World Triathlon delivered two Technical Officials Level 3A seminars in October, bringing together 42 officials from Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Eleven participants achieved new Level 3 certification, further strengthening the pool of officials prepared to work at the sport’s highest level of competition.
The 2026 Hong Kong World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 3A Seminar was held from 2–4 October, with 24 participants. Eight officials achieved Level 3 certification, including two women.
The 2026 Mexico City World Triathlon Technical Officials Level 3A Seminar followed from 9–11 October, with 18 participants, including Christine Bosco, sport manager, triathlon, Para triathlon, from LA2028, as an observer. Three officials achieved Level 3 certification, including two women.
Level 3 is the highest stage of World Triathlon’s Technical Officials certification pathway. While Levels 1 and 2 prepare officials for national and continental competitions, Level 3 develops the technical expertise and leadership required at the highest level of the sport, where competition formats, technology and environmental conditions present increasingly complex challenges.
Under World Triathlon’s updated certification programme, Level 3 comprises two components. Level 3A is delivered through an in-person seminar, while Level 3B is completed online and focuses on the policies, procedures and operational requirements of Major Games competitions.
Both seminars covered six key areas, combining technical knowledge with practical decision-making and the experience of officials working across international events:
Where the sport is heading: Exploring the current and future direction of the sport, including an introduction to the Triathlon World Tour.
Event planning: The planning process for the T50 Championship, event schedules for the T50 Championship and Multisport Festival, T100 championship planning, and the semi-final and final competition format.
Risk and decision-making: Event risk assessment, contingency planning, decision-making processes, evaluating weather conditions and using the Tomorrow.io weather application effectively.
Technology in officiating: Exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Race Ranger technology in officiating.
Sustainability: Introducing World Triathlon’s new sustainability strategy and approach to event delivery.
Officiating leadership: Examining the capabilities and competencies required of a Head Referee at top-tier events, with participants sharing their experiences.
With the racing structure changing in 2027 the TO education takes a deep dive into the event changes, the impact on TO's and how roles need to be planned. Risk management and decision-making are vital parts of the programme. Participants worked through event risk assessments, contingency planning and decision-making processes, including how to evaluate weather conditions and use advanced weather technology to support event planning and safety. The seminars also explored how AI and Race Ranger technology can support technical officiating as technology becomes increasingly integrated into the sport. Alongside these developments, World Triathlon’s sustainability strategy is incorporated into technical official education, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in event planning and delivery. Leadership sessions focused on the capabilities and competencies required of a Head Referee at top-tier events, including sound judgement, calm leadership and clear communication with athletes, coaches and event teams.
Thanos Nikopoulos (GRE), World Triathlon Head of Operations, led both seminars, supported by Melody Tan (MAS) in Hong Kong, China, and Enrique Quesada Valdes (ESP) and Leslie Buchanan (CAN) in Mexico City. Shanelle Barrett and Jan Drozd Novak also contributed to both courses through online presentations.
“Level 3 is where an experienced official becomes someone we can trust with the biggest moments in our sport,” said Nikopoulos. “Our events are changing quickly, with new formats, new technology and weather that is harder to predict. The officials we certify have to make sound decisions under pressure, often with very little time. In Hong Kong and Mexico City we worked through real scenarios together: when to change a course, how to use weather data, how to apply AI and Race Ranger fairly. It is also very encouraging to see more women stepping into these roles. They are not filling a quota; they are among the most capable officials we have, and they will shape how our events are run for years to come.”
Following the Level 3A seminars, a number of participants will progress to Level 3B online. Led by Nikopoulos, the next stage will cover Major Games policies and procedures, Games operations and event briefings, further preparing officials for the operational requirements of major multi-sport competitions.
