Race Report – Technical Official Training – TQ
Did you know that a Technical Official cannot disqualify a competitor during an event? How about that a competitor may not crawl during the run course? Or maybe you don’t know the difference between a stop-start penalty and a yellow card? Sue Boyd recently attended the Level 1 Technical Official course to find out the answers to these questions and more.
On Saturday 27 February, while the squad was enjoying a hit out at the Chandler Velodrome (do I sound bitter? I don’t mean to!), I attended the theoretical training for my Level 1 Technical Official course.
The course, designed to train entry-level TOs for Triathlon Australia, and coordinated by TQ in Qld, comprises 3 components – an online course through the Australian Institute of Sport, the theoretical training at TQ Headquarters and a “Field of Play Assessment”, a practical component assessed during an event. Following completion of these three assessments and officiating at 3 events, TOs become accredited with TA for a period of 12 months. To remain accredited, TOs need to officiate at 3 sanctioned events in any 12 month period.
The theoretical course is a half day and is conducted by one of the higher level qualified TOs. There was a good representation of local clubs, including Victoria Point, Southbank, Logan and of course, Bayside.
Other than learning a bit about the history, the rules and how to apply them, the day was made even more interesting because there were some really interesting stories shared, some sticky situations discussed and great debate on how and when to apply the rules. I received my infringement record book (complete with yellow and red cards) and on completion of my prac will receive an official polo shirt and name tag that identifies me as a Technical Official.
My field of play assessment is booked in for the final QTS race for the year at Raby Bay. I’m looking forward to being out on course in a different capacity, giving back to the sport of triathlon, which has brought some amazing moments of joy to our family. I’m particularly excited to get onto the back of the motorbike to learn more about the drafting rule and its application.
Once I’ve received my accreditation, I look forward to being able to share my new-found knowledge and plan to run a couple of short workshops focussing on some of the key rules. I think these will be particularly valuable for our Junior members to ensure they learn correct procedure early in their experience and also to our Senior members to refresh and revisit some of the more intricate rules.
