introduction
The inherent honesty and integrity of all participants is respected in the Somersault Series.  The primary responsibility for fair and safe conduct at an event lies primarily with the participants, not with the race organizers or officials.  Somersault events are organized for the participants, and ultimately it is the participants who decide how to conduct themselves during the competition.

It is each participant’s responsibility to know and to adhere to Somersault event rules. 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 conditions that have been decided on by our insurers, the sport, common sense, and by our past participants.  To participate in Somersault events each participant must agree to follow the rules set out here and/or in the Triathlon Canada rulebook. The TRICAN rulebook can be found under “Technical” at the Triathlon Canada Website: www.triathloncanada.com.  

Anyone disobeying the rules of the event is putting someone at risk, or gaining an unfair advantage.  Neither of these is acceptable.  Where the rules are infringed, penalties will be awarded.  The primary responsibility for rule enforcement, however, lies with the participant.  When witnessing a rule violation by another participant, request that it stop.

important somersault series triathlon & duathlon rules
The Race Course:
a) Competitors must follow the prescribed course routes in all segments of the race (swim, cycle, run and transition zone), as defined and described by Somersault Promotions.

b) Competitors are solely responsible to know and to stay on the race course routes.

Race Instructions:
a) Competitors are solely responsible for knowing and understanding all the rules and procedures for the race as defined and described by Somersault Promotions, as described herein.

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

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

Bicycle Helmets: 
a) Bicycle helmets are compulsory for all cyclists. They must be ANSI, SNELL or CSA approved b) Helmets must be on and chin straps must be fastened before a competitor may remove the bike from the bike rack. It must remain on and fastened until the bike is placed back on the same bike rack after the cycle.

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

b) Bicycles must be mounted and dismounted only at the "Mount - Dismount Line" outside the transition zone.

Assistance:
a) Competitors may receive assistance during the race or in the transition zone, when it is administered by medical staff or race officials, or when it is obviously required for the safety of the participant.

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 the section below under "Drafting" in Appendix "A".

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

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

c) Competitors must wear the swim cap provided by, or approved by Somersault Promotions. 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 Promotions 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 the sport governing body (OAT). We generally adhere to these rules except where they may differ from the above. A copy of these rules can be viewed by going to the OAT website.

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 Promotions 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 Jury of Appeal. The appeal or protest must be submitted within 30 minutes of the end of the race. The Jury will make the final decision on all appeals or protests.

Appendix "A"
drafting rules and procedures
Drafting is against the rules in all Somersault Series events. Refer to Section E.2 in the TRICAN rulebook for a detailed description of the drafting rules and procedures.

Many participants do not understand what drafting is.  This section has been added to provide everyone with the general information they need to identify drafting and to avoid it.

Drafting officials will be on bicycle courses at all Somersault events.  They will be identified as officials.  Their instructions must be obeyed.

Drafting Definition: