Ironman and ITU confirm global standarization

Ironman has updated its Competition Rules for 2015 and announced today the global standardization to align with the International Triathlon Union (ITU) rules. These be effective as of March 1, 2015 in Europe, Africa and the Americas. The Competition Rules will commence in Asia-Pacific between March and July.

Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of Ironman explained, “We have been working closely with the ITU on this initiative for the past year…As Ironman continues to grow globally and expand into emerging markets that have limited Federation support, it is important that we have a uniform set of rules at our races.”

The ITU President Marisol Casado, affirmed, “The ITU looks forward to continuing its relationship with IRONMAN in order to advance the standardization of long-distance triathlon competition rules. Strengthening relationships between IRONMAN, the ITU and our National Federations is a positive step towards providing athletes with the best possible racing conditions.”

Longtime Ironman rule enforcer Jimmy Riccitello, has been named the new global Head Referee for Ironman. He will work with race referees to create a better racing environment .

“I’m proud of the progress IRONMAN and the ITU have made towards creating a common set of long-distance triathlon rules,” said Riccitello. “I look forward to working closely with our National Federations to minimize drafting by increased enforcement, athlete education and a standardized set of global rules.”

A full list of rules can be found here and include:

Draft Zones:
Age Group Athletes: The Age-Group bicycle draft zone is 10m long, measured from the leading edge of the front wheel and extending towards the back of the bike (5 bike lengths of clear space between bikes). An age-group athlete may enter the draft zone of another athlete when passing and must continuously progress through the draft zone. A maximum of 20 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another athlete.

Professional Athletes: The Professional bicycle draft zone is 12m long, measured from the leading edge of the front wheel and extending towards the back of the bike (6 bike lengths of clear space between bikes). A professional athlete must immediately move to the side upon entering the draft zone of another athlete when passing (i.e., no slipstreaming) and must continuously progress through the draft zone. A maximum of 25 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another athlete.

Race Referee Cards – for both Professional and Age Group Athletes:
Yellow Card: Stop and Go Time Penalty
Blue Card: Five Minute Time Penalty
Red Card: Disqualification (DSQ)

Time Penalties – for both Professional and Age Group Athletes:
First Time Penalty: Five minutes
Second Time Penalty: Five minutes
Third Time Penalty: Disqualification (DSQ)
Any combination of three cards (yellow or blue) will result in a disqualification (red card).

Professional and Age Group wetsuit cut-off temperatures:
Professional athletes will be allowed to wear wetsuits in water temperatures up to and including 71.5F/21.9C. Age group athletes will be allowed to wear wetsuits in water temperatures up to and including 76.1F/24.5C. (Note: for USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned events, IRONMAN reserves the right to allow athletes to participate in the non-competitive wetsuit wave for water temperatures 76.2F/24.55C and up to 83.8F/28.8C.)
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from press release