What do the yellow, blue and red cards mean, and how long are time penalties?
Rule- USA
- USA Triathlon
- Age-group
- Ages 15+
- Draft-illegal
- Multisport Competition Rules
- 2026 rules
- Athletes
A Technical Official shows a card and calls your race number (section 7):
- Yellow card: time penalty for a minor infringement (for example blocking, illegal pass or position). Served at the next bike penalty box, or "on the spot" on the run.
- Blue card: drafting, overtaken or re-passing penalty, served at the next bike penalty box.
- Red card: disqualification. Don't stop at the penalty box.
| Bike course length | Blue card | Yellow card |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 km (Super Sprint) | 30 sec | 5 sec |
| 20 km (Sprint) | 30 sec | 10 sec |
| Over 20 km, under 80 km (incl. Standard/Olympic) | 1 min | 15 sec |
| 80 to 90 km (Middle) | 2 min | 30 sec |
| Over 90 km (Long) | 3 min | 1 min |
At the penalty box: stop, put both feet down, and tell the official your number, how many penalties and the card color(s). Your time starts then and ends when the official says "Go". No bike adjustments, and only the food and drink you're carrying. Skipping the box or not serving the full time is a DSQ.
With a bike course under 80 km, two or more blue cards may mean disqualification after the race (three or more at 80 km and longer).
Added 21 Oct 2026