ITU Competition Rules

The ITU Competition Rules are intended to:

a) Create an atmosphere of sportsmanship, equality, and fair play.

b) Provide safety and protection.

c) Emphasize ingenuity and skill without unduly limiting the competitor's freedom of action.

d) Penalize competitors who gain an unfair advantage.

e) Endorse the principle that Triathlon and Duathlon are individual sports and encourage individual performance and initiative.

a) These rules will be adapted for other modern multi-sport competitions, which fall within the jurisdiction of ITU, i.e. Duathlons, Winter Triathlons, Indoor Triathlons, Aquathlons, Canoe Triathlons and Team Competitions.

b) A competitor must not be permitted an advantage not intended by a rule. To implement this, many of the rules are in general terms. This eliminates a multiplicity of rules and provides officials with authority to adapt the rules to fit conditions. Officials base their judgment on whether an advantage, not intended by the rules, has been gained.

ITU Competition Rules will be applicable to international competitions hosted by National Federations (NFs) affiliated to ITU. ITU request that NFs conform their regulations to the ITU standard at latest by year 2004.

ITU condemns the use of substances which artificially enhance performance. Competitors will follow the ITU Doping Control Rules and Procedural Guidelines. All competitors are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the ITU Doping Rules and Procedural Guidelines including medical control tests, testing obligations and procedures, penalties and appeal processes, and forbidden substances. ITU has adopted the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

Triathlons, Duathlon, and other modern multi-sport competitions are strenuous. To be able to compete, competitors should be in excellent physical condition. Their health and welfare is of paramount importance. Time limits for the swim and cycle segments, plus overall finish time will be established for each competition by the Technical Delegate (TD). These limits may be published in the pre-event registration material.

Qualification Criteria for the Triathlon World Championships (Elite):

a) Be ranked among the top 50 in the ITU Triathlon World Ranking, based on a date fourteen (14) days before the World Championships.

b) Place in the top three at any of the five ITU Regional Qualifying Events, competing as a member of a National Federation within the relevant region. Should any of the top three finishers at an ITU Regional Qualifier have qualified by being ranked in the top 50 (14 days prior to the date of the World Championships), the qualification spot will automatically roll down to the next place finisher from that region, until such time as three athletes qualify.

c) Up to twelve (12) invited athletes may be awarded starting positions by ITU upon application from their National Federation no later than 30 days prior to the date of the World Championships. ITU will have the sole authority to award any or all of the invited athlete starting positions.

16 - 19 Junior Sprint World Championship: (Sprint Distance - Drafting Race)

• Age as on 31 December in the year of the competition.
• Lower age limit: If an athlete is 15 years old and turns 16 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete
• Upper age limit: If an athlete is 18 years old and turns 19 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete.
• This Category replaces the age group 16 - 19 yrs category
• The maximum number of athletes a NF may enter will be determined by rules set by the ITU Technical Committee.

Entries:

• NFs will automatically have the right to enter three (3) athletes based on their own qualification system.

a) Each NF in good standing with ITU has the right to automatically enter two (2) juniors into both the women's and men's junior category.

b) Based on the number of athletes the NF had in the previous year's World Championships results, they will be allowed either one, two or three additional entries for a maximum of five (5) per NF.

c) If the NF had three (3) or more athletes in the top 25 of the previous year, they will be allowed an additional three (3) entries.

d) If the NF had three (3) or more athletes in the top 50, they will be allowed two (2) additional entries.

e) If the NF had two (2) athletes in the top 50 of the previous year they will be allowed one (1) additional place.

Under 23 World Championship: (Olympic Distance-Drafting Race) to be known as U/23

• Age as on 31 December in the year of the competition.
• Lower age limit: If an athlete is 17 years old and turns 18 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete.
• Upper age limit: If an athlete is 22 years old and turns 23 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete.
• This category replaces the Junior 17 - 19yrs category.
• Each country will be allowed to qualify a minimum of 3 athletes to a maximum of 5
• For the U/23 event additional slots will be awarded as per the quota system posted on the ITU Website, based on the previous year's performance.
• All entries for the U/23 and Junior Sprint World Championships must be done through ITU Headquarters, and must be accompanied by a copy of the athlete's birth certificate. If you have any questions, please contact ITU Headquarters.

