Getting Started

The sanction team has put together a guide to the current sanction system. Click Here to download the step-by-step PDF guide to sanctioning your event. For a FREE 20 minute webinar featuring the process and benefits of sanctioning, watch USAT Hwy 101: The Road to Sanction Success.

If you have any questions about the sanctioning process, please email us at EventServices@usatriathlon.org or call (719) 884-5612. Our Event Services Team looks forward to working with you and building a relationship to continue fueling the multisport life style.

 

1. Sanction fees are only refundable if the event is cancelled due to the weather, and notified to USAT before the event date. Sanction fees are non-refundable if the event is cancelled for any other reason. Additional insured and sanction fees are also non-refundable.
*Please be sure to contact our Event Services Team by emailing EventServices@usatriathlon.org or calling (719) 884-5612 if you need to cancel the event.

2. An event may not be sanctioned if the sanction application is submitted within 14 days of the event date.

3. All participants in a sanctioned event must either be an annual USAT member or purchase a one-day membership.

1. Adult and youth events must be sanctioned and insured separately therefore each event must have a sanction application on file.

2. Course maps are required (itineraries are required for clinics) each year for safety and insurance purposes.  Please be sure to include a map of the transition area(s) and pool course.  Course maps can be submitted in three ways:    

• Upload into the sanction application
• Email to EventServices@usatriathlon.org

3. Five-year age groups in increments starting with 20-24 and going through 85-plus are required.  There are no age group requirements for youth events except that all participants must be 17 and under.

4. Mass swim starts or wave starts of more than 150 athletes require a rules dispensation request. Hybrid swim starts also require a rules dispensation request. This request must be resubmitted each year for approval. You will be notified by an Event Services staff member reviewing your event to send responses to the following questions. 

• How many athletes are in the mass start?
• How many athletes total are in the event?
• What is the width of the start area?
• What is the distance from the start line to the first turn?
• How will the mass start enhance the safety of the event?   

Please Note - the same mass start rules that govern a swim also apply to duathlon starts and a rules dispensation request is required.


5. Water testing is a requirement, even for pool swims.  USAT recommends that you follow the guidelines established by the agency that governs your body of water, such as the county, city, EPA, pool management, etc. USAT will accept whatever criteria the permitting agency has established for swimability and human contact. Please obtain a copy of the certificate that is issued nearest to the event date and keep it with the event files for seven years, as it may need to be provided to USAT after the event.