Quadrathlon Rules and Regulations
INTRODUCTION
1.1 These Competition Rules will be applicable to international quadrathlon competitions sanctioned by the National Federations (NFs) affiliated to the World Quadrathlon Federation (WQF) and carrying WQF label:
- World Championships
- WQF Cup races
- other labels that WQF may identify
The WQF recommends the National Federations conform their rules to this World standard.
1.1.2 These Rules were approved by the WQF Congress on 19 August, 2005 and by subsequent agreement of the WQF Executive Committee on 1 December, 2005.
1.2. Purpose
1.2.1. The WQF aims at ensuring a high standard and quality for all WQF events. The documents issued separately for this purpose are:
Competition Rules specifying the eligibility, conduct and behaviour of competitors and teams, including penalties, protests and appeals, in WQF sanctioned competitions;
Contractual Agreement specifying conditions and obligations connected with the organisation of an WQF sanctioned competition;
Operations Manual specifying (among other things) safety and logistical standards connected with hosting an WQF sanctioned competition;
1.3. Requirements and Deviations
1.3.1. The stipulations given in this document are mandatory and strict.
1.3.2. The WQF Congress and/or the WQF Executive Board and/or a duly authorized WQF representative are empowered to accept deviations from this document.
1.4. Amendments and Modifications
1.4.1. Amendments to and modifications of this document may take place at any time in order to safeguard the interests of the WQF, and to improve the standard of the WQF sanctioned competitions.
1.4.2. Amendments shall be made in accordance with the WQF constitution. Rule changes adopted by an WQF Congress take effect from the beginning of the next calendar year, unless otherwise indicated in the wording of the rule.
GENERAL RULES FOR COMPETITORS
2.1. General Responsibility
2.1.1. The competitor must know and follow the competition rules, as well as obey traffic regulations and instructions from Race Officials, and have a valid license (letter of recognition, see 2.5.1.) from the NF of his/her country.
2.1.2. The competitor is responsible for his/her own equipment and must see to it that it is according to the rules.
2.1.3. The competitor may not block, charge or make an abrupt motion so as to interfere with the forward progress of another competitor, whether intentionally or by accident. (Penalty: disqualification).
2.1.4 The competitors must follow the entire course as marked by the Organizer. It is the duty of the competitor to familiarize themselves with the course boundaries. If they leave the course they must re-enter it at the same point as where they left it. (Penalty for short-cutting or disregard of the official course: disqualification).
2.1.5 Any competitor who withdraws or retires from a competition shall inform the nearest Race Official after withdrawing from the competition. After withdrawal or disqualification the body number must be taken off.
2.1.6 Competitors may not be accompanied or paced by helpers. (Penalty : disqualification). Nor is it allowed to give or receive physical help, food or drink, other than First Aid by qualified practicitioners, except at official refreshment stations, see also 2.1.7 (Penalty: disqualification). Advice and information may be given by helpers standing by the side of the road. Only competitors and Race Officials are allowed in transition areas and in the start area.
2.1.7 Competitors may bring their own food and drink. Personal helpers are allowed to hand out private food and drink at the official refreshment stations.
2.1.8 Competitors will treat other competitors, Race Officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy.
2.2. Doping Rules
2.2.1. Doping is forbidden. The WQF adhears to the standards and sanctions advised by the International Olympic Committee.
2.3. Health
2.3.1. It is the competitor's responsibility to be well prepared for the competition, both regarding general health as well as present level of training and cmpetence.
2.3.2. Massage provided by the Organizer is allowed on the whole course.
2.3.3. In the case of accidents competitors may continue in the competition after having received first aid to bodily injuries, provided that Race Officials deem them fit to continue.
2.4 Eligibility
2.4.1. All competitors must be members in good standing of their NF. For participation in World Championships the competitor's NF must be a member or a provisional member of the WQF. Only citizens or nationals of a country may represent that country (NF) at a World Championship. A competitor who has represented one country in World Cup or World Championships may not represent another country in World Championships during the same and the next calendar year without the agreement of both NFs concerned.
