What is a USAT sanctioned race?
USAT is the USA Triathlon national governing body for the multisport disciplines of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, and winter triathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon is a member federation of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the International Triathlon Union. Its headquarters are in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
When a race becomes USAT Sanctioned, they must meet the standards of the USAT Olympic governing body and go through a vetting process with USAT. With this comes benefits that make racing safer, more enjoyable, and adds value to the event. Here is a list of some of those items:
1) Ensures the race will meet USAT safety standards
2) The race must meet Fairness standards during a competition.
3) Assesses points/rankings to each finisher to compare each year and track
4) Provides an opportunity to qualify for USAT Nationals each year based on placement
5) Grows the sport of triathlon with membership fees collected or one day passes.
6) Provides Insurance for the event
Do I need to be a member to participate in a USAT sanctioned race?
Yes, you need to be an annual member or purchase a one-day pass ($15) for any sanctioned race. One day passes can be purchased at registration, or you can buy an annual pass here: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon
WHAT ARE SOME OF GAME ON! RACE EVENTS POLICIES?
REFUNDS – Race entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, we understand that things come up; Injuries, illness, pregnancy, work, family issues, etc. The following policies are in place to give you, the athlete, as much flexibility as possible within a framework that allows us to continue putting on high quality races. Please understand that long before online registration closes, we have finalized orders for shirts, awards, medals, food, and dozens of other items.
DEFERRALS – Any participant who cannot compete in the event for ANY reason has the option of a one-time deferment of their registration into the following years race. The deferral request must be made from within the athlete’s RunSignUp profile and must be done at least 7 days prior to the race. There is a $25 fee to defer your event to the following year. If this event is unavailable in the following year, the athlete will be given a credit to use at another event, less the $25 fee. The strict 7 day in advance of race day policy will be enforced.
The defer option can be found by logging in to your RunSignUp account, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Defer Registration. Depending on the Race page's theme, the Defer option can be either located on the top of the page or on the left of the page. There will be a $25 fee for deferral. Please use this link for instructions should you need them.
UPGRADE/DOWNGRADE – You may upgrade your race on the same weekend at the same venue online by paying the difference in registration fees for that event. You may also downgrade or switch to a different event on the same day/venue. There are no refunds for downgrading, but we will allow you to change races within that event. For many athletes, switching to the Duathlon or Aquabike may be a good option. This should be accomplished online prior to event day, but if you notify our race manager on race day during late packet pick up, we will be happy to change/upgrade/downgrade your race. Please see a manager and not a volunteer.
TRANSFERS – We do not allow person to person transfers for any reason. Allowing someone else to use your bib may result in a one-year suspension by USAT and the potential for being sued by your friend if they get hurt at the event.
WEATHER – All events are "rain or shine" events. Every effort will be made to have each event on the scheduled date, on time, as planned. However, the safety of our athletes, volunteers, and staff is our number one concern. Game On! Race Events reserves the right to change or alter the course as necessary in the name of safety. In the event of severe inclement weather such as lightning, the following procedure will be followed: The event will be postponed for 30-45 minutes in hopes that the inclement weather passes. If the inclement weather does not pass within this time frame, we may decide to alter the event, perhaps to a duathlon format. If conditions are deemed to be unsafe, versus challenging, we may be forced cancel the event. Every situation is different but please understand, this is a "rain or shine" event and everyone is expected to show up on race day.
ATHLETE NOTIFICATION – If there is impending inclement weather (i.e. hurricane), we will make periodic updates on our Facebook page. It is not necessary to have a Facebook account, you can go to Game On! Race Events and view the Facebook feed. If for any reason it becomes necessary to cancel the event, we will do so as early as possible and notify all registered participants via email.
EVENT CANCELLATION – Should this event be cancelled due to an "Act of God" or circumstances beyond the control of our management team, Game On! Race Events will issue athletes a code worth 50% (of what you paid) good towards any future Game On! Race Event. The new registration must be for the registered athlete and completed within one year from the cancelled race date, as the coupon will expire on that date.
USA TRIATHLON – All of our triathlons are USA Triathlon sanctioned events. Every participant is required to have a USAT membership regardless of which event triathlon/duathlon/aquabike. You will purchase an annual or a one-day membership during the registration process. Please note that your race age will be based on your age as of the last day of December in the year you are racing. For example, if the race is in April and you are 39 but turn 40 in October, you will be racing in the 40-44-year-old category. Please take a look at the most common rules violations so that you can be sure to have a penalty free race. If you would like to see the full list of USA Triathlon competitive rules, please follow the link.
WETSUITS - Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78°Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78°, but less than 84° Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for awards. Age group participants shall not wear wetsuits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84° Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified. NOTE: Water temperature will not be announced prior to any event, but is determined on race morning by the USAT official.
AWARD CATEGORIES – Triathlon and Duathlon awards will be awarded 3 Deep (Male and Female) in the following groups: Overall, Age Group, 15 & Under, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34…80+, Para, Athena, Clydesdale, Relay Teams (Male, Female, Co-ed). First place only will be awarded to (Male and Female) the Masters (athlete over 40). There is no "double-dipping". If you win overall or masters, you will be pulled out of your age-group to receive the overall award.
Aquabike awards will be 3 deep Overall and Age Groups: 15 & Under, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34…80+. There is no "double-dipping". If you win overall, you will be pulled out of your age-group to receive the overall award.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I GET TO THE RACE VENUE? - All participants should arrive to the race venue one hour prior to the first wave start, even if your race doesn't start until later.
TRANSITION OPENS 5:30 a.m. and closes (for everyone) 10 minutes before the first wave start.
CAN I VOLUNTEER TO WORK AN EVENT? – Yes! Thank you for thinking of it. We love our volunteers! There are many ways to help. Your time and effort has a huge impact on the success of each race. Earn Game On! race credit or community service hours. It is fun, and your fellow racers sincerely appreciate you. Help is needed at the start (packet pick up, body marking, chip hand-out), during (on course, pointers, water stations), and at the finish (water, medals, chip removal). Of course set-up and break-down is always appreciated! Please inquire and let us know how you can help. We would love to have you or your group (large groups may qualify for a donation) volunteer at any of our events.
Email Willie@gameonraceevents.com for more information.