General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tri rule that I just don't get Rss Feed  
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2004-12-19 2:57 PM

Subject: Tri rule that I just don't get
I read this in "A Message from the Head Referee to all age-group competitors" (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=209) in the Race Day Training Tips
I don't understand this rule:
--Always have your chinstrap securely fastened! The chinstrap rule is the easiest to follow, but some folks always seem to forget – that’s a DQ! This applies to before and after the race as well while at the race venue site (even warming up or going back to your car after the race).--

How can you have your helmet on after the race and back to your car?? I must be missing something.


2004-12-19 3:03 PM
in reply to: #94175

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
The rule is simple enought to understand ... it is a matter of insurance stipulations!!!!!!  After an event, I etiher ride home on my bike or I ride it to my car, which could be a kilometer away.  If I am injured while I am leaving the event, I could conceivably sue the organizers.    Hence, if comptetitors are threatened with disqualification for not wearing a helmet and having the strap secured, they are more likely to comply with the rule.  I have never had a problem with the helmet rule as I do not go a block on my bike without it.
2004-12-19 3:11 PM
in reply to: #94175

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get

I think you read it literally like I did.

It probably should read "even if you are not racing, while RIDING back and forth to your car, always wear your helmet with the chinstrap fastened".

That head ref sounded like he was expecting you to swim with the helmet on too!

2004-12-19 3:51 PM
in reply to: #94175

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get

Of course it means WHEN YOU ARE ON THE BIKE, silly goose. When in doubt, go to the source (USA Triathlon) rather than someone's misleading interpretation of it:

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.

By the way, Keith, your avatar is not visible.



Edited by the bear 2004-12-19 3:56 PM
2004-12-19 4:15 PM
in reply to: #94181

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
Is there an online site where I can get a copy of all the tri rules??? Thanks
2004-12-19 4:36 PM
in reply to: #94189

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get

USA Triathlon has their rule book online here:

http://www.usatriathlon.com/Rules_Officials/rules.htm



2004-12-19 5:23 PM
in reply to: #94181

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get

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.

Note the section in red.  What this means is you must have the chinstrap fastened even before you leave transition with the bike, and it must stay fastened until you get back to your rack.  No saving time unfastening while running back to the rack.  That's where you get hit with the time penalty.  It's confusing because in the first line they talk about mounting and dismounting the bike, so if you don't read the line about being in transition you may think it's okay to unfasten it before getting back to your rack.

2004-12-19 5:40 PM
in reply to: #94208

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get

No saving time unfastening while running back to the rack.

I've been told different, that the strap had to be buckled only as long as your leg was over the top bar of the bike. The section you have in red just distinguishes the penalties: time in the transition area, DQ outside transition. Read the previous sentence:

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.

I would interpret "running back to the rack" as occurring after "the participant has dismounted."

2004-12-19 8:09 PM
in reply to: #94212


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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
As others have said, the basic is: if you're on your bike anytime on race day (one leg thrown over the top bar), you need to have your helmet on and buckled.

I think the part about a time penalty in transition (vs. DQ out on n course) is historical, dating back to when races allowed you to ride the bike in transition. Nowadays, most directors don't allow you to ride there; you need to walk/run/carry your bike to beyond the mount line, and get off the bike before you hit the dismount line when you come back in.
2004-12-19 8:45 PM
in reply to: #94175

Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
Yeah I guess I'm a little slow!! That all makes sense now.
Can anyone see my avatar? Am I doing something wrong??
2004-12-19 8:46 PM
in reply to: #94243

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.


2004-12-19 9:30 PM
in reply to: #94243

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
Now you look like Jack Skelington from A Nightmare before Christmas. Quite an improvement over a white box with a red x

Edited by the bear 2004-12-19 9:30 PM
2004-12-19 10:09 PM
in reply to: #94244

Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
Lara_SD - 2004-12-19 8:46 PM

unless you are a white box with a red X....  your avatar isn't showing up


Hey Lara (and bear), check out my personal picture. How'd you know!!



(me.bmp)



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2004-12-20 12:13 AM
in reply to: #94175

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
The rule in Oz, DQ if you unrack your bike without helmut buckled & have to rack it before unbuckling....keeps it simple!

Keith, heaps better pic.
2004-12-20 10:31 AM
in reply to: #94175

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get
I just always keep my helmet on.... I try to remember to take it off while swimming, though... Insurance purposes.
2004-12-20 11:51 AM
in reply to: #94175

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Subject: RE: Tri rule that I just don't get

The rule for helmets are slightly different from one area to the next and from one organizer to the next.  My local triathlon organizer, Somersault Productions, stipulates:

Bicycle Helmets: 
a) Bicycle helmets are compulsory for all cyclists. They must be ANSI, SNELL or CSA approved b) Helmets must be on and chin straps must be fastened before a competitor may remove the bike from the bike rack. It must remain on and fastened until the bike is placed back on the same bike rack after the cycle.

The Ontario Assiociation of Triathletes stipulates:

E.3.3 Helmet Alterations

Alterations to any part of the helmet are forbidden. The helmet must be securely fastened at all times when the competitor is in possession of the bicycle, i.e., from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at the start of the cycle, until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle.

E.3.3.1 OAT Mod – Securely Fastened Helmets

Securely fastened means that two fingers can be inserted horizontally between the chin and the strap. Officials may warn or disqualify and competitor whose helmet is not securely fastened.



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