The National Federation (NF) Virtual Open Hours are designed to build a stronger relationship with National Federations, an opportunity to meet regularly, keep our members informed about ongoing World Triathlon matters and create an opportunity for sharing and learning. World Triathlon invites credible speakers, who share insights into their experiences and facilitate an open discussion with the meeting participants. The recent edition of the NF Open Hours was held on June 20th and was themed and centred around ‘Good Governance and National Federation Profile’.
The agenda for the NF Open Hours in June was as follows:
01 Welcome by World Triathlon President and IOC Member Marisol Casado
02 Secretary General’s Update by Antonio F Arimany
a) TRI Updates
b) Affiliation Documents Revision 2023
c) 2023 Member Obligations Status
d) New NF profile on triathlon.org
03 TRI & ASOIF Good Governance Principles
04 Breakout Sessions & Membership Development
05 Wrap-Up of the Breakout Sessions
06 Closure
Access the presentation online and recordings of the NF Open Hours on the website.
Marisol Casado, World Triathlon President and IOC Member welcomed the NF Open Hours and reiterated the importance of Good Governance within the International Federation landscape.
“We have been doing these sessions for nearly two years now and they are very fruitful. Today we have something which is really basic and really important in the organisation of our National Federations, that is Good Governance. I really want to give you my very personal idea on this that is based on experience, not only as President but as Secretary-General of the Spanish Federation some time ago. Good Governance is crucial, it’s very complicated to understand because we are 170 countries and how many cultures we have. It’s important to choose one of the models we have in World Triathlon and then put in place and deliver,” said Marisol Casado.
“I feel very proud that Good Governance is one of the legacies that I will leave behind at World Triathlon,” added Marisol Casado.
During the meeting, the following documents were discussed, all of which have been published on Triathlon.org under each National Federation profile.
been published on triathlon.org
- NF Survey Report
- NF Constitution
- NF Letter of Compliance
- NOC Recognition Letter
- Financial Statements
The XXXVI World Triathlon Congress was highlighted with all stakeholders present during the meeting.
Congress venue: Sanxenxo City (Pontevedra)
Congress date: Thursday 21 September 2023
Congress venue: Hotel Carlos I Silgar
Airport: Vigo
Format: Hybrid
Important dates:
7 August: All member National Federations and Continental Confederations to send resolutions and
nominations
- All member National Federation and Continental Confederations to send notification of
Delegates to World Triathlon (including Virtual attendance)
22 August: Congress Package to be sent out to all member National Federations and Continental Confederations
22-24 September
2023 World Triathlon Championship Finals Pontevedra
World Triathlon Secretary General Antonio F Arimany provided an overview of ASOIF Good Governance Assessment of International Federations including the structure of the Olympic movement and the AOIF Members. TRI and ASOIF Good Governance Review were also discussed and presented during this session.
These were the discussion topics raised on how World Triathlon should improve according to the last assessment.
1. Transparency:
a. Annual activity report, including institutional information and main events reports—> in consideration for the future
b. Policies in place to foster a greater diversity of backgrounds in the composition of the Executive Board and committees (new for 2021)—> New transgender policy created, new safeguarding courses and processes created.
2. Democracy:
a. Establishment and publication of eligibility rules for candidates for election together with due diligence assessment (revised for 2021)—> One nomination is required, so rules appear to be unrestrictive. Candidates are reviewed by Credentials Committee
b. Term limits for elected officials—> Executive Board members can serve for 3 x 4 years in a single position. Possibility of serving longer in multiple roles, up to 32 years.
3. Development and Solidarity:
a. Existence of social responsibility policy and participation programmes targeting hard to reach areas (revised for 2021)
b. Legacy programmes to assist communities in which events are hosted
4. Control Mechanism:
a. Awarding of main events follows an open and transparent process (revised for 2021)
Member Development and the World Triathlon Strategic Plan was a key item on the NF Open Hours agenda and featured discussion on the key strategies, NF employees and priority and support needs.
Breakout sessions took place and the following areas were discussed:
1. Resource Allocation
- An outcome from the breakout session emphasised that strong Continental Confederations is essential.
2. National Federation Effectiveness
- An outcome from the breakout session highlighted education of coaches and having more emphasis and involvement for the youth and next generation.
3. Strategic Support
- An outcome from the breakout session featured the challenges of getting access through the school network. Some athletes leave the country to seek other opportunities including University and other sports, this presents a challenge to retain athletes.
The next edition of the NF Open Hours will take place on September 21st, for more information visit the website.
