Columbus, OH – The United States Trotting Association (USTA), in partnership with Caesars, proudly launched its Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) this week at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio. The program is designed to provide future harness racing officials with the training and certification necessary to serve in key regulatory and officiating roles at racetracks across North America.
Led by USTA Chief Operating Officer TC Lane and USTA Racetrack and Licensing Manager and USTA Corporate Secretary Michele Kopiec, the week-long seminar runs through June 30 and features over 60 hours of in-depth instruction, practical exercises, and mentoring. A class filled with aspiring judges, stewards, paddock supervisors, starters, and other essential racing officials embarked this morning at the High Street oval.
“This program reflects the USTA’s commitment to the integrity, safety, and professionalism of our sport,” said TC Lane. “The officials we train here today will be the ones responsible for upholding the highest standards at racetracks across the country. We’re grateful to Caesars and Scioto Downs for their support in hosting this important initiative.”
The curriculum covers key areas including the USTA rulebook, pari-mutuel wagering regulations, medication control, ethics, race review procedures, hearings and rulings, and crisis management. Instruction is delivered by Lane, Kopiec, and a team of experienced judges, stewards, veterinarians, and industry legal experts. Attendees will also gain hands-on experience by shadowing licensed officials during live race cards at Scioto Downs.
“The Racing Officials Accreditation Program ensures that officials are well prepared to meet the challenges of modern harness racing,” added Kopiec. “This year’s class is an impressive group, and we look forward to seeing them contribute to the future of the sport.”
The program, accredited under ROAP standards, qualifies successful participants for steward or judge licensing in most racing jurisdictions.
For more information on the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, contact:
Michele Kopiec, Racing and ROAP Coordinator, United States Trotting Association, at michele.kopiec@ustrotting.com or 877-800-8782 ext. 3294.