trirules
Chapter 1

Introduction

Page 10

1.1 Purpose p. 10

  • a.) World Triathlon is the sole governing body, responsible for the Competition Rules for Triathlon, Duathlon and its other related multisports. The complete list of sports under the jurisdiction of World Triathlon is included as Appendix I;
  • b.) The World Triathlon Technical Committee (World Triathlon TC) will ensure technical aspects of World Triathlon competitions are of the highest quality;
  • c.) The World Triathlon Competition Rules specify the conduct and behaviour of athletes during World Triathlon competitions. Where the World Triathlon Competition Rules do not specify, the rules of International Swimming Federation (FINA), International Cycling Union (UCI), World Athletics (WA), International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), IPC Para Swimming, IPC Para Athletics and IPC Para Nordic Skiing will apply in their specific segments, unless World Triathlon Technical Committee decides otherwise;
  • d.) The World Triathlon Event Organisers' Manual (EOM) and its related documents set safety and logistical standards for host National Federations (NFs) and for the Local Organising Committees (LOCS);
  • e.) The World Triathlon Technical Officials' Certification Programme sets the standards for certifying World Triathlon Technical Officials;
  • f.) It will be clearly indicated when a rule applies to a specific competition.

1.2 Intention p. 10

  • a.) The World Triathlon Competition Rules are intended to:
  • (i) Create an atmosphere of sportsmanship, equality, and fair play;
  • (ii) Provide safety and protection;
  • (iii) Emphasise ingenuity and skill without unduly limiting the athlete's freedom of action;
  • (iv) Penalise athletes who gain an unfair advantage.
  • b.) Definitions of all terms used in the World Triathlon Competition Rules are provided in Appendix D. Any difficulty in the interpretation or application of the World Triathlon Competition Rules should be referred to the World Triathlon Technical Committee.

1.3 Language and Communication p. 10

  • a.) The official language of World Triathlon Events is English:
  • (i) National Federations are responsible for providing translation services from/to English for their own athletes;
  • (ii) Local Organising Committees will communicate at least in English, even if another language is used in parallel.

1.4 Modifications p. 11

  • a.) The World Triathlon Competition Rules will be adapted for other modern multisport competitions, which fall within World Triathlon's jurisdiction;
  • b.) An athlete must not be permitted an advantage not intended by a rule, or to conduct him/herself in a dangerous way. To implement this, every infringement related in the World Triathlon Competition Rules has a sanction attached. Technical Officials base their judgments on whether an advantage, not intended by the Rules, has been gained;
  • c.) World Triathlon Competition Rules will be applicable to international competitions hosted by National Federations affiliated with World Triathlon.

1.5 Exceptions p. 11

  • a.) The World Triathlon Competition Rules will be applicable to all events sanctioned by World Triathlon and are to be implemented by the appointed Technical Delegate as appropriate. Where the World Triathlon Competition Rules conflict with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the event is to be held, the World Triathlon Competition Rules will override the laws of the jurisdiction to the extent of the inconsistency. Athletes must be notified of the implications of these laws as early as possible and not later than prior to the start of the event;
  • b.) Exceptions for special circumstances in a particular event may only be gained from World Triathlon with prior approval. A request for an exception to the World Triathlon Competition Rules must be made in writing 30 days prior to the event to the World Triathlon Technical Committee through by assigned Technical Delegate;
  • c.) Exceptions for special circumstances in a particular athlete may only be gained from World Triathlon with prior approval. A request for an exception to the World Triathlon Competition Rules must be made in writing 30 days prior to the event to the World Triathlon Technical Committee by the assigned Technical Delegate from the National Federation to whom the application has been submitted or is being submitted;
  • d.) The World Triathlon Technical Committee may consult with other World Triathlon committees, commissions or appropriate parties;
  • e.) For any rule exceptions related to events sanctioned by World Triathlon, but not run within the competition system of World Triathlon or any of the Continental Confederations, a permanent panel will be created with one representative from each of the three parties: World Triathlon Technical Committee, World Triathlon Staff, Event Rights Holder. The final proposal from the panel will go to the World Triathlon Technical Committee for endorsement.

1.6 Specific Regulations p. 11

  • a.) A Technical Delegate may approve the addition of specific regulations for a particular competition, provided that:

  • (i) Each additional specific regulation does not conflict with another World Triathlon Competition Rules;

  • (ii) Each additional specific regulation is made available in written form and is announced at the athletes' briefing; and

  • (iii) Each additional specific regulation and the reasons for its inclusion are advised to the World Triathlon Technical Committee one week before the day on which the event is to be conducted. The World Triathlon Technical Committee may invalidate the incorporation of an additional specific regulation only on the authority of the World Triathlon Executive Board.

1.7 Intellectual Property p. 12

  • a.) World Triathlon Events are the exclusive property of World Triathlon, which owns all rights associated including, without limitation, the rights to organise, exploit, broadcast and reproduce World Triathlon Events. These rights include any type of digital media, whether that be photographic or video in nature, captured from within the boundaries of the field of play, regardless of ownership of the capturing device. All the personal data from the athlete entered into any World Triathlon event and the data produced from the event, including the results are exclusive property of World Triathlon.

1.8 Unauthorised Exceptions or Additions p. 12

  • a.) The unauthorised exception to, or addition of, a competition rule will prevent an event from being sanctioned and will invalidate a sanction, which has already been granted to an event. This could result in legal complications, particularly in the case of accidents during the event and in subsequent requests for approval from National Federations and/or municipal authorities to use roads and waterways. Insurance authorities have also warned that claims made under such circumstances may be considered invalid.

1.9 Rule Updates p. 12

  • a.) The World Triathlon Competition Rules may be changed from time to time by the World Triathlon Technical Committee at its discretion, with the approval of the World Triathlon Executive Board. Any rule change(s) shall be advised in writing to affiliated National Federations at least 30 days before it/they is/are to take effect unless the World Triathlon Executive Board decides otherwise. Updated World Triathlon Competition Rules will be posted on the World Triathlon website (www.triathlon.org).