Triathlon programme criteria

Stirling National Triathlon Centre (NTC) Selection Guidance

Purpose

The Stirling National Triathlon Centre (NTC) provides a high-performance daily training environment for athletes who demonstrate the performance level, behaviours and development trajectory required to thrive within a high performance programme

The programme is designed to support athletes capable of competing at World Triathlon Championship level, while developing those with the potential to progress into the BTF Olympic Pathway.

Our aim is to provide a high-performance environment, that challenges athletes to maximise their long-term potential while strengthening the University of Stirling performance environment and contributing positively to the wider Triathlon Scotland and British Triathlon performance pathways.

Selection is based on identifying athletes who are most likely to benefit from the environment while also contributing positively to the standards and culture of the National Triathlon Centre.

What we are looking for

Selection to the Stirling National Triathlon Centre is based on more than performance results alone.

The coaching team will consider the athlete as a whole, recognising that progression within high-performance sport is rarely linear. We are looking for athletes who demonstrate the performance indicators, behaviours and development trajectory that suggest they are capable of progressing towards the highest levels of the sport.

When making selection decisions, the coaching team may consider:

• Current performance level.
• Development trajectory and future potential.
• Commitment to training and racing.
• Coachability and willingness to learn.
• Professionalism and personal behaviours.
• Technical and tactical competencies.
• Ability to contribute positively to the daily training environment.
• Whether the NTC is the right environment to support the athlete's next stage of development.

Meeting a performance benchmark does not automatically guarantee selection.

Squad Structure

The National Triathlon Centre consists of two squads.

Performance Squad

The Performance Squad is designed for athletes who are already performing at, or close to, British Triathlon World Class Programme level and who are capable of contributing to a high-performance daily training environment.

Development Squad

The Development Squad is designed for athletes who may not yet meet the Performance Squad standard but who demonstrate the potential, behaviours and progression required to benefit from a high-performance daily training environment. Development squad athletes’ will have access to the weekly training plan but will not receive bespoke 1-1 coaching

Selection to either squad is based on the coaching team's assessment of the athlete's current performance, future potential and suitability for the environment.

Capacity

Places within the National Triathlon Centre are limited by coaching capacity, facility access and athlete support provision.

The coaching team is not obliged to fill all available places if doing so would compromise the quality of the daily training environment.

Programme Expectations

Athletes selected to the Stirling National Triathlon Centre are expected to fully engage with the programme and contribute positively to the performance environment.

This includes:

• Working collaboratively with the NTC coaching team.
• As the default position, NTC coaching staff will have overall coaching responsibility for Performance Squad athletes. As a minimum, all Performance Squad athletes are expected to be coached by NTC coaching staff in the swim and run disciplines, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in exceptional circumstances.
• Demonstrating the behaviours and standards expected within a high-performance environment.
• Taking ownership of their development and engaging positively with the wider multidisciplinary support team where applicable
• Contributing positively to the culture, standards and performance of the training group.

Performance Squad Selection standards

Athletes applying for the Performance Squad will normally demonstrate one or more of the following performance standards.

These indicators are intended to identify athletes currently performing at, or close to, World Triathlon and British Triathlon performance pathway level.

Athletes may be considered for selection if they are:

• A current member of the British Triathlon WCP or British Academy program
• A member of the Triathlon Scotland Academy Gold Squad or Championship Squad
• Selected to a British Triathlon Championship Team (euros or worlds, triathlon, junior, U23, elite)
• Selected to compete at a World Triathlon World Cup.
• A top-20 finisher at a World Triathlon European Cup.

Athletes who do not meet the standards above may still be considered where there is clear evidence that they would both benefit from, and contribute to, the National Triathlon Centre environment.

Examples include:

• Top 20 overall in a British Super Series Junior/Senior race.
• Top 5 overall in a British Super Series Youth A/Youth B race.
• Experience competing at World Triathlon Continental Cup level.
• Elite long-distance racing performances.
• Elite Xterra/ Cross triathlon racing performances.
• Strong single-sport benchmarks achieved within the previous 12 months (evidence must be provided)

Indicative Single-Sport Benchmarks: Standards should be met in both disciplines

Male	Female
400m Swim – Under 4:20	400m Swim – Under 4:45
5km Run – Under 15:30	5km Run – Under 18:00

These benchmarks are intended as indicators of current performance level and will be considered alongside the athlete's overall profile.

Development Squad Selection

Athletes may be selected to the Development Squad where they demonstrate the potential to progress towards the Performance Squad and are likely to benefit from the daily high-performance training environment.

In addition to performance results, the coaching team may consider:

• Race performances.
• Progression over time.
• Development trajectory.
• Single-discipline strengths.
• Technical competencies.
• Coachability.
• Commitment to training and racing.
• Ability to contribute positively to the environment.
• Future potential.

 

Para Athletes

Applications from para athletes are welcomed. The NTC selection panel will consider the athlete's individual needs and any reasonable adjustments that can be made to support their participation within the programme. Selection will be based on equivalent performance standards, with athletes expected to demonstrate progression towards the British Triathlon Paralympic World Class Programme and the ability to benefit from the performance environment provided.

Ongoing Review

Selection to the Stirling National Triathlon Centre is not static.

Athlete progress will be reviewed regularly through ongoing coaching, performance monitoring and Athlete Support Check-ins.

Athletes may remain within their current squad, progress between squads or leave the programme as a result of their ongoing progress and engagement throughout the year. Where appropriate, adjustments may be made to ensure the programme continues to provide the most appropriate environment for both the athlete and the wider training group.

Reviews may include.

• Performance.
• Progression.
• Demonstration of high-performance behaviours.
• Engagement with the programme.
• Commitment to personal development.
• Contribution to the performance environment.

Injury and Illness

Where injury or illness has significantly impacted an athlete's ability to achieve the published performance standards during the previous 12 months, the Selection Panel may take their pre-injury performances and progression into account when assessing their application.

Application timeline

• Applications open: 1 August 2026
• Applications close: 28 August 2026
• Applicants notified: Early September 2026
• Programme duration: The programme will commence at the start of the academic semester and run for 12 months.

Following selection, athletes will receive an Athlete Agreement setting out the expectations of programme membership, together with the support and opportunities available to them.