OFFICAL RULES (USAT SANCTIONED) 

SWIM

• Distance 525 yards in pool
• Two athletes per swim lane.
• The swim will start by wave, by swim ability.
• You will swim 10 1/2 laps (or 21 lengths) (Need to verify), as required athletes may stop and hold onto wall or hold onto a lane floats.  Athletes may not use the lane floats to make forward progress; this will result in disqualification (DQ).
• Wetsuits will not be permitted according to USAT guidelines.
• Please care as you walk to the Transition Area!

 

 BIKE

 

• Bike course will be on public roads, which are not closed to traffic.  It is your responsibility to obey traffic laws.
• Bikers will have body marks with their numbers.
• Remember to put your helmet on and fasten your helmet before removing your bike from the bike rack.
• Do not mount your bike at the rack. You must walk your bike to the transition exit to mount
• All race numbers should be clearly visible.
• Competitors must ride to the right at all times.
• No drafting. Maintain 3 bike lengths behind next bike except when passing. Pass on the left.  If unable to pass, drop back.
• Headphones, headsets, walkman's, etc. are not to be worn at any time during the race.
• A bike helmet is mandatory, Chinstraps must be buckled before leaving the transition area.
• Handlebars must have bar plugs.
• Bikes must be walked in and out of transition areas.  Please observe mount/dismount areas.
• Competitors must follow the directions of race officials and police at all times.
• Note that all turns marked with paint and police and/or volunteers will be at course intersections controlling traffic and directing you in the right direction. PLEASE KNOW THE COURSE!
• See the bike course map and written description for biking directions.
• Do not remove your helmet until your bike has been placed back on the bike rack.
• Run out of transition following volunteer directions

   

RUN

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
• Must wear Road ID race number fixed to the front of the runner.
• Headphones, headsets, walkman's, etc. are not to be worn at any time during the race.

GENERAL

• False information submitted on the entry form will result in forfeit of entry fee and disqualification from race.
• Race management has authority to change race course and format, check-in and start times
• It is the contestants responsibility to be familiar with and follow the race route
• Bicycles placed on the wrong rack in the transition area will be removed.
• Entry in to the transition area is only allowed to competitors with numbers
• Friends, family or assistance may not drive, bike or run alongside a contestant and should be warned to stay clear of contestants
• Verbal abuse of race officials or volunteers will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification.
• Race officials have ultimate and final authority to remove contestants who violate race rules or who display irresponsible behavior.
• Proper sportsmanlike conduct is expected following the core values of the YMCA of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Contestants are not allowed to wear headphones, earphones or any sound device that impairs normal hearing.
• Have fun and enjoy your race and the post-race party, food and music!   Remember that this is a fund-raiser with proceeds funding YMCA youth scholarships.
• To receive an award you must be present at the awards ceremony. No awards will be mailed.

 

USA Triathlon and Other Rules

This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. You must be a member of USA Triathlon or pay for a one-day fee.  Everyone MUST present a PHOTO ID to pick up your registration packet. USAT members must also present their USAT membership card. Non members must sign a waiver and pay the one-day fee. You can become a member by calling USAT at 719.597.9090 or by visiting www.usatriathlon.org. ALL RELAY MEMBERS MUST SIGN WAIVER and PAY THE ONE-DAY FEE OR BE A MEMBER OF USAT.  If you are not a USAT Member at the time of packet pick-up, you will pay the $10 fee at that time (please do not include the USAT registration payment with your Y-Tri Registration).

MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED RULES & PENALTIES

1. Helmets:

No modifications may be made to the helmet. Helmets must be worn as they were purchased. If the helmet came with a cloth cover, the cover must be on the helmet when competing.

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. 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 (DQ!).

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. Unsportsman-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, walkman's, etc. are not to be 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 visable 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. 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 Variable Time Penalties 

Distance Category 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense

Short/Intermediate 2:00 minutes 4:00 minutes Disqualification

Cycle course less than 50k 2:00 minutes 4:00 minutes Disqualification

Long 4:00 minutes 8:00 minutes Disqualification

Cycle Course 50k-100k 4:00 minutes 8:00 minutes Disqualification

Ultra 6:00 minutes 12:00 minutes Disqualification

Cycle course greater than 100k 6:00 minutes 12:00 minutes Disqualification