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;
c. Physical violence directed toward a race official, participant, volunteer, spectator, or other person;
d. Any fraudulent act, such as falsifying name or age, filing a false affidavit or protest, or providing false information to USA Triathlon, the Board of Hearings and Appeals, or race officials;
e. Intentionally participating in an event despite failure to register;
f. Repetitive or recurring violations of the Competitive Rules;
g. Failure to notify a race official after withdrawing from a race;
h. Violation of the Medical Control Rules as set forth in Article VIII;
i. Refusal to abide by the final determination by USA Triathlon of any matter relating to these Rules or the sport of triathlon; and
j. Any act which disgraces or brings discredit to the sport of triathlon.

3.9 Effect of Suspension. Any person suspended from membership in USA Triathlon shall be ineligible to participate in any USA Triathlon sanctioned event and shall be disqualified from any USA Triathlon sanctioned event during the suspension period and until such time as that person has applied for and received written notice of reinstatement from USA Triathlon.

3.10 Reinstatement. Any person who has been suspended must apply in writing to USA Triathlon for reinstatement after or immediately preceding expiration of the suspension period.

3.11 Notice of Disciplinary Actions. Any person reprimanded, censured, suspended, or expelled from USA Triathlon shall be entitled to receive reasonable notice of such disciplinary action.

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.

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4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water and may tread water or float.

4.2 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/her 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).

4.3 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 in 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.

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit 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 wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council.

4.5 Notice Of Wet Suit Policy. The wet suit policy for any particular race shall be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such literature shall include the following information, if applicable;
a. Any changes from Section 4.4;
b. Any specific restrictions on equipment;
c. Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy for elite athletes.

4.6 Measuring Water Temperature. It is recommended, but not required that the water temperature for a race be finally determined by a measurement made within 2 hours of the race start. Measurements should be made in at least three locations on the swim course, spaced so as to divide the entire swim course into approximately equidistant segments, and measured at a depth of 18 inches below the surface of the water, at points where direct sunlight can strike the water. The water temperature for the race should be determined by averaging the three temperature measurements taken. A water temperature measurement should also be taken prior to any pre-race meetings in order to forecast to the athletes as early as possible the likely water temperature on race day and the likelihood of whether wet suits will be allowed on race day.

4.7 Official Equipment. If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an infraction of this rule is a variable time penalty. For safety reasons if no official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored swim cap.

4.8 Goggles. Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face masks.

4.9 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.

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5.1 Propulsion. All bicycles shall be propelled only by human force and human power. Other than pushing a bicycle, any propulsive action brought on by use of the hands is prohibited. Any violation of this section shall result in disqualification.

5.2 Forward Progress. Participants shall not make any forward progress unaccompanied by their bicycle. If a bicycle is rendered inoperable, a participant may proceed on the cycling course, running or walking, while pushing or carrying the bicycle, so long as the bicycle is pushed or carried in a manner not to obstruct or impede the progress of other participants. Any violation of this section shall result in disqualification.

5.3 Knowledge of Course. The sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed cycling course rests with each participant. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for participants who fail to follow the proper course for any reason whatsoever.

5.4 Traffic Laws. All participants must obey all traffic laws while on the cycling course unless otherwise specifically directed by a USA Triathlon official, race monitor or designee with actual authority. Unless otherwise directed in accordance with the preceding sentence, all participants shall come to a complete stop when required by a traffic sign or traffic control device and shall not proceed through any intersection unless such intersection is clear of oncoming traffic. In no case shall a cyclist cross a solid yellow line indicating a no passing zone. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification or a variable time penalty as determined in the sole discretion of the Head Referee.

5.5 Endangerment. No cyclist shall endanger himself or another participant. Any cyclist who intentionally presents a danger to any participant or who, in the judgment of the Head Referee, appears to present a danger to any participant shall be disqualified.

5.6 Accidents. All participants shall exercise extreme caution and shall decrease speed if necessary in passing the site of any cycling accident. Any violation of this section shall result in disqualification.

5.7 Dismounting. A participant may dismount, but shall not interfere with other cyclists. A violation of this section which does not also constitute a violation of section 5.5 shall result in a variable time penalty.

5.8 Illegal Equipment. Any participants who any time uses, wears or carries a headset, radio, headphones, personal audio device, or any other item described in Section 3.4(i) shall be assessed a variable time penalty.

5.9 Helmets.
(a) Type of Helmet. All participants shall wear a protective head cover, undamaged and unaltered, which meets or exceeds the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Helmets manufactured prior to March 10, 1999 must meet or exceed the safety standards of (i) the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4), (ii) The Snell Memorial Foundation (Protective Headgear for Bicycle Users), or (iii) ASTM F-1446 or F-1447, and which is clearly labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying such standards. Removal of helmet cover, if required for that helmet to meet such safety standards, shall constitute an impermissible alteration in violation of this Section 5.9(a). Any violation of this Section 5.9(a) shall result in disqualification.
(b) Chin Strap Violations. The helmet must be fastened before the participant first mounts the bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9(b) which occurs while the participant is in the transition area shall result in a variable time penalty. Any other violation of this Section shall result in disqualification. This Section 5.9(b) shall be enforced at all times while at the event site on race day.

