All HFP Racing Events are USA Triathlon Association sanctioned events. For a detailed explanation of all of the rules or for more information regarding the USAT please click here.

SWIM RULES/REGULATIONS

• PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SWIM WAVE TIME AND BE PREPARED WHEN IT IS CALLED.
• The swim course is marked very clearly with large buoys and swim course maps are located on all run course maps.
• WETSUIT INFO: Most of our races will be wetsuit legal, but please be sure to check the event information page and athlete guide leading up to race weekend for information.
• See Lifeguard Info for athletes on the Racing Policies page

BIKE RULES/REGULATIONS

• Helmets must be on AND fastened before you mount your bike. Do not mount your bike until you are out of the transition area and past the mount/dismount line.
• ABSOLUTELY NO RIDING IN THE TRANSITION AREA.
• STAY RIGHT ON THE BIKE COURSE UNLESS YOU ARE PASSING. DO NOT RIDE ABREAST FROM ANOTHER COMPETITOR UNLESS YOU ARE PASSING.
• Do not litter.
• No headphones, cell phones, or devices of any kind that play music.
• If you have a flat move your bike off to the right side of the course.
• Emergency conditions may occur during the race. Please pay attention to your surroundings and follow the directions of course marshals, police and safety personnel.
• Drafting & Blocking Rules: Consult www.usatriathlon.org and download the rules information posted. (Please see Section 5.10 for “Position Fouls” on the bike.)
  • Drafting—keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds.
  • Position—keep to the right-hand side of the lane of travel unless passing.
  • Blocking—riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and interfering with other cyclists attempting to pass.
  • Overtaken—once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.

RUN RULES/REGULATIONS

• No headphones, cell phones, or devices of any kind that play music.
• Emergency conditions may occur during the race. Please pay attention to your surroundings and follow the directions of course marshals, police and safety personnel.
• Respect the land and our parks. Do not litter. Trash cans are available at every aid station.

STAYING ON COURSE

3.4 Race Conduct. All participants in USA Triathlon sanctioned events must adhere to the rules in this Section 3.4: a. Entire Course. Participants must cover the prescribed course in its entirety. It is the participant’s responsibility to know the course. Any violation of this section, even if no advantage is gained, shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee/Race Director in his sole discretion determines that (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii) the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(l). In the event the Head Referee makes such a determination, the penalty shall be disqualification.

TRANSITION AREA RULES

• Entering and Exiting. A participant must reduce cycling speed to an acceptable and safe level when exiting and entering the transition area. Failure to do so shall result in a variable time penalty.
• Placement of Equipment. All participants shall place equipment only in the properly designated and individually assigned bicycle corral and shall at all time keep their equipment confined to such properly designated areas. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.
• Bicycle Placement. All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in the properly designated bicycle corral after completion of the cycling course and before beginning the next segment of the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.
• Obstruction and Interference. No participant shall impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participant’s equipment while in the transition area. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty unless such obstruction or interference renders another participant unable to complete the event, in which case the penalty shall be a disqualification.
• Glass Containers. Any participant who brings any glass container into the transition area shall be disqualified.

RELAY RULES/REGULATIONS

To compete in the relay division each team must consist of 3 members (triathlon team) or 2 members (duathlon team) with each member doing an individual leg of the event.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

HFP is a family run, family centered business. As such, HFP believes that family and children come before racing. For this reason, racers are reminded that they are responsible for not only themselves, but also their children on race day. HFP does not assume responsibility for any child left unattended on race day and during the event, and anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the race.

Most Commonly Violated Rules

1. Helmets: Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Helmets must be worn at all times while on your bike. This means before, during, and after the event.
   Penalty: Disqualification
2. Chin Straps: Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.
   Penalty: Disqualification on the course; Variable time penalty in transition area only.
3. Outside Assistance: No assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used. Triathlons and duathlons are individual tests of fitness.
   Penalty: Variable time penalty
4. Transition Area: All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and individually assigned bike corral. The wheel of the bicycle must be down on the side of the assigned space. All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in their designated bicycle corral. No person shall interfere with another participant’s equipment or impede the progress of another participant. All bar ends must be solidly plugged. No participant shall bring ANY glass containers into the transition area.
   Penalty: Variable time penalty
5. Drafting: Drafting—keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds. Position—keep to the right-hand side of the lane of travel unless passing. Blocking—riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and interfering with other cyclists attempting to pass. Overtaken—once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.
   Penalty: Variable time penalty
6. Course: All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course and to stay within all coned lanes. Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue. Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow center line for ANY reason. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times.
   Penalty: Referee’s discretion
7. Unsportsmanlike-Like Conduct: Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden.
   Penalty: Disqualification
8. Headphones: Headphones, headsets, Walkmans, iPods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race.
   Penalty: Variable time penalty
9. Race numbers: All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run. Numbers must face the front and be clearly visible at all times. Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way. DO NOT transfer your number to any other athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing.
   Penalty: Variable time penalty for missing or altered number, Disqualification; and a one-year suspension from membership in USAT for transferring a number without race director permission.
10. Wetsuits: Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided however, that participants who wear a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.
11. Abandonment: All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time. No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.
    Penalty: Variable time penalty