by Chip Hastings, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The United States Trotting Association will host a 16-hour continuing education program for any interested ROAP accredited racing officials at The Meadows (in Meadow Lands, Pa.) on Saturday (Nov. 9), beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 10).

Reservations are required, please contact Cathy O’Meara at ROAP at 859.224.2702, or via e-mail at contactus@horseracingofficials.com.

There is no charge to current ROAP accredited harness officials who are current USTA members/licensees. For all others, the cost is $100 payable at time of registration. The meeting room is “Delvin’s Banquet Room” located inside The Meadows Racetrack.

Attendees are responsible for their own lodging and meals. For information on available lodging in the area, visit the Meadows website at www.meadowsgaming.com.

The agenda will include, among other things, the following topics and video race replays:

• Reciprocity of Penalties
• Protocol for Declaring a Race “No Contest”
• Judges’ Meetings with Racing Officials/Racetrack Staff/Horsemen before the Race Meet
• Whipping Violations/Foot Out of Stirrup-Kicking/Driver’s Posture
• Positive Test Hearings

Detailed information on some of the topics can be viewed at the following link to the ROAP 2013 Points of Emphasis.

Any questions should be directed to either TC Lane at 877.800.8782, ext. 3203, tc.lane@ustrotting.com or Chip Hastings, at ext. 3250, chip@ustrotting.com or Cathy O’Meara at 859.224.2702, contactus@horseracingofficials.com.