5.9A Helmets. Rule for Elites
(a) Type of Helmet. All participants shall wear a protective head cover, undamaged and unaltered, which meets or exceeds the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Helmets manufactured prior to March 10, 1999 must meet or exceed the safety standards of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4) or the Snell Memorial Foundation (Protective Headgear for Bicycle Users) and which is clearly labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying such standards. Removal of a helmet cover, if required for that helmet to meet such safety standards, or the addition of elastic to the helmet strap shall constitute an impermissible alteration in violation of this Section. Any violation of this Section 5.9A(a) shall result in disqualification. (b) Use of Helmet. The helmet must be properly placed on the head and fastened before the participant first mounts the bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened or removed unless the participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9A(b) shall result in disqualification. Not withstanding the preceding sentence, a participant shall not be disqualified if the helmet strap unintentionally and temporarily becomes unattached, and the participant immediately comes to a full stop and repairs the strap and replaces the helmet while fully stopped with both feet on the ground. (c) Chinstraps. The helmet strap must be unsnapped at the start of the race and must remain unsnapped until the athlete is prepared to begin the bicycle portion of the event. The helmet strap must be snapped in the transition area immediately prior to beginning the bicycle course.

5.10 Position Fouls. In accordance with the Rules as set forth in this section, a participant is not permitted to position his bicycle in the proximity of another moving vehicle so as to benefit from reduced air resistance. While on the cycling course, participants shall not work together to improve performance, efficiency, or position by teamwork or other joint conduct.. A variable time penalty shall be imposed for any violation of this section. This section shall not apply to off-road triathlons and duathlons and shall be excluded from enforcement at those events.
a. Illegal Positioning. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, while on the cycling course, no participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another cyclist or that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle (including authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete's responsibility to move out of the vehicle's drafting zone or to continually communicate to the vehicle to move away.
b. Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area seven (7) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending 15 meters to each side of the vehicle and 30 meters behind the vehicle.
c. Right-of -Way. A participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in the position first without contacting another participant. When taking a position near another participant, however, a cyclist shall not crowd the other participant and shall allow reasonable space for the other participant to make normal movement without making contact.
d. Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right of way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.
e. Passing. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached alters speed. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and the athlete is confident of his/her ability to pass the other cyclist. All passing is to be done to the left of the cyclist being overtaken unless otherwise specified.
f. Position. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless passing.
g. Being Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. The overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone of the other cyclist before attempting to re-pass the other cyclist.
h. Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only under the following conditions:
(1) When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds.
(2) When cyclist reduces speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more; or
(3) When USA Triathlon or the Head Referee expressly excludes a section of the bicycle course from the position foul rules because of overly narrow lanes, construction, detours, or a similar reason.

5.10A Position Fouls. Rule for Elites (a) Illegal Positioning. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, while on the cycling course, no participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another participant or that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle (including authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete's responsibility to continually communicate to the vehicle to move away.
(b) Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area ten (10) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts.. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending one meter to each side of the vehicle and fifteen (15) meters behind the vehicle.
(c) Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only pursuant to the following exceptions:
(1) When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds; or
(2) When cyclists reduce speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more.
(d) Position on Course/Right-of-Way. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, a participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in position first without contacting another participant.
(e) Staggered Positioning. All cyclists must assume and maintain a staggered riding position relative to the cyclist directly ahead; no cyclist may maintain a position on the course directly in line with a cyclist directly ahead. This staggered position must be maintained even if the cyclist is outside of the drafting zone and following at a distance of greater than ten (10) meters.
(f) Blocking. Cyclists who have assumed a proper position must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.
(g) Position and Passing. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and he is confident of his ability to overtake and pass the other cyclist. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached decreases speed.
(h) Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the side or to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. An overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone before attempting to repass another cyclist. In no case, however, shall a participant move into the path of another participant possessing the right-of-way.

