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Triathlon · Competition Rules

Part 3: Penalties

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

The penalty ladder from warning to expulsion, how long a time penalty lasts and where it is served, how athletes are notified, the penalty boxes, disqualification and the right to protest.

3.31Warnings and Time Penalties

The penalty ladder and cards, warnings, how long a time penalty lasts, where it is served, and how athletes are notified.

Test 1The penalty ladderTake a test

  1. The general rules say the nature of the violation determines the penalty.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 b (Penalties) · recall

  2. Suspension and expulsion are for very serious violations of the Competition Rules or the Anti-Doping Rules.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 c (Penalties) · recall

  3. Infringements and penalties are listed in Appendix K; the main text prevails if the two differ.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 d (Penalties) · recall

  4. Officials may set a penalty for an unlisted infringement if an unfair advantage was gained or danger was created on purpose.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 e (Penalties) · applied

  5. In exceptional circumstances officials may modify the defined penalties, keeping to the spirit of the rules.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 f (Penalties) · recall

  6. Blue is for drafting, yellow for other time penalties, red for disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (Penalties) · recall

  7. A disqualification is shown by whistle, red card and the athlete's number called in English with the word Disqualified.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (Penalties) · recall

  8. A warning corrects, a time penalty costs time, disqualification ends the race, suspension bars the athlete for a period and expulsion for life.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 a, 3.7, 3.8 (Penalties) · recall

  9. A yellow card is a 15-second time penalty at standard distance; a blue card is a longer drafting penalty; a red card is disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e, 3.4 a, 3.6 b (Penalties) · applied

  10. The blue card is shown for drafting; the athlete must stop at the next bike penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (i) (Penalties) · applied

Test 2WarningsTake a test

  1. A warning alerts the athlete to a possible violation and lets officials correct minor infringements.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 a (Penalties) · recall

  2. Warnings are there to promote a proactive attitude by Technical Officials.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 a (Penalties) · recall

  3. A warning may be given when the violation is unintentional, when a violation is about to occur, and when no advantage was gained.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 b (Penalties) · recall

  4. Warnings can be preventive: an official who expects a breach may step in before it happens.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 b (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  5. One of the conditions for a warning is that no advantage has been gained.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 b (iii) (Penalties) · applied

  6. No prior warning is needed before a penalty for a violation serious enough for disqualification, suspension or expulsion.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 d (Penalties) · recall

  7. The athlete is stopped if necessary, asked to modify the behaviour and allowed to continue immediately afterwards.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 c (Penalties) · recall

  8. Whistle, stop if needed, modify the behaviour, continue at once: that is the whole warning procedure.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 c (Penalties) · recall

  9. Kit left outside the designated area is a warning and amend for age-groupers: the athlete corrects it and continues.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 7.1 b; Appendix K 59 (Penalties) · applied

  10. A warning is given with a whistle and, if needed, a stop; cards belong to time penalties (yellow, blue) and disqualification (red).

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 c, 3.4 (Penalties) · applied

Test 3How long a time penalty lastsTake a test

  1. A time penalty is the appropriate penalty for infringements that do not warrant a disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 a (Penalties) · recall

  2. Time penalties cover drafting infringements (5.5) and other infringements listed in Appendix K.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 d (Penalties) · recall

  3. Other infringements cost 30 seconds at middle distance.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  4. At long distance a non-drafting time penalty is 1 minute.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  5. Events shorter than sprint distance use a 5-second penalty for other infringements.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  6. For an elite athlete a non-drafting infringement at sprint distance costs 10 seconds; an age-grouper would be warned and told to amend it instead.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  7. Technical Officials decide when an athlete is to be penalised with a time penalty.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 c (Penalties) · recall

  8. Below sprint 5 s, sprint 10 s, standard 15 s, middle 30 s, long 60 s.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  9. Officials notify when it is safe; the athlete stops in the specified location; the count ends when the official says Go.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b, 3.4 a, 3.5 (Penalties) · applied

  10. Kit left outside the bin is a non-drafting offence, which costs 15 seconds over the standard distance.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties) · applied

Test 4Where a time penalty is servedTake a test

  1. For every category the table places start infringements in T1.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

  2. In elite draft-legal racing every penalty after the start is served in the run penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · recall

