Vulnerable adults
A new explicit duty to protect adults who, due to age, disability, illness or circumstance, may be unable to safeguard their own well-being within the sport.
Safeguarding Policy
About the World Triathlon Safeguarding Policy.
In November 2017, the International Olympic Committee launched a toolkit to assist International Sports Federations and National Olympic Committees in developing safeguarding policies. Based on the IOC guidance, the World Triathlon Executive Board approved the federation's first Safeguarding and Anti-Harassment Policy in April 2019. In parallel, two staff members were appointed as Lead Welfare Officers, the confidential point of contact for anyone reporting suspected harassment or abuse.
The policy was updated in 2021. Following an extensive review by an appointed working group, the Executive Board approved the current World Triathlon Safeguarding Policy in December 2025.
New definitions and concepts in 2026.
The 2026 policy is more detailed and modernised, especially around digital behaviour, coercion and the risks that arise from poor practice before actual abuse occurs.
Poor practice
Behaviours and patterns that fall short of expected standards — recognised as safeguarding risks before they escalate into actual abuse.
Grooming
The deliberate establishment of an emotional or trust connection with a child or vulnerable adult in order to manipulate, exploit or abuse them.
Exploitation
The use of a power imbalance to take advantage of an individual for personal, financial, sexual or sporting gain — across all roles in the sport.
Online abuse & cyberbullying
Harm carried out via digital channels: messaging, image sharing, social media or any online context that connects participants of the sport.
Abuse of authority
The misuse of a position of power — coach, official, federation officer — to coerce, intimidate or otherwise harm an athlete or colleague.
Download the policy.
The full 2026 World Triathlon Safeguarding Policy is published in three languages. Choose your language below.
01 — ENG
English
World Triathlon Safeguarding Policy — December 2025 edition. Official English version.
02 — ESP
Español
Política de Salvaguarda de World Triathlon — edición de diciembre de 2025. Versión oficial en español.
03 — FRA
Français
Politique de protection de World Triathlon — édition de décembre 2025. Version officielle en français.
