Ideas Header

sm arrow Tri Tour Links
 
 
 
 
 


Web
Timeout

Common Rules

COMMON PENALTIES WE LOOK FOR AT TIME OUT! TRIATHLONS

 

We encourage you to become an Annual Member of USA Triathlon...for you will receive their detailed 'Competitive Rules' book (see book’s page references in brackets under an Infraction’s ‘Comment’ section).  Our ‘Common Penalties’ list is a ‘subset’ of the USA Triathlon Rules…the ones that we take particular notice of. 

Our officials make judgment calls (just like a basketball official may make a 'foul' call on a player)...and judgment calls are non-reversible.

Variable Time Penalties (VTP) apply a time penalty for a first sighting of a rules infraction...and a second time penalty for a second sighting on the same infraction...

A Disqualification (DQ) on a third sighting.

VTPs for the Tour's Sprint and Intermediate distance races are 2 minutes each for the first and second sighting of the same infraction with a DQ at the third sighting.  Disqualifications may also be called on first infractions (largely personal conduct or critical safety-type calls):
Helmets DQ Safety-approved helmets (sticker on inside of shell) must be worn at all times while on bike (pg 44-45).
Chinstraps DQ On course...must be buckled and secured firmly under the chin at all times while on bike (pg 45).
  VTP If caught in transition area only (pg 45).
Outside Help VTP Only officially-supplied volunteer or race staff assistance (medical, volunteer-staff or bike tech). The receipt of information about time, splits or location of race rivals is exempt (pg 28).
Transition & Equipment VTP Rack your bike only on the rack with a numbered sequence corresponding to your race number.
No excessive equipment: large buckets, bike trainers, chairs (pgs 66-67 and Time Out rule).
No glass containers allowed (pg 67).
Centerlines & Cones VTP or DQ Do not cross the solid or dashed centerline of the road (pg 49); and if a special competition lane is defined by cones set up by race staff, stay within this coned lane (Time Out rule).
Course VTP or DQ No course cutting.  DQ if deemed course cutting was substantial.  Athlete must resume race from where he-she departed it (pgs 27 and 28).
Conduct DQ Known as un-sportsmanlike conduct...abusive language at race officials, staff, volunteers.  Also, actions that are judged to result in danger to other athletes.  Failure to follow corrective instructions of key Time Out Productions non-volunteer race staff (pg 27).
Equipment VTP Stereo headphone-type devices ('Walkmans') are not allowed at any time during race (pg 30).  Artificial swim propulsion gear not allowed: gloves, paddles, float devices, fins, neoprene slippers (pg 41).
Race Numbers VTP Run numbers must be worn face-front at all times...clearly visible at finish line (pg 29).
Wetsuits DQ OK up to and including 78 degrees...you may wear a wetsuit between 78 and 83 degrees but will be removed from all awards, including IQ slots...no wetsuits for temps 84 degrees and greater (pg 39).
Blocking VTP Unless passing, cyclists must keep to the right.  Cyclists must not block or obstruct the forward progress of other participants (pg 28 and 49).
Drafting: Bike-Bike VTP You 'own' a cycling 'box' measuring just over 3 feet to either side of your bike (2 meters wide total) and just about 23 feet (7 meters) long behind the leading edge of your front tire. An opponent's box may intersect and move through (or back off) such that the front edge of his box moves past the front edge of your box within 15 seconds.  If still intersected after 15 seconds, technically, this is drafting (pgs 47-51).
Wrong Swim Wave DQ The Race Director will announce which waves are entering the swim start, wave-by-wave.  Wave numbers are written on swim caps BUT errors may be made!  Athletes are responsible for listening to wave announcements.  Going off in earlier waves will result in a DQ (pg 31).  Going in a later wave will tack on to your time the time of the interval between your correct wave and the wave you went in.
Time Out Logo