5.11 Bicycle Specifications. All bicycles and bicycle equipment used in USA Triathlon sanctioned events must conform to the specifications set forth in this Section. Any participant using a nonconforming bicycle or otherwise violating this Section shall be disqualified.
(a) Length cannot exceed two meters, and width cannot exceed 75 centimeters.
(b) The distance from the ground to the center of the chain wheel axle must measure at least 24 centimeters.
(c) A vertical line touching the front most point of the saddle may be no more than 5 centimeters in front of and no more than 15 centimeters behind a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle, and the cyclist must not have the capability of adjusting the saddle beyond these limits during competition.
(d) The "front-to-center" distance, which is defined as the distance between a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle and a vertical line passing through the center of the front axle, must measure not less than 54 centimeters, except where the distance between the center of the chain wheel axle and the top of the saddle is less than 71 centimeters, In this case the front-to-center distance cannot be less than 50 centimeters. The "front-to-center" distance must measure not more than 65 centimeters, or seven-eights of the distance between the center of the chain wheel axle and the top of the saddle, whatever is greater. Applicability of the two foregoing exceptions is determined by measuring from a point on top of the saddle which is 14 centimeters behind the front most point of the saddle.
(e) There must be no protective shield, fairing, or other device on any part of the bicycle (including frame, wheels, handlebars, chain wheel, and accessories) which has the effect of reducing resistance. Aerodynamic carriers for food, water, and or cycling provisions may be attached to or be an integral part of the aerohandlebars if they meet the following guidelines:
(i) the carrier can pass from front to rear, through a rectangular loop with dimensions of 10 inches (25 cm) in width and 8 inches (20 cm) in height.(ii) The front of the carrier is behind the cyclist's hands when the hands are placed in their customary position on the end of the aerobars, and (iii) The length of the carrier is no greater than 10 inches (25 cm) front to rear.
When the carrier is an integral part of the aerobar, this integrated unit must be able to pass through the rectangular loop defined in (i) above and the carrier portion of the unit must meet criteria (ii) and (iii). In the event that compliance with this section is in doubt with respect to any particular carrier or integrated unit, a member of USA Triathlon may submit the carrier or integrated unit to USA Triathlon for evaluation.
(f) No additional equipment, whether it is worn under the competitor's clothing, over the competitors clothing, or is otherwise attached to the athlete's body, which has the effect of reducing wind resistance is permitted. An exception is the use of safety helmets as described in Section 5.9. Such helmets may have the effect of reducing the wind resistance of the head only.
(g) Except as otherwise determined by the race director in the interest of safety, the front wheel may be of a different diameter than the rear wheel, but the front wheel must be of spoke construction. The rear wheel may be either spoke or solid construction. Wheel covers shall only be permitted on the rear wheel.
(h) No wheel may contain any mechanism which is capable of accelerating the wheel.
(i) Handlebars and stem must be fashioned to prevent any danger. All handlebar ends must be solidly plugged to lessen the possibility of injury.
(j) There must be one working brake on each of the two wheels.
(k) All aspects of the bicycle must be safe to the user and to other participants in the event. Minimum safety standards include, but are not limited to, properly glued and sealed tires, tight headset and handlebars, and true wheels.

5.12 Untraditional or Unusual Bicycle Equipment. Any unusual bicycle construction or equipment to which the specifications in Section 5.11 cannot easily be applied shall be illegal unless prior approval is received from the Head Referee before the equipment is used in the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.

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6.1 Permitted Conduct. A participant must run or walk the entire portion of the run course. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all runners shall follow and remain within the prescribed course. A participant who gains forward progress by crawling or otherwise violates this Section shall be disqualified.

6.2 Knowledge of the Course. The responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed course rests with each participant.

6.3 Permitted and Illegal Equipment. Any participant who at any time wears or carries a headset, radio, headphones, personal audio device, or any other item prohibited by Section 3.4(i) shall be subject to a time penalty. A participant may carry a water bottle on the run portion of the course, provided that such container is not made of glass. Glass containers are prohibited.

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7.1 Entering and Exiting. A participant must reduce cycling speed to an acceptable and safe level when exiting and entering the transition area. Failure to do so shall result in a variable time penalty.

7.2 Placement of Equipment. All participants shall place equipment only in the properly designated and individually assigned bicycle corral and shall at all times keep their equipment confined to such properly designated areas. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

7.3 Bicycle Placement. All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in the properly designated bicycle corral after completion of the cycling course and before beginning the next segment of the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

7.4 Obstruction and Interference. No participant shall impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participant's equipment while in the transition area. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless such obstruction or interference renders another participant unable to complete the event, in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.

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8.1 Policy. USA Triathlon condemns the use of substances or methods on the International Triathlon Union (ITU) list of classes of prohibited substances and methods. Additionally, USA Triathlon condemns the use of substances or methods aimed at artificially enhancing athletic performance. The use of prohibited substances or methods or the use of substances or methods aimed at artificially enhancing performance, frequently referred to as "doping," contravene the ethics of both sport and medical science, threaten the integrity and dignity of Olympic sport, erode public confidence in the Olympic Movement and jeopardize the well being of athletes. Additionally, the use of substances on the ITU prohibited substance list or the practice of artificially enhancing performance is inimical to the concept of sportsmanship and frustrates the desire to conduct fair athletic competitions. As a member National Governing Body of the United States Olympic Committee ("USOC") and as a member Federation of the International Triathlon Union ("ITU"), USA Triathlon adheres to the anti-doping rules of the USOC and the ITU. In addition, USAT complies with USOC Bylaws Chapter XXIII, Section 2(G), which provides that, as a condition of membership in the USOC, each National Governing Body complies with the procedures pertaining to drug testing and adjudication of related doping offenses of the independent anti-doping organization designated by the USOC to conduct drug testing. The USOC has designated the United States Anti-Doping Agency ("USADA") as that organization.

