How to become an official
Job description
Races that require officials
How officials are chosen
Value of officials
Organization structure
2006 Officials Clinic Schedule-updated Feb.22

How to become a USA Triathlon official:

To become a USA Triathlon official, one must participate in one of the many clinics held around the country each year. There is no charge for attending a clinic. One must be a member of USA Triathlon and bring the membership card or join at the clinic. Clinics are held in conjunction with a sanctioned event, and will have USA Triathlon officials assigned to marshal the race. The Officials Certification Clinic consists of about three hours of classroom lecture and discussion. Each clinic has a limited number of spaces and applicants are urged to contact the clinic instructor to reserve a space early. Each participant is sent files for the Officials Manual and a take-home exam that must be completed and returned to the instructor prior to the beginning of the class. Classroom portions of the clinics are taught on the day or evening prior to the triathlon or duathlon. On race day, the clinic participant will be assigned to marshal some portion of the race, under the supervision of the clinic instructor. USA Triathlon officials uniforms are issued to each new official on race day.

Upon completion of the Officials Certification Clinic (classroom, examination and race practicum), the graduate is classified as a Category 4 Official. Cat 4 Officials have 12 months from the date they attend a clinic to become fully certified as Cat 3 referees. Full certification requires the Cat 4 Referee to work an additional two races under a USAT referee's supervision, and in a volunteer capacity. To remain active, Cat 1, 2 or 3 officials are required to attend a certification clinic every two years and to successfully pass a certification examination.

USAT ITU Officials

The USAT- ITU (International Triathlon Union) Officials program is a parallel program and offers training to become a USAT- ITU Official. USAT ITU Officials work at all ITU-style events such as World Cup races, international points events and junior world qualifying events.

The job description of a USA Triathlon official:

The best job description of a USAT Official is that described in the Competitive Rules under Section 9:

9.2 Head Referee. Beginning with the start of the event and until all scores are finalized, the decisions of the Head Referee are final and binding with respect to all competition matters pertaining to the event, with the exception of decisions by the Protest Committee.

9.3 Powers of the Head Referee. The Head Referee shall be empowered:

(a) To interpret and enforce these Competitive Rules and any other regulations or policies of USA Triathlon;
(b) To supervise and control the general conduct of all participants, to require that a participant withdraw from an event, and to intercede during a competition at any stage to ensure that the Competitive Rules are observed;
(c) To invoke and impose penalties for violations of these Rules and to prominently post a list of all violations and penalized participants designated by race number at a site located near the finish of the event;
(d) To make decisions on any point not specifically covered in these Rules;
(e) To instruct, direct, assign duties to, and delegate authority to all other race officials;
(f) To examine the equipment or other items of any participant at any time to check compliance with these Rules, and to make the final and binding decision as to whether any equipment or other item is improper or unauthorized;
(g) To overrule any Judge, Marshall, or other race official on any point of interpretation of these Rules, and to resolve differences of opinion between or among Marshals, Judges, or other race officials;
(h) To establish all aspects of protest procedure, including the time and place of hearing, to impose sanctions for noncompliance with established procedure, and to assess penalties in accordance with the resolution of any protests; and
(i) To prepare a report of actions taken and decisions rendered by the Protest Committee and to make recommendations on improving race operations.

9.4 Duties of the Head Referee. The Head Referee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) The Head Referee shall wear distinctive clothing or other means of identification;
(b) The Head Referee shall establish an officials' headquarters located near the finish of the event;
(c) The Head Referee shall use and maintain a violation posting board erected by race management;
(d) The Head Referee shall process violations reported by Marshals diligently and as soon as possible and shall reviewevery violation with the appropriate reporting Marshal;
(e) The Head Referee shall determine the relative severity of any offense or violation;
(f) The Head Referee shall assess an appropriate penalty;
(g) The Head Referee shall retain the results of reported violations and decisions and shall review the information in connection with all protests; and
(h) The Head Referee shall submit all appropriate data that affects final results to the Head Timer for incorporation into final race results.

The categories of officials (Cat I, II, etc) and how to upgrade:

CAT 5 (clinic participant only)
1. Attend, participate, and complete classroom session of clinics.
2. Satisfactorily complete the written examination of the Competitive Rules.
3. Demonstrate a sincere interest in officiating.
4. Be physically capable of riding for hours at a time as a passenger on a motorcycle.
5. Be a member of USA Triathlon.
6. Participate satisfactorily in the race practicum.

