What is Sanctioning?
The term “sanction” refers to the compliance of a multisport event to USA Triathlon’s safety requirements. The sanction application is completed online and can also be used as a planning reference for event directors. Safety plans, course maps, and event details must be submitted for review by experienced USA Triathlon staff. This ensures events are safe and fair competition environments. Once applications have been submitted and approved, the benefits described below are available through USA Triathlon.
Important USA Triathlon Sanction Details:
- Application submitted for review 60 days or more prior to race day - $200
- Application submitted for review less than 60 days prior to race day- $300
- Application submitted for review less than 30 days prior to race day- $450
Required documents and plans to be reviewed
- Detailed and updated course maps
- Course details
- Safety plans
- Volunteer plans
- Traffic control
- Security
- Transition area design
- Emergency and medical plan
- Weather contingency
- Rules Enforcement
- USAT membership and waiver signature check
USAT annual or one-day membership requirements
- All participants in sanctioned events must have a valid annual USAT membership ($45) or purchase a one-day membership ($12)
- Plan how annual and one-day memberships will be checked and/or purchased to ensure all participants have signed a USAT waiver
Post race documents—must be postmarked to USA Triathlon within 15 business days of the event
- Event Reporting form
- USAT membership money collected
- Signed waivers and membership forms
- Incident reports
- Electronic results
- Officials evaluation if USAT certified officials were utilized
What are the benefits of sanctioning for Race Directors?
Availability of an affordable, comprehensive insurance program
- Protects race directors, athletes, volunteers, sponsors, and race staff
- Includes general liability and athlete excess medical
Opportunities to host National Championship events and Special Qualifying Events
- These high profile events attract many participants
Opportunity to utilize USA Triathlon Certified Officials
- Relieves responsibilities of enforcing USA Triathlon Competitive Rules
- Participants recognize the event is safe, fair, and credible
Outstanding exposure and advertising opportunities
- USA Triathlon membership continues to grow and these athletes have easy access to the USAT Event Calendar to search for multisport events
- Advertising opportunities through various newsletters with above industry- standard open rates
- Ability to reach high volumes of multisport athletes receiving USA Triathlon online communications
Access to Event Planning Resources such as:
- Educational Tools
- Event Consultancy
- Events Location Guide
- Insight for risk management and industry best practices
- Race Director Forum
- Race Director Newsletter
- Race Director Resource Guide
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Webinars
What are the Benefits of Sanctioning for Event Participants?
Inclusion in the USA Triathlon National Ranking System
- Opportunity to qualify for All-American and Honorable Mention Titles
Athlete Excess Medical Coverage
- Access to comprehensive and affordable insurance for injuries sustained at events
USA Triathlon Competitive Rules enforcement and USA Triathlon Officials
- Participants are ensured a safe, fair, and creditable competition environment
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Athletes receive samples and discounts when race directors participate in sponsorship programs
USA Triathlon annual membership
To begin the sanction process, login at the top of the page. If you have questions about the sanction process, please contact the Sanction Department at eventservices@usatriathlon.org or by calling 719-955-2802.
If you would like to discuss additional benefits, services, best practices, and risk management insight with the Event Services Team, please email or call, 719-955-2802. We look forward to working with you and building a relationship to continue fueling the multisport life style.
