diff --git a/git_cl.py b/git_cl.py
index f884eaa6c6..6c7afe48f5 100755
--- a/git_cl.py
+++ b/git_cl.py
@@ -1591,6 +1591,14 @@ def CMDtry(parser, args):
       (b, forced_tests) for b, t in builders_and_tests.iteritems()
       if t != ['compile'])
 
+  if any('triggered' in b for b in builders_and_tests):
+    print >> sys.stderr, (
+        'ERROR You are trying to send a job to a triggered bot.  This type of'
+        ' bot requires an\ninitial job from a parent (usually a builder).  '
+        'Instead send your job to the parent.\n'
+        'Bot list: %s' % builders_and_tests)
+    return 1
+
   patchset = cl.GetPatchset()
   if not cl.GetPatchset():
     patchset = cl.GetMostRecentPatchset(cl.GetIssue())
diff --git a/trychange.py b/trychange.py
index 39b827b10b..73c81ee543 100755
--- a/trychange.py
+++ b/trychange.py
@@ -836,6 +836,13 @@ def TryChange(argv,
       # If no bot is specified, either the default pool will be selected or the
       # try server will refuse the job. Either case we don't need to interfere.
 
+    if any('triggered' in b.split(':', 1)[0] for b in options.bot):
+      print >> sys.stderr, (
+          'ERROR You are trying to send a job to a triggered bot.  This type of'
+          ' bot requires an\ninitial job from a parent (usually a builder).  '
+          'Instead send your job to the parent.\nBot list: %s' % options.bot)
+      return 1
+
     if options.print_bots:
       print 'Bots which would be used:'
       for bot in options.bot: