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A full list of the race competiton rules is available from the Triathlon Australia website – www.triathlon.org.au

Rules Summary

General Information

• Competitors must obey the instructions given to them from the technical officials, police and course marshals.
• It the responsibility of the competitor to familiarise themselves with the course.
• If you have to unfortunately withdraw from the event, please notify registration or an event personal and return your competition chip.
• A piece of clothing must cover the chest region during the cycle and run legs of the event.
• Medical staff has the ULTIMATE and FINAL authority to remove a competitor from the event if they judge the competitor to be physically incapable of completing the race.
• Theft and abusive treatment of volunteer and event personel and other unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be tolerated.  This behaviour can result in immediate disqualification.
• A training program is recommended to physically prepare yourself for the event.
• Familiarise yourself with the entry and exit points of transition. 
• Ensure that you have all your swimming gear before exiting.  Once transition has closed competitors will not be able to re-enter to gather their gear.
• USM Events does not allow the transfer of an athlete’s registration.

Transition Area

• Only competitors can enter the transition area.
• Competitors must be numbered and have their security bike number on the bike before entering transition.
• Competitors must have their helmet strap done up as they enter transition to allow the technical officials to check.
• The competitors are ultimately responsible for their gear.  Please give unwanted gear to family members or club mates or leave it in the provided gear tent.
• Do not leave unnecessary gear lying around the transition racks. 
• Competitors are not allowed to place devices i.e. balloons, to locate their bikes quicker.  This produces an unfair advantage.  Familiarise the number and positioning or your rack prior to the race.

Swim

• All swimmers must wear the coloured cap assigned to their age group.
• No flotation devices, fins, paddles or other pieces of swimming equipment other than goggles can be used.
• Wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is less than 24 degrees.  Temperature is measured by Triathlon Queensland on the morning of the race.  The thickness of the wetsuits must not exceed 5mm. 
• Swimmers are permitted to warm up prior to the race start in the area behind the start swim buoys.
• Please make sure your timing chip is securely fastened to your ankle prior to entering the water.

Speed Suits

Triathlon Australia is currently reviewing several race competition rules including the use of speed suits. Amendments will not be confirmed until early this year, therefore competitors planning on racing in the Gold Coast Triathlon - QTS Grand Final or any events in early 2011 should clarify this ruling prior to race day.

Cycle

• Cyclists must wear an approved ANA, SNIELL, ANSI or AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS APPROVED helmet.
• Your helmet strap must be connected at all times while you are with your bike i.e. riding and walking / running from the bike racks.
• Cyclists are prohibited from drafting behind other competitors and course vehicles.  Cyclists must not enter an area 7m x 3m (4 bike lengths) around fellow competitors.
• No music players i.e. iPod’s etc. are permitted whilst cycling.
• Cyclists must obey instructions from police, drafting officials and course marshals and are responsible for consequences of any infractions.
• Cyclists must obey normal road rules and are responsible for any infringements.
• Bicycles must be in good working order.  Bicycles will be inspected by TQ officials when entering transition.  Please service your bike with our nominated bike shop prior to the event.  Ensure that you bike does not have loose spokes, look brakes, loose headsets, stripped cables, handlebar plugs in place etc.
• Cyclist must only pass fellow competitors on the right hand side.  Cyclists must pass competitors in front within 20 seconds to avoid being caught for drafting. 
• If you are given a drafting penalty, you must report to the next Penalty Box.  In the Half Ironman and the Quarterman, the Penalty Boxes are located at Sandy Beach within the Coomera Waters Estate and near the turnaround on the Old Pacific Highway Road.
• Cyclists must not cross the centre line on the road unless directed by course marshals.  Penalties will be given to cyclists who cut corners and cross the middle line.
• When overtaking fellow cyclist do not simply pass them and then cut across and ride in front of them.  Respect the fellow riders and leave sufficient space so that they do not have to slow down to avoid being in your drafting zone.
• Do not ride beside another rider or ride on the right hand side of the lane as you will be blocking other faster coming through.  If you are caught, you will be awarded a penalty for blocking.  Always stay on the left hand side unless you are overtaking.
• Race number must be displayed on your back during the cycle leg.
• For security reasons, bikes will not be allowed to exit transition with out an identification number.

Run

• Runners must not receive any assistance in the form of vehicles, scooters etc.
• Runners must not receive any assistance from pace runners.
• No music players i.e. iPod’s etc. are permitted whilst running.
• Runners must obey the instructions given by police and course marshals.
• Runners must stay on the designated course.  Obey the directional signs and witched hats on the course.  Cutting corners will result in automatic disqualification.
• Race number must be displayed on your front during the run leg.
• Runners will be instructed to run along the foot path if they are on the course when the road closures are no longer in place.
• Remember to treat other athletes, volunteers and officials with courtesy and consideration.

Safety Recommendations

• Hydrate yourself well the day before and on the morning of the race.
• Eat a meal high in carbohydrates the night before the event.
• Take advantage of the fluids available at the aid stations.  That is what they are there for!
• If you are a weak swimmer, position yourself towards the back of your wave.  This will avoid being caught in the congestion at the start.  Advise a nearby lifesaver of your situation so they can keep an eye on your progress.
• If you are entering your first race or would like to gain that extra advantage, come along to the information session on the day prior to the triathlon to learn about the course and pick up on some important racing tips.
• Swimmers must be respectful of the other competitors’ space during the swim leg. 
• Be cautious when running or walking in your cycling shoes as the plastic under soles tent to be very slippery.
• When cycling around tight turns, ride in single file and watch out for loose objects, pot holes and drainage holes.  Often these can be very slippery after rain or early in the mornings.

Medical Recommendations

• If you are of an older age or have not overly prepared for the event, we recommend that you have a medical check-up prior to the event.
• Stay hydrated throughout the entire event.  Carry fluids on your bike and pick up bottles at the aid stations.  On the run, cool yourself down with water and hydrate yourself with the available fluids.  If you are prone to cramping, carry an electrolyte drink on the bike and on the run.
• If you are feeling unwell after the race, please instruct medical and/or event personnel if you are feeling unwell and need assistance.
• Rehydrate yourself properly after the race so that you can enjoy the rest of your day!

USM EVENTS sincerely hopes you achieve your goals and have a great race!