8.2 Incorporation of Rules. It is the responsibility of each member of USA Triathlon to comply with the applicable anti-doping rules, regulations and policies of the ITU, the USOC, the IOC and the USADA, that are hereby incorporated in full by USA Triathlon. It is also the responsibility of each member of USA Triathlon to submit, without reservation or condition, to in-competition and out-of-competition doping controls conducted by either the ITU or the USADA. Out-of-competition (short notice) testing of athletes may take place at USA Triathlon elite-level camps, training sessions at USOC facilities or at other designated sites. Out of competition testing (no advance notice) testing of athletes may take place at any time for those athletes designated by USA Triathlon for inclusion in USA Triathlon's Out-of-Competition testing pool. Additional information regarding the anti-doping rules of the ITU, the USOC and the USADA, may be found at www.triathlon.org and www.usantidoping.org. Athletes may also contact the USADA Drug Reference Line at (800) 233-0393 for information on medications and other substances.

8.3 Adoption of USADA Protocol. Pursuant to USOC Bylaws Chapter XXIII, Section 2(G), the conducting of doping controls of members and the management of positive, elevated test results and/or other doping violations for USA Triathlon members (post October 2, 2000) is the responsibility of the USADA. Any inconsistent provisions with USADA°s full responsibility of anti-doping matters including the testing, adjudication/results management or sanctioning of doping violations, elsewhere in USA Triathlon°s Competitive Rules are hereby superceded. USA Triathlon will, without further process, enforce and publish any sanction communicated to USA Triathlon by the USADA resulting from adjudication of a doping violation under the USADA Protocol.

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9.1 Race Officials. The race officials at all events shall consist of a Head Referee, Marshals, Judges, and a Head Timer. The race officials shall conduct each event in accordance with these Competitive Rules and shall uphold and enforce these Rules and any other regulations or policies of USA Triathlon in an impartial manner.

9.2 Head Referee. Beginning with the start of the event and until all scores are finalized, the decisions of the Head Referee are final and binding with respect to all competition matters pertaining to the event, with the exception of decisions by the Protest Committee.

9.3 Powers of the Head Referee. The Head Referee shall be empowered:
(a) To interpret and enforce these Competitive Rules and any other regulations or policies of USA Triathlon;
(b) To supervise and control the general conduct of all participants, to require that a participant withdraw from an event, and to intercede during a competition at any stage to ensure that the Competitive Rules are observed;
(c) To invoke and impose penalties for violations of these Rules and to prominently post a list of all violations and penalized participants designated by race number at a site located near the finish of the event;
(d) To make decisions on any point not specifically covered in these Rules;
(e) To instruct, direct, assign duties to, and delegate authority to all other race officials;
(f) To overrule any Judge, Marshal, or other race official on any point of interpretation of these Rules, and to resolve differences of opinion between or among Marshals, Judges, or other race officials;
(g) To examine the equipment or other items of any participant at any time to check compliance with these Rules, and to make the final and binding decision as to whether any equipment or other item is improper or unauthorized;
(h) To establish all aspects of protest procedure, including the time and place of hearing, to impose sanctions for noncompliance with established procedure, and to assess penalties in accordance with the resolution of any protests; and
(i) To prepare a report of actions taken and decisions rendered by the Protest Committee and to make recommendations on improving race operations.

9.4 Duties of the Head Referee. The Head Referee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) The Head Referee shall wear distinctive clothing or other means of identification;
(b) The Head Referee shall establish an officials' headquarters located near the finish of the event;
(c) The Head Referee shall use and maintain a violation posting board erected by race management;
(d) The Head Referee shall process violations reported by Marshals diligently and as soon as possible and shall review every violation with the appropriate reporting Marshal;
(e) The Head Referee shall determine the relative severity of any offense or violation;
(f) The Head Referee shall assess an appropriate penalty;
(g) The Head Referee shall retain the results of reported violations and decisions and shall review the information in connection with all protests; and
(h) The Head Referee shall submit all appropriate data which affects final results to the Head Timer for incorporation into final race results.

9.5 Official Race Results. Final results will reflect all decisions made by the Head Referee and the Protest Committee. Results are subject to review by the Head Referee at or after the event. Any changes made by the Head Referee shall be reported to the competitor, the Race Director, and the Executive Director of USAT in writing no later than 10 days after the event, at which time the results will be deemed final, subject to any appeal filed by a competitor, including anyone affected by the change in results.

