Frequently ask questions on becoming an official.
How do I become an official?
First of all, thank you very much for your interest in becoming a USA Cycling official. Officials are the backbone of much of what happens out in the field and the true ambassador of USA Cycling that the riders will see. To become an official, you will need to attend an official's seminar, purchase an official's license, and take an open book exam. The seminar is called a Regional C clinic and gives a basic introduction to road, track, and mountain bike officiating.
These clinics are offered often during the season in the various regions, but they are most heavily concentrated during the winter and fall months.
Where can I get patches and rulebooks?
When you take your first seminar to become an official, you should receive a patch and a USCF and NORBA rulebook. When you renew your license the following year, you will automatically get a new rulebook.
What Resources are available online for officials?
From the Official's tab, you can find downloadable versions of the USCF, NORBA, and NCCA rulebooks, as well as the Officials Administrative Handbook, which explains the complete officials program. There is also the motorcycle referee's handbook and the NORBA Mountain Bike Official's Manual. Later in the year, we will have a comprehensive manual for Road and Track as well.
From the same Official's tab, you can also find a link to our clothing manufacturer where you can order clothes, patches, bags, etc.
What are the categories for officials?
The basic categories for officials in road and track are regional C, regional B, regional A, national commissaire, and international commissaire. The categories for mountain bike and BMX are similar, but without the regional B level. There are requirements for advancement to each rank, and these are explained in the Officials Administrative Handbook. Upgrading requires a combination of time since last upgrade, number of races and positions officiating, attendance at an upgrading seminar, and performance on an upgrading exam.
In addition to the basic categories, there are also some specialties, such as motorcycle refereeing (motoref), track starter, and race secretary.
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