Roles and Responsibilities of Officials
Safety is the primary responsibility of the Race Organizer and will at all times be to the fore in decision making by all BNTA Officials.

General Rules for Competitors
a) Competitors must conduct themselves in a proper manner and not bring the sport into disrepute. Misconduct will not be accepted.
b) It is the competitor’s responsibility to be well prepared for the competition regarding general health and physical capability.
c) The competitor is also responsible for pre race preparation, which includes attendance at the briefing, knowing and adhering to BNTA competition rules, knowing and following the prescribed course.
d) The Competitor will at all times be conscious of safety, obey the law, traffic regulations and instructions from race officials.
e) Competitors must follow instructions given by the race official. Failure to do so will result in disqualification and may lead to disciplinary action.
f) Competitors are responsible for their own safety and for the safety of others.
g) It is the competitor's responsibility to ensure that their equipment is suitable and fit for its intended purpose.
h) Race equipment must not be discarded at any point on the course but must be placed in the athlete's allotted position in transition.
i) Teamwork in individual endurance events that provides unfair advantage over other competitors is expressly forbidden.
j) Pacing or outside help is forbidden. This includes but is not limited to, being accompanied or paced by helpers in cars, motorcycles, bicycles or running. It also applies to help in transition such as removal of wetsuit or change of clothing. Receiving general advice and information from spectators may be acceptable but competitors must be careful that this does not extend to “Outside help” as determined by the judgment of the Official.
k) It is not permitted to give or receive physical help, food or drink except at official refreshment stations.
l) Medical assistance, first aid or massage provided by the organizer is permitted on the entire course.
m) A competitor who in the opinion of any race official is physically incapable of continuing shall comply with any instructions to retire from the event and will not be permitted to continue racing.
n) In the event of an accident, competitors may continue, having received first aid treatment, providing that race officials and/or medical opinion deems them fit to do so.
o) A competitor will not block, charge or make an abrupt motion so as to interfere with the progress of another competitor whether intentionally or by accident.
p) Shortcutting or disregarding the official course is forbidden. The entire course as marked by the organizer will be completed. Any competitor, who leaves the course for whatever reason, must re-join it at the same point where they left.
q) A competitor who retires or withdraws from the race after having registered must inform the nearest race official who will take possession of the individuals Race Numbers and return them to the Race Referee.
r) A competitor who has been disqualified may continue in the race in order to make an appeal afterwards. Race numbers can be retained but will be marked “DQ” by the official imposing the penalty.
s) Misconduct may include, but is not limited to:
• Threatening, abusive or insulting words or conduct
• Failure to obey marshals/officials instructions
• Handing water bottles or any other equipment to, or collecting them from competitors
• Tampering with the equipment of others
• Unsporting impedance
t) Competitors should act with integrity. Where an individual realizes that they have infringed a competition rule or race instruction they shall be obliged to retire promptly or to exonerate themselves by reporting the violation to the Race Referee.
u) Competitors will treat other competitors, Race Officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy. Threatening, abusive or insulting words or conduct are not permitted and competitors may be disqualified for using such.
w) Persons applying for membership of The Belize National Triathlon Association, or entering for a Belize National Triathlon Association Sanctioned event, or registering as an official of Belize National Triathlon Association in any capacity, or otherwise seeking membership benefits will provide accurate, truthful information on any form of application howsoever constituted. Failure to do so may constitute an offence of “Fraud”.

Equipment
a) The Competitor is responsible for his/her own equipment and must ensure that it accords with competition rules.
b) Any equipment that acts as an impediment to hearing or concentration is prohibited from use during an event (including transition). This includes, but is not limited to, personal stereos and mobile telephones (which should be switched off if stored in transition).
c) Glass containers shall not be used at any time.
d) Tri bars are banned in children's races on grass and may only be used by children aged 13 or over when racing on tarmac.
e) Race Numbers will be worn fully visible on the Back on the Cycle Section and on the Front on the Run Section.
f) Race Numbers will not be cut, folded, or hidden.
g) The organizer may provide additional body marking but this is not a substitute for, or replacement of, an official race number.
h) Corporate advertising is permitted on Team Uniforms and Personal equipment.

Sponsorship
a) Members may seek sponsorship support. All contracts must contain a clause, which permits the triathletes to represent BNTA when selected to do so, and to wear whatever official team clothing is provided by the Governing Body.
b) Advertising Logos on clothing and equipment shall not exceed a rectangle measuring 10cms X 60cms
c) Where wearing of particular clothing, apparel or logos is a condition of sponsorship, and entry to any event, it should be distributed at least 20 days in advance to all participants. Failure to do so will invalidate any restrictions imposed on entry as a result of this condition.