To compete in ITU events:

a) Competitors must hold a valid license in their NF.

b) Competitors under suspension by ITU or any other NF will not be eligible to compete in ITU competitions.

c) Citizens of a country may represent that country (NF) in ITU competitions. A competitor who has represented one country (NF) in the ITU World Championships may not represent another country (NF) in the World Championships during the same and the next calendar year without the agreement of both NFs concerned.

d) A competitor who possesses dual nationality may only represent one country during the same calendar year. If the competitor chooses to represent the other country in question, he/she must inform both NFs in writing, and during the same and following calendar year he/she shall not be able to represent either of the two countries in the ITU World Championships without the approval of both NFs concerned.

e) A competitor may represent the country of his/her birth and of which he/she is a citizen unless he/she opts to take the nationality of his/her father or mother.

f) A naturalized competitor may not participate in an ITU World Championship to represent his/her new country during the same and the next calendar year without the approval of both NFs concerned. The period following naturalization may be reduced or canceled with the agreement of the NFs concerned and approval of the ITU Executive Board.

g) If a new country recognized by the IOC and ITU is created, a competitor may continue to represent the country to which he/she belongs or belonged. However, he/she may choose to represent his/her new NF if one exists. This choice may only be made once.

h) Athletes residing in a country for at least three years since the date when they last represented another NF in any ITU sanctioned event may compete for their country of residence if the two NFs concerned and the ITU Executive Board agree. This period of residence may be reduced to one year, if the two NFs concerned and the ITU Executive Board agree.

i) An athlete may represent his/her new NF in International Competitions after completing a period of three years continuous residence in his/her new country.

NFs may enter their competitors in TU Triathlon World Cup events based on the following Entry Qualification Criteria. Women's and Men's events are considered distinct and the criteria applies equally to both. All entry applications must be sent by fax or e-mail to ITU and must be made by NFs (i.e., individuals may not enter themselves). The entry DEADLINE is noted on the Entry Form.

a) Eligibility: Entrants must be members in good standing with their NF and not be under suspension for any violation as defined by the ITU Rules and Policies.

b) Automatic Acceptance: Competitors ranked in the Top 25 of the ITU Triathlon World Rankings within 30 days of an event shall receive automatic entry acceptance.

c) Conditional Acceptance: Competitors ranked 26 through 75 on the ITU Triathlon World Rankings within 30 days of an event shall be conditionally accepted, provided that no more than 8 competitors from any country are entered.

d) Invited Competitors: Competitors placing among the first three finishers or who have accumulated 200 World Ranking points at ITU International Series Triathlon events within 120 days of an Event may be invited by ITU to compete.

e) Wild Cards: ITU may offer Wild Card entries to competitors upon written application by NFs.

f) Increase in Country Numbers: If an NF has more than the maximum number of qualified competitors, the NF must select the team not to exceed the maximum number. ITU reserves the right to increase the number of athletes permitted per NF.

All decisions regarding a competitor's nationality and eligibility to compete in the Olympic Games will be based on the conditions laid down in the Charter of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Each competitor must have adequate insurance coverage, guaranteed by their NF or will be required to purchase day-of-race coverage.

The official language is English. Translators will be provided by NFs.

For ITU World Championships, each competitor must wear the official team uniform of the country he/she represents. Failure to do so will result in their inability to participate or disqualification. All National Team Uniforms must conform with the ITU World Championships Uniform Specifications. Competitors participating in World Cup events must comply with the ITU World Cup Uniform Guidelines (See Appendix B).

A compulsory meeting of elite competitors will be held before all ITU competitions and will be conducted by the Technical Director and the Race Director. For the Triathlon, Duathlon and Winter Triathlon World Championships and for World Cups, elite competitors must be in attendance.

For age group and junior competitors at Triathlon, Duathlon and Winter Triathlon World Championships, there will be two days of race package pick-up. The hours shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. two days prior to the competition. If an NF is unable to make the designated registration time, they must request a different time, in writing, to the Organizing Committee.

Race packets will contain a minimum of:

a) five official race numbers (one for body, one for bike, and three for the helmet) and four safety pins.

b) Security/Credentials Pass

c) Schedule of Events

d) Start List

e) Course maps

f) Event Tickets

g) Competition Rules specific to the competition. (It is the competitor's responsibility to know the ITU Competition Rules. It is the NF's responsibility to ensure that competitors have a copy of the ITU Competition Rules).

