Rules Question - Jersey for unattached racer
 

So, I've moved to a new location and I'm a new racer (still a 5), so I decided to go into this season unattached. (I'm hoping to catch on with a team during the season. Sort of, hey, we need someone to wear our logo and ride slow enough for people to actually read it, you interested?) I need to figure out what to wear in a race in the meantime.

I've read the rules, and (notwithstanding a lack of understanding regarding the distinction between a club and a team), I get what I can't wear. Basically anything with a team or club logo is out, as are sponsorship logos. (So those guys who race in charity ride jerseys, no good.) But what does that mean is in? Most of the stuff I see which doesn't have sponsorship logos all over it still has manufacturers logos. Are those logos ok? Only if they are small enough?

Is this judged on a case by case basis by officials? Anyone have some suggestions that they know will pass muster? Am I thinking too much about it?

It won't be enforced in the 5s.

If there is general agreement, then that's good enough for now. I'm about ready to move up to 4, think it will be an issue there?

You have to forgive me, I'm a lawyer, I live by rules.

As long as you don't wear a pro team kit, or any of the local team kits you'll be fine. Don't sweat it.

Thanks. (I am upwards of 20 jerseys now, I certainly don't want to buy another needlessly.) Now when Carpe pulls me from Bethel this Sunday I'll come yell at all of you.

hahaha

In the 5s if you wear a manufacturer logo'ed jersey you're fine, even if the jersey screams the manufacturer's name.

If you have an outside-of-the-region club jersey on you're probably okay. Technically the official may ask you if you belong to them, like if it's on your license. As long as you're not trying to fool anyone about who you're racing for (i.e. you aren't wearing your team kit but you're racing for your team) then in principle it's okay. They may ask for your license though.

The idea is twofold. Riders shouldn't misrepresent themselves as belonging to another team. Clubs shouldn't be allowed to have jerseys unless they put on a race within a couple years.

It's going to be chilly at 8. You'll probably be wearing a jacket of some sort and then the point is moot.

Yes. Logos of the apparel manufacturer are legal. I've never seen it enforced, by why not simply comply with the rule?

It's moot for Sunday, but not so much as the spring and summer progress. Battenkill, Hunter Mountain, Tour of the Catskills, etc.

That's why I ask. I'm a rules guy. They are there because people thought them a good idea. I also like the idea of being seen in plain jersey as a way to meet potential teams.

As others have said you'll be fine. Here's my contribution: if you are interested in finding a team, make it known. I'm not saying to start every conversation by saying "Hi, I'm island rider and I'm looking to join a team for next season!" But don't just say nothing to anyone and hope someone approaches you. You might get offers that way, you might not. But keep an eye on the various teams at the races - who is strong, who seems to have a good team vibe, which teams do the guys you connect with well during racing and group rides ride for. Once you get a picture of which teams look interesting, you can make a more-informed decision about which team YOU want to ride for, not just which team will take you. It's really no big deal - very few teams are highly selective about the Cat 4 and 5 riders they take. It's up to you to be selective about which team should have the privilege of having you as a member, not the other way around.

You just articulated my plan.

The one thing I have seen a rider get pulled for is wearing a World championship jersey. Don't do that.

If you're racing a WC jersey in the 5's, no one would believe it anyway. As others have said, don't wear a team jersey.

Something plain is probably best, but if you can't do that then I think you should just go with the loudest thing you can find from Primal Wear.

I saw a guy in a masters 4/5 race with a TdF yellow jersey. The offical told him to wear something else for the next race.

My choice would wear something plain. Either solid color or generic pattern. But really it doesn't matter.

Yeah. It's against the rules and you might actually run into a rider (not in a Cat 5 race, obvi) who actually has earned the rainbow bands.

I've seen people without sleeves get told to put on sleeves. But that's kind of outside the scope of my question.

Side question: is putting on a race still a requirement? I looked through the current rulebook for it and couldn't find it, just a requirement to be a registered club.

When looking at the rule it is always good to look at the intent. Here there are several:
- Prevent riders who have not earned a jersey (eg. world champion) to wear them
- Ensure that only teams/clubs registered with USAC are allowed to shows sponsors (one main reason to register your team!)
- Keep riders who are not members of a club/team from wearing that team's jersey

Much of this comes from past history of trying strengthen the club/team program. You can't have sponsors without registering your team; a rider can't wear a team jersey without being on that team...

When I am officiating at a race I don't get too crazy about Cat. 5s showing up in a team kit they shouldn't be wearing. As an example I was much more concerned about a rider last weekend having his number pinned on upside down than the fact be was wearing a Bontrager/Livestrong kit! I'll usually just say something about the rule and ask them not to repeat in the future, especially if they are wearing rainbow stripes. To me there is a bigger concern with a rider wearing the kit of a local team they have not paid dues to than some pro team. Note that this is my opinion...some officials get much more worked up over such things! And I get much more serious with the higher categories.

And regular manufacturers logos are just fine - again the intent is to only allow SPONSORS to be displayed on registered team clothing.

And if you want to have a lot of fun just dig into the UCI clothing regulations!

My take on this is simple. I'm not going to pull you from a local CAT 5 race just because your jersey has manufacturers logo on it. Nor am I going to if you have a Quickstep, or any other UCI pro team jersey on. The most important thing I'm looking for is that number you have pinned on, and that the jersey has sleeves. My job is to enforce the rules, and score where you finish but I'm not afraid to look the other way on this issue. You paid the entry fee, and I want you to have a good, safe, fun race. Plus that entry fee you folks pay is what pays me to be there in the first place. Without you, I'm staying home and not making any extra cash..

Good luck to all on the upcoming season!!

The Bethel official has asked guys who showed up wearing Stars and Stripes jerseys to wear something different the next week. He has done the same with world champ jerseys and socks with the rainbow.

You won't be doing any yelling if you're in my group. :)

And you know about the sleeves, right? No tri-tops.

I thought that rule was changed for 2013.

@island rider - What size jersey do you wear?