XTERRA Whitewater

IMPORTANT:

This race follows USA Triathlon sanctioning rules with the exception of the wetsuit policy.

For a complete list of rules, please refer to the most up to date USA Triathlon Competitive Rules at: http://triathlon.teamusa.org/content/index/1684

2009 MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED RULES & PENALTIES:

1. Helmets:

USAT Rule: Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Helmets must be worn at all times while on your bike. This means before, during, and after the event.

Penalty: Disqualification

Race Director's Translation: If you're on your bike, a helmet should be on your head. Period

2. Chin Straps:

USAT Rule: Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.

Penatly: Disqualification if on the course; Variable time penalty in transition area only.

Race Director's Translation: If you're on your bike, helmet should be on your head AND buckled. Ditto, if you are in transition, and your bike is not racked. Don't unrack your bike until your helmet is buckled. Do not unbuckle your helmet until your bike is re-racked.

3. Outside Assistance

USAT Rule: 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

Race Director's Translation: That means you're better half cannot hand you a bottle as you ride by. That also means they cannot help you set up your transition area. Transition area is for registered athletes only.

4. Transition Area:

USAT Rule: 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.

Penalty: Variable time penalty

Race Director's Translation: Don't be a transition area hog. You don't need 4 acres to transition. If you can't fit your stuff on a large hand towel, you have too much stuff. Be considerate of your fellow rack-mates. Don't trample their stuff if you make it into transition before them. Also, make sure your bar ends are plugged. They're cheap. We don't need to be taking any human core samples during the race.

NO RIDING IN TRANSITION. You should not mount your bike until you have passed the designated mount line. Likewise, when returning to transition, you should dismount your bike before crossing the dismount line.

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

Race Director's Translation:

Drafting - This is a draft-legal race. There are very few opportunities for you to draft, but when there is one, use it.

Passing - When passing a rider, call your pass. Common sense would dictate that you request to pass and pass when it's safe (preferably when the rider ahead says to take the pass).

Being Passed - If someone behind you is requesting to pass, you should yield. Not allowing them to pass when they're obviously faster is only bad sportsmanship, not smart racing. You don't need to stop, just pull to one side of the trail and call out which side they should pass. Slowing slighty will help, but you do not need to stop.

6. Course:

USAT Rule: All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course and to stay within all coned areas. 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

Race Director's Translation: During an off-road triathlon, follow the course markings, arrows, and tape. No cutting switchbacks or going off course. It is your repsonsibility to pay attention and actually look for the course markers. Navigation is part of the challenge and pre-riding is suggested. If someone goes off-course and you follow them, it's noone's fault but yours. Pay attention and race your own race.

7. Unsportsman-Like Conduct:

USAT Rule: 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

Race Director's Translation: I've seen this happen at other races. Folks get mad and upset because of various things. However, be a good sportsman. Foul, harsh, argumentative, abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT be tolerated at Carolina Trail Racing events, regardless of the situation. Period. Disqualification and no refund.

8. Headphones:

USAT Rule: Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race.

Penalty: Variable time penalty

Race Director Translation: Duh.

9. Race numbers:

USAT Rule: All 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. 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:

XTERRA follows the Swimming Conduct rules for Wetsuit Use established by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) at all XTERRA races. Wetsuits rules are as follows:

AGE GROUP ATHLETES

Wetsuits are mandatory for Age Group athletes if the water temperature is BELOW 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees C)

Wetsuits are permitted for Age Group athletes if the water temperature is AT or BELOW 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)

Wetsuits are forbidden for Age Group athletes if the water temperature is ABOVE 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES

Wetsuits are mandatory for Professional athletes if the water temperature is BELOW 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees C)

Wetsuits are permitted for Professional athletes if the water temperature is AT or BELOW 68 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)

Wetsuits are forbidden for Professional athletes if the water temperature is ABOVE 68 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)

11. Abandonment:

USAT Rule: 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

Race Director's Translation: Please try your best not to leave trash on the course. If you can use the gel while on the fly, you should be able to tuck away the empty.

Variable Time Penalties	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense
	2:00 minute	4:00 minutes	Disqualification

Race Director: Marcus Barton