disqualification questions

http://www.usatriathlon.org/resources/about-events/rules

USAT rules are there. Any additional rules should be listed on the event website.

All the stuff you mentioned is correct.  I'd add the following rules that may not be as intative for a  first triathlon:

1. Never, ever cross the centre line during the bike ride (i.e. go against traffic) - automatic DQ in most places

2. Have your helmet on whenever you are in contact with the bike. (i.e. Put your helmet on before you grab your bike off the rack and rack you bike back on the rack before you take off your helmet.) - automatic DQ on the road, can be a penalty in transition.

3. Don't draft on the bike (unless its a drafting legal race) - risk of penalties and eventuall DQ

4. Don't litter / throw your gels & bottles away except in designated areas - risk of penalties and eventuall DQ

I'll add riding around without a helmet on - it is a penalty, not sure about a DQ penalty.  Multiple infractions of other types can get you to a DQ, but you'd really have to earn that one.  Don't bring glass into the transition area - I think that one is automatic.

Don't do this . . . ever.  Risk of eternal damnation and general bad juju.

During the race, ”if you are touching your bike your helmet must be on and buckled”. Before you un-rack it have the helmet on.  Same into T2, rack first then helmet off.

Helmet on while with your bike before AND after the event.  This DOES get called.

Also- never touch another athlete's gear in transition.  In my experience rarely called as a DQ, but bad form anyway.

The other stuff listed (drafting, blocking, etc.) is time but rarely DQ.  Littering (outside of designated area like Drop Zones in longer tri's) is bad for many obvious reasons.

Good luck in the 1st tri & have fun!!!!

And don't get in my way at the mount line. Automatic DQ.

WOW!  I am glad I asked.  The helmet rule would have gotten me for sure because that is always the first thing to come off, or at least get unhooked as I coast to a stop.  Looks like I have a bad habit that needs to change.

Thanks everyone for the responses.

When you set-up. Put your helmet right on top of your aero pads. It's quick and a great visual reminder that it goes on first.

to add to what has already been stated

Never use an ipod/mp3 player for the run or the bike. Every race I have done that has been a DQ (no sure it that is USAT but is a local rule our race directors enforce at the least)

Also pretty sure this is a rule also and most would follow it but - never touch another competitor. by this it means pushing - shoving - hitting - slapping etc. Giving someone a High Five who is going the other way on the run course is fine but nothing beyond that.

True, but the Officials interpretation of “on the bike” is where this comes into play.

 At several races I’ve been in. I’ve heard the USAT Official (the guy in the referee shirt) when making his pre-race announcement say. He considers you “on your bike, from the time it is un-racked to the time it is re-racked”  and made specific mention of having your helmet not only on, but buckled.

 I’ve raced in the Midwest,Mideastand Southeast Regions. So I’d have to say this interpretation of 5.9 and 5.9A  is rather universal.

 And since 10.1 says “No protest may be filed with respect to matters which were observed by or previously ruled upon by a race official.”

 I’d play it safe and snap the buckle

The above rule is good for the bike and run. During the swim, all bets are off!

Here's a dumb question from a one timer on the tri circut....if you get a penalty, how do you find out?

On the spot?

Or do you just have to figure it out when your time is 5 minutes higher on the  board compared to your watch?

So they physically stop you during the race?

That's gotta screw you up.