Doping
a) Doping is strictly prohibited in accordance with the protocols of the World Anti Doping Agency, (WADA) to which BNTA subscribes and fully supports.
b) Therapeutic Exemption may be granted for certain classes of medication, properly prescribed by a Medical Practitioner, subject to Full Registration with the ISC in accordance with Anti Doping Protocols.
c) Method of Adjudication and Sanctions imposed on anyone who offends against the Anti Doping Rules will comply with the Protocols of the BNTA, WADA and ITU Full details of the above procedures and regulations can be obtained from WADA, the BNTA, SCNI or ITU.
d) For the purpose of these Rules, the following are regarded as doping offences:
• The finding in an athlete's body tissue or fluids of a prohibited substance;
• The use or taking advantage of a prohibited technique;
• Admitting to having used or taken advantage of a prohibited substance or a prohibited technique;
• Refusal or failure to submit to doping control;
• Assisting or inciting others to use a prohibited substance or prohibited technique;
• Trafficking, distributing, or selling any prohibited substances other than in the normal course of a recognized profession or trade
• Any other circumstance as determined from time to time by WADA, ITU.

Transition Area Conduct
a) Race Officials and competitors are the only persons permitted in transition.
b) Helpers, friends or family members are not permitted in any transition area.
c) Animals/Pets are not permitted in transition.
d) Equipment must only be placed in the competitors allotted position and must not hinder the progress of other competitors. Failure to comply or the discarding equipment may result in penalty. (See Penalties)
e) Cycles must also be placed in the correct allocated position both at the start & finish of the cycle section. Cycles should be racked using either the seat pin or the handlebars/brake levers unless other arrangements are provided. Incorrectly racked cycles may be regarded as impedance to others. (See
Penalties)
f) All competitors must have their helmet securely fastened from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at the start of the cycle until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle.
g) Cycling in transition is prohibited. Competitors will mount their cycles and begin riding only when both wheels are outside the transition area as designated by the Race Organizer.
h) Competitors shall dismount their cycle before entering the designated transition, which will be clearly marked. They may then walk or run with their bike to its allocated Position.
i) Competitors shall not interfere with another competitor's equipment in the transition area.
j) Competitors must not use any device to mark their position in transition. The referee/race marshals will remove any device or marker and a penalty may be applied.
k) Nudity or indecent exposure is forbidden.

Swimming Conduct
Swim Proficiency Declaration (Open Water Events)
All competitors must sign a Swim Proficiency Declaration prior to the event, in which they confirm that they:
• Have completed a continuous pool swim of 1.5 times the length of the competition swim within 30 days of the event or
• Have completed a continuous open water swim of at least two-thirds of the length of the competition swim within 30 days of the event
• Understand safety and rescue procedures and their own limitations
• Are aware of the route, its length, the depth and temperature of the water, the direction of significant currents and any hazards.
• Where applicable, are aware that a mass start carries intrinsic difficulties, which can be frightening and present risks, which could include pushing and kicking. This declaration can be included in the event entry-form or signed as part of the registration process.

General Rules
a) It is allowed to walk/run on the bottom at the start and finish, also to stand on the bottom, but once past the commence swimming point, the competitor may not make use of either the bottom or any floating or stationary objects to gain an advantage. For safety reasons it is allowed to rest temporarily on ropes and buoys.
b) In shallow waters, an exact point when swimming must commence and may cease shall be appointed and marked.
c) Competitors may swim any style and may tread water or float.
d) Competitors shall not deliberately obstruct or interfere with other competitors. Contact other than accidental may be regarded as unsporting impedance.
e) Race organizers may set a time limit for the swimming section, which will be published in all race information and mentioned in all race briefings. Upon expiration of the time limit any competitor still in the water shall be ordered to retire. Competitors refusing to retire will not be insured to continue the swim section and may be subject to disciplinary action by BNTA.
f) Race Officials have the authority to pull a competitor out of the competition for safety reasons.
g) Race Officials may assist tired competitors at the finish of the swim section in the interests of safety.
h) Diving is not permitted in any competition unless pre-agreed at the time of sanctioning and then only for entry at the start of the swim and for re-entry on multiple lap courses.
i) In a pool the end walls must be touched with any part of the body at turns.
j) A Swimmer who retires from the race having been registered to compete must inform swim identification control immediately and, if manual timing is being used, surrender their race number. Failure to report to swim identification control and/or surrender the race number when a swimmer has emerged safely from the water is a serious breach of rules that can result in suspension of membership for a minimum period of one year.

