:  Disqualification on the course; time penalty in transition area only.

 

3.  Unauthorized Assistance:

No assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used.  Triathlons and duathlons are individual tests of fitness.

  Penalty:  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:  Time penalty or disqualification

 

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.
Illegal Pass-- cyclists must pass on the left, not on the right.

Blocking--riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and impeding other cyclists attempting to pass.

Overtaken--once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again. 

Penalty:  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, time penalty or disqualification

 

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 and Telephones:

Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race.  Telephones may be carried, but must be stored out of sight, and in the “off” position.  A participant may only use the phone when dismounted, off course, and not making forward progress.

Penalty:  Time penalty

 

9.  Race numbers:

All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run.  Numbers must be clearly visible at all times.  Numbers may not be altered in any way that prevents a clear identification. DO NOT transfer your number to any other athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing.

Penalty:  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 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:  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://www.usatriathlon.org/about-multisport/rulebook.aspx