TRIATHLON AUSTRALIA NOAS Level 1 Technical Officials Training Programme

Version 4 December 2012

LEVEL 1 COURSE OUTLINE

4 Hour Seminar Unit 1:

Accreditation Process

Code of Behaviour

Officiating Principles

Application of the Race Competition Rules

Technical Officials Structure

Unit 2: Race Competition Rules Unit 3:

Penalties

Protests

Appeals

LEVEL 1 COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 4:

Forms & Reports

Race Day Procedures & Briefings

Technical Needs & Uniform

Technical Official’s Checklist

Scenarios

Draft Officiating Simulation (where possible)

Level 1 Exam (in class or take home)

Practical Session – 1 sanctioned event

Accreditation, Behaviour, Officiating Principals,

TO Structure

UNIT 1

4

BECOMING A TECHNICAL OFFICIAL

Accreditation Process

Attend a Seminar

Complete the exam

Complete the On-Line Officiating Principles Course

ASC: https://sao.ausport.gov.au

Officiate at a sanctioned event

BECOMING A TECHNICAL OFFICIAL

Sign the Code of Behaviour agreement

Undergo Assessment

Retain Triathlon Australia membership

Through the State/Territory Association

Provides insurance cover

Special reduced membership rates

(check with the STTA for details)

Officiate (ideally) at a minimum of 3 sanctioned events

TA TECHNICAL OFFICIAL ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME

Level 1

Reaccreditation required annually at the State/Territory Level

Level 2

Level 3

National Technical Official (NTO)

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Key Points

Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport

Promote fair play over winning at any cost

Display control and courtesy to all

Respect the rights of everyone

Adopt responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and drugs

Do not tolerate harmful or abusive behaviours

Place the safety and welfare of athletes above all else

Be consistent and impartial

OFFICIATING PRINCIPLES

Key Points

Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport

Technical Officials must base their determination on whether an unfair advantage has been gained or health/welfare has been jeopardised.

Technical Officials are charged with ensuring that the technical aspects of sanctioned events are of the highest quality.

Any sanctioned event is required to have Technical Officials

OFFICIATING PRINCIPLES

Purpose of the TA RCR

Create an atmosphere of sportsmanship, equality and fair play

Optimise safety and protection

Emphasis ingenuity and skill

Penalise competitors who seek to gain an unfair advantage

Endorse triathlon as an individual sport

APPLICATION OF THE RCR

The interpretation and application of the RCR shall be consistent with the status of the event Mass participation “come and try” events – focus on education National series or prize money events – focus on enforcement Internationally televised events – focus on product In all types of events, SAFETY IS NOT COMPROMISED

PRODUCT

EDUCATION ENFORCEMENT

ITU event

National Champs or

Ironman

Local event - with prize money

Local event - no prize money

“Come and Try” event

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS STRUCTURE

Technical Delegate (TD)

Appointed by the TA board for all national championship and national series events

Appointed by the STTA for local events

Responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the TA RCR and Race Operations Procedures are fulfilled before, during and after the event

The TD is responsible for chairing the Competition Jury if needed

The TD will be involved in / overseeing of sanctioning of the event

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS STRUCTURE

Race Referee (RR)

Appointed in the same way as the Technical Delegate

The Race Referee is responsible to the Technical Delegate to hear and make final decisions on all rules violations reported by Technical Officials and on all protests.

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS STRUCTURE

Chief Race Official (CROs)

Appointed in the same way as the TD and RR

Responsible to the Race Referee for the control and co-ordination of the employment of Technical Officials

Technical Officials (TOs)

Appointed by the RR or CRO

Responsible to their respective CROs (if appointed) or the RR

Application of the TA RCR in accordance with the level requested by the RR

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS STRUCTURE Technical Delegate (TD)

Chief Race Official (CRO)

Race Director (RD)

Race Referee (RR)

Race Competition Jury

Assistant Chief

Swim

Assistant Chief

Cycle

Assistant Chief

Run

Assistant Chief

Transition

Tech. Officials

Swim

Tech. Officials

Cycle

Tech. Officials

Run

Tech. Officials

Transition

Race Operations &

Administration

Assistant Chief

Start/Finish

Tech. Officials

Start/Finish

RACE COMPETITION RULES

UNIT 2

16

GENERAL CONDUCT

Competitors must

Practice good sports conduct at all times

Be responsible for their own safety, the safety of their own equipment and be considerate of the safety of others