2.4.2. Competitors under suspension imposed by their NF or any other NF that is a member of the WQF are not allowed to compete in the quadrathlon sports or their varieties.
2.4.3. A competitor who possesses dual nationality may only represent one of the countries (as he/she elects) during the same calendar year. If the competitor chooses to represent the other country in question he/she must inform both National Federations in writing, and during the same and the following calendar year he/she shall not be able to represent either of the two countries without the approval of both NFs concerned.
2.4.4 A naturalised competitor (or a competitor who has changed nationality by naturalisation) may not participate in an WQF sanctioned competition to represent the new country during the same and the next calendar year without the approval of both NFs concerned. The period following naturalisation may be reduced or even cancelled with the agreement of the NFs concerned and the final approval of the WQF Executive Board.
2.4.5. If an associated state, province or overseas department, a country or former colony acquires independence, or a country becomes incorporated within another country by reason of a change of border, or is a new NF recognised by the WQF, a competitor may continue to represent the country to which he/she belongs or belonged. However, he/she may (if he/she prefers) choose to represent his/her country or be entered in the WQF sanctioned competition by his/her new NF, if one exists. This choice may only be made once.
2.5. Registration
2.5.1. In order to compete abroad, each competitor must acquire a license from the NF that he/she is allowed to represent at a World Championship. If the NF has no license system, the competitor must acquire a letter of recognition from his/her NF to compete abroad. No NF may require a competitor from abroad to purchase an additional license, unless the competitor's original license does not offer the necessary legal insurance coverage for the area of the NF's jurisdiction.
2.5.2. At World Championships all entries must be made by way of the competitor's NF.
2.5.3. At World Championshipevent, each NF is entitled to send any number of competitors as individuals and on teams.
2.6. Language / communication
2.6.1. The official language is English. The Organizer may also use its official language.
2.6.2. Translators will be provided by the competitor's NF, if required.
2.7. Team Uniforms
2.7.1. All competitors at World Championships are recommended to wear their official team uniforms or national colours during the competition.
2.7.2. The official team uniform at least consists of the part covering the upper body during the cycling and running parts (e.g. tri-suit, bathing-suit, shirt, or the like).
2.7.3. Team uniforms will display the name of the competitor's country as the most prominent item, located on the upper front body, above the official body number. In addition it may also be located on the upper body on the back.
2.7.4. NFs are also recommended to send their competitors to all ceremonies in uniform clothing.
2.7.5. Corporate advertising on team uniforms will be allowed, the size of which will be subject to the guidelines of the competitor's NF, but will never be larger than the name of the country.
2.7.6. Corporate advertising on other personal equipment (e.g. wetsuits, helmets, caps, shoes, bicycles, etc.) is subject to the guidelines of the competitor's NF.
2.8. Pre-race Briefing
2.8.1. A pre-race briefing shall be organised on the day before the competition.
2.8.2. It is mandatory for the team managers, and the competitors may attend if they so desire.
2.8.3. The pre-race briefing shall be conducted in as many languages as possible. The Organizer, in co-operation with the General Race Marshal, and the Technical Delegate shall be present and shall ensure that all competitors share the information to the degree necessary to ensure that the information is understood.
2.9. Competitor¹s Information
2.9.1. The Organizer must distribute all necessary information in writing to the competitors before the competition. The information should cover the course, technical details, regulations concerning the placement and location of refreshment points, competition rules, with special emphasis on drafting rules, time and place of Protest Jury meeting, and special safety precautions that must be observed.
2.10. Timing and Results
2.10.1. Time limits can be set at the discretion of the Organizer. They can be set for the first two parts combined, the first three parts, or the complete course. If the time limit is not met, competitors may be removed from the competition.
2.10.2. The total competition time is counted from the start of the first part until the finish of the last part. The time for change of clothes and equipment, refreshments, bicycle repairs etc. is included in the total time.
2.10.3. The Organizer is obliged to take split times for the individual parts as follows:
swim: from start to start of kayaking;
kayak: from finish swim to start of cycling;
cycling part: from finish kayak to start of run;
run: from start to finish.