CAT 4
1. Satisfactorily participate in the clinic and related race event.
2. Be recommended by the clinic instructor to the Regional Coordinator.
3. Be a member of USA Triathlon.
Note: Cat 4 may serve as a Marshal or Assistant Referee.

CAT 3
1. Satisfactorily assist in two (2) sanctioned events within 12 months, supervised by a Cat 1, 2 or 3.
2. Supply the Regional Coordinator with application for advancement and all appropriate documents of experience including letters of recommendation from supervising officials.
3. Satisfactorily complete a certification clinic every two (2) years.
4. Be a member of USA Triathlon.
Note: Cat 3 may operate as Head Referee.

CAT 2
1. Serve as a Cat 3 for at least one (1) year.
2. Satisfactorily work at six (6) events including service as Head Referee at two (2) of those events after advancing to Cat 3.
3. Satisfactorily complete a certification clinic every two (2) years.
4. Be recommended in writing by two Cat 1 or Cat 2 referees as having demonstrated superior officiating skills and judgment.
5. Submit application for advancement, with documentation to Regional Coordinator.
6. Be a member of USA Triathlon.

CAT 1
1. Serve as a Cat 2 for at least one (1) year
2. Satisfactorily work at eight (8) events including service as Head Referee at four (4) events after advancing to Cat 2. One of the Head assignments must be at a “Pro rules” event.
3. Satisfactorily complete a certification clinic every two (2) years.
4. Be recommended in writing by two Cat 1 or Cat 2 referees as having demonstrated superior officiating skills and judgment.
5. Submit application for advancement, with documentation to RC.
6. Be a member of USA Triathlon.

Races that require officials (championships, etc):

Only championship and Grand Prix events are required by USAT to have officials. However, every race director is required by sanction to enforce the Competitive Rules. Wise race directors will usually contract to have USA Triathlon certified officials present, as they are the only people specifically trained and experienced to handle the myriad problems that rules enforcement entails.

How officials are chosen for high profile races:

The Regional Officials Coordinators choose the appropriate officiating team for all USA Triathlon events where officials are requested. The most experienced officials are assigned to pro-rules events, USAT Grand Prix events, and USA Triathlon championships.

Value to athletes and race directors of USA Triathlon officials at events:

Though race directors can provide safe, challenging and fun events, only properly trained officials can bring fairness to the athletes. Triathletes look for and count on USA Triathlon Officials to enforce the Competitive Rules at triathlons and duathlons. The absence of officials usually means that “anything goes” and athletes have not been given an opportunity to fairly measure themselves against their competitors.

Race directors count on USA Triathlon Officials to take care of all the rules enforcement, leaving the race directors free to do what they know best: coordinate a safe and challenging event, and take care of their customers.

Organization structure:

The Officials Program is governed by the Commissioner, who reports to the Event Services Director of USA Triathlon, and the Regional Officials Coordinators who manage the program within each of USA Triathlon's geographical regions. The Commissioner and each of the Regional Coordinators work closely with USA Triathlon administrators, race directors, and athletes in order to provide the best trained officials to sanctioned events around the country. Fairness and consistency are our primary goals.

Regional Coordinators and Contacts:

Commissioner of Officials
Charlie Crawford
Auburn, Alabama
(334) 332-9092 cell

Deputy Commissioner
Reg Whatley
Carlsbad, California
(760) 845-7020 cell

Florida Region Coordinator (Florida - Eastern Time Zone)
George Miller
Cape Coral, Florida
(239) 281-1905 cell

Mid-Atlantic Region Coordinator (North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania)
Ann Snoeyenbos
Towson, Maryland
917-447-8923 cell
410-516-6992 work

Mideast Region Coordinator (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois)
Richard Anton
Nashville, Tennessee
(615) 715-6097 cell

Midwest Region Coordinator (Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
Lucy Harr
Madison, Wisconsin
(608) 877-9133 office/home

New England Regional Coordinator (New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)
Pam Zawada
Marlboro, Massachusetts
(508) 958-6126 cell

Northwest Regional Coordinator (Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Alaska)
Danette Harrington
Coeur D'Alene, Idaho
(509) 680-2300 cell

Pacific Region Coordinator (Hawaii)
Kathy Nohr
Kaneohe, Honolulu
(808) 524-2466 ext 133 office

Rocky Mountain Region Coordinator (New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado)
Jim (James) Flint
(303) 521-5990 cell

Southeast Region Coordinator (Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, N.W. Florida)
Richard Anton
Nashville, Tennessee
(615) 936-6058 office