Be responsible for understanding and following the TA RCR

Obey traffic regulations and instructions from race officials

Treat all others with respect and courtesy

GENERAL CONDUCT

Competitors must

Not use abusive language

Be responsible for keeping on the designated course and if leaving the course for any reason they must re-enter at the same point

Not wear, use or carry items deemed to be a hazard to self or other

Hard casts, jewellery, glass/metal containers, mobile phones, MP3 players, 2-way radios or anything of this nature

Not use unauthorised equipment

GENERAL CONDUCT

Competitors must

Not obstruct or interfere with the forward progress or jeopardise the safety and welfare of another competitor, race official, spectator or member of the public

Not accept assistance from anyone other than an authorised race official

Not leave equipment or discarded articles of equipment anywhere on the course, except in the approved locations

Withdraw immediately from the event if deemed by the event medical personnel that they present to the health or welfare or either him/herself or another person

GENERAL CONDUCT

Competitors must

Not cause deliberate offence through deliberate acts of nudity, or public toilet which might be seen or noticed in public

Report to the Penalty Box to serve a time penalty for a Rule Violation after being issued with a Yellow Card and instructed to do so by a Technical Official

May wear a “speed suit” at any time during an event as long as it meets the following definition:

A speedsuit must be comprised of 100% textile material such as nylon or lycra and must not include rubberised material such as polyurethane or neoprene. The speedsuit may contain a zipper.

GENERAL CONDUCT

Failure to comply with any of the General Rules will result in the competitor receiving one of the forms of Penalties described

It is not mandatory for a TO to indicate that a rule violation will be reported or give prior warning to issuing a penalty or reporting a rule violation

A competitor may complete the event except where instructed to withdraw by a medical officer

SWIMMING CONDUCT

A competitor may use any stroke for propulsion through the water, tread water or float

A competitor may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object

In an emergency the competitor should raise an arm overhead and call for assistance. Once rendered the competitor must retire from the competition

Water temperature and wetsuit use

Elite, under 23, open and junior competitors

Under 19, age group competitors

Distance Forbidden Above Mandatory Below Maximum Time

Up to 1500m 20o C 14o C 30 min

1501 – 3000m 23o C 15o C 1 hr 40 min

3001+ 24o C 16o C 2 hr 15 min

Distance Forbidden Above Mandatory Below Maximum Time

Up to 1500m 24o C 14o C 1 hr 10 min

1501 – 3000m 24o C 15o C 1 hr 40 min

3001+ 24o C 16o C 2 hr 15 min

23

SWIMMING CONDUCT

A competitor must wear the swim cap if provided. For Aquathlons and other multi-swim events the cap is compulsory for the first swim only

Any artificial propulsion device is prohibited

Any wetsuit with a thickness > 5mm is prohibited

The wearing of wet suit pants without the wet suit top is prohibited

CYCLING CONDUCT

A competitor must obey traffic rules unless otherwise directed by a race official

A competitor is not permitted to cycle without appropriate footwear or with a bare torso

A competitor is not permitted to make any forward progress without the bicycle and all it’s component parts

CYCLING CONDUCT

Bike helmets are compulsory and must be approved by a national testing authority recognised by a national federation that is an affiliate of the ITU

Any alteration/addition/omission to any part of the helmet is prohibited

The helmet must remained securely fastened at all times once the bicycle is removed from the rack, on the cycle course until the bike is racked again

A competitor must clearly display the race identification number(s) at all times if provided by the Race Director. Those not complying may incur a Stop/Start penalty

CYCLING CONDUCT

A competitor observed to have a helmet not securely fastened will receive a Stop – Start penalty to be served either on the spot or at the Penalty Box

CYCLING CONDUCT (non drafting)

A competitor not keeping to the left when not passing may receive a Blocking penalty

CYCLING CONDUCT (non drafting)

A competitor who has completed a pass and who fails to move to the left afterwards (A) will receive a Blocking penalty

CYCLING CONDUCT (non drafting)

Drafting off another bike or motor vehicle is forbidden. A competitor has passed another once the leading edge of the front wheel has passed the other competitor’s front wheel.

The zone is 3m x 7m for cycle courses < or = 40km

The zone is 3m x 12m for cycle courses >40km

7 or 12 metres

CYCLING CONDUCT (non drafting)

The draft zone of a competitor may not overlap the draft zone of another competitor or motorcycle unless the rear competitor is in the process of passing the forward competitor or motorcycle

CYCLING CONDUCT (non drafting)

When passing, once the rear competitor's draft zone overlaps the forward competitor's draft zone or motor cycle draft zone, the rear competitor is allowed a maximum of 15 sec or 25 sec to pass the forward competitor or forward motor cycle.

