HOW TO BECOME A USA TRACK & FIELD CERTIFIED OFFICIAL

USA Track & Field is the national governing body for the sports of track & field, long distance running, cross country, race walking, and mountain/ultra-distance/trail running. The Southern California Association is recognized by USA Track &Field as the local organization to administer the sport of Athletics in the counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Orange.

Within this geographic area, the Southern California Association (SCA) acts as a service organization in creating, conducting and overseeing programs to provide opportunities for athletes of all ages to participate in the five disciplines of our sport. Our members include male and female athletes of all ages, the coaches and clubs that support and develop them at every level, hundreds of highly trained, certified officials, and many local colleges, universities, and other organizations interested in supporting track & field.

At both the local and national level, USA Track & Field is a volunteer-based organization. If you have an interest in our sport and would like to trained and certified as a Track & Field Official, here is what is required:

1. Attend a USATF Officials Training Clinic. No previous track & field officiating experience is required. These clinics are held in January and February at numerous locations across Southern California.

2. Complete a written USATF and NCAA Rules Examination. This is an open-book, fill in the blank test intended to familiarize Officials with the USATF and NCAA Track & Field Rule Books.

3. Pay the 4-Year Officials National Certification Fee of $10, plus Southern California Officials Association dues.

4. Complete the National Officials Database application form and submit it with two passport-size color photos along with a resume listing the events you have previously officiated—if any. Upon its receipt, you will be sent a Certified Officials Photo ID Card and information on USATF Officials’ uniforms requirements.

At regular intervals throughout the year, SCA Area Commissioners send our Officials a list of track & field, long distance running, cross country, race walking, and ultra/mountain/trail competitions in need of officials. After indicating the competitions they are interested in officiating, Officials are sent specific assignments and all pertinent information for each competition.

We invite you to become a Certified USATF Official by contacting

SCA Officials Committee Chair, Bob Marcus:

Tel (818) 887-0120 Email bobmarcus@socal.rr.com