USA Triathlon Releases 2023 Multisport Competition Rules

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon today released the USA Triathlon 2023 Multisport Competition Rules, a comprehensive new ruleset that aligns USA Triathlon’s competition rules with the global standards set by World Triathlon. The 2023 Multisport Competition Rules will go into effect on March 15. 

"This has been several years of work in the making by several parties and the 2023 Multisport Competition Rules applies better global standards across the sport, but also remains sensitive to the unique multisport culture of the United States," said Mark Turner, USA Triathlon Commissioner of Officials. "Customer service to athletes is a top priority of USA Triathlon Officials and our Officials across the country are committed to serving athletes with clear, consistent communication and empathy." 

Among the impacts of the updated Multisport Competition Rules to athletes include: 

• Rules adjusted for the level of competition and participation, allowing Race Directors greater latitude for athlete accommodations – USA Triathlon encourages two-way dialogue between athlete and race director
• On-course penalty notification and penalty service to improve finish line integrity, streamlining communications with timing, and increased customer satisfaction
• Athletes will have longer draft zones, allowing more time for athletes to complete the pass legally. The draft zone distance is being increased from 7 meters to 10 meters for Sprint and Standard (Olympic) distance races and 12 meters for distances longer than Standard
• Replacement of PC Open with a more comprehensive and inclusive Adaptive Triathlon (AT) Rules, Accessibility Divisions

To view the 2023 Multisport Competition Rules, view and download the PDF here. 

Athletes, coaches and race directors are encouraged to reference the Eight Most Commonly Violated USA Triathlon Rules. 

USA Triathlon National Officials Program

The USA Triathlon National Officials Program is a source of pride for USA Triathlon and all the officials who give their time to serve the sport. The program provides training and certification to members of USA Triathlon who wish to volunteer their time and abilities to enforce the USA Triathlon Multisport Competition Rules and provide the highest quality customer service at USA Triathlon Sanctioned events. 

To learn more about the USA Triathlon National Officials Program certification, email rulesandofficials@usatriathlon.org and view the USA Triathlon National Officials Program manual here.