Last call for USTA’s 2022 Official’s Internship Training Program

Columbus, OH — The U.S. Trotting Association, in conjunction with Harrah’s Hoosier Park, MGM Northfield Park and a yet-to-be named New York track, will once again be offering an Official’s Internship Training Program in October of this year. Unlike the initial program in 2021, the 2022 program will have openings for two internships.

The program will begin with the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) 60-hour accreditation course Sept. 11 through Sept. 18 at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, Calif. The course provides a formal classroom study, covering both basic, day-to-day responsibilities of a judge as well as more technical subjects including medications and drug testing and administrative law and hearings. At the conclusion of the course, students must complete a series of five exams covering information presented in the course. More information on ROAP and the accreditation course may be found here.

Once the ROAP course concludes, interns will join the staff of the judges in either Indiana, New York or Ohio as an “in-training” associate judge, under the supervision of the track presiding judge and the two existing associate judges. The on-track training will expand on what was learned in the ROAP course. It will involve extensive and hands-on experience in the judges stand, race office, paddock, test barn, and hearings and will also include instruction on mutuels, teletimer, photo-finish, race charting, horse identification, security, licensing, and conducting a draw.

Interested candidates must be current USTA members and are required to complete a written application and possible personal interview. Selection of candidates will be based upon, among other things, racing background, education, temperament, and availability to relocate and travel.

Chosen interns will be paid a stipend to cover travel and living expenses for the ROAP course and racetrack assignment.

Those interested in applying for the program should complete the application available here and submit it to Michele Kopiec at michele.kopiec@ustrotting.com no later than Aug. 15, 2022.

Back to Top

Share via