2.10.4. During the competition the Organizer announces part results and total results. These results are preliminary until the General Race Marshal confirms them officially. Competitors and team managers are themselves responsible to study the preliminary results and immediately report possible objections to the Organizer.
2.10.5. Official results shall be announced at the victory ceremony either in full or just the major placings. The official results shall be distributed: immediately to the press, the WQF Technical Delegate, etc.; to the competitors (team managers) before the departure of the teams; to the WQF and the NFs within a week after the competition.
2.10.6. Final results shall be announced immediately after the doping test results are known. The results must also include the competitors who were disqualified, plus the reason for it, and competitors who did not finish.
PENALTIES
3.1. General Rules
3.1.1. Failure to comply with the WQF Competition Rules may result in a warning or disqualification.
3.1.2. It is not mandatory for a Race Marshal to give a warning prior to a disqualification.
3.1.3. The issuing of a warning or disqualification will be given at the discretion of the Race Marshal.
3.2. Warning
3.2.1. Race Marshals indicates a warning by: sounding a whistle; and showing a yellow card for at least five seconds, and calling the competitor¹s race number in English.
3.2.2. Warnings may be given: when a rule violation appears unintentional, and can be corrected after a warning, e.g. the body number is not clearly visible; when a Race Marshal believes a rule violation is about to occur, e.g. (before) leaving the transition area without having fastened the helmet, or with a bare torso. The purpose of a warning is to alert competitors about possible rule violations and to promote a 'pro-active' attitude among Race Marshals.
3.3. ³Stop-and-Go² warning
3.3.1. When giving a warning during the cycling part, the marshal will blow a whistle, show a yellow card and call the competitor¹s number (in English). The marshal will also say 'STOP'. The competitor will stop in a safe manner and dismount with both feet on one side of the bicycle, and raise both wheels off the ground at the same time. The marshal will then say 'GO', at which time the competitor will continue in a safe manner.
3.4. Disqualification
3.4.1. Race Marshals indicate a disqualification by: sounding a whistle; and showing a red card for at least five seconds; and calling the competitor's race number in English. The Race Marshal will report the case to the General Race Marshal.
3.4.2. All disqualifications shall be posted on an official notice board in the finish area within one hour after the finish time of the competitor affected.
3.4.3. A disqualification is given: when a rule infraction is obvious, e.g. drafting or not wearing the helmet during the cycling part; when a rule infraction cannot be corrected, e.g. the body number has been cut, or obstruction or violence against Race Officials or competitors; when a competitor fails to follow instructions from a Race Marshal, e.g. when no corrections are made after a warning; in the case of a positive doping test, see 2.2. If so required the competitor is allowed to continue in the competition after a disqualification, in order to make a protest afterwards.
SWIMMING PART
4.1. General Rules
4.1.1. The competitors may swim any style they want and tread water or float.
4.1.2. It is allowed to walk (run) on the bottom at the start and finish, also to stand on the bottom, but the competitor may not make use of either the bottom or floating or stationary objects to gain an advantage (Penalty: disqualification). For safety reasons it is allowed, however, to rest temporarily on ropes and buoys.
4.1.3. Race Officials have the authority to pull a competitor out of the competition for safety reasons, or when the time limit is reached at any point along the swimming course. At the finish of the swimming part, Race Officials may assist tired competitors.
4.1.4 All competitors must be made aware of the hazards connected with swimming in cold water. The water temperature and water depth along the course must be announced before the start.
4.1.5 To ensure the safety of the competitors, the swimming course shall be shortened on a sliding scale according to the following table. It also shows the longest stay allowed in water of a given temperature:
Temperature Maximum distance Longest stay allowed
20o Celsius 5 km 2 hrs. 40 mins
19o Celsius 4 km 2 hrs. 15 mins
18o Celsius 3 km 1 hr. 40 mins
17o Celsius 2 km 1 hr 10 mins
16o Celsius 1 km 35 mins
The Organizer may prescribe wetsuits as mandatory, in which case the limits are:
Temperature Maximum distance Longest stay allowed
16o Celsius 4 km 2 hrs. 15 mins
15o Celsius 3 km 1 hr. 40 mins
14o Celsius 2 km 1 hr 10 mins
13o Celsius 1 km 35 mins
4.1.6 The water temperature is measured at several points along the course, including the farthest point from the shore, at a depth of 60 cm. The lowest temperature measured is the official water temperature. The official measurement shall take place one hour before the start under supervision of the General Race Marshal. The Organizer is recommended to measure the water temperature the day before at the same time of day as the competition, to be prepared for a possible shortening of the swimming course.
4.1.7 When air temperature, wind and/or other weather conditions call for it, the Organizer may shorten the swimming course and/or delay the start. In such cases the start shall be postponed by a full hour at a time. The postponement shall be clearly announced.
4.1.8 The competitor's race number will be marked on at least one of the competitor's arms and one of the legs by Race Officials for more complete identification.
4.1.9. In an emergency, a competitor should raise an arm overhead and shout for assistance. The competitor must retire from the competition once assistance is provided.
4.2. Equipment
4.2.1. The competitor must wear the bathing cap of a bright colour so as to be easily seen and not confused with the colour of the course markers, with his/her race number on it, provided by the Organizer.
4.2.2. Minimum swimming outfit:
Men: non-transparent bathing trunks;
Women: non-transparent full or two-piece bathing-suit.
(Penalty: warning, the competitor must stop until the necessary correction has taken place; if no correction takes place: Disqualification).
4.2.3. At an WQF sanctioned competition in the open sea, wet suits are mandatory. At water temperatures lower than 13oC the swim shall be cancelled.
4.2.4. The use of one wetsuit is allowed in lake water as per the temperature limits given in the following table:
Swim distance Wetsuits forbidden above
Elite up to 1.500 m 21o C water temp.
1.501 - 3.000 m 23o C water temp.
3.001 - 4.000 m 24o C water temp.
4.001 - 5.000 m 25o C water temp.
5.001 m or more 26o C water temp.
all other categories
up to 1.500 m 22o C water temp.
1.501 - 3.000 m 23o C water temp.
3.001 - 4.000 m 24o C water temp.
4.001 - 5.000 m 25o C water temp.
5.001 m or more 26o C water temp.
4.2.5. The wetsuit may consist of no more than 3 separate parts, namely hood or hat, upper body and lower body. When separate parts are worn, the overlap standing in an ordinary upright position may be no wider than 5 centimetres. It is recommended to wear a close-fitting one-piece suit with full-length sleeves and leggings. All openings should be a tight fit, and seams ought to be glued and blind stitched.
4.2.6. Swim goggles are allowed.
4.3. Illegal Equipment
4.3.1. Artificial aids such as paddles, fins, socks, gloves and snorkels are not allowed. (Penalty: Disqualification)
4.3.2. Wetsuits with thickness exceeding 5 mm are forbidden.
4.3.3. The wearing of wetsuit leggings only is not permitted.
4.3.4. Wearing wetsuits when water temperatures are above the upper limit (see 4.2.4.) is not allowed.
4.3.5. Swimming without wetsuit when water temperatures are below those for mandatory wetsuit (see 4.1.5.) is not allowed.
KAYAK PART
5.1. General Rules
5.1.1. The kayak part of the competition will be carried out as an individual but going on the wake of another competitor in the same class and category is allowed.
5.1.2. Race Officials have the authority to pull a competitor out of the competition for safety reasons, or when the time limit is reached at any point along the kayak course. At the finish of the kayak part, Race Officials may assist to competitors to go out the water but the help has to be provided to every competitor.
5.1.3. When air temperature, wind and/or other weather conditions call for it, the Organizer may shorten the kayak course and/or delay the start. In such cases the start of swimming shall be postponed by a full hour at a time. The postponement shall be clearly announced.
5.1.4. The competitor's race number will be placed on kayak and visible from left side, for more complete identification.
