Triathlon Ontario is looking for some dedicated people interested in giving back to the sport as Provincial Technical Officials.

Triathlon Officials are volunteers who help run the sport, keeping triathlon safe and fair for everyone.  It’s not always easy job and it requires a degree of professionalism other volunteer positions don’t, but it offers many unique opportunities for those with the interest, attitude and energy required. Officiating is a fun and rewarding volunteer activity, and officials are essential for safe, fair events.

Triathlon Ontario is offering a Provincial Triathlon Official Level 1 Course Saturday, August 12 in Barrie, Ontario. This entry-level course is the first step on the officials’ development pathway and prepares candidates to officiate in triathlon.

No previous experience is necessary, although familiarity with the sport of triathlon is a definite asset.

You must be 16 years of age by December 31, and a current Triathlon Ontario annual member in good standing to take this course.

The course fee is $25. All candidates receive a rule book. Candidates who complete the course and go on to complete the two races job-shadowing will be qualified PTO (Provincial Technical Official Level 1), and their course fee is refunded. Qualified officials also receive all their officiating gear and a complimentary Triathlon Ontario membership each year they officiate.

 

 

Course Details

Provincial Triathlon Official Level 1 (PTO1)
Saturday, August 12, 7:00am – 12:00pm

 

Cost: $25 (Refunded on Qualification)

To bring: Pen, note paper

Candidates will need to complete the classroom session as well as job shadowing at two (2) provincially-sanctioned races in order to receive their qualification.  Candidates can choose to job shadow at any race, however this course is scheduled so that interested candidates may complete their first job shadowing at the Barrie Triathlon the following day.

Candidates will be provided a rule book and some nifty Officials’ swag.

 

Registration

Registration is online with CCN.  Click here to register.

 

Who should take this course?

Race volunteers: If you’re the kind of person who volunteers at races, why not so so in a professional capacity?

Family members: If you’re driving to races anyway with family members involved in the sport, consider being right on the course as an official.

Local Organizing Committee members: You can really help your organization put on races by learning the official’s job.

Coaches: This course is also recommended for coaches: not only is it valuable professional development, but it gets you credit towards NCCP certification.

Club members: Qualified officials are valuable members of any triathlon club, who can be a great help to other members with rules and qualification questions.

Paratriathletes, handlers, and coaches: Paratriathlon has a lot of rules. If Ontario is to run paratriathlon races, we need officials trained in para. This course is the first step.

Motorcyclists: Like to ride? Moto officials ride around the bike course, looking out for athlete safety and the occasional drafting violation. It’s a great way to spend some time on your motorcycle while supporting a great sport.

 

What’s officiating like?

Officials start as Secondary Officials, officiating different positions to help the Head Official.  Secondary officials might be on the mount/dismount line, starting the swim, watching for safety in transition, or on the back of a motorcycle on the bike course.

Officials answer a lot of questions from athletes, usually starting with “Do I have to…”  They help athletes find where they need to be, solve problems, and try to keep the race running smoothly.  Officials represent Triathlon Ontario, and work with Race Directors and race staff to make sure races are safe and fair.

Officials often travel to races, which means some very early mornings.  They often stay in town for two-day events.  Although they can choose which races they’d like to do, officials are expected to officiate at at least a couple of races each year.

 

What’s available to Officials?

Once qualified Provincial Triathlon Official Level 1, an entire development pathway is available. As officials gain experience, they gain access to courses and training that lead to further qualifications and officiating at more elite races.  Canadian triathlon officials go as far as officiating at Pan-Am Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and the Olympics. Some courses available:

• Provincial Technical Official Level 2 (Head Official)
• National Technical Official
• Continental Technical Official
• International Technical Official

Triathlon Ontario provides the gear required and a complementary membership for all active officials.

 

Questions?

For questions about this course, please contact Mike Mahoney, [email protected].