basic rules that can keep you from getting hurt or hurting someone else. When you have the opportunity, read the official USAT rule book. However, here are a few of the basics that every triathlete should know:

• TRANSITION AREA: All of your equipment must be placed in the transition area. Bike must be placed in an upright position on the bike rack and must be replaced in the same position on your return to the transition area. You cannot interfere with another competitor's equipment or impede their progress in any way and no glass containers are allowed in the transition area. Transition violations will usually get you a time penalty, but a glass container will usually result in disqualification.

• Transition Area Access:  The transition area at the Skeese Greets Women's Tri is for athletes only. All non-athletes must remain outside of the transition area at all times on race day. Athletes may choose their transition spot from any of the non-reserved racks - reserved racks will be marked for Tri Clubs. Glass bottles are not allowed in the transition area.   TRANSITION WILL RE-OPEN WHEN ALL CYCLISTS HAVE COMPLETED THE BIKE PORTION OF THE TRIATHLON.  This is for safety and prevention of bike theft.  You will be penalized if this rule is not adhered to. 

• HELMET: Make sure you have an approved helmet. Your helmet must be on your head and chin strap securely buckled before you depart the transition area or mount your bike. It must not be unbuckled until you have returned into the transition area and dismounted from your bike. No helmet - no race. If you unbuckle the helmet while on your bike you're disqualified.

• DRAFTING: Don't draft on the bike. If you ride less than 3 bike lengths behind the person in front of you unless you are passing them, then you are drafting. If you are passing the person in front of you, you must complete the pass within 15 seconds or drop back out of the 3 bike-length zone. If you have just been passed, you must drop back to allow the 3 bike length gap between you and the bike who passed you. First 2 violations are time penalties, 3rd violation is a disqualification.

• ASSISTANCE FROM OTHERS: You cannot accept assistance from anyone except a race official, volunteers, or medical personnel. Accepting any kind of assistance from spectators is not acceptable.

• BAD BEHAVIOR: Foul, argumentative, or abusive language or unsportsmanlike conduct directed at competitors, spectators, race officials, or volunteers is forbidden. Penalty can be a time penalty but could result in a disqualification.

• HEADPHONES: Headphones, Walkmans etc. are forbidden during a race. Usually results in a time penalty.

• RACE NUMBERS: Competitors are required to wear race number tag on the run. Number must face front and be clearly visible at all times. Number may not be altered in any way. Usually results in a time penalty.