9.6 Race Marshals. Race Marshals will be assigned to the swim, cycle, and run portions of the event and to the transition areas and will follow all instructions of the Head Referee. Race Marshals shall have jurisdiction over all persons in their respective areas of assignment. Race Marshals shall enforce these Competitive Rules by reporting violations to the Head Referee in writing. The Head Referee, and not the Race Marshal, shall assess penalties.

9.7 Judges. Judges shall hear and rule on all protests as members of the Protest Committee. Judges shall also assist other race officials as instructed by the Head Referee.

9.8 Head Timer. The Head Timer is responsible for collecting and processing all data relevant to the calculation and determination of official race results.

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10.1 Proper Subject of Protest. No protest may be filed with respect to matters which were observed by or previously ruled upon by a race official. No person may file a protest which requires a judgement call. A "judgement call," as used in these Rules, means the resolution of a dispute involving one or more material facts which cannot be determined with certainty solely through the production of tangible physical evidence. The term "judgement call" shall include but shall not be limited to a resolution of:
(a) any purported violation of the cycling position foul Rules (including alleged drafting violations);
(b) allegations of blocking, obstruction, or interference; or
(c) allegations of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Any protest filed in contravention of this Section shall be summarily dismissed under Section 10.4.

10.2 Protests Involving Eligibility. Protests contesting the eligibility of any participant to compete or to represent an organization in an event shall be made in writing to USA Triathlon or to the Head Referee before the event begins. A participant may be allowed to compete under protest if USA Triathlon or the Head Referee deems it appropriate.

10.3 Standing to File Protest. Protests may only be filed by participants who directly observed the subject of the protest, who were directly and personally involved in any incident relevant to the protest, and who possess direct, detailed, and personal knowledge of the subject of the protest.

10.4 Summary Dismissal of Protest. With respect to each protest filed, the Head Referee shall make an initial determination as to whether the protest complies with all of the provisions of the Article and whether the protest is factually sufficient to support a ruling by the Protest Committee. If the protest is improper or deficient in any respect, the Head Referee shall summarily reject and dismiss the protest and shall not be required to submit the matter to the Protest Committee. If the defect is curable in the opinion of the Head Referee, the Head Referee may allow the protest to be resubmitted within a reasonable time, even if the time period in Section 10.5 has already expired.

10.5 Time for Filing Protests. All protests must be filed in writing and submitted to the Head Referee within sixty (60) minutes after the person filing the protest has completed the event.

10.6 Contents of Protest. All protests must be factually sufficient to support a just ruling by the Protest Committee and must contain the following:
(a) The specific Competitive Rule or Rules alleged to have been violated;
(b) The location and approximate time of the incident;
(c) The person or persons involved in the incident;
(d) A detailed statement of the specific facts, including a diagram if necessary or appropriate; and
(e) The signature of the person filing the protest, which shall constitute an affirmation that the facts stated therein are true.
Failure to comply with any aspect of this Section shall subject the protest to summary dismissal.

10.7 Notice of Protest. All persons involved in or affected by a protest shall be notified thereof and shall have access to the contents of the protest.

10.8 Protest Committee. The Protest Committee shall be comprised of the Head Referee and two Judges appointed by the Head Referee. The Head Referee shall serve as chairperson of the Protest Committee and shall have full authority to conduct the protest and maintain order. The Protest Committee will issue a final determination with respect to all protests timely filed and not subject to summary dismissal.

10.9 Protest Hearing. In hearing a protest, members of the Protest Committee shall weigh the evidence and testimony impartially and shall render a decision in accordance with their best judgement. During all protests: a. The Head Referee will read the protest;
b. The person who filed the protest and all participants involved in the incident must be present, unless medically unable to attend in which case the Head Referee shall postpone the hearing or allow a representative to participate on behalf of the injured person;
c. All persons required to be present shall be allowed three minutes to relate their accounts of the incident, or such additional time as the Head Referee may allow;
d. A maximum of two witnesses for each participant involved in the protest may be allowed to speak for three minutes each; and
e. No spectators or partial observers shall be allowed to participate in the hearing.

10.10 Protest Ruling. After dismissing all parties, the Protest Committee shall review the evidence and render a prompt decision. The decision will be posted immediately.

10.11 Effect of Protest Decision. The summary dismissal of a protest by the Head Referee or the decision of a Protest Committee shall be final, and official race results shall reflect those determinations. Official results and the determination of any Head Referee or Protest Committee can be subsequently modified only by USA Triathlon pursuant to an appeal duly filed in accordance with Article XI of these Rules.

10.12 Announcement of Official Results.Until all protest are finally determined, the official results of any event shall not be announced, and no prizes for that event shall be awarded unless any outstanding protest is officially withdrawn.

10.13 Presence of Participants. All race participants are required to be present and to participate in the hearing of any protest in which they were involved. A Protest Committee may render a decision in the absence of any participant who fails to appear timely. Except for medical reasons, all participants shall remain available for participation in any protests until such time as official race results are announced, the period for filing all protests has expired, or permission to leave the vicinity is granted by the Head Referee.

