Volunteering
Volunteers across the country make triathlon a successful sport and we work with our volunteer workforce to ensure that they are supported in their chosen volunteering role. Thank you to all of the volunteers past, present and future who make our sport come to life! Read on to find out how you can get involved as a volunteer in triathlon.
Our volunteering roles
Event marshalling is a brilliant place to start your volunteering adventure! You will be led by a section team leader who will be on hand to provide you with information about your duties during the race which can include course set-up, poolside support, water station operator and distributing the prizes post-event.
- Triathlon knowledge is not essential but a little helps.
- Time commitment is generally one to two days per event
- Progression – section leader, event director, technical official
Get involved by contact the Event Organiser whose details can be found on the Event Listing.
Event organisers have a little more responsibility and lead the delivery of triathlon events. They delegate to an event delivery committee and help to ensure that each event runs to plan. There is a wide range of support available to event organisers both online and through training courses.
- Triathlon knowledge is beneficial.
- Time commitment is around 10 days per event (less if the event is already established).
- Progression – technical official, major event volunteer (e.g. British Championships / World Series)
Get involved by visiting our event support page
Technical Officials (referees) are some of our most knowledgable volunteers. Qualified officials help event organisers deliver their events safely and fairly and provide invaluable feedback to help events continually improve.
- Triathlon knowledge requires an understanding of triathlon events.
- Time commitment is around 5-10 days per annum for training, development and officiating at events.
- Progression – National/Continental/International Technical Official which can see you officiating at British/European/World events, and even Commonwealth/Olympic Games!
Get involved by visiting our technical official development page
Club committee members assume roles such as: chairperson, secretary, treasurer, media officer, website editor and welfare officer. It is a great way to be involved in developing your club and to share your ideas to make the club a success.
Triathlon knowledge – an understanding of triathlon events is helpful, but your professional skills are most useful
Time commitment – around 6 days per annum (most club committees meet every two months)
Progression – Triathlon Scotland board member, sportscotland board member
Get involved by contacting your local club committee. Find a club
Club coaches are a specialist area of volunteering, who help fellow triathletes to develop their skills. All aspiring coaches must complete a British Triathlon Coaching Course. Qualified coaches can continue their development by enrolling on to CPD courses.
- Triathlon knowledge is beneficial.
- Time commitment is person specific. Expect to spend 2-3 days per year at coach development sessions.
- Progression – Swim, Bike, Run Leader, Foundation Coach, Group Coach, Personal Coach and High Performing Coach Programme (HPCP).
Get involved by visiting coach development.
Triathlon Scotland board members are also key voluntary roles. The Board of Directors determine policy and strategy decisions on behalf of the membership. Good governance is vital to the ongoing strength of any sport and, in particular, to a sport’s ability to attract and retain funding. Vacant board positions are advertised in advance of our Annual General Meeting on our vacancies page. Board elections take place at our Annual General Meeting.
- Triathlon knowledge and an interest in the development of sport is essential.
- Time commitment can be up to 10 board meetings plus preparation time. Circa 20 days per year.
- Progression – British Triathlon board, sportscotland board, international sport committee representation
How can I volunteer?
If you would like to discuss any of our volunteering opportunities, please email volunteers@triathlonscotland.org.
Clubs/events looking for volunteers
For clubs and event organisers, the Volunteer Recruitment FAQs download below provides a handy overview of what to consider before recruiting new volunteers and also contains a useful list of possible places to source new volunteers.
