World Triathlon (“TRI”) today announces the launch of its updated Safeguarding Policy and the TRICARE initiative, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to the protection, dignity, and well-being of every person involved in the sport - from grassroots participation to elite competition.

The updated Safeguarding Policy, approved on 14 December 2025 and effective from 18 December 2025, establishes a clear, comprehensive framework for preventing, identifying, and responding to any form of abuse or harm across the entire World Triathlon community. The policy covers all participants - athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, staff, and member federations worldwide.

For World Triathlon, safeguarding encompasses not only competitions but every aspect of the TRI environment, from training camps and education courses to World Championships, Congress, and digital spaces. Every person who participates in a TRI Event is bound by the policy, and every person carries a shared duty of care.

“Everyone, from children to adults, has the right to participate in, enjoy, and grow through Triathlon, Para Triathlon, and Multisport. At World Triathlon, we are committed to Safeguarding by helping create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive, where everyone feels safe, respected, understood and protected from any abuse, harm, neglect or exploitation,” explained Antonio F. Airmany, World Triathlon President. 

“We believe that Safeguarding is not only about responding when something goes wrong but also about taking proactive steps to prevent harm, and building a culture of safety and trust across all levels of our sport. This commitment applies to everyone, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, disability, or religion, and to every role in our community, including member federation, athlete, technical official, coach, facilitator, and staff member.

A safe triathlon environment - from the grassroots to elite level, from training camps to world championships, from educational courses to conferences - is essential to the daily growth of our sport worldwide. Everyone involved with World Triathlon has a duty of care and a responsibility to speak up and report any behaviour that could constitute abuse or harm. Ultimately, Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We all CARE,” he said.

The TRICARE framework - standing for Committed, Attentive, Responsible for Everyone - reflects the principle that safeguarding is not the responsibility of any single person or body, but a shared obligation across the entire world of triathlon. The seven values of TRICARE guide World Triathlon's safeguarding at every level of the sport.

The updated policy introduces and reinforces a number of critical provisions:

• Independent TRI Safeguarding Officer: A fully independent expert, external from TRI staff, serves as the primary contact for any report of alleged abuse. The Officer provides assistance, guidance, and trauma-informed support to all affected parties throughout the process.

• Confidential reporting: Anyone may submit a report - including anonymously - at any time to safesport@triathlon.org. Acknowledgement is guaranteed within 96 hours, and information is handled on a strict need-to-know basis.

• Mandatory certification modules: Safeguarding modules are compulsory for all individuals seeking TRI certification - coaches, technical officials, Para classifiers, and facilitators.

• Para triathlon safeguarding course: A dedicated course has been developed for Para Triathlon, recognising the higher potential vulnerability of Para athletes.

• Member Federation obligations: Each Member Federation is required to develop its own compatible safeguarding policy and report finalised cases to TRI within 30 days. TRI may extend sanctions issued by national bodies to the international level.

• No silencing clauses: The policy expressly prohibits any confidentiality or non-disclosure provisions in agreements that would prevent the reporting of safeguarding concerns. Transparency is never contractually silenced.

• Broad scope: The policy covers TRI Staff and Officials, Member Federations, Associate members, Affiliated members (including athletes, coaches, technical officials, team staff, and medical personnel), Continental Confederation staff and officials, and anyone who works at or participates in a TRI Event.

Safeguarding in Triathlon

Safeguarding, as defined in the World Triathlon Safeguarding Policy (2025), is about promoting the welfare of children and adults and protecting them from any form of abuse and harm. Categories of abuse covered by the policy include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; bullying and cyberbullying; neglect; sexual harassment; exploitation; and grooming.

Children are recognised as particularly vulnerable due to power imbalances and their stage of cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Adults may also be at risk due to disability, illness, or mental health conditions. The policy affirms that all people — regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, disability, or religion — have the right to participate in Triathlon free from abuse and harm.

The welfare of every child and vulnerable adult is of paramount importance at all times for World Triathlon. Safeguarding is recognised as everyone’s responsibility, requiring ongoing education, a culture of openness, and collective action across the global triathlon community.

How to report a Safeguarding concern

Anyone who witnesses or becomes aware of an incident of abuse is strongly encouraged to report it. The process is confidential, and you can report via email at safesport@triathlon.org  or using the online report form. Only the Safeguarding Officer has access to this inbox. Reports are acknowledged within 96 hours.

A report may be submitted at any time, subject to the 10-year limitation if a Tribunal case is initiated.

Please contact us at wecare@triathlon.org if you are interested in learning more about our TRICARE programmes, our Safeguarding Policy, or any initiatives that promote a safe environment and support the well-being of stakeholders across the World Triathlon Community. For more information, please visit: Safeguarding in Triathlon | TriCARE | World Triathlon