Rules
Download and learn the competition rules for both traditional and draft-legal racing.
Officials
Looking to further your attachment and service to the multisport community? Become a USA Triathlon official! Officials enforce the multisport competition rules during events and ensure that competition is fair and safe. Our officials ensure this via high level customer service and providing rules education before, during and after events. Without officials, we would not have competitive multisport.
For more information regarding the officials program, contact rulesandofficials@usatriathlon.org.
Have questions about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access initiatives at USAT? Email diversity@usatriathlon.org or visit the Together We Thrive webpage.
What do Officials Do? #
USA Triathlon officials are key ambassadors for USA Triathlon who collectively work hundreds of events each year. At each event, officials hold the following responsibilities:
- Enforce the Competition Rules in an equitable and fair manner
- Ensure that the races to which they are assigned are fair and safe
- Protect athletes on the field of play from those who might attempt to gain an unfair competitive advantage
- Serve as ambassadors of the program and USA Triathlon
- Provide rules education and officiating practices in our sport, especially at participatory or beginner events.
How to Become an Official#
All officials must have a firm understanding of both the multisport competition rules and the officiating procedures outlined in the program manual.
Express Interest
Interested candidates should contact USA Triathlon to express their interest in becoming an official
Interview
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner schedules and conducts an initial candidate interview to outline the certification process
Apply
The candidate submits an application
Background Check
The candidate is provided materials to submit a background check and to complete Safe Sport training
Enroll in Level I Training
The candidate is provided supporting materials and enrolled in the USAT level I training module.
Pass the Exam
The candidate completes the education modules, the exam, and required review
Enter the Pipeline
The candidate enters the pipeline as a Local technical Official (Probationary) or LTO (P
Review Practicum Materials
Prior to the LTO (P) practicum, the candidate will review practicum materials with a program designee
Complete Practicum
Candidate completes LTO (P) Practicum and is designated a Local Technical Official
Upon completion of USAT Level I training, candidates are classified as a USAT Level I Local Technical Official - Provisional (LTO(P)). After completing the assigned race practicum, a candidate is classified as a Level I LTO. Provisional officials are generally not entitled to mileage, lodging or a stipend and serve on a probationary basis until they complete their practicum. Request for advancement from Level I to Level II and Level II to Level III NTO should be sent to both the assigned Certification Mentoring Official and the National Technical Assessor. More information on advancement can be found in the program manual.
Levels of Officiating#
Level I of USA Triathlon's Officiating Program
Requirements
Participants are not required to have completed any other training programs as a pre-requisite to begin the LTO training program and no practical experience is necessary. Upon completion of the online training the official will be designated as an LTO Provisional (P).
Before beginning the process, candidate must obtain a USA Triathlon Membership.
To be active and remain in good standing at ANY level of the USAT – TO Program, you must maintain: A USA Triathlon Membership
- A Criminal Background Check from NCSI (every two-years)
- Annual SafeSport Certification
- Complete the seminar/online learning for a USAT Level 1 Technical Official Including the online Basic and Advanced (CARES) Customer Service training module
- Complete 1 race as a USAT Local Technical Official
- Maintain any other required professional development modules or compliance items as required by the USOPC criteria to be active in the USAT TO Program
Required Competencies
- Understand values and ethical behavior expected of USAT officials
- A customer service driven attitude
- Apply the USAT Competition Rules to make accurate and consistent decisions related to sanctioned Triathlon/Multisport competitions
- Utilize appropriate interpersonal and communication skills when officiating
- Officiate effectively at local / club level and state-based competitions
- Apply basic legal and risk management principles when officiating
- Identify yellow card infringements on the field of play
- Resolve disputes of limited complexity between athletes, coaches and officials relating to rules and competition procedures
- Acknowledge the importance of each member of the ‘Technical Team’ in preparing for an event mentally, acceptance of dress code/uniform and being reliable
- Participate in pre & post-race briefings
- Prepare a written violation report of an incident via competition activities for a local / club level and state-based competition
Tasks
Seminar hosted in person or online based on USAT Competition Rules including the following:
- Confirm submission of signed Code of Conduct for Officials document
- USAT Level 1 Technical Officials Certification
- USAT Basic Customer Service Training
- Complete CARES Training
- Know the current USA Triathlon Multisport Competition Rules
- Emphasis on skills needed for Age Group competition
- Open book guided practical scenario-based discussion of rules enforcement procedures
- Open Book online exam
- Complete Post Exam Review
Advancement to LTO:
- Complete in person or online certifying race practicum
- Recommendation of Advancement by Certification Mentoring Official (CMO) or National Technical Assessor (NTA)
- Post practicum oral assessment by a Certifying Official
Assessments
Initial USAT Officials program realignment assessments and assignments to WT aligned certification levels will be conducted by a National Technical Assessor Team and supported by a Certification Mentoring Officials (CMO).. Assessments and Certification seminar conducted at the National level by a USAT National Technical Assessor.