It is not necessary for an official to give a warning prior to issuing a more serious penalty. The purpose of a warning is to alert a competitor about a possible rule violation and to promote a proactive attitude on the part of officials.

A warning will be given at the discretion of the official. They shall assess a warning by:

a) Sounding a whistle or horn

b) Showing a yellow card

c) Calling (in English) the competitor's number and saying "STOP".

A warning may be given when:

a) A competitor violates a rule unintentionally

b) An official believes a violation is about to occur

c) No advantage has been gained.

When assessed a yellow card, the competitor will stop in a safe manner and follow the instructions of the official. If on a bicycle, the competitor will stop in a safe manner, dismount with both feet on one side of the bicycle, and raise both wheels off the ground at the same time. The official will then say "GO", at which time the competitor will continue in a safe manner.

A disqualification is a penalty appropriate for a violation.

Officials assess a disqualification by:

a) Sounding a horn or whistle

b) Waving a red flag or card

c) Calling (in English) the competitor's number.

A competitor may finish the race if an official calls a disqualification. A disqualified competitor may appeal the decision (except in the case of a judgment call) in accordance with the provisions of Appeals of the Competition Rules.

A competitor may be disqualified for, but not limited to the following:

a) Failing to follow the prescribed course

b) Using abusive language or behavior toward any official or unsportsmanlike behavior. (also possible suspension)

c) Blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering with the forward progress of another competitor

d) Unfair contact. The fact that contact occurs between competitors does not constitute a violation. When several competitors are moving in a limited area, contact may occur. This incidental contact between competitors in equally favourable positions, is not a violation.

e) Accepting assistance from anyone other than race officials or accepting assistance from a race official that constitutes an unfair advantage.

f) Refusing to follow the instructions of race officials

g) Departing the course for reasons of safety, but failing to re-enter at the point of departure.

h) Failure to wear the unaltered race number provided by the Organizing Committee in the proper way, which is: during the entire run segment the number must be worn on the front.

i) Leaving equipment or discarding personal articles on the course. Tires, plastic bottles, and other discarded items must be placed safely off the course.

j) Wearing items deemed a hazard to self or others, i.e., a hard cast, jewelry, headsets, or headphones.

k) Using unauthorized equipment to provide an advantage or which will be dangerous to others.

l) Violating traffic regulations

m) Contrived or intentional ties by elite athletes and junior athletes in ITU sanctioned events.

Means a competitor will not take part in ITU competitions or competitions sanctioned by NFs affiliated to ITU during a stated suspension period.

A competitor will be suspended for, (but not limited to):

a) Unsportsmanlike conduct

b) Fraud, i.e., entering under an assumed name or age, falsifying an affidavit, or giving false information

c) Participating when not eligible

d) Repeated violations of ITU Rules

e) Drug abuse.

f) Suspensions will be assessed by the Competition Jury, for lengths from three (3) months to four (4) years, depending on the violation.

For the lifetime of the competitor they will not take part in ITU competitions or competitions sanctioned by NFs affiliated to ITU.

A competitor will be expelled for life (but not be limited to):

a) For a second drug offense as outlined in the ITU Doping Control Rules and Procedural Guidelines and the World Anti-Doping Agency Rules.

b) For an unusual and violent act of unsportsmanlike behavior.

A competitor will not be eligible to compete in ITU competitions while suspended or expelled from ITU.

If the suspension or expulsion is for drug abuse, the competitor will not be able to compete in any other sport whose federation is recognized by the IOC or GAISF.

When a competitor is suspended or expelled, the President of ITU will notify the concerned NF, in writing, within 30 days. All suspensions and expulsions will be announced in the ITU newsletter and communicated to the IOC and GAISF.

Competitors charged with a violation have the right to appeal, except in the case of judgment calls by officials.

After suspension, a competitor must apply to the President of ITU for reinstatement.

In an emergency, a competitor should raise an arm overhead and call for assistance. Once official assistance is rendered, the competitor must retire from the competition.

