Officiating
Triathlon is a sport governed by rules (a summary of the basic rules can be found elsewhere on this site), and those rules are upheld by officials (you’ll have seen them at events wearing a blue vest). To wear a blue vest the official must, at a minimum level, attend a training course and be mentored on the field of play (FOP) by a senior official.
Officials have a range of roles and responsibilities based on their level of certification. Generally speaking, officials must ensure that the event is safe and fair for the competitors. It is their job to uphold the fundamental rules of the sport as well as oversee basic safety and fairness.
An officials’ job doesn’t just begin on race day. Senior officials will work with race directors in the lead-up to their event to ensure the courses and schedules are set up safely and fairly. After the event, the TD has to submit a report. It’s not all glamour and riding on the back of a big motorbike!
How to become an official
TNS follows Triathlon Canada’s internationally accredited technical official’s education program. There are five levels of official, staring with two provincial levels, a national level, and finally two international levels. If you are interested in becoming one of our officials, drop us a line in the office and we’ll let you know how to start your officiating journey.
