If you have raced a triathlon before, then you must have heard the term “Penalty Box”. Did you ever notice the bright red gazebos along the cycling course of a triathlon? Those are called “Penalty Boxes.”
Penalty boxes are strategically placed along the cycling course. They are not permanent structures, so they could just be floor-marked areas where the competitors have to stand, or they could be set aside with the use of barricades. They could also be in the form of tents or a gazebo to provide shade. Most importantly, the inscription “PENALTY BOX” is written boldly on the area to be visible to both competitors and spectators, making it hard to miss.
But what is a triathlon Penalty Box? A penalty box in a triathlon is the area where penalties are served during the race. It is where a triathlete does the time of a penalty for an offense not severe enough to warrant instant disqualification. Usually, the time spent in a triathlon penalty box ranges from a few seconds to five minutes, depending on the offense.
What Happens in The Penalty Box?
The penalty of defaulting in a triathlon is a Time Penalty. This means an athlete has to spend part of this race time (depending on his or her offense) off the racecourse. Basically, the athlete does nothing but wait in the penalty box till the allotted time is served, then the athlete is allowed back into the race.
It is essential to know that even while in the penalty box, the athlete is still considered a competitor in the race, so the athlete is still obligated to follow the sport’s rules.
The responsibility of a triathlete while in the penalty box are;
- Must remain in their bike attire, with their helmet and bike shoes on.
- Must remain with their bike upright throughout the time to be spent in the penalty box.
- Must not litter.
- Must not receive food or drink from a spectator.
- Must sign the penalty box register when requested by the technical or Penalty Box official.
Defaulting in any of these may earn the triathlete extra time in the penalty box, or the athlete may have to recommence the penalty period.
You may also like to check the post about Is a TT Tri Bike Faster than a Road Bike? to make sure you are getting the optimal speed in your race.
General Rules to avoid penalty
Here are the basic penalty rules in triathlon.
- The international Triathlon union, ITU, has specific rules that should be complied with at all times. If any participant refuses to adhere, it can attract a penalty. The player will first be warned, after which disqualification or suspension may apply.
- If any participant fails to follow the prescribed course, this participant might be compelled to stop the race and reapply later.
- If any of the participants use abusive words toward any official, the participant would be placed on a penalty and maybe suspension.
Some key questions are usually asked by participants so that they can better understand the offenses attached with penalties.
For a solid list of common violations and resulting penalties, we would highly recommend you go through our post titled Triathlon Distances & Average Timings Analysis (Infographic); Pick Your Right Fight !
Most Common Triathlon Violations
Drafting
It is imperative that participants do not enter the draft zone of another athlete and not pass. There is a rule of thumb that as competitors enter the draft zone of another, it is essential that they pass as soon and they can and not back out (Source). When a competitor enters the draft zone of another, such participant is considered a “passerโ and should do accordingly at an allotted time. It is said that quite a lot of athletes do not understand this concept.
This is a major penalty fault. If an athlete is caught backing out on another competitor, it is deemed an offense and is set as a penalty.
This is because the athlete in front may not have enough space to move. Athletes who have an excellent knowledge of this offense sometimes try to beat the system by swerving to the left when the allotted passer time is elapsed. With the thought that they have successfully escaped the offense, notwithstanding, they will still be flagged with a penalty. This is because when an athlete is found in another competitorsโ draft zone, it is a must that the athlete passes by. Basically, always pass when you enter another competitor’s draft zone or do not enter at all.
It is common that athletes get into difficulty when the competitor directly in front of them decides to slow down. One can only imagine how inconveniencing that can be especially if it is on a rolling hill course. This might make the athlete behind to enter the draft zone of the other. Most often than not, if this happens, the athlete might get stuck in the draft zone without passing. This will also attract a penalty. It is essential that, in this case, the athlete behind plans strategically and makes sure to swerve way before such an incident happens, as it mostly happens when going uphill. So, athletes should take the transition at the downhill-uphill area so as not to get stuck.
Helmets
This is a common but subtle mistake participants sometimes make. First, there is a certified helmet that is expected of athletes as stated in triathlon rules. Check out the helmet we favor and recommend (Amazon link)
The helmet used must correspond accordingly. Also, the helmet must be worn at all times. During the game, in the penalty box, wherever. So far, you are a participant.
Blocking
As discussed earlier, it is expected that athletes do not stay prolonged on the left side of another participant. This would be counted as blocking, and it would be counted as penalty.
Abandonment
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make. The rule here is to always keep whatever you possess with you at all time. Your gear, bottle, garbage, what have you. They shouldnโt be left somewhere else, because it might attract a penalty.
Public Urination
This is a rather funny and disgusting mistake to make. Sometimes players may decide to take a break to ease themselves when they feel pressed. They then go ahead to urinate on themselves. Some go as far as rinsing it with water, just to make it seem unnoticed. However, officials are aware of how silly some athletes can be, so they pay attention to this. While awarding them with a penalty.
Penalty Box Officials
In each of the penalty boxes in the sport, we have the Penalty Box officials. The penalty box officials report to or take orders from the Chief Penalty Box official, the Chief Race official, or the Race Referee. They are in charge of making sure that while competitors serve their penalty time, they do not leave their bike, litter, or take a bathroom break. When defaulting competitors come into the penalty box, they state their infringement to the penalty box official; either a Blue card or a Yellow card.
For a BLUE CARD Time penalty, the box official will;
- Activate a stopwatch
- Records their race number and violation in the penalty box register
- Asks the competitor to sign a register as evidence of attending the penalty box.
- Takes a photo of the competitor race number on the bike, which may be needed for verification afterward.
- Advises the competitor to proceed safely after the time penalty has elapsed.
For a YELLOW CARD stop-start penalty, the box official will;
- Records the competitor’s race number and violation in the penalty box
- Asks the competitors to sign a register, as evidence of attending the penalty box
- Takes a photo of the competitor’s race number on the bike, which may be needed for verification afterward.
- Advises the competitors to proceed safely after the time penalty has elapsed.
After the race, the Race Referee (RR), Chief Race Official, or the Chief Penalty box obtain all from all Technical officials, their Penalty Box Registers, and reconcile all infringements with the Penalty Box Registers. The duties and responsibilities of Penalty Box officials are properly spelled out by the International Triathlon Union (ITU).
Is a Penalty Box necessary in Triathlon?
Every sport has its specific guides that are made up of rules and regulations, and there are set penalties for breaking those rules and regulations. The same goes for Triathlon. Breaking the rules of the sport will earn you a penalty. For a sport like triathlon, where time and speed are of the essence, a” time” penalty for infringement is most appropriate. The problem triathletes mostly have with penalty boxes is not in the fact that there are penalty boxes but because of the reasons why they have to go to the penalty boxes.
Offenses such as drafting, blocking other competitors, and nudity should definitely be considered aninfringements. But for example, the offense of not correctly placing your gear in the transition box or removing your helmet too early may seem too trivial to cost precious time in the penalty boxes.
Penalty Boxes are a necessary part of Triathlon. The best way for a competitor to avoid spending time in the Penalty Boxes is by ensuring they properly understand and observes all the rules and regulations governing a Triathlon. This is important, especially when a triathlete is competing in unfamiliar territory.
How to handle a penalty?
Basically, it is imperative to understand that if an athlete understands all the basic rules behind the game, it would be very hard for such an athlete to be penalized on any ground. However, it can be hard trying to pay attention to all of the triathlon rules, especially in some very tough instances. Hence you should always take all forms of negative thoughts from your mind and focus as much as you can on the game. Even the best players sometimes make these mistakes and get stuck in the penalty zone for some minutes before they are allowed back in the game. Be as proactive as you can; think ahead. And if you ever see a need to vent or rant, feel free, but do not use offensive words. Happy racing!
Also read What Is A Triathlon License? How Much Does It Cost? And Do You Need One! & Top 50 must-know tips for every beginner triathlete
