Rules Discussion #3 USAT 3.4 Race Conduct

This section of rules contains a large amount of rules. Most of them self explanitory but there are a few catches so check for the explanations and ways to avoid the penalties after the rules.

3.4 Race Conduct. All participants in USA Triathlon sanctioned events must adhere to the rules in this Section 3.4:

a. Entire Course. Participants must cover the prescribed course in its entirety. It is the participant’s responsibility to know the course. Any violation of this section, even if no advantage is gained, 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(l). In the event the Head Referee makes such a determination, the penalty shall be disqualification.

This is potentially a huge deal. Some races are well marked and some are not. You have to know the course. This is why I always drive or ride the course prior to a race. You don't want surprises especially a surprise DQ. The statement "substantial" means it's subjective but if it would have changed the outcome of the race then assume it's substantial. The ref will make the call at the time but it can go either way. If you were supposed to go around something and you went in front of it it may not be a DQ type issue. However if you beat the 4rd place competitor by the variable time penalty +1 second they are going to state it was substantial and a decision will have to be made.

b. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including the improper use of language or conduct directed toward an official. Violations of this Section shall result in disqualification or a variable time penalty depending on the severity of the violation as determined in the sole discretion of the Head Referee.

This is a rare one but the implications are huge. I don't think that using profanity when your chain comes off while climbing or you get a flat is even close. However screaming at a volunteer absolutely qualifies. Screaming at another athlete is a toss up and as always, it depends. Certainly some athetes will say WTF there is a ton of ____________ going on out here. Since drafting, blocking and the like irritate all of us I'm pretty sure the official can understand. However if you say "WTF you suck you are letting everyone ____________ why don't you do your job?" Assume you have increased your chances of getting this penalty. The penalty options don't begin and end here though. Under section 3.8(b) you can be suspended for a year if you continue the behavior that got you the penalty in the first place. I don't know what you'd have to do to incur such a penalty as I've never seen anything that severe but I am sure that someone, somewhere has done it.

3.8 Acts Warranting Suspension. In addition to other penalties which may be
imposed at the discretion of USA Triathlon, the following acts may be grounds
for suspension for a period of time designated by USA Triathlon:
a. A flagrant or willful violation of the Competitive Rules;
b. Gross or continued unsportsmanlike conduct; (I'll cover 3.8 later).

c. Obstruction. Participants shall refrain from intentionally or accidentally blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering with the forward progress of another participant. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

This one should be obvious. However a bad place to get one would be in transition after the race is over. Just because you are done doesn't mean everyone else is. If the RD allows you to get your bike out of transition before all the riders are in you are subject to this penalty. You were allowed to do your race and everyone else is allowed to do theirs no matter how much slower they are.

d. Unauthorized Assistance. No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official) physical assistance in any form, including food, drink, equipment, support, pacing, a replacement bicycle or bicycle parts, unless an express exception has been granted and approved, in writing, by USA Triathlon. The receipt of information regarding the progress, split times, or location of other competitors on the race course shall not be considered the acceptance of unauthorized assistance. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

This is one of the most often violated rules simply because it's not understood or known. Everyone knows that your significant other can't bring you a new bike if you break down but other potential violations include having your friend/SO hold your glasses for the swim and hand them to you or grabbing their sunglasses as you run out of transition because you forgot yours. I find it cheesy but the way around this is to have one of the volunteers or race staff do it for you. I think it's skirting the rules but such is life. As long as you don't break them it's ok. One area that I have seen become problematic is pacing. You may not go out on the course and run with your friend if you have completed the course that's pacing and it's unauthorized assistance. You may not walk with your friend as that is also pacing. If you are still racing then walk/run with whomever you choose but if not then enjoy the spectating.

e. Re-entry. Upon leaving the course, a participant shall re-enter the course and continue at the same point of departure. Any 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(l), in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.