  3. In draft-illegal elite and para triathlon, bike infringements go to the bike penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · recall

  4. For age-groupers, swim infringements are served in T1.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

  5. The table gives age-groupers a warning in T2 (and in T1) rather than a time penalty.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

  6. In winter triathlon the run penalty box is replaced with a ski penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · recall

  7. In duathlon and aquathlon the run penalty box means the one on the second run.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · recall

  8. The draft-legal elite table sends swim offences to the run box, so the athlete races on until the run.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

  9. For age-groupers the start penalty is served in T1, the bike one in the bike penalty box and the run one on the spot.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

  10. Draft-legal elite racing has no bike box in the table: blocking on the bike is paid for at the run box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

Test 5Penalty notification and the boardTake a test

  1. The official calls the number in English and says the athlete must stop at the next penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (i) (Penalties) · recall

  2. Drafting penalties are served in the bike penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (i) (Penalties) · recall

  3. It is the athlete's responsibility to check the board at the run penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · recall

  4. Three- and four-lap runs: posted before the athlete reaches the box on the second lap.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  5. An x plus a number after the race number shows there is more than one infringement.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · applied

  6. L is littering; the other codes include D, M, S, B, R, E and V.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · recall

  7. D is the dismount line; M is the mount line; V other violations; B bike behaviour.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · recall

  8. Whistle, blue card, number in English, and the instruction to stop at the next penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (i) (Penalties) · recall

  9. Two laps: by the first lap; three laps: by the second; five laps: by the third.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  10. E stands for equipment outside the bin; M is the mount line, B bike behaviour, L littering.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · applied

3.32Serving Penalties and Heavier Sanctions

Serving a penalty in T1, in the bike and run penalty boxes and on the spot; disqualification, suspension, expulsion and the right to protest.

Test 1Serving a penalty in the first transitionTake a test

  1. The Technical Official applying the time penalty is not required to give a reason.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 a (Penalties) · recall

  2. When given a blue or yellow card, the athlete follows the Technical Official's instructions.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 b (Penalties) · recall

  3. At T1 the official holds a yellow card as the athlete arrives at their position.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  4. The athlete stops in their transition space without touching any equipment.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  5. If the athlete touches equipment, the official asks them to stop and pauses the time; the count resumes once they comply.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  6. Athletes may choose not to stop, but they are disqualified when they cross the finish line, and may then protest.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (i) (Penalties) · applied

  7. Evidence is only made available if an appeal is filed.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (i) (Penalties) · applied

  8. Start offences are served in T1, bike offences in the bike penalty box, and swim, transition and run offences in the run penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties) · applied

  9. Touching kit pauses the penalty; it restarts once the athlete complies.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  10. A T1 time penalty is served in the athlete's own transition space, before touching any equipment.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii), 3.5 c (Penalties) · applied

Test 2The bike penalty boxTake a test

  1. Numbers are not displayed at a bike penalty box; the athlete must report to the next box after notification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (i) (Penalties) · recall

  2. It is the athlete's responsibility to report to the next penalty box on the course.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (i) (Penalties) · recall

  3. The athlete dismounts and gives their race number, the number of penalties and the colour of the card(s).

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  4. The count starts once the athlete has entered, dismounted and informed the official, and ends on Go.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  5. Athletes can consume only the food and water on their own bike or person.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (iii) (Penalties) · recall

  6. Using the restroom while serving is prohibited; the penalty time is paused while it happens.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (iv) (Penalties) · applied

  7. Adjusting equipment or doing any bike maintenance while serving in the bike penalty box is prohibited.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (v) (Penalties) · applied

  8. Reporting completes the entry; only then is the athlete's time counted down, until Go.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  9. Leaving the area pauses the count; it continues once the athlete complies.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (ii) (Penalties) · applied

  10. Yellow means a time penalty for something other than drafting, which would have been a blue card.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · applied

Test 3The run penalty box and penalties on the spotTake a test

  1. Race numbers of penalised athletes are clearly displayed on a board at the run penalty box.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  2. The Competition Jury either dismisses the protest and confirms the disqualification, or upholds it and removes the time penalty.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (i), 3.9 c-d (Penalties) · applied

  3. A penalised athlete may serve the penalty on any lap of the run.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (v) (Penalties) · recall

  4. Once the penalty is served the athlete's number is removed from the board.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (iv) (Penalties) · recall

  5. Infringements in the second half of the run are served on the spot.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (vi) (Penalties) · applied

  6. On the spot the athlete stops by the side of the course; moving forward pauses the count until they stop again.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 f (i) (Penalties) · applied

  7. The official holds a yellow card and orders the athlete to stop safely by the side of the run course.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 f (i) (Penalties) · recall

  8. The number is posted, the athlete enters and reports, and the time runs until Go; then the number comes off the board.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (ii)-(iv) (Penalties) · recall

  9. Late in the run the penalty is served on the spot, timed by the official with a yellow card.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 f (Penalties) · applied

  10. R marks run behaviour; L is littering, S swim conduct and B bike behaviour.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties) · applied

Test 4DisqualificationTake a test

  1. Disqualification suits severe violations such as repeated bike drafting and dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 a (Penalties) · recall

  2. For safety reasons a Technical Official may have to delay issuing a disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (i) (Penalties) · recall

  3. Athletes are informed by their number being displayed on the white board in the post-finish area.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (ii) (Penalties) · recall

  4. The athlete and/or the National Federation must be contacted and told about the disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (iii) (Penalties) · applied

  5. The athlete or National Federation must respond to the Technical Delegate within 5 days if they wish to appeal.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (iii) (Penalties) · applied

  6. An athlete may finish the competition after a Technical Official issues a disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 c (Penalties) · applied

  7. The response goes to the Technical Delegate within 5 days.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (iii) (Penalties) · recall

  8. If time and conditions allow, the four signals come in this sequence.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (i) (Penalties) · recall

  9. A disqualified athlete may finish; the penalty is then shown on the white board in the post-finish area.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b-c (Penalties) · applied

  10. This card ends the race result: the number is then posted on the white board after the finish.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (i) (Penalties) · applied

Test 5Suspension, expulsion and the right to protestTake a test

  1. Fraud, or very severe breaches like repeated dangerous behaviour, can take an athlete out of competition for a period.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 a (Penalties) · recall

  2. The Head Referee reports to the World Triathlon Tribunal, which assesses the suspension.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 b-c (Penalties) · recall

  3. The report is submitted to the Secretary General within one week of the competition.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 b (Penalties) · recall

  4. An athlete is expelled for life for repeated violations that incur suspension.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.8 b (i) (Penalties) · recall

  5. A drafting penalty cannot be protested, nor can a time penalty already served.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.9 a (Penalties) · recall

  6. By serving a time penalty the athlete accepts it, and no protest is admitted.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.9 b (Penalties) · applied

  7. After suspension an athlete must apply to the World Triathlon Tribunal for reinstatement.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.10 a (Penalties) · recall

  8. Not serving leads to disqualification at the finish; the athlete may then protest, and the Jury either confirms or reverses it.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.9 c-d (Penalties) · applied

  9. 5 days, one week, 30 days and three months.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b, 3.7 b-f (Penalties) · recall

  10. Suspensions run from three months to four years, depending on the violation.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 c (Penalties) · applied

Sources

World Triathlon Competition Rules, January 2025, Part 3 and Appendix K (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the rules, not reproduced)

  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b (Penalties)11
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii) (Penalties)7
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e (ii) (Penalties)6
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (i) (Penalties)4
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (ii) (Penalties)4
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (ii) (Penalties)4
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (i) (Penalties)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (iii) (Penalties)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 a (Penalties)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 c (Penalties)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (ii) (Penalties)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 c (i) (Penalties)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (i) (Penalties)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 f (i) (Penalties)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 c (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 d (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 e (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 f (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.1 a, 3.7, 3.8 (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e, 3.4 a, 3.6 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 b (ii) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 b (iii) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 d (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 7.1 b; Appendix K 59 (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.2 c, 3.4 (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 d (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 c (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 b, 3.4 a, 3.5 (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.4 a (iii), 3.5 c (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (iii) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (iv) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 d (v) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (ii) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (i), 3.9 c-d (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (v) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (iv) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (vi) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 e (ii)-(iv) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.5 f (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b (ii) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 c (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b-c (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 b-c (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.8 b (i) (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.9 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.9 b (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.10 a (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.9 c-d (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.6 b, 3.7 b-f (Penalties)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.7 c (Penalties)1