H E L P . . .
Road Races - Triathlons - Duathlons - Swims

HELPFUL GUIDELINES & RULES . . . "The Top Ten" LIN-MARK Computer Sports, Inc. presents the following as a result of the many questions received during events or via e-mail.  Sometimes as a result of penalties during multi-events or competitions in general, you'll hear "No one ever told me . . . ."  However, there are actual rules that state:           "It is the athletes responsibility to know or be informed."   In an effort to put forth some basics, or perhaps point you to the correct governing bodies of the sport(s) in which you participate . . . we offer the following.                  Note:  Go to Links Page links and you will find all the basic governing body sites for USATF -- road running, track & field, USAT -- triathlons, duathlons, swimming.  USA Swimming -- These sites will assist you in learning the complete rules governing their respective sports.  Plus they will have updates or additions that may not be included within the following overview.

ALL EVENTS:  Complete the entry form clearly, legible, ALL INFO. ESPECIALLY:  Age, Gender, Event Entered.  If you omit your age or gender, you will receive a final time only.  It will be impossible to score you in your age group or your gender.  Do not assume your first name will confirm you gender!  Just this simple procedure will eliminate many problems on race day. Do not send in entry forms without the entry fee . . . A race spot will not be "Held for you" nor will your data be entered.  Follow all instructions in the entry form . . . again -- read them. TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE ENTRY FORM -- ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH DETAILS OF WHAT - WHEN & WERE.  SPECIFICALLY, WHAT IS PERMITTED AND WHAT IS NOT PERMITTED. Once on site, look for a posted course map, or see if the entry form had one.  Ask for a course map if one is not posted.  If an announcement is not made regarding the course description, mile markers, water tables, volunteers on course . . . ASK!  If an event has a pre-race meeting -- attend it.  If a pre-race meeting is mandatory and you do not attend, you will be losing out on mandatory, necessary information which will enable you to have a  successful race.  Do not think because "I don't place . . . I don't participate to win" it's not necessary.  Your ignorance of the event's rules could result in another's loss.  Plus, you could be penalized for not adhering to the rules of participating in a competitive event with people who take their efforts very seriously - - yet never place either.  For many it is their sense of personal achievement, and that's just as important as winning a race division. When pre-race announcements are made prior to the event start -- LISTEN TO THEM: a)  It Can and Will make you a Happy Camper. b)  The difference between knowing where a water table is, and looking for one every mile - -when you should be concentrating on your race effort.  c)  Knowing where the "turn around is", and missing it because a volunteer was not there or did not point you in the right direction.    WEAR YOUR BIB RACE NUMBER ON THE FRONT OF YOUR BODY - - AGAIN . . . WEAR YOUR BIB RACE NUMBER ON THE FRONT OF YOUR BODY.  Even if the run or multi event is "chip" timed, the race number gives officials/volunteers your personal i.d. while participating (national sanctioning organizations now require it).    DO NOT SWITCH RACE NUMBERS WITH ANYONE ELSE!  All your personal data is keyed to your own assigned bib number.  If you pick up bib numbers for other people -- BE SURE EVERYONE RECEIVES THEIR OWN BIB NUMBERS.  Once you finish with someone else's bib number you are scored as the other person, regardless if it is even a male & female number switch.  At many races, results are delayed because people have inadvertently switched bib numbers with their children, spouses, team mates, friends. (Or, some just don't care that by letting someone else wear their number, they can -- and do screw up age group/award divisions. Do not remove the bottom portion-tear pull tag.  Do not pin only the tear tag -- pin the entire large number to your shirt.    THE FOLLOWING IS FOR "NON-CHIP" TIMING: You are finished at the clock -- which should always be placed on the finish line.   But the official finish time is never the finish line clock -- it always the timing device used by the event's official timers.  Once you pass over  the finish line . . . you are done!  Slow down, STAY IN SINGLE FILE IN THE FINISH LINE CHUTE . . .           DO NOT PASS ANYONE ONCE YOU HAVE CROSSED THE FINISH LINE.  IF YOU PASS ANYONE IN THE FINISH LINE CHUTE YOU WILL TAKE THEIR TIME!  EVERYONE IS RECORDED AT THE FINISH LINE - - NOT IN THE BACK WHERE YOUR TAG IS PULLED.  The tags are stacked in order of finish, then matched to the times recorded at the official finish. NEVER duck out of a finish line chute.  Finish times are all knocked off by one place each time this happens.  If you cannot walk to the back to have your tag pulled, ask the runner in front of you to hand in your tag (we have all done it or given assistance), or ask for volunteer assistance.  Most races have staff to assist at the finish line area.           If you do not register for an event, but participate, you are stealing from everyone:   The race organization (they are still going to assist you), the refreshments they put out if you "help yourself".  Others have paid a fee for this, plus the timers are going to record you when you cross the finish line.  SO DO EVERYONE A FAVOR, ENTER OFFICIALLY OR STAY OFF THE COURSE.  (The best one we encountered from a "bandit" was that he complained about a service of the event he encountered during the race!) KNOW WHAT TIME THE RACE STARTS, and arrive on time.  "Time waits for no one. " Buy books, magazines on the sports you will participate in.  Familiarize yourself for the "road ahead" and the commitment to the rules of good sportsmanship. NEVER use foul or abusive language with an event volunteer, event committee-director, or fellow competitor.  If you encounter a problem (and you will -- whether your fault, a volunteer's, spectator's, race logistic, etc.) . . .  ask for the race director.  Try to remain calm and voice your problem, complaint, or suggestions clearly.  If it is a timing problem -- ask for the head timer.  If you have enjoyed the event, have realized how hard so many worked unpaid, saw how many people cared for your success, and have given their best . . . just like you did -- let them know also!   It is greatly appreciated. Be prepared: Participating in sports can be a life-long passion.  Yes, passion.   As years go by our level of participation will change, just like we all do in life.   But the love of your sport will help you through bad times, and give you many good times.  It can be your best friend . . . and sometimes, your only friend.  Don't abuse it.  The road is long -- enjoy it and learn the rules.

