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. Become a member of USATF. This can be done on-line at USATF.org with a Visa card or you can get an application from the So. California USATF Office at (562) 941-2621.
2. Fill out a USATF Officials membership application form. Mail it in with a $65 check which includes the 4-year National Officials Certification fee of $15 and our local USATF Officials dues. Rulebook costs are paid for by the local dues.
3. Complete a written USATF Rules Examination. This is an open-book, fill in the blank test intended to familiarize Officials with track and field rules.
4. 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.
5. Submit a digital picture for your badge (or a passport-size color photo) along with a resume listing the events you have previously officiated—if any. After completing the National Certification Form, 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.
Information & Forms
SCA Certification Committee Guidelines (PDF)
SCA Officials Membership Application Form (PDF)
SCA Officials Practicum Form (PDF)
USATF Championship Meet Selection
USATF Officiating Applications