1. 1 USATF Ohio Association Officials Committee USATF Ohio Association Track & Field Officials Committee Prepared by Len Krsak, Ohio Certification Chair Courtesy of FinishLynx Certification Guidelines

2. 2 © USATF National Officials Committee 2000-2012 USATF Officials Certification Training and certification of officials is central to USATFs goal of ensuring fair and safe competitive opportunities for athletes at all levels of competition. The training and certification process promotes a serious and professional approach to officiating, and demonstrates an officials commitment to excellence. As an official gains experience, exposure to correct officiating practices, and additional training, USATF recognizes this skill development through progressive levels of certification.

3. 3 Certification guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials To become a USATF Official, contact: Len Krsak USATF Certification Chair 4788 Crazy Horse Lane Westerville, Ohio 43081-4416 N2TRACK@aol.com © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

4. 4 Certification guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials There are four levels of certification: Apprentice Association National Master © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

5. 5 Certification guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Requirements for certification are: Knowledge of rules of competition Professionalism and dependability Agreeing to accept a variety of assignments Willingness to officiate a variety of competition levels © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

6. 6 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Minimum requirements to become an Apprentice Level Officia l Complete all necessary forms, data base form, Satisfactory completion of Apprentice Rules Review, Submit a track and field resume if applicable, Submit two passport type pictures or digital color picture, Pay the certification fee of $50.00. © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

7. 7 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Minimum requirements to become an Association Level Official Serve as an Apprentice Level Official for at least two (2) years, Officiate at a minimum of eight (8) meets as an Apprentice Level Official, Have at least one (1) positive, written recommendation from a National or Master Level Official you have worked with or under, Complete the required Association Level Rules Review, Satisfy any additional requirements imposed by the Ohio Association. © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

8. 8 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Minimum requirements to become an National Level Official Must have been an Association Level Official for two (2) years, Attend at least one clinic in your area of specialization, Satisfactory completion of National Rules Review, Submit a meet resume of meets worked and functions performed during the previous two (2) years, Continued © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

9. 9 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Minimum requirements to become an National Level Official (Continued) Must have officiated a minimum average of ten (10) meets per year over the past two (2) years. Of these meets, one must be Out of State, and one must be a Road Race, Race Walk, or Cross Country Meet, Must have worked the event or events (for which you are requesting an update) at least five (5) times, alternating duties within the event when possible, Must have two (2) letters of recommendation; they can come from a Master Official, Meet Director, Coach, Coordinator of Officials, or a Chief Judge for which you have worked. © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

10. 10 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Minimum requirements to become an Master Level Official Must have been an National Level Official for three (3) years, Attend at least one clinic in your area and be a clinician, Satisfactory completion of Masters Rules Review encompassing all events. It will include rules for High School (NFHS), NCAA, USATF, and IAAF, Submit a resume of meets and clinics you have worked over the past five (5) years, Continued © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

11. 11 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Minimum requirements to become an Master Level Official (Continued) Officiated a minimum average of fifteen (15) meets a year over a period of five (5) years; two (2) a year must be a Race Walk, Road Race, Cross Country or Masters Championships. You must have officiated at least one (1) International meet, Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from a Master Official, Meet Director, Coach, Coordinator of Officials, or from a Chief Judge for which you have worked. © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

12. 12 Certification Guidelines for USATF Ohio Association Officials Masters Emeritus Status This category has been added so that retired Master Officials can retain permanent certification. © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

13. 13 Next Steps to Certification Check for fees made payable to: Officials in the amount of $50.00Officials in the amount of $50.00 Complete one (1) copy of the data form (application) along with Passport Photos Complete the rules review(s) Submit resume © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

14. 14 Next Steps to Certification If you are not already a member of USATF, obtain a USATF membership by going to: http://www.usatf.org/membership or Contact Your Membership Chair © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

15. 15 Continuing Education Websites of interest: http://www.usatf.org (USA Track & Field) http://ohio.usatf.org (Ohio Association) http://www.usatf.org/groups/officials/ http://ohio.usatf.org/Officials.aspx (websites for officials materials and monographs on technique and mechanics of officiating) © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

16. 16 Next Steps to Certification Questions? Len Krsak, Ohio Certification Chair N2TRACK@aol.com © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

17. 17 Welcomes You to Officiating and Thanks You for Your Interest National Track & Field Officials Committee of USA Track & Field and the Ohio Association Officials Committee © USATF Ohio Officials Committee 2013

18. 18 Go for it! © USATF National Officials Committee 2000-2012