Advice & Training :: Rules and Etiquette

We want people "have a go" and enjoy our events.
For this reason you're not going to hear too much from club race organisers about rules and regulations or see disqualifications.
However in the interests of safety and fairness there is a need for the observance of some rules or at least some race "etiquette". The comments here are a brief summary of points that are relevant to our Club events. They are not a comprehensive list of "do's and don'ts.


Triathlon NZ does have a set of Competition Rules (link). These rules are enforced in most major events. Anyone intending to compete at major events should familiarise themselves with the Triathlon NZ rules.

Before the Event:

  • Get to the event in time to register for your race number, get your gear set up and be aware of the course layout.

  • It is your responsibility to know the course layout and the number of laps required on all legs of the event. Check the race map provided or even go over the course a few days beforehand.

  • All competitors must attend race briefing approximately 15 minutes before race start.

Transition:

  • Keep the passageway clear between bike racks ie ensure that your gear (clothes, shoes, helmet etc) does not extend beyond the rear wheel of your bike. Lay gear beside your bike. Do not scatter it everywhere.

  • Buckle your helmet on your head before you uplift your bike from the rack.

  • After the ride unbuckle your helmet only after you have racked your bike.

  • After the cycle ride, bikes must be racked. Do not lean your bike against the nearest tree or fence or on the ground.

  • After you have completed your race do not linger in transition nor hinder other competitors entering or exiting transition.

  • During the race, supporters including children should not enter the transition area at all and should keep clear of competitors entering or exiting transition.

Swim:

  • Wetsuits are recommended for the lake and sea swims but are not essential. This advice applies particularly to the long triathlon swims.

  • Do not swim over other swimmers at the start of the swim or around swim buoys.

  • Slower swimmers can avoid being injured at race start by starting swimming at the rear of the field.

  • Do not wear jewellery that could damage other swimmers.

Cycle:

  • Approved cycle helmets must be worn.

  • Competitors are responsible for the safety of their own bikes.

  • Leaving transition do not mount your bike until you reach the designated zone.

  • When returning to transition, dismount your bike at the designated zone.

  • Drafting is not permitted ie competitors must not gain an advantage by riding in the slipstream of cyclists in front of them. In practical terms this means that a cyclist must avoid a draft zone of 5 metres long by 2 metres wide behind the rear wheel of the bike in front. The only time that the rear cyclist can enter this zone is for 15 seconds to overtake the cyclist in front.

Run:

  • Participants may walk the run sections of the event but should enter the short triathlon or duathlon.

General:

  • Competitors are responsible for their personal safety and must obey all the road laws.

  • Ensure that you do not become dehydrated.

  • All Marshall’s and Officials must be obeyed.

  • In all parts of the race display good sportsmanship. It is only a race. It is not life or death.

  • If you want to find out anything about an event ask a committee member. See Contact us page