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

Triathlon Officials are volunteers who help run the sport, keeping triathlon safe and fair for everyone.  It’s not an easy job, but it offers a very rewarding experience and many unique opportunities for those with the interest, attitude and energy required.

Triathlon Ontario is offering a Provincial Triathlon Official Level 1 Course Saturday, June 8th, Gravenhurst, Ontario.  This entry-level course is the first step on the officials’ development pathway and prepares candidates to officiate their first triathlon.

No previous experience is necessary, although familiarity with the sport of triathlon is a definite asset.  The course is free, and once fully qualified, officials are provided a complementary Triathlon Ontario membership.

 

Course Details

Provincial Triathlon Official Level 1 (PTO1)
Saturday, June 8,  7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Muskoka Wharf Sports Field, 861 Bay St, Gravenhurst, ON

Cost: Free

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 same venue the following day.

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

 

 

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 prospective coaches, not only because upcoming changes require all NCCP coaches to take it, but also as valuable professional development.

Club members: Qualified officials are also 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.  Some courses available:

• Provincial Triathlon Official Level 2 (Head Official)
• National Triathlon Official
• Continental Triathlon 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].