Changes in governance at ITU

The ITU named USA Triathlon Board of Director’s President Barry Siff to its own board yesterday. There are 15 Executive Board seats and they will be up for re-election at Congress in 2016, with the four-year term lengths in line with the summer Olympics. Siff is the interim Executive Board Member.

“Not only is USA Triathlon one of ITU’s largest National Federations, it will also help deliver the World Triathlon Chicago Grand Final next year,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. “Barry Siff’s position on the ITU Executive Board will be essential to representing a massive portion of the triathlon family. His election is a positive step in the right direction for unifying and growing our sport.”

The Executive Board also voted to introduce a new disciplinary panel that will be formed independently of ITU. The disciplinary panel will be responsible for reviewing various sanctions and violations, which were previously done by the ITU Executive Board.

“In an effort to remain fair and balanced, the Board felt it best served all parties to have an independent commission that is free of bias to rule on violations and sanctions,” Casado said.

The ITU is also aiming to ensure the highest standard of fair play and voted to implement new Anti-Doping Rules, which coincide with the WADA Code. The changes will include longer bans and an extended time frame for failing failures and/or missed tests.

“Triathlon has largely enjoyed a reputation as a clean sport, which is credited due to the fact that the athletes themselves want to compete in a fair environment,” Casado said. “This new code serves to reinforce our already strong anti-doping programme.”

All member Continental Confederations and National Federations will be required to adhere to the new code starting January 1, 2015.

 from  triathlon.org