If weather conditions dictate, i.e., ambient air temperature, the ITU-Medical Committee (MC) may advise the TD to adapt the limits on wetsuit use. A ruling on wetsuit use will be made 24 hours before the start of the race, with the final ruling one hour before the start, by the TD and will be clearly communicated to the competitors.

Water temperature must be taken one (1) day prior to race day and race morning one (1) hour prior to the start of the event. It must be taken in the middle of the course at a depth of 60 cm.

a) Elite athletes at Triathlon World Cup and Championship draw their starting position according to their current World ranking.

b) Top Ten athletes select their position first. It will not be posted until the end of the draw when all athletes have chosen their starting position.

c) In the case an athlete does not attend the starting position draw, the ITU Technical Officials will wait until those athletes in attendance have all chosen, to assign missing athlete's spot.

d) Moving sideways or backward is prohibited. Athletes can only move forward.

Violation=Disqualification

The ITU Technical Committee has decided that effectively immediately, there will be a change in the Pontoon Draw procedure used at ITU events. In the past, if an athlete has not attended the pontoon draw, then a Technical Official has given the athlete the lowest numbered spot available when the athlete's name has been called. From now on, the Technical Official will wait until those athletes who are in attendance have chosen their spot on the pontoon before assigning the missing athlete's spot. The ITU Technical Committee would like to remind athletes that they must move in a forward direction at the start. It is unacceptable and dangerous to move sideways or backwards. Penalities will be assessed for this violation.

For non-wetsuit swims, competitors must wear their ITU approved uniform on the outside. If they wear a second suit, it must be worn underneath the official uniform and cannot be removed after the swim.

A competitor must wear the swim cap provided by the race organization. If the swim cap is lost unintentionally during the swim section, the competitor will not be penalized. Goggles and nose clips are allowed.

Athletes must not use:

a) Artificial propulsion devices, (i.e. fins, socks, gloves, paddles, or floatation devices)

b) Wetsuits with thickness exceeding 5mm

c) Wetsuit bottoms only

d) Swimsuits made of material not approved by FINA or ITU in non-wetsuit events.

e) A second swim suit that they remove after the swim in non-wetsuit events.

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Competitors must obey traffic laws unless otherwise directed by an official. Any competitor who appears to officials to present a danger to themselves or others may be disqualified and removed from the competition.

A bike check will take place at least 24 hours before the competition to allow time for competitors to make modifications, if necessary, to comply with the rules.

For Elite, U/23 and Junior competitors only, the drafting rule will be eliminated for Triathlon World Championships, World Cup, Olympic Games, ITU Regional Championships and ITU International Events. It will NOT be eliminated for age group competitions or for Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships (all categories). It is within the power of each NF to organize events within their jurisdiction where the draft rule applies to elite and junior athletes (where applicable).

In races where the drafting rule applies:

a) Drafting off another competitor or motor vehicle is forbidden. Competitors must reject attempts by others to draft

b) A competitor is entitled to any position on the course, provided they get to that position first, and without contacting others. When taking a position, a competitor must allow reasonable space for others to make normal movements without making contact. Adequate space must be available before passing

c) A competitor who approaches from any position to take advantage of the draft, bears responsibility for avoiding the draft

a) For all Age Group competitions in short/Olympic Distance event the draft zone will be a rectangle 5 meters long by 2 meters wide. The center of the leading 2 meter edge will be measured from the back edge of the back wheel. A competitor may enter the draft zone of another competitor, but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 15 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor.

b) For all competitors in Long Distance Competitions Elite and Age Groups the draft zone will be a rectangle 10 meters long by 3 meters wide. The center of the leading 3 meter edge will be measured from the back edge of the back wheel. A competitor may enter the draft zone of another competitor, but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 30 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor.

A competitor may enter a bicycle draft zone (subject to the official's judgment) in the following circumstances:

a) If the competitor enters the draft zone, and progresses through it within 30 seconds, (15 seconds in Olympic Distance for age group competitors)

b) For safety reasons

c) At an aid station

d) At the exit or entrance of a transition area

e) At an acute turn

f) If race officials exclude a section of the course because of narrow lanes, construction, detours, or for other safety reasons.

A competitor is passed when another competitor's front wheel is ahead of theirs. Once overtaken, a competitor must immediately move out of the draft zone of the leading competitor.

