introduction
The inherent honesty and integrity of each participant is respected at Somersault events. The primary responsibility for the fair and safe conduct of a race lies with the participants in the event, not with the race organizers or officials. 

Somersault events are organized for the participants, and ultimately it is the participants who decide how they will conduct themselves during the competition. It is each participant's responsibility to know and to adhere to Somersault event rules, and compete fairly and safely. Please take the time to become familiar with them. 

Somersault event rules exist for two basic reasons. The first is to ensure the safety of each and every participant.  The second is to ensure that the competition is a fair one for all. 

The rules represent the set of race conditions that have been decided on by our insurers, the sport, common sense, and by past participants.  To participate in a Somersault event, each participant must agree to follow the rules set out here and/or in the Triathlon Canada rule book. The TRICAN rule book can be found under "Technical" at www.triathloncanada.com. In the case of a difference between Somersault Rules and those of TRICAN, Somersault Rules prevail.
 

Anyone failing to follow the rules of the event is either putting someone at risk, or is gaining an unfair advantage - neither of which is acceptable.  Where the rules are infringed, penalties will be applied.  The primary responsibility for rule adherence lies with the participant. 

When witnessing a rule violation by another participant, you should request that it stop. If that fails, you should report it to a race official.

important somersault triathlon & duathlon race rules
The Race Course:
a) Competitors must follow the prescribed race course routes in all segments of the race (swim, cycle, run, and transition zone), as set out by Somersault on the event web site, or in email communication with participants.

b) Participants are primarily responsible to know and to stay on the race courses.

Championchip Timing Bracelet
Each race participant must pick up a Championchip Timing Bracelet before the race and must wear it around the ankle during the race.

Race Instructions:
a) Competitors are solely responsible for knowing and understanding all the rules and procedures for the race as set out by Somersault on its web site.

b) Competitors must obey the instructions of race officials during the competition.

Code of Conduct:
Competitors must at all times obey the rules of the event as described by the race organizer and be courteous and respectful of other competitors, officials, volunteers, spectators, organizers, and members of the public.

Ipods, MP3s, Walkmans and Headphones
We do not allow the use or wearing of Ipods, MP3s, Walkmans, or head phones during the cycling portion of Somersault Triathlons or Duathlons. Wearing one during the cycle portion of the race will result in disqualification.

We also do not encourage the wearing of Ipods, MP3s, Walkmans or Headphones, etc, during the run portion of Somersault events. These devices may prevent you from hearing instructions from marshals, hearing other participants or vehicles, and may put you at risk.

We do know however that many of you wish to wear these devices during running events, so we do allow you to wear them during the run, but advise you that you do so at your own risk. If you use a head phone or ear phone device, you may only have the hearing device in one ear.  This is to ensure you can hear the directions of marshals and officials - and oncoming vehicles.

Bicycle Helmets: 
a) Bicycle helmets are compulsory for all cyclists. The helmet must be CSA, or equivalent to CSA, approved,

b) Helmets must be worn and chin straps must be fastened before a competitor mounts the bike. It must remain on and fastened until yu dismount fromthe bike.

Bicycle Transition Zone:
a) Bicycles must be walked or run to, from, and in the transition zone.

b) Bicycles must be mounted and dismounted only at the "Mount - Dismount Line" outside the transition zone under the direction of a race official.

Assistance:
a) Competitors may only receive assistance in the transition zone when it is administered by medical staff or race officials. At other times, assistance may be administered by spectators or friends when it is obviously required by the participant. This assistance must not involve carrying, transporting the individual, or allowing them to "draft".

Cycling:
a) Competitors must cycle alone and unaided by other cyclists or motor vehicles. Rules defining drafting and the accepted procedures for avoiding drafting can be found in "Drafting Rules and Procedures " section below.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are allowed at all Somersault Triathlon events, regardless of water temperature.

Apparel:
a) Competitors must have their torsos covered during the bike and the run portions of the event.

b) Competitors should wear their bib numbers on the back of their jersey during the cycle and must wear them on the front during the run. Bib numbers must be visible at all times.

c) Competitors must wear a swim cap during the swim (except for pool swims). It will be provided by Somersault, or you may use your own. The swim cap must be marked with the competitor's bib number.

d) Competitors must ensure that their swim cap and their bodies are marked with their bib number. A body marking model and markers are provided by Somersault in the Transition Zone to allow competitors to mark themselves properly.

e) Competitors may not be publicly nude at any time during the competition.

Other Rules:
There are many other rules that govern the competition. These are covered under the rules of the sport as defined by TRICAN. We generally adhere to these rules except where they may differ from our own. A copy of these rules can be viewed by going to www.triathlonontario.com.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules:
The consequence of breaking the above and other rules of competition will depend on the severity of the infraction, and will be entirely at the discretion of Somersault and its race officials.

Jury of Appeal:
Competitors who feel they have not been treated fairly according to the rules of the competition, or who may wish to lodge a protest against another competitor, must submit a written appeal, to the Race Director before the awards presentations, or within a reasonable period after the event or occurrence. A Jury of  Appeal will be appointed by Somersault to hear the protest /appeal. The Jury will be comprised of one Somersault representative, one race official, and one participant. The Jury of Appeal's majority decision will be final.

drafting rules and procedures
Bicycle drafting is against the rules in all Somersault events. Refer to Section E.2 in the TRICAN rule book for a detailed description of the drafting rules and procedures.

Many participants do not understand what bicycle drafting is.  This rule section has been added to provide everyone with the general information they require in order to identify drafting and to avoid doing so. Cycle course officials will be on motorcycles on the bicycle course at all Somersault events. 

In many Somersault races, there are too many cycling participants to allow everyone to avoid drafting situations. We recognize this fact, and officials will not unnecessarily disqualify participants in such situations.

The rules below are guidelines. Somersault officials are experienced in determining whether an advantage is being gained or not, or whether the drafting is purposeful or not. They will make decisions on that basis and their instructions must be obeyed, or disqualification will result.

Drafting Definition: