Race Rules
All Contact Tri Series are sanctioned events and are run under Triathlon New Zealand Race Rules. To view these rules Click Here
To save you reading through the entire rule book, below are the most 'popular' rules on the need to know list:
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Time Limits
Yes there are time limits for different distances (rule 2.4). Relevant to the Tri Series are:
| Distance Swim/Cycle/Run | Swim (exit water) | Cycle (dismount) | Overall |
| 750m/20km/5km i.e. sprint | 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes after race start | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| 1500m/40km/10km i.e. standard | 1 hour 10 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes after race start | 3 hours 45 minutes |
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Age-Limits
Age-limits are imposed by the rules for the safety of competitors (Appendix B).
| Distance | Minimum Age (as at 31 Dec in the year of the Series) |
| 3:9:3 a.k.a 'Short Distance' | 11 |
| Sprint* | 13 |
| Standard | 16 |
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* note that under the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Rules that the minimum age for Standard Distance races is 18; and for Sprint it is 16. |
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Wetsuit or not?
Whether or not a wetsuit (rule 4.2) is required depends on a) the temperature of the water b) whether you are an elite or an age-grouper and to be even more technical c) the weather outside (see rule 4.3). Check out the below tables for what temperatures matter:
| Swim Length | Division | No Wetsuit Allowed Above... | Compulsory Wetsuit Below... |
| 750m | Age-Group | 22 ºC | 14 ºC |
| Elite/U23/U19 | 20 ºC | 14 ºC | |
| 1500m | Age-Group | 22 ºC | 14 ºC |
| Elite/U23/U19 | 20 ºC | 14 ºC |
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equipment
There are some rules around what you can and can't use during your race. See rule 4.6 for a detailed look at the equipment that is not allowed during a triathlon...to save you time I can confirm that you are not allowed to use a snorkel!
The most common questions are around cycling equipment. These rules are very specific so it is important that you read the rules to understand if your bike complies. See rule 5.2.