5.2. Equipment
5.2.1. It is allowed to use any sort of kayak or canoe, (K-1, sea kayak, surf ski, etc.)
5.2.2. The competitor must place his/her race number, as provided by the Organizer, on the kayak.
5.2.3. A personal floatation jacket is obliged in open sea races. In all other races it is recommended and can be obliged by the organizer,depending upon the conditions of the race course.
5.2.4. It is mandatory to have, inside your kayak, a well fixed floatation of an approved and suitable type.
5.2.5. The kayak must be properly placed in the transition area near the water. The elite competitors must have the most accessible transition area to position their kayaks.
5.2.6. All Elites and Juniors and Masters must carry their kayaks on designated portages. Exceptions are elderly and disabled competitors.
CYCLING PART
6.1. General Rules
6.1.1. The cycling part of the competition will be carried out as individual cycling without a support vehicle.
6.1.2. Cycling is not allowed in transition areas. (Penalty for infraction: Warning, the competitor must make corrections; if no correction takes place: disqualification).
6.1.3. Traffic regulations must be obeyed if the course is not closed to other traffic or unless the Organizer has issued special rules. (Penalty: Warning; in severe cases: disqualification). Where there has been an accident, the competitor shall take extreme caution in passing.
6.1.4. A competitor may not compete in the cycling part with a bare torso. The lower body must also be covered adequately.(Penalty: Warning, the competitor must stop until the necessary correction has taken place; if no correction takes place: disqualification).
6.1.5. Race Officials may assist the competitors by giving them their bicycles and cycling equipment (bags). However, this service must be the same for all competitors.
6.1.6. Competitors are personally responsible that their bicycles are in legally satisfactory condition at the start of the competition. They themselves bring along the necessary tools and exchange parts and must carry out repairs themselves. It is not allowed to receive help from others, be they fellow competitors or outside helpers. All bicycle parts can be changed during the course of the competition except the frame itself. (Penalty: Disqualification).
6.2. The no-drafting Rule
6.2.1. Competitors are not allowed to draft, i.e. take shelter behind or beside another competitor during the cycling part. (Penalty: Disqualification). All competitors must reject any attempt by others to draft.
6.2.2. A competitor who does not clearly avoid violating the drafting rules may receive a warning, see 3.3. 'Stop-and-Go' warning.
6.2.3 The bicycle draft zone is a rectangle surrounding every competitor that is 3 meters wide and extends 10 meters behind the rear wheel of the competitor's bicycle. The front edge of the front bicycle wheel will define the centre of the leading 3 meters edge of the rectangle.
6.2.4. The draft zone of one competitor may not overlap the draft zone of another competitor.
6.2.5. Competitors may enter the draft zone of another competitor but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 30 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor.
6.2.6. When a competitor is passed by other competitors, it is his/her responsibility to move out of the draft zone, either sideways, or by falling back 10 meters. A competitor is passed when another competitor's front wheel is ahead of his/hers.
6.2.7. Side-by-side riding is only allowed on courses that are fully closed to other traffic. On open, or semi-open, courses only single-file riding is allowed.
6.2.8. It is not allowed to gain unfair advantage by drafting on Officials' escort vehicles, TV and radio vehicles, etc. Minimum bicycle/vehicle separation will be 35 meters.
6.3. Equipment
6.3.1. Bicycles must have the following characteristics:
a. no more than two 2 meters long and 75 cm wide;
b. measure at least 24 cm from the ground to the centre of the chain wheel axle;
c. a vertical line touching the foremost point of the saddle will be no more than 5 cm in front and no more than 15 cm behind a vertical line passing through the centre of the chain wheel axle, and a competitor must not have the capability of adjusting the saddle beyond these lines during the competition;
d. measure no less than 54 cm and no more than 65 cm between a vertical line passing through the centre of the chain wheel axle and a vertical line through the centre of the front wheel axle. Exceptions may be given for the bicycles of very tall or very short competitors;
e. farings which reduce air resistance are prohibited;
f. the front wheel may be a different diameter than the rear wheel but must be of spoke construction. Covers are allowed on the rear wheel only. These provisions may be changed by the WQF Technical Delegate in the interest of safety, i.e. high winds;
g. no wheel may contain mechanisms which are capable of accelerating it;
h. handlebar ends must be plugged, tires well glued, headsets tight, and wheels true;
i. there must be a brake on each wheel;
j. the bicycle must be also marked with the competitor¹s frame number provided by the Organizer;
k. in competitions of the Cadet and Youth categories a maximum gear of 94’ is prescribed. The bike may only cover a distance of maximum 7.49 meters with one rotation of the crank. (Example: rear wheel 27’, front sprockets 54, rear sprockets 16)Distance = (54 = 21.534):16 = 7.26 meter or 91’). (Penalty for not complying with any of the above: warning prior to the competition; if no correction takes place: the competitor is not allowed to start/disqualification).