Motorcycles are the only vehicles allowed on any section of the course. All drivers, officials, media, and race personnel must wear a securely fastened certified motorcycle helmet at all times when on the motorcycle.

a) The vehicle draft zone is a rectangle thirty-five (35) meters long by five (5) meters wide, which surrounds every vehicle on the cycle segment. The front edge of the vehicle will define the center of the leading 5 meter edge of the rectangle

b) Competitors may not pass through this zone. The responsibility for ensuring that this zone is upheld lies with the driver of the vehicle and the Vehicle Control Official (VCO). All vehicles on the course will be controlled by the regulations outlined in the Event Organizers Manual.

Bicycles must have the following characteristics:

a) For elite and junior competition categories in standard distance Duathlon and Triathlon events the frame of the bicycle shall be of a traditional pattern, i.e., built around a main triangle of three straight or tapered tubular elements which may be round, oval, flattened, teardrop shaped or otherwise in cross-section.

b) For elite and junior competitions in standard distance Duathlons and Triathlons, BOTH wheels must be of spoke construction. In long distances or age group competition, covers are allowed on the rear wheel. However, this provision may be changed by the TD in the interest of safety, i.e., high-winds.

c) The frame will be no more that two (2) meters long, and fifty (50) centimeters wide for elite and juniors, in Triathlon World Cup, Olympic Games, ITU Regional Championships, ITU International Events, Duathlon World Cup Series, Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships. For all other competitions, two (2) meters long and seventy-five (75) centimeters wide will be permitted.

d) The frame will measure at least 24 centimeters from the ground to the center of the chain wheel axle.

e) There will be a vertical line touching the front-most point of the saddle will be no more than 5 centimeters in front of and no more than 15 centimeters behind a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle, and a competitor must not have the capability of adjusting the saddle beyond these lines during competition.

f) There will be no less than 54 centimeters and no more than 65 centimeters between a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle and a vertical line through the center of the front wheel axle. (Exceptions may be given for the bicycles of very tall or very short competitors.)

g) Farings which reduce air resistance are prohibited.

h) No wheel may contain mechanisms which are capable of accelerating it.

i) Tires well glued, headsets tight and wheels true.

j) There must be a brake on each wheel.

k) Non-traditional or unusual bicycles or equipment shall be illegal unless prior approval has been received from the Chief Race Official prior to the start of the competition.

l) Handlebars

For Elite, Under 23 and Junior competitors in Triathlon World Cups, Olympic Games, ITU Regional Championships, ITU International Events, the following rule on handlebars apply: (Note: This rule will not apply to age group competitions or long distance events).

• Only traditional drop handlebars are permitted
• Clip-ons will be permitted provided they do not extend more than 15 cm beyond the front wheel axle, and they are not longer than the brake levers' foremost line.
• Straight forward clip-ons must be bridged, and must not carry forward facing brake levers
• No forward facing bar or gear shifters are allowed on the end of the clip-ons. The only exception will be grip shifters.
• Elbow pads are permitted.

Cycling helmets are compulsory and must be approved by an officially testing authority, such as:

• American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4)
• Snell Memorial Foundation
• The National Swedish Board of Consumer Policy
• Others to be announced.

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.

Competitors who do not wear approved helmets while cycling at the race site, within 7 days of an ITU event, may be disqualified from competition or fined.

Glass containers, headphones and headsets are not permitted.

A competitor will be judged as "finished," the moment any part of the torso, not including the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hips or legs, reaches the perpendicular line extending from the leading edge of the finish-line.

The responsibility of keeping on the course rests with the competitor. Any competitor who appears to officials to present a danger to themselves or others may be removed from the competition

Glass containers, headphones and headsets are not permitted.

NFs may name a maximum of six (6) men and six (6) women to their National Elite Team based on the following qualification criteria:

a) World Ranking: the top 50 athletes in the ITU Triathlon World Ranking, based on a maximum number of World Cup events as of 14 days before the World Championships.

b) Top 3 Men and Women from ITU Regional Championships in:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• Pan America
• Oceania

c) Should any of the top three finishers at the ITU Regional Championships have qualified by being ranked in the top 50 by a date 14 days before the World Championships, the qualification shall automatically be assigned to the next athlete on the ITU World Ranking.

d) Up to twelve invited athletes may be awarded starting positions by ITU upon application from their NF no later than 30 days prior to the World Championships. ITU shall have the sole authority to award any or all of the invited athlete starting positions.