Swimming Equipment, Clothing and Race Numbers
a) Competition numbers will be marked on the competitor’s arm and/or leg prior to the swim and where possible the allocated number should be marked on swim hats.
b) Minimum Swimming Outfit:
• Men – non-transparent swimming briefs
• Women – non-transparent one or two-piece costume
c) A wetsuit may consist of no more than three separate parts, namely hood or
hat, upper body and lower body. When separate parts are worn the overlap
standing in an ordinary upright position may be no thicker than 5mm. The
maximum permitted thickness of material is 5mm.
d) Wetsuits with thickness exceeding 5 millimeters are forbidden.
e) The wearing of wetsuit leggings only is not permitted.

General Rules
a) The cycling segment of the competition will be carried out as individual cycling without a support vehicle.
b) A competitor is not permitted to:
• Block others
• Cycle while their bare torso is exposed
• Make forward progress without the bicycle.
c) Cycling is not allowed in transition area.
d) Traffic Regulations must be obeyed if the course is not closed to other traffic.
e) Instructions from Police officers will be obeyed.
f) Competitors shall exercise all due caution when presented with a hazard.
g) A competitor may not compete in the cycling segment with a bare torso.
The lower body must also be covered adequately.
h) Allocated Race number will be visible and worn on the Back during the cycle segment. Where a cycle race number has been issued, this will be displayed on the bicycle.
i) Competitors are personally responsible that their bicycles are in legally satisfactory condition and for providing necessary tools and spare parts to carry out repairs themselves. Receiving help, in the course of the competition, from others is not permitted including from fellow competitors.
j) All bicycle parts may be changed during the course of the competition except the frame itself.

Drafting
a) Drafting is the term to describe the act of taking shelter behind or beside another competitor or vehicle, within the “Draft Zone” during the cycling segment.
b) Competitors are not allowed to Draft and all competitors must reject any attempt by others to draft.
c) A competitor who does not clearly avoid violating the drafting rules may receive a penalty.
d) In Sprint and Standard Distance events the “Draft Zone” is a rectangle surrounding every competitor that is 3 metres wide and extends to 7 meters behind the front wheel of the competitor’s bicycle. The front edge of the front bicycle wheel will define the centre of the leading 3- meter edge of the rectangle. A competitor may enter the draft zone but must be seen to be making forward progress. A maximum of 15 seconds will be allowed for a competitor to pass through the draft zone. (ITU/ETU RULE 2005)
e) The draft zone of one competitor may not overlap the draft zone of another competitor.
f) A competitor is overtaken when the front wheel of another competitor’s bicycle is ahead of theirs. It is then his/her responsibility to drop out of the draft zone, either sideways, or by dropping back.
g) Side by side riding is only allowed on courses that are fully closed to traffic. Single file riding will apply to all open or semi-open courses.
h) It is not allowed to gain unfair advantage by drafting on officials’ escort vehicles or vehicles being used by media etc. Minimum bicycle/vehicle separation will be 35 meters long by 5 meters wide.
i) A competitor may enter a bicycle draft zone (subject to the official’s judgment) in the following circumstances:
j) If the competitor enters the draft zone, and progresses through it within 15 seconds.
• For safety reasons
• At an aid station
• At the exit or entrance of a transition area
• At an acute turn
• If race officials exclude a section of the course because of narrow lanes, construction works, detours, or for other safety reasons.

Handlebars
a) Handlebar ends must be plugged.
b) The following restrictions apply to Draft Legal Races Only:
• Only traditional drop handlebars are permitted
• Clip-on bars will be permitted provided they do not extend more than 15cm beyond the front wheel axle, and they are not longer than the brake levers' foremost line.
• Clip-on bars must be bridged, and must not carry forward facing brake levers.
• No forward facing bar or gear shifters are allowed on the end of the clip-on bars. The only exception will be grip shifters.
• Elbow pads are permitted.

Helmets
a) Cycling helmets are compulsory.
b) Helmets must remain structurally unaltered, elastic chin straps are not permitted.
c) The helmet must be securely fastened at all times when the competitor is in possession of the bicycle, i.e., from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at the start of  the cycle, until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle.
d) Helmets and cycles will be checked to ensure that they meet the above requirements by a race official. This does not certify that bikes are roadworthy or helmets are safe. It is the responsibility of every competitor to ensure that their helmet and cycle meet the requirements. Competitors who fail to do so may, for reasons of safety, be prevented from participating.

Running Conduct
a) The Competitor:
• May run or walk as the only means of locomotion.
• May not crawl
• May not run with a bare torso.
• Will wear race number visible on the front.
b) Competitors shall at all times run so that they do not deliberately obstruct or interfere with other competitors, making contact other than by accident shall be declared unsporting impedance.

Discipline of Competitors and Penalties
a) Where a competitor fails to comply with the BNTA Competition Rules a penalty will be imposed.
b) Competitors may only be penalized by readily identifiable race referees.
c) All infringements are to be reported to the senior race referee who will have the responsibility of posting penalties.
d) Penalties may be issued or disqualifications given at any time up to the announcement of the final results, except where drug testing is involved, when results must be considered provisional until test results are known.