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11.1 Board of Hearings and Appeals. USA Triathlon shall establish a Board of Hearings and Appeals which shall consist of at least twelve (12) members, including the chairpersons of the Legal Committee, the Commissioner of Officials, at least four (4) athlete representatives, and such other members as may be selected by the Executive Director. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the Executive Director shall appoint a panel of at least three members of the Board of Hearings and Appeals to address and determine any matter requiring resolution. The Board of Hearings and Appeals shall be empowered:
a. To impose and enforce penalties for any violation of the Competitive Rules or other policies or regulations of USA Triathlon;
b. To review any punitive action or decision taken against any person and to affirm, reverse, stay, or modify such action or decision;
c. To investigate any pertinent matter as directed by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors;
d. To determine the eligibility of any person to compete in USA Triathlon sanctioned events;
e. To determine the USA Triathlon membership status of any person and to reinstate or revoke membership rights;
f. To issue conditional orders prohibiting or requiring certain conduct or action as a condition to maintaining membership rights;
g. To interpret any Competitive Rule, regulation, or policy of USA Triathlon; and
h. To conduct hearings, gather evidence, take testimony of witnesses and determine any appeal properly filed with USA Triathlon.

11.2 Proper Subject of Appeal. No person may file an appeal with respect to a judgement call as defined in Section 10.1. Members may appeal the final decision of a Protest Committee, and punitive action affecting their membership in USA Triathlon, or any other matter involving an interpretation of the Competitive Rules of which an appeal is not otherwise prohibited by this Article.

11.3 Appeals of Protests and Other Matters. Except for appeals from disciplinary hearings which must be made under Section 11.5, unless otherwise provided in these Rules all appeals shall be made and processed in accordance with this Section.
a. Time and Fee for Filing Appeal. An appeal must be filed in writing with the USA Triathlon Executive Director postmarked within 30 days after the date of the decision or determination being appealed and must be accompanied by a $100 filing fee. The filing fee shall be refundable only if the appeal is finally determined in the appellant's favor.
b. Contents of Appeal. The appeal shall be in the form of a petition and shall contain the following:
(1) The petitioner's name, address, and telephone number;
(2) A detailed description of the factual background including the date, time, and precise location of any relevant incidents and an identification of the decision being appealed and the person or persons who rendered the decision;
(3) Any relevant Rules, regulations, or policies and an application of the facts to those Rules, regulations or policies;
(4) A detailed explanation of all of the grounds for the appeal;
(5) All of the evidence that the athlete wishes to be considered and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses;
(6) A request to participate orally at the hearing if so desired; and
(7) A request for additional time if desired, not to exceed 14 days, within which to submit additional written materials. Requests to participate orally at hearings will be granted only in exceptional circumstances, and all petitioners should therefore ensure that their appeal contains all relevant information when submitted.
c. Determination of Appeal. The appeal shall be heard and determined by a panel of three (3) disinterested members of the Board of Hearings and Appeals who shall be selected by or under the direction of the Executive Director. If the petitioner has requested to participate orally at the hearing, the panel, with advice of counsel, shall determine whether such oral participation will be permitted and, if permitted, the panel shall notify the appellant of the hearing time and date. If the request for oral participation is denied, the panel shall notify the appellant of such denial and shall proceed with a determination of the appeal based upon the submitted materials.
d. Hearing of Appeal. The Executive Director shall appoint, or the panel shall elect, a chairperson to conduct the hearing. Hearings may be conducted by an attorney at law retained or appointed by USA Triathlon for that purpose, but any such attorney shall have no vote in the panel's decision. Any hearing may be conducted by telephone conference call or otherwise at the discretion of the panel. The appellant shall have the right to be represented by counsel.
e. Appellate Decision. The appellate panel shall issue a written memorandum explaining and containing its decision within fourteen (14) days after the appeal has been duly filed or the hearing has been concluded, whichever is later. The appellant shall receive a copy of the decision. The decision of an appellate panel under this Section shall be final and there shall be no further right to appeal.