6.3.2. Handlebars shall comply with the following: Only traditional ‘drop’ handlebars are permitted.’ Clip-ons’ will be permitted, provided they do not extend more than 15 cm beyond the front wheel axle, and they are not longer than the brake levers' foremost line. Straight forward clip-ons must be bridged, and must not carry forward facing brake levers. No forward facing bar or gear shifters are allowed on the end of the 'clip-ons'. The only exception will be grip shifters. Elbow pads are permitted.
6.3.3. Cycling helmets. The competitor shall wear a cycling helmet which has been safety approved by an officially recognised standardisation and testing authority. e.g. leather sausage hairnet type helmets are not allowed. The cycling helmet must be securely fastened at all times during the cycling part from the moment of leaving the transition area until re-entering it. (Penalty for infraction: at the check in: warning, the competitor must enter with an acceptable helmet; if no correction takes place, the competitor is not allowed to start/the bicycle will not be accepted into thebicycle park; before leaving the transition area: warning, the competitor must make corrections to fasten the helmet; when on the cycling part: disqualification.)
6.3.4.Containers of food and drink which are transported by the competitor must be of unbreakable materials, not glass, china, etc. (Penalty: Warning, if no correction: disqualification).
6.3.5. Non-traditional or unusual bicycles or equipment shall be illegal unless prior approval has been received from the General Race Marshal prior to the start of the competition. (Penalty: Warning prior to the competition; if no correction takes place: the competitor is not allowed to start / Disqualification).
6.3.6. Body number. The competitor must wear the body number provided by the Organizer. The body number shall not be cut, folded, or hidden. In the cycling part the body number shall be worn fully visibly on the back side of the cycling outfit. (Penalty: Warning; if no correction takes place, disqualification)
6.3.7. Frame number. The Organizer also provides a frame number to be placed fully visibly on the bicycle when seen from the left. (Penalty for not placing the frame number on the bicycle: Disqualification).
RUNNING CONDUCT
7.1. General Rules
7.1.1. It is allowed to walk.
7.1.2. A competitor may not compete in the running part with a bare torso. The lower body must also be covered adequately. (Penalty: Warning, the competitor must stop until the necessary correction has taken place; if no correction takes place: Disqualification).
7.2. Equipment
7.2.1. Body number. The competitor must wear the body number provided by the Organizer. The body number shall not be cut, folded, or hidden. In the running part the body number shall be worn fully visibly in front. (Penalty: Warning; if no correction takes place: Disqualification).
7.3. Finish
7.3.1. A competitor will be judged as 'finished', the moment part of the torso, not including the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hips or legs, reaches the perpendicular line extending from the leading edge of the finish line.
TRANSITION AREAS
8.1. General Rules
8.1.1. Cycling is not allowed in the transition areas (Penalty for infraction: the competitor must make corrections; if no correction takes place: Disqualification).
8.1.2. Competitors must not impede the progress of other competitors in the transition area. (Penalty: Disqualification).
8.1.3 Competitors must not interfere with another competitor's equipment in the transition area. (Penalty: Disqualification).
8.1.4. Competitors must not place any identification or promotional devices (stickers, balloons, bags, tape, etc.) other than the necessary race equipment. (Penalty: Warning, material will be removed by officials).
8.1.5. Competitors must mount and dismount their bicycle at the designated area or line. (Penalty: dials may assist the competitors by receiving and placing their bicycles and handing out their running equipment (bag). However, this service must be the same for all competitors.
