The USTA licenses officials in the following categories: Presiding Judge, Associate Judge, Patrol Judge, Paddock Judge, Identifier, Starter, Race Secretary, Clerk of the Course, Charter, and Program Director. If you do not see the answer to your question below please contact TC Lane. He can be reached at 877-800-USTA ext. 3203.

For more information on how to obtain each license please read below:

Presiding Judge

• Minimum of 2 years experience as a licensed Associate Judge
• Written recommendation from a USTA licensed Presiding Judge that you have worked for
• Satisfactory completion of the required exam

Associate Judge

• Minimum of 2 years experience involving 75 racing days per year as a USTA licensed Official in a lesser category such as Patrol Judge, Paddock Judge, Clerk of the Course, Race Secretary,  Starter or Identifier
• In lieu of 2 years experience, completion of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program
• Please note: this license will be a restricted license and is only issued upon verification of employment. The restriction will be lifted after completion of one year of employment and a written recommendation from the licensed official that you have worked for
• Satisfactory completion of the required exam

Starter’s License (Pari-mutuel)

• Current license as a Fair Starter
• In lieu of a current license as a Fair Starter, satisfactory completion of the required exam
• A letter from a licensed Pari-Mutuel Starter and Presiding Judge verifying your qualifications to operate the starting gate
• Once the recommendation has been submitted you are allowed to start selected Pari-mutuel races with a licensed starter in the gate
• At least 30 selected Pari-mutuel race starts must be satisfactorily completed before the license can be issued

Starter’s License (Fair)

• Satisfactory completion of the required exam
• At least one year experience of driving the starting gate and schooling horses
• Letter from a licensed Pari-mutuel Starter verifying your qualifications to operate the starting gate

Program Director

• You must have at least one year’s experience as an Assistant Program Director/Charter
• We will need a written recommendation from the Program Director and/or Presiding Judge that you worked with verifying your qualifications.
• Satisfactorily complete the required exam

Race Secretary

• 2 years experience working as an Assistant Race Secretary under a licensed Race Secretary (work experience needed before the exam can be taken)
• Satisfactory completion of the required exam
• Written recommendation from the Race Secretary and Presiding Judge

Patrol Judge, Paddock Judge, Identifier, Clerk of Course, and Charter

• Satisfactory completion of the required exam

Racing Officials Accreditation Program

• 60 hour course that covers procedures used during a race meeting
• For more information, please call (859) 224-2702 or visit www.horseracingofficials.com

Clerk of the Course and Charter School

• Format covers USTA forms and how to complete them and the duties and responsibilities of the respective positions as well as hands on charting experience
• Applications are accepted 3 months prior to the scheduling of the school. Efforts are made to accommodate everyone that applies
• Schools are conducted in late May/ early June. Applications can be requested from the USTA in March
• Examinations are administered at the end of the school
• There is a small fee to attend this school, however, you will be responsible for travel and lodging expenses. Lunch is provided.

County Fair Seminars

• Seminars are conducted throughout the year and generally last one day.
• Format includes a review of rule changes, procedures, and general discussions on racing matters
• Open to all officials and other interested parties
• Exams may be administered at the end of the seminar
• For more information on the location or date of the next seminar please contact your local Harness Horsemen’s Association

Here is some additional information that may help in obtaining an Officials License through the USTA:

• The USTA places many officials, however, employment is not guaranteed. Each Racing Commission and/or Race Track hires their own Officials and the length of employment is by individual contract
• Completion of the Clerk of the Course and Charter school is not required to obtain a license. It is, however, strongly recommended
• If you do not see the answer to your question, contact TC Lane, Director of Officials at the USTA at (877) 800-USTA (8782) ext. 3203