11.4 Disciplinary Hearings. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, and whenever the time and circumstances permit, a disciplinary hearing will be held to determine whether an athlete should be fined, sanctioned, censured, suspended, expelled, or otherwise rendered ineligible to compete in USA Triathlon sanctioned events. Disciplinary hearings shall be conducted in accordance with this Section.
a. Notice. The proposed subject of the hearing (the "respondent") shall be given written notice personally delivered or sent to his last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice shall apprise the respondent of the specific charges made against him, the specific Rules, regulations, or policies alleged to have been violated, the potential penalties which may be imposed, and the date, time, and place where a hearing will be held. The hearing date shall be set for a date not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after the date of the notice. The hearing panel may continue or postpone the hearing in its sole discretion for good cause shown.
b. Answer. The respondent shall file a written answer to all of the charges not later than ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing addressed to the Executive Director and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Any statements submitted by the respondent or other parties in support of the answer shall be in the form of a sworn affidavit and shall contain a certification that the affiant's statement is true and correct.
c. Right to Counsel. The respondent shall have the right to the assistance of legal counsel in the preparation of a defense and the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing.
d. Hearing Panel. The hearing shall be held before a panel of three (3) or five (5) disinterested members of the Board of Hearings and Appeals who shall be selected by or under the direction of the Executive Director. Any hearing may be conducted by telephone conference call or otherwise at the discretion of the panel. In no case, shall elected members of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors constitute a majority of the hearing panel. The chairperson of the hearing panel shall be elected by the panel members or appointed by the Executive Director. Hearings may be conducted by an attorney at law retained or appointed by USA Triathlon for that purpose, but any such attorney shall have no vote in the panel's decision.
e. Hearing Decision. The hearing panel shall issue a written memorandum explaining and containing its decision within fourteen (14) days after the conclusion of the Hearing. The respondent shall receive a copy of the decision and notice of any right to appellate review by the Board of Directors.

11.5 Appeal to the Board of Directors. Any respondent adversely affected by a disciplinary hearing convened under Section 11.4 shall have the right to appeal to the USA Triathlon Board of Directors by filing a written petition along with a non-refundable $100 filing fee within twenty (20) days after mailing of the panel's decision. Upon timely petition to the Executive Director, and for good cause shown, the time for appeal may be extended. The Board of Directors shall appoint at least three disinterested directors to decide any appeal under this Section. Oral hearings will be granted only in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Board, and petitions should therefore contain all relevant information when submitted. Any hearing may be conducted by telephone conference call or otherwise. An appellate hearing, if any, shall be scheduled not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition.

11.6 Emergency Hearings and Appeals. If the circumstances require a speedy determination of any appeal or disciplinary matter such that compliance with the procedures outlined in Sections 11.3 or 11.4 would not be feasible, an emergency hearing or appeal may be conducted by a member or members of the Board of Hearings and Appeals. Notice (which may be oral) and an opportunity to respond shall be provided to all affected participants as may be reasonable under the circumstances, but in all cases, procedures shall be designed to safeguard the due process rights of participants. The emergency hearing may be conducted at the site of any athletic competition or by telephone conference, if necessary. If an emergency appeal of a Protest Committee's decision is conducted and decided, there shall be no right to further appeal that decision. If an emergency disciplinary hearing is held in lieu of the normal procedure under Section 11.4, within fourteen (14) days after the emergency hearing, the decision shall be reduced to writing and mailed to the interested participants along with notice of a right to appeal under Section 11.3. The time period for filing an appeal under Section 11.3 shall commence on the date the written decision is mailed.

11.7 Investigations and Inquiries. The USA Triathlon Board of Directors or the Executive Director may appoint members of the Board of Hearings and Appeals to investigate, report, and issue a decision or recommendation with respect to any matter deemed relevant to USA Triathlon. All persons shall cooperate with any such investigation and shall comply with all reasonable requests and inquiries made by any such panel.

11.8 Compliance with Final Ruling. All persons shall abide by the final determination by USA Triathlon of an appeal or any other matter relating to the Competitive Rules or the sport of triathlon/duathlon. In the event USA Triathlon resolves an issue in a manner that changes official race results or the order in which athletes are deemed to have finished an event, all affected athletes shall abide by such ruling and shall return or agree to return any prize monies or awards in such manner and at such time as USA Triathlon may request. Failure to comply with this Section shall be grounds for suspension from USA Triathlon.

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The "USA Triathlon" logo is a trademark owned by USA Triathlon and is protected by federal trademark law. USA Triathlon may develop additional logos or designs for special events such as national teams or championship races. Use of any of these logos is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of USA Triathlon. Certain clubs and organizations may be authorized to use the principal USA Triathlon logo on stationary, newsletters, and other materials in order to delineate such organization's affiliation with USA Triathlon. USA Triathlon will vigorously enforce its legal rights with respect to any unauthorized use of trademarks or service which USA Triathlon now owns or later develops.

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USA Triathlon makes no express or implied warranty, guarantee, or representation regarding the degree of safety, which may or may not result from compliance with the Competitive Rules or sanctioning criteria. Examinations of race courses and inspections of equipment are undertaken solely to monitor compliance with the Federation's rules and guidelines and do not guarantee or ensure safety from personal injury or property damage. Safe participation in any event and the safety of race equipment is the sole responsibility of each and every participant.

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Physically challenged athletes (hereafter known as PC athletes), as defined under rule USAT rule PC1.2 shall be governed by all USA Triathlon (USAT) competition rules with the following modifications.

