Anyone a USAT official?

I looked into it back in April, the only clinic this year in the state. It was a couple hours in the classroom, then you had to work the triathlon the next day to get certified. I couldn't swing it over that weekend but would like to do so in the future.

Would be a great way to learn the rules in depth, and a good way to give back to the sport.

Tri Take Me Away - 2006-06-20 10:12 AM Bear, I thought I remembered you mentioning that awhile ago. I figure..why not? The clinic is free, and I was planning on going to that race with some friends anyway. So I just won't race and I'll snag some drafters instead.

Be especially hard on the dorks riding yellow bikes. Not that they have the speed to sustain further penalties.

i would like to do it as well.  Do you get paid at all???  The website doesn't mention anything about it...

The first 2 races you do on a volunteer basis. I assume after that you get paid, but I have no idea how much.

 -- and that is precisely why I volunteered to become a USAT Official (Cat 4).  I did the 4 hour officating clinic at Powerman Alabama that was lead by Charlie Crawford, USAT Commissioner of Officials, and then helped officiate the duathlon.

Something folks often forget is that the vast majority of officials are triathletes themselves who also race ... so they have a vested interest in making the race fair for all competitors.

You'll enjoy learning the rules in depth, riding the cycling course on the back of a motorcylce, the 'behind the scenes' of how a violation becomes a penalty and just plain giving back to the sport. 

Plus, you will see the race from a completely different perspective.  I plan on obtaining my Cat 3 status after helping to officiate two races in August.

Bottom line, I highly recommend it.  PM me if you have any other questions or concerns as I'd be happy to help.

PS: I always look at RED bikes for drafting first ...

It is a volunteer activity ... but after obtaining Cat 3 status, you can get reimbursed for mileage + lodging.

Generally speaking, though, the regional director will try to schedule you for races as close as possible to minimize travel and associated expenses until you are eligible for reimbursement.  (My Regional Director does an awesome job in taking care of and accomodating his officials.)

Brian
thanks for the info

the bear - 2006-06-20 11:25 AM

Tri Take Me Away - 2006-06-20 10:12 AM Bear, I thought I remembered you mentioning that awhile ago. I figure..why not? The clinic is free, and I was planning on going to that race with some friends anyway. So I just won't race and I'll snag some drafters instead.

Be especially hard on the dorks riding yellow bikes. Not that they have the speed to sustain further penalties.

Jeff (Q) Look out!!!

HOT is an awesome race!  Maybe you can catch the bastard that drafted me the ENTIRE 2 lap course and then shot by me the last 1/4 mile into transition.  That's ok...I dropped him like a bad habit before he saw the first 1/2 mile of the run.

But in all seriousness, great race! 

Ironmanwoman and a USAT Official, there is not stopping her.

The mere act of getting on a yellow bike eradicates all traces of dorkdom.

I guess you yellow-bikers need something to remove the traces. But it still doesn't do a damn thing for your cycling speed though. Except reduce it.