Members / Officials

OFFICIALS

To apply for a USTA official's license, applicants must be current USTA members and submit a completed official's license application. A study guide and the current USTA Rule Book are available upon request to help applicants prepare for the licensing process.

Click here for the Officials Application

The USTA licenses officials in the following categories, at both the Pari-mutuel and County Fair level: 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 the USTA Licensing Manager Michele Kopiec at 877-800-USTA ext. 3294.

Below you will find information on credentials needed depending on the license you are pursuing.

Presiding Judge (Pari-mutuel)

  • Minimum of two 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

Presiding Judge (Fair)

  • Minimum of two years experience within the industry
  • Knowledge of the rules, temperament and qualifications to perform duties required
  • Written recommendation from a USTA licensed Presiding Judge that you have raced under or worked with
  • Satisfactory completion of the required exam
  • Please Note: Serving in the capacity as an Associate Judge at county fairs is strongly recommended if you have no prior officiating experience.  Even though the USTA does not license Associate Judges at county fairs, we strongly encourage you to serve in that capacity prior to examination.

Associate Judge

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

Starter (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 (Fair)

  • 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
  • Satisfactory completion of the required exam

Program Director

  • At least one year’s experience as an Assistant Program Director/Charter
  • Written recommendation from the Presiding Judge that you worked with verifying your qualifications.
  • Satisfactory completion of the required exam

Race Secretary

  • Minimum two years' experience working in the race office as an assistant race secretary or in another capacity (clerk, charter, office assistant, etc.)
  • Six months training with a currently licensed race secretary (training must be done before the exam can be taken)
  • Written recommendation from the Race Secretary and Presiding Judge
  • Satisfactory completion of the required exam

Patrol Judge, Paddock Judge, and Identifier

  • 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 Course and Charter

  • Written recommendation from the Presiding Judge and licensed charter with whom you have worked
  • Satisfactory completion of the required exam

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 Michele Kopiec, USTA Licensing Manager at (877) 800-USTA (8782) ext. 3294

USTA Racing Officials Network – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USTA Racing Officials Network?

The USTA Racing Officials Network is a mentorship initiative designed to connect individuals interested in becoming harness racing officials with experienced, licensed professionals who have volunteered to share their knowledge and guidance.

Who can participate as a mentee?

Anyone interested in learning more about a career as a harness racing official is encouraged to participate. This includes individuals interested in becoming judges, race secretaries, charters, clerks, starters, paddock judges, identifiers, or other racing officials.

Do I need to be licensed to participate?

No. The Racing Officials Network is open to any current USTA member interested in exploring or pursuing a career as a harness racing official, regardless of their current licensing status.

How do I find a mentor?

Complete the Mentee Registration Form available on the USTA website or contact the USTA at OfficialsNetwork@ustrotting.com. Based on your area of interest and geographic location, the USTA will provide information about mentors who may be a good fit. Mentees are responsible for contacting mentors directly to establish a mentoring relationship.

How are mentors selected?

Mentors are experienced, licensed racing officials who have volunteered to participate in the Racing Officials Network and have agreed to serve as professional resources for aspiring officials.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. Participation in the Racing Officials Network is free for both mentors and mentees.

Am I guaranteed a mentor?

While the USTA will make every effort to connect interested individuals with available mentors, mentor participation is voluntary, and availability may vary depending on the area of interest and geographic location.

What can I expect from a mentor?

Mentors may provide career guidance, discuss licensing requirements, answer questions about officiating, share industry experiences, review rules and procedures, and, when appropriate, offer opportunities for track visits or job shadowing. Each mentoring relationship is unique and will depend on the mentor's availability and expertise.

Does participating in the Racing Officials Network guarantee employment or licensing?

No. Participation in the Racing Officials Network does not guarantee licensing, certification, or employment as a racing official. The program is intended to provide guidance, encouragement, and professional development opportunities.

How do I become a mentor?

Experienced, licensed racing officials interested in volunteering as mentors are encouraged to contact the USTA at OfficialsNetwork@ustrotting.com for additional information.