• Age as on 31 December in the year of the competition.
• Lower age limit: If an athlete is 15 years old and turns 16 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete
• Upper age limit: If an athlete is 18 years old and turns 19 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete.
• This Category replaces the age group 16 - 19 yrs category

Entries:

• The maximum number of athletes a NF may enter will be determined by rules set by the ITU-TC.

f) Each NFs in good standing with ITU has the right to automatically enter two (2) juniors into both the women's and men's junior category.

g) Based on the number of athletes the NF had in the previous year's World Championships results, they will be allowed either one, two or three additional entries for a maximum of five (5) per NF.

h) If the NF had three (3) or more athletes in the top 25 of the previous year, they will be allowed an additional three (3 ) entries.

i) If the NF had three (3) or more athletes in the top 50, they will be allowed two (2) additional entries.

j) If the NF had two (2) athletes in the top 50 of the previous year they will be allowed one (1) additional place.

Age is determined as of 31 December in the year of the competition.

Lower age limit: If an athlete is 17 years old and turns 18 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete.

Upper age limit: If an athlete is 22 years old and turns 23 in the year of the competition they are eligible to compete.

• This category replaces the Junior 17 - 1 9yrs category.
• Each country will be allowed to qualify a minimum of 3 athletes to a maximum of 5.
• For the U/23 event additional slots will be awarded as per the quota system posted on the ITU website, based on the previous year's performance.
• All entries for the U/23 and Junior Sprint World Championships must be done through ITU Headquarters, and must be accompanied by a copy of the athlete's birth certificate. If you have any questions, please contact ITU Headquarters.

Categories: Age groups: The categories for age group competitors are: (Eligibility determined by age on 31st of December in the year of competition).

All competitors who place in the top three of their category will receive official ITU World Championship medals. The first three (3) age group winners will receive medals, which will be presented at the same ceremony as the awarding of prizes and awards to the junior, teams, and elite winners.

When team competitions are organized: the first three (3) junior men and women team members will be awarded a team trophy. All six designated team members will be awarded medals, (except in the case of disqualification).

The rituals and standards for award presentations will be equal, for elite and junior, and age group men and women. For all elite and junior individual awards, the flags of the top three will be raised and the anthem of the winner will be played according to the ITU Awards Protocol. Competitors at the race briefing will be reminded about the protocol and the time of awards.

There will be no prizes for individual segments of the competition.

a) The presentation area will be clean of all signage, except:

• ITU Global Partners
• Official Sponsors of the event.

b) The backdrop for the winner's stand will be a minimum of 4 meters tall and 4 meters wide.

c) The backdrop design, which must be approved by ITU, will include:

• ITU Global Partners
• Official Sponsors of the event.

d) The winners' stand will include three steps, each with a top surface area of approximately 1 meter by 1 meter. The top of the center step will be 1 meter above the ground;

• The top of the left step (as you face the steps) will be .75 meters above the ground;
• The top of the right step will be .5 meters above the ground.
• The front of the winners' stand will be marked with the corresponding numbers '1' (center step), '2' (left step), and '3' (right step).
• Each number will be 30 cm tall and in the typeface Helvetica.
• The ITU logo will be placed below the number 1.

e) A red carpet (1 meter wide x 6 meters long) will be placed on the ground leading up to the front of the winners' stand.

f) The entire area will be hard fenced to restrict access. Television and press photographers will be positioned in a restricted area with a clear view of the proceedings, preferably on a raised or tiered stand.

g) The presentation area must be clearly visible from the VIP tribunal.

a) The procession leading to the winners' stand will be as follows:

• The medal bearer and flower bearer will lead the presenters, followed by the competitors, up the red carpet toward the winners' stand.
• The order of the competitors in the procession will be second, then first, then third.
• The medal bearer and the flower bearer will walk and stand to the left of the winners' stand. They will stand 1 metre to the left of the winners' stand in a line perpendicular to the winners' stand.
• The Presenters will walk and stand to the right of the winners' stand. They will stand 1 metre from and perpendicular to the winners' stand.
• The competitors will continue to walk past the presenters, behind the winners' stand (in a counter-clockwise direction) and stop behind their respective placing step.

