Technical Official Training Courses
The organisation and delivery of triathlon events are the backbone of our sport’s success, and the quality of these events is vital to the continuing growth and development of the fast growing, dynamic and modern sport. Technical Officials (TOs) support our event organisers so that events in Scotland, and across Great Britain, are safe and fair, and Technical Officials do this by ensuring that competitors uphold the rules of the sport.
For information about motorcycle official training.
Local Technical Official (LTO) Training Course
New Online Course Launching March 2026
Interested in becoming a British Triathlon Official? Join our new online course designed to prepare Local Technical Officials to officiate at British Triathlon Events confidently and effectively.
What the course covers:
- Understanding rules and responsibilities
- Effective communication skills
- Confident decision‑making
- The role of officials in delivering fair, safe, and enjoyable competition
Whether you’re brand new or exploring how to get involved, this course is your first step on your officiating journey.
*Save the dates*
Thursday 12 March 2026
- Course booking opens
- https://www.britishtriathlon.org/get-involved/volunteers-and-officials/officials (Not available util 12th March)
Thursday 2 April Course release
- Pre‑course materials
- Access to the online learning hub
Wednesday 15 April Workshop 1
- Online session 18:00–20:00
Wednesday 22 April Workshop 2
- Online session – 18:00–20:00
Who is this for?
- Anyone who would like to get involved in British Triathlon Officials.
- No previous officiating experience required
- Anyone with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
This qualification is aimed at individuals who are interested in becoming a volunteer Technical Official and has been designed to provide attendees with the knowledge required to begin officiating, as well as covering the soft skills needed to develop as an Official. The course is delivered by highly experienced officials and designed to be informative and interactive:
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting day, great to hear experienced officials’ views and to learn from them, and their enthusiasm for the sport” (2024 candidate)
Following the successful completion of both the theoretical and practical elements candidates will be eligible to be the Chief Official at pool based triathlon and aquathlon events along with duathlons, including children’s and paratriathlon events. They are also qualified to be an Assistant Official at open water events.
For more information about the LTO course email officials@triathlonscotland.org
Regional Technical Official (RTO) Training Course
The Regional Technical Officials (RTO) course is designed to build on the experience gained as a Local Technical Official (LTO) and further develop officials.
Overview
The RTO course is the next step on the officiating pathway and builds upon the skills and knowledge gained during the course of training and operating as an LTO, and further develops these whilst adding to them.
The training consists of:
- A half day course
- An associated open-book knowledge tester
- Online course workbook
- The completion of two shadows of qualified Technical Officials at two open water events
Please discuss your progression with Triathlon Scotland’s Officials Coordinator, by emailing officials@triathlonscotland.org
Pre-Requisites
To attend the course candidates must:
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Have fully completed the LTO qualification
- Have been the Chief Technical Official at a minimum of two events, or Assistant Technical Official at a minimum of four events, since qualifying as an LTO
National Technical Official (NTO)
National Technical Officials are eligible to act as the Chief Official for Home Nations and British Triathlon Major Events.
Candidate names are forwarded on to World Triathlon annually and following this submission Officials are invited to be part of the officiating team at a World Triathlon or Europe Triathlon event. Providing this is successful Officials will be eligible to apply to act as a Self-Funded Technical Official at World Triathlon and Europe Triathlon events.
Useful Links