At every instance forward progress must be made

CYCLING CONDUCT (non drafting)

A competitors draft zone may overlap under the following circumstances

In passing the other competitor /motor cycle for no longer than 15 sec (< = 40 km) or 25 sec (>40 km)

For safety reasons

For an aid station

Entrance/Departure of Transition

Making an acute turn

Once passed the other competitor must drop back immediately

CYCLING CONDUCT

Vehicle Draft Zone

This zone is 35m x 5m from the centre of the front of the vehicle

The drivers of race vehicles are responsible for not overlapping with competitors

The competitor is responsible for not overlapping with a public vehicle and has 90- sec to pass

CYCLING CONDUCT

Bikes must have the following characteristics

No more than 2m long and 75cm wide

(ITU WC and World Champs for Elite, Junior and U23 is 50cm wide)

Measure at least 24cm from ground to the chain wheel axle

A vertical line from the front of the saddle will be no more than 5cm in front and no more than 15cm behind a vertical line passing through the centre of the chain wheel axle

CYCLING CONDUCT

The bike will measure no less than 54cm and no more than 65cm between a vertical line passing through the centre of the chain wheel axle and a vertical line through the centre front axle

CYCLING CONDUCT

Other bicycle restrictions

Fairing which reduce air resistance are prohibited

The front wheel may be a different diameter but must be spoked

Disk wheels and covers are allowed on rear wheels only

No wheel may contain mechanisms which are capable of accelerating it

CYCLING CONDUCT

Bar ends must be plugged, tubular tires securely glued, headsets tight and wheels true

There must be an operational brake on each wheel

Forward facing brake leavers are illegal (applies to Draft Legal events only)

CYCLING CONDUCT

Draft Legal Events (Elite, U23 and Juniors), ITU Competition Rules apply

Only traditional drop bars are permitted

Clip-ons will be permitted provided they do not extend more than 15-centimetres beyond the front wheel axle and they are no longer than the brake levers foremost line

Straight forward facing clip-ons must be bridged and must not carry forward facing brake levers

Elbow pads are permitted

RUNNING CONDUCT

A competitor may not crawl

A competitor may not run with a bare torso or without shoes on any part of the run course of an event

A competitor must clearly display the race identification number on their front at all times on the run course if provided by the Race Director. Those not complying may incur a Stop/Start penalty

TRANSITION CONDUCT

A competitor may only have a bare torso when moving from the swim exit to their bicycle rack or moving from their bicycle rack to the swim entry

A competitor must mount and dismount the bicycle at the respective designated mounting and dismounting zones

A competitor must at all times rack his/her own bicycle only at their designated bicycle rack location and leave it in a stable position

TRANSITION CONDUCT

A competitor must at all times place all their equipment at their designated bicycle rack location

A competitor must not interfere with another competitor's equipment but where accidental interference occurs the offending competitor must replace the equipment to its former position and state

TA RCR – PENALTIES, PROTESTS and APPEALS

UNIT 3

43

NOTIFICATION OF PENALTIES

Technical Official’s Responsibilities Gain the attention of the competitor Confirm the competitor’s race number Show the Yellow or Red Card and inform the competitor of the rule

infringement and Advise the competitor of what action needs to be taken:

Stop-Start penalty on the course

Proceed to the Penalty Box for a Time or Stop-Start Penalty

Competitor Conduct When shown a Yellow or Red Card by a Technical Official, a

competitor must: Confirm with the Technical Official their race number; and

Acknowledge and obey any instruction from the Technical Official

PENALTIES

The following types of penalties may be applied for a rule infringement:

Time Penalty

Stop – Start Penalty

PENALTIES

Time Penalty To be served at a designated area on the cycle course (Penalty Box)

For the Swim and Run segments (and also aquathlons) the TD and/or RR should discuss with the Race Director as to whether a time penalty should apply in these segments. If a time penalty is to apply it will be 3 minutes

Cycle Course Distance Time Penalty

Up to and including 40km 3 minutes

40.1km and above 5 minutes 46

PENALTIES

Stop – Start Penalty

This is an on the spot penalty for a minor infringement served with a Technical Official either on the spot or in the Penalty Box.