b) When all are in position, the announcer will state, "Presenting medals today will be Mr. / Ms. X (including his/her title/position). Presenting flowers today will be Mr. / Ms. Y (including his/her title/position)."

c) After pausing for 5 seconds, the announcer will continue, "In first place, and the winner of the gold medal, at the (competition name) is (athlete's name) from (country)".

d) Once his / her name is called, the first place competitor takes his / her position on the top step. The medal presenter and medal bearer approach the stand and the presenter places the medal around the winners' neck. The flower bearer and flower presenter approaches the stand and the presenter hands the winner a bouquet of flowers. Following this, the bearers and presenters step back 2m to offer the press a clear view of the winner.

e) The procedure for medal and flower presentation is replicated for the second and third place finishers.

f) The national anthem of the winning competitor will be played after the medals and flowers have been presented to all three competitors and will be accompanied by the raising of the three country flag.

g) As an option, champagne may be presented to the three competitors after the anthem is complete for a ceremonial uncorking.

h) When the anthem and flag raising is complete and the press has had sufficient opportunity for photographs, the bearers, presenters and athletes will line up again for the recessional away from the podium.

i) The women competitors will receive their awards before the men competitors.

Two presenters are required, one for medals and one for flowers.

a) The medal and flower presenters will be chosen from the highest-ranking IOC, ITU, government and sponsor persons planning to attend the event.

b) The TD in consultation with the OC will agree to the appropriate selection to provide gender equity and suitability.

c) Everyone involved in the ceremony (except the athletes) will meet for one half hour to rehearse the protocol.

d) The athletes will be reminded about the ceremony at the Athletes' Briefing.

e) If possible, there will be separate presenters for the women's and men's awards presentations.

The officials at all ITU races are:

a) The ITU Technical Delegate (TD) ensures that all aspects of the ITU Competition Rules and Operations Manuals are fulfilled.

b) The Referee directs the certification of race officials and makes final judgments on rule violations.

c) The Chief Official assigns and monitors the work of all Race Officials.

d) Race Officials are assigned to Registration, Start/Finish, Transition Area(s), Swim, Cycle, Run, and Vehicle Control. An adequate number of race officials will be assigned to each area and will be responsible for the enforcement of ITU Competition Rules within their assigned jurisdiction.

e) The Competition Jury, which will be appointed by the Technical Delegate.

For Triathlon World Cup events, the Competition Jury consists of three (3) people:

a) A member of the ITU Executive Board or Council member;

b) A representative of the host NF;

c) The TD or a person designated by the chair of the ITU Technical Committee.

For Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships, the Competition Jury will consist of five (5) people:

a) A member of the ITU Executive Board

b) The TD

c) A representative from the host NF

d) A representative from the ITU-TC, (other than the TD)

e) A representative from the ITU-MC.

The Competition Jury rules on all protests and appeals.

The Competition Jury will observe the following principles:

a) Give equal weight to the evidence and testimony provided by all.

b) Recognize that honest testimony can vary and be in conflict as a result of personal observation or recollection

c) Keep an open mind until all evidence has been submitted

d) Recognize that a competitor is innocent until the alleged violation has been established to the complete satisfaction of the Jury.

Video tapes may be used by ITU officials to acquire data on rule infractions.

K.1 General

K.2 Protest Content

K.3 Protest Procedure

L.1 Appeal Jurisdiction

L.2 Levels of Appeal

L.3 Content of Appeal

M.1 Introduction

M.2 Swim

M.3 Transition Area

M.4 Cycle

M.5 Run

N.1 General

N.2 Distances

N.3 Cycling

O.1 General

O.2 Swim

O.3 Transition Area

O.4 Cycle

O.5 Run

P.1. General

P.2 Competition Categories

P.3. Transition Area Conduct

P.4. Swimming Conduct / Equipment

P.5. Cycling Conduct / Equipment

P.6. Running Conduct / Equipment

ITU Competition Rules

Winter Triathlon - Elite

A. INTRODUCTION

B. CONDUCT OF COMPETITORS

C. ELIGIBILITY

D. DISCIPLINE OF COMPETITORS

E. GENERAL

K. UNIFORMS

L. PRIZES AND AWARDS

M. OFFICIALS

N. PROTESTS

O. APPEALS