Warnings
a) It is not necessary for an official to give a warning prior to issuing a more serious penalty. The purpose of a warning is to alert a competitor about a possible rule violation and to promote a "proactive" attitude on the part of officials.
b) A warning will be given at the discretion of the official. They shall assess a warning by:
• Sounding a whistle or horn
• Showing a yellow card
• Calling the competitor's number and any relevant instruction.
c) A warning may be given when:
• A competitor violates a rule unintentionally
• An official believes a violation is about to occur
• No advantage has been gained.
d) When assessed a yellow card, the competitor will stop in a safe manner and follow the instructions of the official. If on a bicycle, the competitor will stop in a safe manner and dismount with both feet on one side of the bicycle. When the official so directs, the competitor will continue in a safe manner.

Disqualification
a) A disqualification is a penalty appropriate for a violation.
b) Officials assess a disqualification by:
• Sounding a horn or whistle
• Waving a red flag or card
• Calling the competitor's number.
c) A competitor may finish the race if an official calls a disqualification. A
disqualified competitor may appeal the decision (except in the case of a
judgment call) in accordance with the provisions of Appeals of the
Competition Rules.

Appropriate Penalties
The following penalties will be imposed for infringements.

Disqualification
A competitor may be disqualified for, but not limited to the following:
• Threatening, abusive or insulting words or conduct
• Breaking road traffic regulations
• Dangerous conduct/riding
• Diving (except as provided for in International Rules)
• Failing to obey marshals or the police
• Nudity
• Receiving Outside assistance
• Tampering with the equipment of others
• Unsporting impedance – including but not limited to incorrectly racked bikes, discarded equipment and the use of marking devices, which impede others
• Two (2) drafting violations noted by motorcycle referee(s) or four reports from static draft-control marshals or one (1) drafting violation (motorcycle referee) and three reports from static draft-control marshals.
N.B. There is no requirement for a draft-control marshal to indicate that a competitor has been reported
• Course irregularities, shortcutting or leaving (unless the competitor returns to the point at which he or she left the course, or a point on the course prior to it, and then completes the course)
• Breach of conduct by parent/guardian/accompanying adult

Disqualification If Fault Not Rectified After A Warning
• Illegal equipment (swim, cycle or run equipment)
• Banned equipment including but not limited to mobile telephones and
personal stereos
• Illegal progress (during swim, cycle or run)
• Racing topless

Time Penalty
• Helmet violations (unclipping helmet whilst in contact with the cycle)
• Number violations (not able to be altered after a warning)
• Riding in the transition area
• Markers in transition that cannot be removed but do not impede the progress of others
• Drafting: One (1) drafting violation noted by a motorcycle referee or three (3) reports from static draft-control marshals N.B. There is no requirement for the marshal to indicate that a report has been made. Motorcycle referees may not necessarily provide an audible or visible warning for a drafting violation in the interests of safety.

Disciplinary Action.
a) Belize National Triathlon Association may invoke disciplinary action in the case of any member, athlete, or the parent/guardian/accompanying adult of any athlete, whose
conduct has, or is likely to, bring the sport, and/or Belize National Triathlon Association, into disrepute.
b) Belize National Triathlon Association reserves the right, where deemed necessary in view of the gravity of any allegation made, to appoint a Committee to conduct all
necessary investigations and report to the Governing Council.
c) Failure to comply with BNTA Rules may result in a member being warned, disqualified, suspended, or expelled.
d) Suspension means a member will not take part in BNTA activities during a stated suspension
period. A member may be suspended for, (but not limited to):
• Threatening Abusive or insulting words or conduct
• Fraud, e.g., joining BNTA/entering competition under an assumed name or age,
falsifying an affidavit, or giving false information
• Participating when not eligible
• Repeated violations of BNTA Rules
• Drug abuse
• Whilst under criminal investigation for any alleged offence involving breach of trust or abuse of a position of authority within BNTA.

Suspensions will be assessed by the Investigation Committee, for lengths from three months to four years subject to ratification by BNTA Governing Council. After suspension, a competitor must make formal application for reinstatement.
e) Expulsion
Persons expelled from membership will not take part in BNTA activities.
A member will be expelled for life (but not be limited to):
• For a second drug offence as outlined in the ITU, BNTA Doping Control Rules and Procedural Guidelines and the World Anti-Doping Agency Rules.
• For an unusual and violent act or behavior.
• Upon conviction for any criminal offence where a breach of trust or abuse of position of authority within BNTA is evident. If the suspension or expulsion is for drug abuse, the competitor will not be able to compete in any other sport whose federation is recognized by the ISC and/or SCNI Members charged with a violation have the right to appeal, except in the case of judgment calls by officials.