Recertification
Must complete online learning courses every year and officiate a minimum of 1 race in each 1-year period
Level II of USA Triathlon's Officiating Program
Requirements
State Technical Official selection is conducted by a National Technical Assessor and supported by a Certification Mentoring Official with the concurrence of the Commissioner of Officials and/or designee:
- Qualified as a Local Technical Official
- Active as a Technical Official for at least 12 months
- Practical experience and ability in all technical areas
- Act as AG HR (optional but preferred draft legal training)
- Complete a minimum of 2 events as an LTO
- Participate in STO seminar
- Maintain Required professional development modules and compliance items as required by the USOP criteria to be active in the USAT TO Program
Required Competencies
- Ability to Officiate effectively as an AG Head Referee or Chief at USAT sanctioned events at State level.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the current USA Triathlon Multisport Competition Rules to make accurate and consistent decisions
- Continually improve own officiating skills, including mental skill requirements
- Carry out post-race administrative functions including reporting, protests, and appeals processes
- Work effectively with a wide range of people (Event Staff, Officials, Athletes) to enhance on and off field relationships
- Demonstrate understanding of customer service skills and ability to teach the same
- Demonstrate leadership qualities via the utilization of management and negotiation skills
- Assist in planning and organizing competition aspects of local based events
Tasks
Seminar and field of play-based program: Online Advanced Officiating principles course
- Advanced Customer Service Training (Refresher)
- Active as a Technical Official for at least 12 months
- Practical experience in most technical areas, Practical session, and assessment at a sanctioned event
- Participate in a STO seminar
- Skills needed for leadership at state national level competition
- Optional but preferred training on Draft-Legal rules
- Foundational training on Elite Draft-Illegal Race Officiating for US competition
- Emphasis on leadership skills
- Maintain all required items to be active in the USAT TO Program.
All prospective STO Officials will be required to meet competency criteria outlined in the STO Training Program documents via the completion of assessment tasks. STO Course Frequency
- Theory based seminar hosted as needed
Assessments
Initial USAT Officials program realignment assessments and assignments to WT aligned certification levels will be conducted by a National Technical Assessor and supported by a Certification Mentoring Official.
Assessments and Certification seminar conducted at the National level by a National Technical Assessor.
Recertification
Recertification every 2 years. Require minimum of 3 events per year. Must complete all additionally assigned online learning courses.