8.1.7. Nudity is forbidden. (Penalty: Disqualification).
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
9.1. Age Categories
9.1.1 The age category age is determined by the year of birth. The age is of the competitor is determined on the 31 day of December in the year of competition. Races are divided into the following categories for male and female competitors:
a) Cadet 14-15
b) Youth 16-17
c) Juniors 18-19
d) Under 23
e) Elite 20-39
f) Masters. Masters are divided into the following age groups:
Masters 1 (40-44) Masters 5 (60-64)
Masters 2 (45-49) Masters 6 (65-69)
Masters 3 (50-54) Masters 7 (70+)
Masters 4 (55-59)
Where Junior and Under 23 category competitors decide to compete in the Elite category, they cannot be considered entered in the other categories at the same time. Their preference must be announced before the start of the race.
9.2. Distances permitted
Sprint Middle Long
Cadet yes no no
Youths yes no no
Under 23 yes no no
Juniors yes yes yes
Elite yes yes yes
Masters yes yes yes
9.3. Team Competition
9.3.1. At World Championships there are team competitions in the following classes, provided at least four teams start in each class:
World Middle and Long Distance Quadrathlon Championships
- Juniors & Elite & Masters
World Sprint Distance Quadrathlon Championships
- All categories
9.3.2. Each team may consist of up to 6 competitors.
9.3.3. The added time of the three best competitors in the team gives the result. Only teams in which at least three competitors have completed the course count in the competition. Only one team per NF may enter and count in the scoring. Team members must be registered by name before the competition.
9.3.4. There shall be team competition for Masters in all World Championships, provided there are enough athletes for teams from 4 countries to score. Teams will not be registered before the competition, but the top 3 athletes irrespective of age score for their nation.
9.3.5 The age category of all teams shall be determined by the average of the ages of all team members.
9.4. Prizes and Awards
9.4.1. Prizes and awards should be given for results in the complete competition.
9.4.2. In WQF sanctioned competitions, prize money and any other awards shall be distributed equally for male and female classes in both depth and amountin all categories.
9.4.3. The WQF awards gold, silver and bronze medals to the first three male and female finishers in a World Championship. In a World Championship for Juniors and Masters, the WQF medals go to the first three male and female finishers.
9.4.4. At team competitions in World Championships WQF awards gold, silver, and bronze medals to the counting members of the first three teams.
9.4.5. The total prize purse will be deposited in a NF account eight weeks prior to the competition for World Cup events.
9.4.6. The ratio of the prize money is recommended to be:
Males: First 30%
Second 25%
Third 20%
Fourth 15%
Fifth 10%
The Females prize purse shall be the same amount, by the same ratios.
9.5 World Championships
9.5.1. World Championships shall be organised for female and male competitors in the following age categories:
Middle and long distance quadrathlon for Under 23 - in conjunction with
Middle and long distance quadrathlon for Juniors - in conjunction with:
Middle and long distance quadrathlon for Elite - in conjunction with:
Middle and long distance quadrathlon for Masters
Sprint distance quadrathlon for all categories
9.5.2. Juniors may compete in the World Quadrathlon Championship as Elite in the Middle distance, but this excludes them from scoring in the Juniors categories at the same World Championships.
RACE OFFICIALS
10.1. Technical Delegate
10.1.1. World Championships are supervised by an WQF Technical Delegate. Description of their functions: see WQF Operations Manual.
10.2. General Race Marshal
10.2.1. A General Race Marshal (GRM) supervises all marshalling functions at WQF sanctioned competitions. For a description of functions: see WQF Operations Manual.
10.3. Race Marshals
10.3.1. An elite corps of international Race Marshals will officiate at World Championships and (if arranged by contract) other WQF events supplemented by officials supplied by the organising NF. The WQF TC shall assign the international race marshals. Each NF sending teams to a World Championship is under the obligation to supply one Race Marshal to that championship, who meets the criteria laid down by the WQF Technical Committee (TC) for international Race Marshals, and pay costs for travel and accommodation for him/her.
