Race Director Certification
Race Director Certification #
Race director certification is a 16-hour on-demand course that provides valuable instruction and discussion on how to enhance your events. Those who successfully complete the course requirements and pass an online exam receive a certificate and becme USA Triathlon Certified Race Directors. Classes address the latest in race directing methods, insurance/risk management trends, and USAT sanctioning compliance.
While certification is not mandatory for race directors who sanction their events with USA Triathlon, the program is extremely valuable to both new and seasoned event directors.
Register for Certification Now
Additional questions regarding race director certification should be directed to Todd Brewer, Race Director and Sanctioning Manager.
Benefits of Certification#
The latest risk management and race directing information available along with the opportunity to network with other race directors from around the country.
Discussion time throughout the course will allow you to talk to other event directors and share experiences you all have.
Special access to online insurance certificate system – insurance certificates can be printed directly from the insurance company's website.
Lower sanctioning and insurance costs for USAT sanctioned events.
Priority consideration for championship event hosting.
Discounted Advertising in USA Triathlon magazine.
Course Fee and Refund Policy #
Certification Fee: $350
To receive a refund, contact Race Director and Sanctioning Manager Todd Brewer.
Prerequisites#
In addition to completing coursework, race directors must comply with the following standards to receive USAT certification:
- Race Directors who currently sanction events with USAT must be in full compliance with all sanction guidelines and pre- and post-race requirements before consideration for certification is allowed.
- Potential attendees who have not yet sanctioned an event with USAT will be expected to meet all requirements once they sanction an event and will be monitored for compliance along with all other Certified Race Directors.
As part of the certification program, all race directors must undergo a background check and SafeSport training.
Background checks are done through NCSI. Costs range from $30 to $50 for U.S. citizens with exact fees varying by state. International background checks cost more and vary by country. Fees for the background check are not included in the clinic registration fee. Instructions on how to complete the background check are sent to candidates following registration. Each candidate must complete and pass the required background check or entry into the clinic and certification is denied. Any candidate concerned about his or her background should complete the background check prior to registration.
RD Specialization#
Ensuring your event is welcoming for paratriathletes and other adaptive athletes is a great way to grow your registration base. USA Triathlon offers specific certification on how to best serve these communities in your event.
Race Director SafeSport and Background Check Requirements #
If you are hosting an event with athletes aged 17 and younger, you must have an active SafeSport training and cleared background check. SafeSport training must be completed on an annual basis and only SafeSport Trained, Refresher 1, Refresher 2 or Refresher 3 meet the annual requirement.
Race directors must submit and receive a cleared background check every two years. Background checks take an average of 10 business days to process once the application has been submitted to NCSI.
Race directors should complete their annual SafeSport training and submit background check requests through their USAT member hub account. Please contact trisafesupport@usatriathlon.org with questions.
RD Certification Update #
The Race Director Certification program is undergoing review. Right now, Level II certification and recertification are not being offered, and both madatory and continuing education courses are no longer required. Those with Level II certification will maintain their status.