USA Triathlon race officials carry a heavy burden. As an official, your job is to ensure the safety and fairness of every participant of a USA Triathlon. Races are to be consistent and professional, which requires the same characteristics from the officials that work them. Read on to learn become a USA Triathlon race official.
Instructions
1. Join USA Triathlon to qualify to become a race official. Apply online on the official website.
2. Attend an Officials Certification Clinic. It's free to attend, but you have to be a member of USAT or you can join at the clinic. Classes fill up fast, so you need to reserve your spot as soon as possible. There is a take home portion that you complete before the clinic starts.
3. Work the race on the day following the classroom portion of the clinic. This is your practicum for hands-on experience and testing. Upon successful completion of this event, you'll be upgraded to a Category IV Official.
4. Be prepared to deal with angry athletes, busy race volunteers and all members of race management teams during events. Some interactions will be trying, but it's necessary to remain mature and keep a high level of judgment.
5. Go to two more races to work as an apprentice in order to get promoted to a Category III. Work as a CAT III for at least a year, volunteering at six races or more (two of which you must serve as Head Referee for), to upgrade to a Category II. Serve as CAT II for at least a year and eight events (Head Referee for four) to upgrade to CAT I.
6. Complete the certification clinic every two years to remain active as a USA Triathlon race official.
Tags: Head Referee, least year, race official, Triathlon race