Posted: May 16, 2006

Triathlon: USA Triathlon and World Triathlon Corporation Strengthen Relationship

USA Triathlon (USAT) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) have addressed a number of issues of concern to USAT members and race participants for the 2006 racing season.

Of particular note is the decision by USAT to include all 2006 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in its annual rankings.

The two multi-sport organizations have also reached agreements on issues relating to one-day insurance fees, age-up rules, and penalty enforcement at 2006 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.

Discussions and assessment of anti-doping program potential continue as both organizations are committed to full USADA/WADA compliance. Those discussions cover a wide spectrum of possibilities that are intended to be ground-breaking in their relevance to all 70.3 and Ironman-distance competitors, professional and age group alike.

Following are frequently asked questions that address the various issues:

Annual Rankings
1.) If I participated in either the Ford Ironman 70.3 California or Ford Ironman Arizona in 2006, will my results be included in USAT’s national rankings?

A: Yes. Additionally, all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in 2006 will be included in USAT’s national rankings.

Non USAT Member-Related Items

2.) I am not a USAT annual member and I paid a $10 insurance fee to compete in an Ironman and/or Ironman 70.3 event(s) in 2006. Can I apply that $10 to an annual USAT membership?

A:  Yes. The $10 fee may be applied to USAT annual membership in 2006.

3.) Will I be receiving a $1 refund since I paid the $10 insurance fee to compete in an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event(s) and the USAT one-day license costs only $9?

A:  USAT will apply the dollar toward the development of a comprehensive anti-doping program at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.

4.) I am not an annual USAT member but plan to register for an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event in 2006. How much are the one-day fees at these upcoming Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events?

A:  There is a $10 one-day fee at all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in 2006. USAT will apply the additional dollar toward the development of a comprehensive anti-doping program at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.

USAT Member-Related Items

5.) I am an annual member of USAT and paid the $10 insurance fee to compete in an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event(s) in 2006.  Can I get a refund for the $10?

A:  USAT will allow current members to apply the $10 toward membership renewal or toward the purchase of merchandise through the forthcoming USAT online store. Additional details to be announced.

6.) Will I be receiving a $1 refund since I paid the $10 insurance fee to compete in an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event(s) and the USAT one-day license costs only $9?

A:  USAT will apply the dollar toward the development of a comprehensive anti-doping program at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events.

7.) I am an annual USAT member. Will I be required to complete any additional paperwork before I can participate in an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event?

A:  Those who are annual members will not be required to fill out additional paperwork, however, non-USAT members will need to complete a USAT waiver prior to competition.

Rules

8.) What age group will I compete in on the day I race in an Ironman and/or Ironman 70.3 event?

A:  Athletes will compete in the age group according to their race day age at all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in 2006. 

9.) Do Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events have different rules than USAT events for penalty enforcement?

A:  Yes. Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events have applied for and been granted dispensation on several areas of rules and penalty enforcement. These rules and their enforcement will be consistent throughout all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events. Participants will receive regular communication and guidance from race directors and referees regarding these rules. For more information on WTC rules, go to the corresponding race sites available through www.ironman.com

USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 1,800 races and connects with more than 60,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world.

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