This morals of this thread were much simpler when we could simply claim that anyone in favor of the rule was a sighted bigot.

There ya go, you found one!! If you notice my quote it states No athlete THAT I KNOW OF....I don't know Ivonne and apparently she is in favour...still is not trumping the 30+ athletes I currently know that are against the rule.
Fairness keeps getting tossed around...again see my previous note...putting glasses on Aaron won't make it fair... and that isn't really the issue.
The concern is SAFETY and FURTHER DISABLING another human being...Ivonne did not address that (that i saw).
Those against this rule and giving examples of Clydesdale and wetsuit rules are not being further disabled or disabled at all by these rules.
One issue that isn't being taken into account is that this rule in the Tri6 category is not being extended to other PC categories. You do not see amputees being told their "stump" is 2 inches longer then their competitor and in order to level the field they need to hack it off!?
The rule means a little bit something different to each blind/vi athlete..again Aaron is very concerned with safety (as i am), however I am very concerned with it further disabling me.
I again state that many people are choosing not to educate themselves on the issue and really show lack of empathy or the ability to put yourself in anothers shoes. However, it is no skin off my back as being "handicapped" i will never race against or take awards away from you "pro age groupers" who know everything. I'm just a blind guy looking to compete.....and enjoy a sport that we all share a passion for.
Healthy debate is a wonderful thing, ONLY if you choose to actually become informed on the topic.
Thanks to those out there that are, it is refreshing:)
Really in the grand scheme of things it is not worth getting into a "peeing match" over... as it is only a rule that will affect us poor blind folk:) :)

Christ, and I was called a jerk for asking the same questions......LOL

Being "fair" is not why we have rules. We have rules to create standards. If you do not want to play by the standards set (rules)....DONT PLAY


Can a blind guy read that?

It's not always possible for people with disabilities to compete directly with the able-bodied

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Such a simple question and yet is the only one that matters..


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You are absolutely right. Like many people doing triathlon there seems to be a limitation as to why you can't win outright. Why not just join the rest of us in enjoying the process?

Is there an advantage to you having partial sight over someone who has none?

One issue that isn't being taken into account is that this rule in the Tri6 category is not being extended to other PC categories. You do not see amputees being told their "stump" is 2 inches longer then their competitor and in order to level the field they need to hack it off!?....Healthy debate is a wonderful thing, ONLY if you choose to actually become informed on the topic.

P 2.0 TRI 6 Paratriathlete and Guide Conduct.
The following additional rules apply to TRI 6 Paratriathletes and their guides:
a) TRI 6 competitors must furnish and use one guide of the same gender in competition.
b) Guides must be a minimum of 18 years of age on the day of the event.
c) The TRI 6 competitor may choose to use an elbow lead, tether lead or to run free.
d) All TRI 6 competitors must be tethered during the swim. The tether may be used around the waist, leg or foot.
e) During the run portion, TRI 6 competitors may receive verbal instruction only from their guide.
f) All TRI 6 competitors shall use approved “black out glasses” during the entire run portion (beginning at their assigned space in the transition area.)
g) Bicycles, paddle boards or any other mechanical means of transport may not be used by guides on the swim or run.
h) TRI 6 competitors must use a tandem bicycle. The specifications of the tandem bicycle are:

1) The tandem bicycle is a vehicle for two riders, with two wheels of equal diameter, which conforms to the general principles of UCI construction for bicycles. The front wheel shall be steerable by the front rider, known as the ‘pilot’. The guide shall be the front rider and the TRI 6 competitor will ride in the rear. Both riders shall face forward in the traditional cycling position and the rear wheel shall be driven by both cyclists through a system comprising pedals and chains.
2) The tandem top tube, and any additional strengthening tubes, may slope to suit the morphological sizes of the riders.

i) At no time may the guide lead or pace the athlete or propel the athlete forward by pulling or pushing. Time penalty.
j) Whether or not a tether is being used, the athlete and guide shall not be more than 0.5meters apart at all times. Time penalty.
k) As the TRI 6 athlete crosses the finish line, the guide must maintain no more than the required 0.5 meter maximum separation distance and may not precede the athlete. Time penalty.
l) Guides shall be subject to all USA Triathlon Competitive Rules, including membership requirements.
Infringement of any these rules shall result in a disqualification (DQ) unless otherwise indicated.