MULTI- EVENTS TRIATHLONS & DUATHLONS:   "TOP 10"  RULES For USAT Officiated Event Note:  Triathlons are typically (3) three sporting venues combined into one final time in which the contestant must complete each event, unless it is a relay team.  Relay Teams:  Individual Team Members each take an event "leg", i.e., swim-run-or bike, their final times are totaled for the team's time which is scored against other teams. Traditional triathlons are Swim, Run, Bike  --  Traditional Duathlons are Run, Bike, Run Today, multi-sports are evolving to encompass almost any imaginable sport venue, into the "extreme" of terrain and venues.  The following rules apply to USA Triathlon Sanctioned and Officiated events: The following rules are highlighted directly from the USA Triathlon handbook which is available on-line.   (See LIN-MARK's link at the end of this article.)

HELMETS: No modifications may be made. Helmets must be worn as they were purchased.  If it came with a cloth cover, the cover must be on the helmet when competing.                   PENALTY: Disqualification HELMET CHIN STRAPS:  Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on the bicycle.  DO NOT unbuckle your chin straps unless you have gotten off your bike.                   PENALTY: Disqualification on course: Variable time penalty in transition area only. 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. BIKES:  Handle bar "plugs" on bikes used for participation in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.  During bike inspections, prior to the racking of your bike, officials will inspect your bike plus, see if your handle bar ends are "plugged."  That is not open/hollow open ends.  For reason of safety they must be plugged.  Some participants even use cork.  Most events supply plugs right at the inspection point.  (Why . . . injury, if a biker falls onto the handle bars it can cause impalement.)

A)     TRANSITION AREA: All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corral.  (Most events assign bikes to bike racks which correspond to the entrant's bib-race number.)   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.  No participant shall bring ANY GLASS containers into the transition area.                    PENALTY:  Variable time penalty.

