Asking for a deferral

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2012-09-12 8:50 PM


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Subject: Asking for a deferral

This past weekend, while doing the bike portion of a brick, I took a nasty spill on my bike & fractured my shoulder blade and completely tore my rotator cuff.

Obviously, my triathlon season is over...despite having two more (paid for) tri's on the schedule.

I contacted both RD's explaining my injury and asked if they would mind giving me a deferral to 2013 for their respective events; I even offered to send documentation from the physicians outlining my injuries (photos of the road rash too!).

One of them was very kind and gave me the deferral almost immediately.  The other RD has not responded to either of my emails (the initial request or the follow-up email with documentation); I actually contacted him a few weeks ago & he was very quick to respond at that time, so I'm left to conclude that he is uninterested in granting the deferral.

I've checked the website and see nothing about forfeiting your entry fee ($150 in this case) if you are unable to participate.  Since there is nothing there, do I have any recourse in attempting to get a deferral (or a refund in a worst-case-scenario)?

2012-09-12 10:02 PM
in reply to: #4408618

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Veteran
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Panama City, FL
Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral
The answer is they do not HAVE to cooperate. Many events explicitly state no deferrals. RDs with good judgement and good sense would do well for someone in your situation, to give the deferral to you. Good luck.
2012-09-13 6:39 AM
in reply to: #4408618

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Extreme Veteran
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South Florida
Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral
Twice I have tried to get a deferrall and never had any luck, but I knew this when I signed up. Good luck and heal up.
2012-09-13 6:55 AM
in reply to: #4408618

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
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Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral

You say you  see nothing about forfeiting your entry fee . . .  if you are unable to participate" but is there a refund policy at all on the registration site or application? IIRC, USAT requires an explicit refund policy. . . In most cases that policy says NO REFUNDS, then it is up to the RD to consider and allow deferrals.

For the most part you take the risk when you register that you may not be able to compete. The most gracious RDs will allow deferrals but it is certainly not required.

2012-09-13 7:57 AM
in reply to: #4408618

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Expert
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Ontario Canada
Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral
Yea it totally depends on the RD, Most however in my experience have been  very gracious about granting a deferal especially if they are given a good lead time. I had signed up for a complete series of 8 races a couple of years ago and then 5 weeks before the series started I broke my femur. When I contacted the RD she said No problem send me an e- mail to remind me next spring and we will slot you in next year when registration reopens She also sent me that years series shirt as well even though I didn't request it, another RD just said sorry no refunds or defurals, so you don't know till you try basically.
2012-09-13 8:24 AM
in reply to: #4408618

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral

The only time I've requested a deferral for injury was for St. Anthony's, but they had a well-defined procedure for doing so.

With most races I think it's just a risk you take when you enter.  It hasn't been that big of a concern for me because I mostly do local races that benefit charities.  I figure that if I have to forfeit an entry fee it's still helping to support a worthwhile cause.

With the current cost of some of the bigger IM races, I'm surprised you don't hear more about "race insurance", similar to the coverage for vacation flights and cruises. 

Mark   



Edited by RedCorvette 2012-09-13 8:24 AM

2012-09-13 10:13 AM
in reply to: #4408618

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New user
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Michigan
Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral

TOUGHEN UP NANCY!  I see no reason why a broken shoulder should affect your race

2012-09-13 11:06 AM
in reply to: #4408618

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Asking for a deferral

I got a deferral on the Marine Corps Marathon, but they had an explicit policy for that.  I was able to get my entry transferred to another race run by the same company one year, but that wouldn't help you in this situation.  They should have a deferral/refund policy in place.  Unfortunately, they don't have to do either and you may be out the entry fee.

I hope your shoulder heals quickly!

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