The USAT officials program in the Rocky Mountain Region consists of 25 certified officials who donate their time to help ensure that our triathlons and duathlons are safe, and that the USAT competitive rules are applied consistently.

Some are active triathletes, others are former triathletes, spouses of triathletes, or simply long-term volunteers.  The common thread is that they are all volunteers. Though it may seem like a tough and thankless job to officiate a race, it all pays off when an athlete says "thank you" or "good job out there."

So, what is a "Certified Official"?

USAT officials must attend a classroom clinic every other year to remain certified. The clinic, which usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, must be taught by either the regional coordinator of officials, or the national commissioner of officials.

New officials must attend a two-part clinic, the first part being the classroom session, and the second part involves assisting at a race.  While the USAT National Office provides uniforms and reimburses officials for motorcycle helmets and protective jackets, your region's USAT council also provides important financial support. This includes paying for the clinics, protective clothing for motorcycle riding, and supplemental travel reimbursement.

There will be three New Officials Clinics in 2009 in different states in the Rocky Mountain Region:

Utah:  July 10th and 11th at the Echo Triathlon

Colorado:  August 15th and 16th at the Rattlesnake Sprint Triathlon

New Mexico:  September 26th and 27th at the Elephant Man Triathlon.

If you're interested in becoming an official, please contact Matt Perini, our Regional Coordinator of Officials by phone at (575) 838-3035, or by email at matt@pmc-inc.com.

If the above clinic dates don't work for you, browse the USAT website www.usatriathlon.org under "Resources/For Officials/Certification Clinic Schedule" for dates of clinics in other regions.