Columbus, OH — The U.S. Trotting Association, in conjunction with the Minnesota Racing Commission, Running Aces Racetrack, Kentucky Racing Commission, and Red Mile Racetrack, announced Monday (May 17) the introduction of a new Official’s Internship Training Program kicking off on May 30.

John “Johnny Z” Zawistowski, pictured with his grandson Porter, will be the first participant in the USTA’s inaugural Officials Training Internship Program. Photo courtesy of John Zawistowski.

The first participant will be longtime Illinois harness horseman John Zawistowski, known as “Johnny Z” to many in the industry, who comes highly recommended by Meadows Standardbred Owners Association Executive Director and former USTA Director Kim Hankins.

At the conclusion of the Official’s Internship Training Program, Zawistowski will immediately join the staff of judges at Red Mile as an associate judge under the supervision of Red Mile Presiding Judge Tim Schmitz.

“The USTA Board of Directors have been concerned about the decline of qualified officials so they budgeted money to create this program,” said USTA COO TC Lane, who is being assisted in its administration by USTA Racetrack Operations Manager Michele Kopiec. “This internship will fulfill our commitment to the industry by supplying tracks with highly trained racing officials at no extra cost to the states or tracks. Our goal is to expand this program in the future.

“We could not execute this without lots of assistance from others in the industry. The USTA and I would like to thank Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director Steve May, Running Aces judges Bob Corey (Presiding) and Mike Hall, the Kentucky Racing Commission Executive Director Marc Guilfoil and Red Mile Presiding Judge Tim Schmitz for their important participation.”

Zawistowski’s training at Running Aces will take place from May 30 through July 2. The curriculum is extensive and includes hands-on experience in the judges stand, race office, paddock, test barn and in hearings with instruction about mutuels, teletimer, photo finish, race charting, horse identification, security, licensing and conducting a draw.

In addition, as a requirement, he will also attend the Racing Officials Accreditation Program this summer from July 12-19 to expand his licensure. Both Lane and Kopiec serve on the Board of Directors for the ROAP.

“A couple of years ago, I was approached about being a judge, so I had been thinking about it,” said Zawistowski. “I just turned 60 and was looking for an easier way to stay in the business. Then I got injured and had rotator cuff and bicep surgery in January.

“I’m at The Meadows and heard about the USTA program from Kim Hankins who has been a good friend for over 40 years. He talked to TC (Lane) at the USTA then I talked with my wife about this opportunity, and we said, ‘let’s do this.’”

“In this inaugural program, we’ve planned a month-long training period with an extensive curriculum to see how it goes with the idea that we can make adjustments if necessary in the future,” concluded Lane.

To learn more about ROAP, visit horseracingofficials.com.