The competitor must:

Stop with Technical Official

Listen to and acknowledge any verbal instructions

Process when the Yellow Card has been withdrawn and it is safe to do so or the Technical Official advises to do so

PENALTIES

Disqualification

This is awarded by the Race Referee

on personal observation

as a result of a report made by a TO

or a finding by the Competition Jury

This removes the competitor as a finisher from the results of the event

2 or more Yellow Card infringments during an event will be confirmed by the RR as a disqualification

Disqualifications are posted on the Penalties Notice Board usually near the Finish

NOTIFICATION OF PENALTIES

Warnings Where the TO feels the infraction is unintentional and/or is about to occur they

may: Gain the attention of the competitor

Confirm their race number

DO NOT show a card

Advise the competitor on what action they must take and why

Yellow Card The TO observes an infringement and is going to apply a penalty:

Gain the attention of the competitor

Confirm their race number

SHOW the YELLOW card

Advise the competitor on what action they must take and why

TO will complete a Violation Report and submit to the RR if the penalty is not served

NOTIFICATION OF PENALTIES

Red Card

The TO observes a Red Card infringement: Gain the attention of the competitor

Confirm their race number SHOW the RED Card Advise the competitor on what action they must take and why

Where a red card has been shown the TO must inform the competitor that they can continue and that a ruling will be made at the completion of the event

If the RR disqualifies the competitor, the ruling must be posted in a prominent location

The RR may wish to speak to the competitor

Any posting NOT made within 1 hour of the last competitor finishing the event are invalid

TO’s MUST fill out a Violation Report

INFRINGEMENT FLOW CHART

Infringement (Competitor)

Red Card / Yellow Card (Technical)

Report Lodged (Technical Official)

Report Assessed

(Race Referee)

No further action Warning Disqualification (Race Referee)

Disq. Advised (Race Referee)

PROTESTS

If a competitor has a concern regarding a violation and/or disqualification they must contact either the RR or TD. If they wish to lodge a Protest they must do this with the RR within certain time limits

A competitor may file a protest with the RR provided that the action protested has not previously been reported by a TO and ruled upon by the RR

A protest cannot be made on a judgment call by a TO

PROTESTS

If a competitor has a concern regarding a penalty they must contact either the Race Referee or the Technical Delegate. If they wish to lodge a Protest they must do this with the Race Referee within the guidelines in the TA RCR

Protests may be made:

Concerning the Course

Concerning Eligibility

Concerning Equipment

Against another Competitor or an Official

Concerning Timekeeping

PROTEST FLOW CHART

Protest Lodged (Competitor)

Protest Assessed

(Race Referee)

Protest dismissed

(Race Referee)

Competitor advised

(Race Referee)

Protest Upheld

(Race Referee)

Resulting Action(s)

(Race Referee)

APPEALS

A competitor may file an appeal with the Technical Delegate, or STTA representative if a Technical Delegate was not appointed, against a ruling of the Race Referee provided that the decision appealed against has not previously been the subject of an appeal and ruled upon by the Competition Jury.

An appeal cannot be made on a judgement call.

APPEAL FLOW CHART

Appeal Lodged (Competitor)

Competition Jury Convened

(Technical Delegate)

Appeal dismissed

(Competition Jury)

Competitor advised

(Technical Delegate)

Triathlon Australia Board

Appeal Upheld

(Competition Jury)

RR and Competitor advised

(Technical Delegate)

Resulting action(s)

(Technical Delegate)

OFFICIATING PRINCIPLES

Modifications

Officials must know the intent and purpose of a rule to apply it properly

Exceptions

Where the TA RCR conflict with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the event is to be held, those laws will override the TA RCR

Exceptions must gain approval from the STTA or the TATC

Special Rules

The TD may approve the addition of special rules

Forms, Procedures, Uniform and Scenario Discussion

UNIT 4

58

FORMS & REPORTS

Red/Yellow Cards

Infringement records, penalty box log form and any other written notes. All records need to be issued to the CTO/RR for validation

FORMS AND REPORTS

Infringement Report Blank Infringement Report will be issued by the RR for the

Technical Official to complete

The following information must be recorded on the Infringement Report: Race & Date

Race Number of Competitor(s) involved

What did the Infringement involve

Where did the Infringement occur

How did the Infringement occur

Additional Comments

Name & Signature of Official

RACE PROCEDURES / BRIEFINGS

Pre-event Briefing

All Technical Officials, including the TD and RR, should meet prior to race start at a pre-determined time and place to discuss the Technical plan and any course issues;

The TD should present to the technical team all issues encountered during sanctioning and liaison with the Race Director and event staff;

The RR then takes charge of the group and instructs the duties and function.

RACE PROCEDURES / BRIEFINGS

Post-event Briefing

Following event completion, all Technical Officials should meet with the TD and RR to:

Discuss any issues arisen on the day

Collect technical equipment and review all red / yellow card infringements

Fill in any Violation Reports and submit to RR for suitable action

Determine any Competition Jury needs (make up)

Provide comments for the Race Report.