Athletes may compete in USAT sanctioned races without official classification in categories set out in rule PC1.2. However, in order to compete in USAT/PC National Championships and national teams, PC athletes must be classified and placed in a competition category in accordance with those outlined in rule PC1.2 by a physician. Athletes shall provide classification to race directors upon registration.

USAT/PC categories shall be instituted and maintained as follows:
TRI 1 - Handcycle: Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, Polio, Double Leg Amputee. Must use hand-cycle and racing wheelchair on run.
TRI 2 - Severe Leg impairment: Above-knee Amputees. Athlete must ride bicycle and run with above knee (or similar) prosthesis or crutches.
TRI 3 - Les Autre: Includes athletes with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Double Leg Amputee (runners) or Paralysis in multiple limbs. Must ride a bicycle and run. (May use braces or prosthesis)
TRI 4 - Arm impairment: Including Above and Elbow Amputees or "impairment" in one or both upper limbs. Athletes may use prosthesis, brace or sling on the bike and/or run.
TRI 5 - Moderate leg impairment: Below-knee amputees. Athlete must ride bicycle and run with prosthesis or crutches .
TRI 6 - Visual Impairment: Legally Blind. (20/200 vision with best corrective vision). A handler of the same sex is mandatory throughout the race. Athlete is tethered during the swim. Athlete uses a tandem bicycle and may be tethered during the run.

Wetsuits are allowed but not required at any water temperature.

Physically Challenged athletes shall be permitted the following in regard to handlers/aides: Each PC athlete is required to identify all handlers and describe their duties to the appropriate race official prior to the start of each competition. Handlers are specifically allowed to assist PC competitors by:
a) Assisting/carrying athletes from the water to transition area.
b) Helping with prosthetic devices.
c) Lifting participants in and out of handcycles and wheelchairs.
d) Removing wetsuits or clothing.
e) Repairing flats and other equipment.

With the exception of the Handcycle category (T1), PC athletes must ambulate (walk/run) through transition by the use of either crutches or prosthetic device. If crutches are used, handlers may accompany the competitor to and from the mount line of the bike portion as long as they do not impede the progress of any other participant.

Physically Challenged athletes shall be governed by the following with regard to cycling conduct:
a) Category T1 equipment (handcycles) must conform to the specifications established by the USHF (United States Handcycling Federation) under USCF rule 1J5: A handcycle is a 3-wheeled cycle with standard bicycle drive train and standard bicycle crank arms. The cycle must be operated by pedaling and shifting using only the upper body to perform said functions. The maximum wheelbase for a handcycle is 72 inches. Handcycles must have a chainring guard to protect the rider from the drive train. All handcycles must have 2 separate working brake calipers (or discs) and a fully functional lever for each.
b) All bicycles and handcycles shall be propelled by human force (either legs or arms).

Physically Challenged athletes shall be governed by the following with regard to running conduct: a) Prosthetic devices and/or crutches are allowed.
b) Category T1 equipment (Racing wheelchairs) must conform to specifications as established by the WSUSA (Wheelchair Sports USA):
1) The wheelchair shall have at least two large wheels and one small wheel.
2) Any device or design element that exists for the purpose of reducing air resistance will be permitted provided that said device or design is limited to the area between the rear wheels and must not extend beyond the lateral edges of the large wheels or extend in front or behind the edges of the tires except that fenders may protrude two inches (2") past the circumference of the inflated tire.
3) The maximum diameter of the large wheel including the inflated tire shall not exceed 70cm. The maximum diameter of the small wheel including the inflated tire shall not exceed 50cm.
4) Only one round handrim is allowed for each large wheel.
5) No mechanical gears or levers shall be allowed that may be used to propel the chair.
6) Only hand operated mechanical steering devices will be allowed.
7) No part of the chair may protrude behind the vertical plane of the back edge of the rear wheels.
8) Athletes must ensure that no part of their lower limbs can fall to the ground or road during an event.
9) It will be the responsibility of the competitor that the wheelchair conforms to all the above rules and no event shall be delayed while the competitor makes adjustments to the chair.
10) Chairs may be measured in the transition area and may not leave that area before the start of any event. Chairs which have been examined may be liable to re-examination before or after the event by the official in charge of the event.

The following additional rules apply to blind athletes and their guides:
a) Blind athletes must use a guide of the same sex in competition and with few exceptions, must furnish the guide.
b) The blind athlete may choose to use an elbow lead, tether lead or to run free.
c) The runner may receive verbal instruction only from his/her guide.
d) Bicycles, paddle boards or any other mechanical means of transport may not be used by guides on the swim or run.
e) At no time may the guide "lead" or "pace" the athlete.
f) At no time may the guide propel the athlete forward by pulling or pushing.
g) Whether or not a tether is being used, the athlete and guide shall not be more than 0.5meters apart at all times.
h) As the blind athlete crosses the finish line, the guide must be beside or behind the athlete but not further than the required 0.5 meter maximum separation distance.
Infringement of any these rules shall result in a disqualification (DQ).

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