Originally Posted by
Doge
I don't know where to look this up, as I did at least search for it. Can you please give me a link.
I looked here on age :
http://www.ironman.com/~/media/be213...17%20final.pdf
"Section 1.07 COMPETITION AGE
All age-group athletes must participate and compete in the age-group division corresponding to
the athlete’s age as of December 31 of the year of the Event."
It seems they do not compete with pros, which is similar to bicycle racing in Europe.
If a 17 year old were a pro, would they be allowed the same equipment?
A 17-year-old would not be allowed the same equipment in an Ironman as an 18-year-old, because 17-year-olds are not allowed to compete in Ironman. In general triathlon, I don't know the minimum age (if any) to pick up a pro card, but there are no other age-related requirements or rules I'm aware of.
The pros have a different wetsuit temperature than age-groupers (68* instead of 76* (78* for general USAT)) and have different drafting rules on the bike (double the distance and must be staggered left vs right when at that distance). They are also always a mass start while age groupers are increasingly going off in time trial starts.
But really, this is all immaterial. You don't like USAC rules. You don't like Strava rules, or lack thereof, and not everyone else on Strava taking it as the Serious Business you do. If you or your kid raced Ironman you'd find you didn't like USAT or WTC rules. Heaven forbid your kid played football or basketball and you were getting to experience the joy of NCAA rules and official visits and permissible benefits. What it really seems, to me, is that you want a sport with no rules that restrict your kid whatsoever while forcing everyone else to compete on his ideal terms. It's understandable, in a way, but not a very sympathetic position.
Originally Posted by Doge
My kid got fined for not signing in. I didn't think that was cheating. But the fine was paid, because they are in charge. Simple as that.
In your position, I would be worried about my kid not being able to follow very simple and basic procedures like an adult, not that he isn't allowed to use the exact same equipment as an adult. Over in triathlon, if you miss packet pickup, you're not fined.
You're just not allowed to compete. In the real world of college and professional life, the rules and requirements get much stricter, as I'm sure you know.