Level III of USA Triathlon's Officiating Program
- also World Triathlon Level I if accredited
Requirements
- Minimum 24-Months in the USAT Technical Officials Program ✓ Officiate at the State and National level
- Hold minimum of one duty as Draft Legal Lead Official or Head Referee, or National Level Non-Draft Legal Race Referee
- Competition and/or experience deemed as equivalent by the Commissioner of Officials, the Draft Legal Coordinator, or designee
- Completed a minimum of 6 events as an STO
- Elevation of candidate supported by DLC
- Mentoring and assessment conducted by a USAT National Technical Assessor under the supervision of the Commissioner of Officials, the DLC, or designee
- Recommendation of the Commissioner of Officials or designee
- Complete USAT Level 3 NTO Seminar ✓ Maintain required items to be active in the USAT TO Program
- Meeting all WT requirements for maintaining WT Level 1 certification
Required Competencies
- Demonstrate a broader knowledge of the WT Rules for elite level competition, including current trends, practices & philosophies, particularly for draft legal events not limited to uniform rules, race check-in procedures, USADA/WADA protocols
- Display an international level of officiating skills, including mental skill requirements, ability to lead, train, and inspire officials in both practical and theoretical situations
- Identify and implement an advanced level of the event management process to mitigate for the risks associated with elite level competition
- Carry out post-race administrative functions for elite level events including reporting, protests and appeals processes, timing results review & approvals
- Work effectively with a wide range people (Interstate based Event Management, Program Officials, Elite Athletes, international governing bodies) to enhance on and off field relationships
- Demonstrate leadership qualities via the utilization of management and negotiation skills to suit international/elite competition
Tasks
Officials certified as USAT National Technical Officials shall complete the USAT Level 3 seminar as well as practical evaluation on Field of Play at USAT National Level Events The USAT National Technical Officials accreditation is completed with a seminar linked with an elite level competition and includes mentoring from endorsed mentors.
- Qualified as State Technical Official including understanding and advising on national level sanction approvals.
- Participate as TO at USAT National level sanctioned event(s) to gain practical experience and ability in all technical areas.
- Participate in a Level 3 National Technical Official seminar including completion of multiple choice & short answer exam.
- Skills needed for leadership at National level competition
- More advanced approach to Draft-Legal rules
- Advanced understanding of Elite Non-Draft Rules for US competition
- Discussion of theory and practice of officiating, using examples from actual events
- Complete written and practical assessment tasks.
- Attendance at elite level competition(s) to gain practical experience and ability in all technical areas.
- Maintain all required items to be active in the USAT TO Program.
USAT NTO Course Frequency:
- Theory based seminar hosted by USAT, as needed
Assessments
Initial USAT Officials program realignment assessments and assignments to WT aligned certification levels will be conducted by a National Technical Assessor and supported by a Certification Mentoring Official.
Assessments and Certification seminar conducted at the National level by a USAT National Technical Assessor.
Recertification
Recertification every 4 years conducted at the national level by USAT Certification Mentoring Official or National Technical Assessor
- Complete USAT NTO online learning every 4 years.
- Maintain minimum of 3 events per year, with a minimum of 1 per certification cycle being a Draft Legal event, some discretion may apply based on role at events.
- (NTO Accreditation links to WT Level 1) World Triathlon will be responsible to maintain database and issue certification upon assessment and completion of seminar
There are three levels of international official that are governed by World Triathlon and lie beyond USA Triathlon's officials program.
- Continental Technical Official (CTO)
- International Technical Official (Level B)
- International Technical Official (Level A)
Important Documents#
Officials Documents #
- 2024 TO Stipend and Expense Reimbursement Request - Local Assignments
- Violation Report - 2024
- Life Threatening Incidents Updated 2024
- 2024 National Events TO Stipend and Expense Reimbursement Request.docx
- 2024 TO Stipend and Expense Reimbursement Request - Local Assignments.docx
- 2024 USAT Officials Program Manual
- 2025 USAT Protest/ Appeal Form
- 2024 USAT Post-Race Evaluation Form
- Technical Officials Individual Officiating Post Race Reflections
- 2024 Penalty Area Tent Log
- National Events Procedure
- Head Referee's Report
SafeSport #
Athlete safety is USA Triathlon's top priority. We've teamed with the U.S. Center for SafeSport to provide members with training and resources to prevent or stop abuse in multisport.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport requires that USA Triathlon officials complete SafeSport training.