Originally Posted by topflightpro

Per USAC Rulebook:

2B5. A legitimate fall, a puncture, or the breakage of an essential part of the bicycle shall be considered recognized mishaps. All others incidents are considered un-recognized mishaps.

and

Mishap: A crash or a mechanical accident (tire puncture or other failure of an essential component). However, a puncture caused by the tire coming off due to inadequate gluing is not a mechanical accident, nor is a malfunction due to miss-assembly or insufficient tightening of any component. A recognized mishap is a stoppage that meets the above conditions. An unrecognized mishap is a stoppage where the above conditions are not met. A broken toe strap or cleat is a mishap. A worn or misadjusted cleat or toe strap is not a mishap. If more than one toe strap is used on a pedal, breakage of one is considered a mishap. Any mishap not immediately inspected by an official is unrecognized.

Based on that, a loose saddle is not a legitimate mishap. Had the saddle bolt broken, it would have been.