This is a USAT sanctioned event and all rules will be enforced.

As a USAT sanctioned race all USAT rules and regulations will apply.

Official rules can be found at: USAT Rules

A Message from the Head Referee to all age-group competitors at the Westchester Triathlon

In order to minimize misunderstandings on race day, please be familiar with the key Competitive Rules below. Please don’t hesitate to contact USAT referees for clarifications of any rules or any other questions about enforcement prior to the start of the race.

• Clearly display your race number at all times while on the race course.
• Place your equipment and rack your bike in transition in your designated spot.
• Ride on the right side of your lane. Do not impede the progress of your fellow competitors by riding to the left or close to the center line.
• Keep three bike lengths between you and the cyclist in front of you (“draft zone”).
• Pass on the left of the cyclist in front of you, never pass on the right.
• Complete your pass within 15 seconds. Once you have entered the draft zone, you must complete the pass and exit the draft zone to the front.
• If passed, you must drop completely out of the draft zone to the rear within 15 seconds before attempting to re-pass.
• Do not carry or use headphones on the race course. Cell phones can be carried on the course but may not be used while riding a bicycle.
• Do not litter or leave any equipment or personal gear on the race course.
• Pacing by any person not in the race or receiving equipment from any person other than official race support is not permitted.

Disqualification Criteria

• In an Olympic Distance event, violations carry a time penalty for each occurrence – 2:00 minutes for the first occurrence and 4:00 minutes for the second occurrence for a total of 6:00 minutes. If you are cited for three violations, you will be disqualified (“DQ”).
• Always have your chinstrap securely fastened! The helmet and chinstrap rule apply before, during, and after the event. The chinstrap rule is the easiest to follow, but some folks always seem to forget – that’s a DQ!
• Please treat other athletes, volunteers, and officials with courtesy and consideration. Failure to do so is called Unsportsmanlike Conduct and you will be disqualified.

Remember that you are racing in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and there are trained USAT referees on the course to ensure fairness in the competition. There will be NO WARNINGS if you commit a foul during competition. Triathlon is an individual event and you must take personal responsibility to understand the rules and avoid penalties. At the end of the race all citations by the referees are reviewed by the Head Referee who then decides if a penalty should be assessed. The Head Referee’s ruling is final in the case of Position Violations and there are no protests or appeals of Position penalties.

Have a great race, lots of fun, and achieve all your goals.

Evelyn Heinbach
USAT Official and Head Referee