USAT RULES
Below is a "CliffsNotes" summary of the USA Triathlon Multisport competitive rules.
You can view the entire USAT rules at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/About/Multisport/Competitive-Rules
1. Entire Course: It is the participant’s responsibility to read all supplied information provided in the event materials; and to know and keep on the course. 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
2. Helmets: Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events.
3. Chin Straps: The helmet must be securely fastened at all times when the participant is in possession of the bike, which means from the time they remove their bike from the rack at the start of the bike leg, until after they have placed their bike on the rack at the finish of the bike leg. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless your bike is racked.
Penalty: Disqualification on the course; Variable time penalty in transition area only.
4. 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
5. 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 (Disqualification).
Penalty: Variable time penalty
6. Bike: Drafting--keep at least five bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 20 seconds. Position--keep to the right-hand side of the lane of travel unless passing. Pass on left only. 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
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. Electronic Equipment: Headphones, headsets, or ear buds are not to be worn at any time during the race.
Penalty: Variable time penalty
9. Race numbers: 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. Bike numbers must be clearly visible from either side of the bike. 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, 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: Variable time penalty
