by T.C. Lane, director of officials, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The United States Trotting Association is currently accepting applications for its Judges/Stewards Accreditation Program. The school will be conducted at the USTA offices in Columbus, Ohio, beginning Monday, October 11, through Wednesday, October 20 (10 days). The program is open to not more than 20 qualified applicants and deadline for submission of applications is Monday, August 2.

The 60-hour educational seminar will be conducted under the auspices of the University of Louisville and meets all the instructional requirements established by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program and the Association of Racing Commissioners International to become an accredited racing official.

The school provides a formal way to cover both basic, day-to-day responsibilities and technical subjects including medication/drug testing and administrative law/hearings. Using nationally recognized judges/stewards, veterinarians, attorneys and others to do the teaching, candidates will find the classes very informative. The curriculum covers the responsibilities and interaction that make up any licensed judge/steward’s activities. The instruction will involve 18-20 speakers covering key areas of concern to judges/stewards.

These schools provide for discussion and demonstration of a wide range of subjects. Much of the education, however, is derived from the exchange of ideas from the officials in attendance. Coming from a variety of jurisdictions, the participants will bring a wide range of experience to the sessions.

Upon completion of the school, applicants may become an Accredited Harness Racing Judge/Steward based upon the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete a total of five examination sections consisting of: an oral examination; a racing video analysis examination; written examination on medication and drug testing; a written examination on legal and regulatory issues; and a written examination on general rules and regulations.

The student must also meet the experience criteria required for accreditation by the ROAP. For further information upon the requirements for licensing and accreditation click here.

Persons seeking consideration for acceptance must submit an application and pay the registration fee of $350 at the time they submit the application. In the event an applicant is not selected, the registration fee will be refunded.

Students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging while attending the school. Some meals will be provided. The USTA will have a block of rooms at a nearby hotel at a reasonable rate; information will be released once the students have been selected.

For an application form, click here or contact TC Lane via e-mail at tclane@ustrotting.com or call 877.800.8782, extension 3203.