Upper South-Midwest Region Coordinator (Oklahoma and Texas north of Waco)
Diane Proud
Irving, Texas
(972) 910-0010 office

Upper South-Midwest Region Coordinator (Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas south of Waco)
Dean Ford
Lake Charles, Louisiana
(337) 478-5355 office

Southwest Region Coordinator (California, Nevada, Arizona)
Steve Blum
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 582-0700 office
(925) 212-3793 cell

2006 USAT Officials Certification Clinic Schedule

January 15
USAT Congress Officials Recertification Clinic
9:00AM to 12:00PM
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Charlie Crawford

February 4-5
Frost Your Fanny Duathlon Officials Clinic
12:00PM to 3:00PM
Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Bossier City, LA
Race practicum on Sunday
Contact: Charlie Crawford

March 11
New England Multisport Expo Officials Recertification Clinic
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Weston , MA
Contact: Charlie Crawford

April 8-9
Powerman Alabama Officials Clinic
Saturday, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Irondale, AL
Contact: Charlie Crawford

April 21-22
Collegiate Nationals Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Reno, NV
Contact: Steve Blum

April 21-22
Louisiana Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
New Roads, LA
Contact: Dean Ford

April 22-23
Rage in the Sage Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Las Vegas, NV
Contact: Steve Blum

April 29-30
Tribute to Armed Forces Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday April 29  2:00PM to 5:00PM
Tempe, AZ 
Contact: Steve Blum

April 29-30
St Anthony's Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, April 29, 12:00PM to 3:00PM
St Petersburg, FL
Contact: Charlie Crawford

May 5-6
Wildflower Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, May 5, 3:00PM to 6:00PM
Lake San Antonio, CA
Contact: Steve Blum

May 6-7
Mason Duathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, May 6, 11:00AM to 2:00PM
Mason, OH
Contact: Charlie Crawford

May 6-7
Devilman Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, May 6 (Time TBA)
Milleville, NJ
Contact: Ann Snoeyenbos

May 26-27
Buffalo Trails Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, May 26, 6:00PM to 9:00PM at the French Quarter Inn
Maysville, KY (race site)
Contact: Richard Anton

June 2-3
Orange County Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday June 2 6:00PM to 9:00PM 
Lake Irvine, CA 
Contact: Steve Blum

June 3-4
CFT Series #1 Officials Clinic
Saturday, June 3, 3:00PM - 6:00PM at Highlander Hut, Waterfront Park
Clermont, FL
Contact: George Miller

June 3-4
Rock N' Rollman Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, June 3, 4:00PM to 7:00PM race site
Macon, GA
Contact: Richard Anton

June 24-25
Breath of Life Triathlon
Saturday June 25, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Ventura, CA
Contact: Steve Blum

July 14-15
Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, July 14, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Minneapolis, MN
Contact: Charlie Crawford

July 21-22
J.F. Hurley YMCA Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, July 21, 6:00PM to 9:00PM - Dan Nicholas Park, Salisbury, NC (race site)
Salisbury, NC
Contact: Richard Anton

July 22-23
Deschutes Dash Triathlon Officials Clinic 
Saturday July 22 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Bend, OR 
Contact: Charlie Crawford

July 22-23
Spirit of Racine Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, July 22, 1:00PM to 4:00PM Raddison Hotel
Racine, WI
Contact: Lucy Harr

July 29-30
Tri-America Triathlon Louisville Triathlon
Saturday, July 29, 3:00PM to 6:00PM - Great Lawn, Louisville, KY (race site)
Louisville, KY
Contact: Richard Anton

August 5-6
Wilkes-Barre Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, August 5 (Time TBA)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Contact: Charlie Crawford

August 12-13
Vineman Triathlon Officials Clinic
Friday, August 12, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Santa Rosa, CA
Contact: Steve Blum

August 19-20
Rattlesnake Triathlon Officials Clinic 
Saturday August 19 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Aurora, CO 
Contact: Charlie Crawford

August 26-27
Hammerhead Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, August 26, 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Camp Blanding, FL
Contact George Miller

September 9-10
Diamondman Triathlon Officials Clinic
September 9 (Time TBA)
Bear, DE
Contact Ann Snoeyenbos

September 9-10
Big Kahuna Triathlon Officials Clinic
Saturday, September 9, 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Santa Cruz, CA
Contact: Steve Blum

September 23-24
Colonial Triathlon Festival Officials Clinic
Saturday, September 23, 3:00PM to 6:00PM
Williamsburg, VA
Contact: Charlie Crawford

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