B)  DRAFTING:  Each bicycle is in an imaginary box.   The Drafting Zone is two meters wide and, beginning at the FRONT WHEEL of the bike, seven meters long (approximately 6' x 23').  You have 15 seconds to travel through another rider's box when passing.  After this time limit you are in a position foul and will be penalized.  The draft zone for a moving vehicle is 15 meters to each side and 30 meters behind.     PENALTY:  Variable time penalty. C)  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 road line for any reason.  Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times.                   PENALTY: Disqualification or variable time penalty, Referee's discretion.

D)  UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT:   Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed a race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators of fellow athletes is forbidden.                   PENALTY:  Disqualification or variable time penalty, Referee's discretion. E)  HEADPHONES:  Headphones, headsets, Walkman's, etc. are not to be worn at any time during the race.                   PENALTY:  Variable time penalty to DQ

F)  RACE NUMBERS:  All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run.  Even if the event is "Chip Timed"  Most sport governing bodies and events themselves . . . REQUIRE THE WEARING OF PARTICIPANTS BIB NUMBERS!  USAT will assign a penalty. NUMBERS MUST BE SECURED TO THE FRONT of the body and be clearly visible at all times.  Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way.                   PENALTY: Variable time penalty

G)  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 Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided, however, the participants who wear a wetsuit within such temperature shall not be eligible for prizes or awards.  Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

H)  VARIABLE TIME PENALTIES:  A "variable time penalty" as used in these Rules (of the USAT Rules handbook), 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 the official race results.   Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.10B of the USA Triathlon Rules, time penalties shall be cumulative and a participant may be assessed more than one time penalty for violations of the same Rule. I)  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: J: DISTANCE CATEGORY:  1st OFFENSE 2nd OFFENSE   3rd OFFENSE Short or Sprint 1:00 min. 2:00 mins. Disqualification - DQ International & Olympic 2:00 mins. 4:00 mins. Disqualification - DQ Long 4:00 mins. 8:00 mins. Disqualification - DQ Ultra 6:00 mins. 12:00 mins. Disqualification - DQ USA Triathlon of 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. K)  SWIMMING CONDUCT: (For your additional reference the following is from Article IV of the USA Triathlon official rules) PERMISSIBLE STROKES:  A swimmer may use any stroke to propel himself through the water, and may tread water or float. L)  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 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(1).  M)  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 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.  N)  ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT: Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified. 0)  WAVE STARTS:  When the swim portion of any event is commenced by starting designated "waves" (separate time starts for entrants broken into race categories such as female masters, different age groups, Clydesdales, etc.), all participants shall start in and with the proper assigned wave or group.  Any participant who violates this Section by starting in an improper and earlier wave or group shall be disqualified. P)  PROTESTS TO HEAD REFEREE FINAL POSTINGS:  We strongly urge all entrants in a USA Triathlon officiated event, to refer to the USA Triathlon Rules handbook (again go to the LIN-MARK web page LINKS for the USAT Link to access and print out the rules handbook.)  Many people do not know, and should be familiar with this very important process of, when and how to appeal a penalty decision or disqualification. Please be informed that it does state that no person may file a protest, which requires a judgment call.  Please refer to the USAT handbook on the additional requirements.

LIN-MARK Computer Sports, Inc. has supplied the preceding information in an effort to provide guidance to those who are new to the different venues of sports in which they participate.  With the large investment of funds, time, and personal commitment to each individual's sport we trust, in some measure, this will help everyone have most excellent racing, personal success and a deeper understanding to the rules of the road, and a start in the direction of where to learn more. Train Smart, Train Safe  . . . Race Strong.  Good luck!                     Prepared by LIN-MARK Computer Sports, Inc. Web:  Original Posting: 1-29-2001     Rev. 1-11-06        www.lin-mark.com                                             Back to Top