Watch this when you leave the course to go pee in the woods. You can also violate the no nudity rule during that activity so be careful when nature calls.

f. Race Numbers. Participants shall plainly display their race numbers at all times, and shall maintain the race number in an unaltered, unobstructed and readable state at the start and finish gates, in the transition areas, and on the course. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

You should be body marked for the swim, have your bike number on your bike and wear your race number for the run. It depends on the race. If they gave it to you then you need to use it. Some races body mark only. Some give numbers. It all depends. I have no idea how this is assessed completely honestly as you need three bits of identifying data to penalize the athlete which would be very difficult without a race number. I assume that lying about this and causing a penalty to fall on another athlete would be at minimum unsportsmanlike conduct so don't lie it will probably cause more problems than it's worth. If you don't know, you don't know and give them your name.

g. Unfair Advantage. No participant shall use his body, head, arms, or legs to gain an unfair advantage, or to push, pull, hold, strike, or force through one or more participants. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

Like your mother said: "keep your hands, feet and head to yourself".

h. Abandoned Equipment. No participant shall leave any equipment or personal gear on the race course. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

This includes, tubes, GU wrappers, and water bottles. Having left 2 water bottles on the course I was sure to check the pink sheet but I wasn't penalized any more than not having my water bottles for the last 7miles.

i. Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset, radio, personal audio device, or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty

No ipods, blackberries etc. I am awaiting a ruling on athletes pacing using the fitpod feature without earbuds but until then I would avoid ipods. I think that pacing using the fitpod is not really any different than the Garmin but we'll see.

j. Glass Containers. No participant shall utilize any glass bottles or glass containers at any time during the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee determines that such conduct constituted endangerment under section 3.4(l), in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.

Self explanatory.

k. Unauthorized Equipment. No participant shall use any equipment which the Head Referee determines to be improper, including but not limited to equipment which might provide an unfair advantage or endanger other participants. Unless otherwise provided for in these Rules, any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

Here are some examples of legal vs. illegal equipment
Legal Equipment
Swim-Safe (an inflatable pack) is legal as long as it is
not deployed (inflated)
Swim Safety Belt (an inflatable belt) is legal as
long as it is not deployed (inflated)
Snorkels
Xterra Velocity 0.02.
swimsuit
Xterra Velocity 0.02+. swimsuit
Xterra Velocity 0.02++.
swimsuit
2XU Kona Fusion Speed Suit
Blue Seventy Pointzero2 Speed
Suit
Blue Seventy Pointzero3 Speed Suit
Ultra SpeedZoot
Sailfish
Furious
Aquaman Insulator
Active Spoke Wheel
Kit

Illegal Equipment
Recumbent bicycles
Tyr Aqua-Bands
Titanflex Transition brake cable design

If you think it will provide you an advantage and no one else is using it that you are aware of you had better ask.

l. Endangerment. No participant shall commit any dangerous act which could cause injury to any participant. Any violation of this Section shall result in
disqualification.

The ruling on this is a bit complex and subject to interpretation. I have heard of this being called for iPods on the course (at RD's request) and for double yellow violations with oncoming traffic. If it makes people gasp it was too dangerous. However if it's not something you had any control over don't sweat it. For instance someone let's their dog run into the bike course. Everyone is going to gasp. If the officials can figure out who they are with then that person can be DQ'ed under rule:

3.12 Acts of Agents. The conduct of any agent acting with apparent authority on behalf of a participant shall constitute grounds for penalizing such participant if such agent's conduct violates any of these Rules.

Eventually I'll do a post on Rule 3.12

m. Wave Starts. When the beginning of any event is commenced by starting designated "waves" or groups of participants at different times, all participants shall start in and with the proper wave or group. Any participant who violates this section by starting in an improper and earlier wave or group shall be disqualified. Any participant who starts in an open or elite wave in an event with age group waves shall be ineligible for age group awards and USAT national rankings.

Be in your wave. Don't change anything after packet pickup. If you start early or late the timing will be wrong and you will likely be DQ'ed.

n. Indecent Exposure. Public nudity at any time during the event is prohibited. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

If they aren't showing it on TV (regular TV) then you shouldn't be showing it at your race. There is currently no rule against men not wearing shirts and women just wearing sports bras. So feel free to compete wearing as much or as little as desired. WTC rules are different so make sure you know what you are competing under.