10.3.2. The functions of the Race Marshals are as follows: only Race Marshals may assess and inflict penalties; Race Marshals shall be unbiased and objective; Race Marshals shall ensure the validity of a penalty before imposing it; Race Marshals shall make a report in writing to the General Race Marshal of penalties imposed.
10.4 Protest Jury
10.4.1. A Protest Jury shall be appointed at all WQF sanctioned competitions.
10.4.2. A place and time for a meeting of the Protest Jury after the competition and the names of the members of the Protest Jury shall be announced at the pre-race briefing.
10.4.3. The Protest Jury consists of three members: one representative from the WQF Executive Board or by absence the WQF Technical Delegate or his/her substitute according to b) - who is chairperson of the Protest Jury; the WQF Technical Delegate - or by absence, another member of any WQF Committee; one representative from the organising NF; if necessary a third member to be appointed by the Protest Jury.
10.4.4 The General Race Marshal must be accessible for consultation.
10.4.5. The members of the Protest Jury shall preferably be of separate nationalities. At World Championships this must always be the case.
PROTESTS
11.1. General Rules
11.1.1. Protests can be made against: the eligibility and conduct of fellow competitors; other parties involved in a rule infringement; decisions by Race Marshals.
11.2. Protest Procedures
11.2.1. Protests can be made by competitors and/or their official national representatives. A protest can be made by one person at a time only.
11.2.2. Protests against the conduct of competitors or decisions by Race Marshals shall be made within one hour of completing or leaving the course, or after the time of posting of the disqualification on the official notice board.
11.2.3. Protests concerning a competitor's equipment which infringes on the conditions set out in the Competition Rules shall be made within one hour after the competitor's finish time.
11.2.4 Protests must be put in writing in English and given to a member of the Protest Jury together with a fee of EUROs 30. This fee is refundable if the protest is accepted.
11.2.5 On receipt of a protest the Chairman of the Protest Jury shall call together the other members of the Protest Jury, and arrange to hear verbal evidence from all parties concerned in the protest or offence. All protesters, appellants, Race Marshals and the General Race Marshal and witnesses involved in an accident during the competition must make themselves available to give evidence at the time and place announced for the meeting of the Protest Jury. If anyone of these persons cannot be present, their evidence should be submitted in writing to the General Race Marshal before the meeting of the Protest Jury. Failure to do so may invalidate the protest.
11.2.6 Protests shall be dealt with by the Protest Jury in the order that the Jury considers best. However, protests concerning the same person(s) or cases shall be dealt with by the Protest Jury in the order that they have been received.
11.2.7 If at a World Championship any members of the Protest Jury are of the same nationality as one of the parties involved they shall take no part in the proceedings. If the Chairman must pull out of the Protest Jury, the decision belongs to the representative from the WQF Technical Committee. If both the Chairman and the representative from the WQF Technical Committee must pull out of the Protest Jury the original ruling of the General Race Marshal stands.
11.2.8 Having heard all the available evidence, the Protest Jury should then retire to consider its verdict, which shall be final. The decision shall at first be given verbally to the protester, followed by a written report to the competitor's NF where appropriate.
DEFINITIONS & DISTANCES
12.1. Definitions
12.1.1. Quadrathlon is an endurance and versatility sport, in which the individual competitor carries out a swimming, a kayak, a cycling and a running part, and with the clock running during transitions.
12.2. Distances
12.2.1. The WQF standard distances for quadrathlon competitions are set as follows:
Quadrathlon: Swim Kayak Bike Run
Sprint : 750 m, 4 km, 20 km, 5 km
Middle : 1.50 km, 8 km, 40 km, 10 km
Long : 5.00 km, 20 km, 100 km, 21.1 km
Local Organizers may vary these distances by as much as 10%, according to local conditions and for reasons of terrain or safety.
12.2.2 The order of the race parts is as perscribed (swim, kayak, cycle, run) for all WQF sanctioned World Championship events. Local organizers may vary the order to allow for local conditions of safety or terrain by exchanging the order of the kayak and cycle parts.