RACE PROCEDURES / BRIEFINGS

Bike-check Visual inspection ONLY

2 brakes are compulsory

Handlebar plugs are compulsory.

Helmet Inspection Visual inspection ONLY;

Can ask the athlete to remove the helmet for closer inspection;

Must have a hard plastic cover, unless specifically manufactured without.

TECHNICAL CHECKLIST & UNIFORM

Prepare mentally and physically for the day.

Review any pre race communications and schedules

Bring your rule book

Bring refreshments, sunscreen etc.

Be professional and responsible when dealing with athletes, coaches, administrators and others involved with the sport.

Be punctual, arriving at the competition with enough time to prepare for the officiating role. Be pleasant and professional in your approach with the athletes

Display integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness when performing your role.

TECHNICAL CHECKLIST & UNIFORM

Uniform TA Technical Shirt or similar if not issued yet

supplied by TA through each State/Territory Triathlon Association;

Must be neat and unaltered

TA TO’s Vest (supplied by the STTA)

Black / Navy blue walking shorts or pants smart looking dress shorts

Long pants / trousers if officiating on a motorcycle

Appropriate enclosed footwear (no sandals or thongs)

Name badge supplied by TA and details your name, Official number

TECHNICAL CHECKLIST & UNIFORM

Equipment

2 writing implements

Red/Yellow card

Fresh unmarked pages in notebook

Whistle

SCENARIOS

Scenario 1 An event has a Penalty Box on the cycle course. You are a technical

official on the cycle course and you observe a competitor remove and replace their helmet while they continue to make forward progress. When you come alongside the competitor they tell you they had a bee in their helmet. Which of the following would you NOT take?

a) Issue a warning to the competitor.

b) Issue a Yellow Card and have competitor perform a Stop/Start Penalty.

c) Issue a Yellow Card and tell the competitor to report to the Penalty Box.

d) Issue a Red Card and tell the competitor they have been disqualified and to pull out of the race.

SCENARIOS

Scenario 2 You are a technical official on the run course and you observe a

competitor who appears to be distressed. The competitor stops by the side of the course near a spectator and you observe the competitor receive a drink from a spectator. When you approach the competitor the spectator informs you they are a doctor and that the competitor is suffering dehydration. Which of the following would you take?

a) Issue a Red Card and tell the competitor they have been disqualified and

to pull out of the race.

b) Issue a warning to the competitor.

c) Issue a Red Card and inform the competitor an Infringement Report will be provided to the Race Referee.

d) Arrange for event medical staff to evaluate the condition of the athlete.

SCENARIOS

Scenario 3

You are a technical official in transition and you observe a competitor attempting to rack their bike. In their haste the competitor causes the two bikes next to theirs to fall off the rack and impede the progress of another competitor who is moving to their own rack. The former competitor is now running toward you. What would you do?

SCENARIOS

Scenario 4

You are standing at the mount line and notice 2 competitors heading toward you already mounted and riding their bicycles. The mount line is packed with other competitors mounting on or after the line and the surroundings are packed with spectators. You are the only official at the mount line. What would you do?

SCENARIOS

Scenario 5

You are in transition and notice a competitor running toward you, heading for the mount line. The competitor has a bare torso. Describe appropriate actions.

SCENARIOS

Scenario 6

A competitor running through the swim chute drops or hands their cap and goggles to a spectator you suspect is a friend / partner. How would you handle this?

LEVEL 1 EXAM

The exam must be completed prior to participating in the practical component

Complete personal details

Respond to all exam questions

(open book)

Pass mark – 100%

PRACTICAL SESSION - OFFICIATING

Book in for Practical

Nominate the sanctioned event you wish to officiate (within 3 months)

Confirm your attendance with the course instructor

Contact the RR or CRO prior to event day to confirm:

Attendance

Event location, details (registration, Transition opening etc) and start time

Technical team start time and where to report (Transition Area / Technical Officials’ Lounge etc.)

PRACTICAL SESSION - OFFICIATING

Attendance and Role

Arrive at the event and report to the Race Referee

Attend the pre-event briefing, where:

the TD will provide sanctioning and event information; and

the RR or CRO will assign duties and discuss with the Technical Team the level of application of the Race Competition Rules.

All documents are to be submitted directly to the Race Referee (or CRO where appointed);

The Race Referee will advise you of when your duties are finished.

THE TA TECHNICAL TEAM WISHES T0

FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT

OF THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM 76