Race Director Certification Listings:

 

Level 1 Certification

Level 1 Race Director Certification is the first step to receiving access to certain USA Triathlon Partner Programs and gathering the latest information on risk management, insurance, course development and USAT sanction compliance. Any race director can sanction an event with USA Triathlon. However, only certified race directors can demonstrate and provide proof of thorough training by USA Triathlon to local permitting agencies, medical and law enforcement personnel and our insurance company.

The benefits to becoming a Certified Race Director Include:

  • Discount on sanction fees
  • Eligibility to host non-owned National Championships, regional championship and special qualifier events.
  • Complimentary USAT membership during each year certified.
  • Discounts on USAT marketing materials
  • Opportunity to have free Gatorade Sponsorship at your event
 

Recertification

A race director's certification will only last two years with the expiration date always ending on 12/31 and not from the date of their certification. In order for a race director to continue their certification they must be in full compliance with all sanction guidelines and pre and post-race requirements. A race director must submit and pass a background check through NCSI and SafeSport training. To find out more information on how to recertify please click here.

For information on cancellations, refunds, and other policies in place for these programs, please visit our RD Certification page or email Todd Brewer to be added to the email distribution list.

Online Background Check

Prior to in-person certifications, candidates must complete an online background check. Race Director certification candidates must pass a criminal history check through the NCSI background check application in order to attend a Level 1 Race Director Certification clinic and become certified. The fee ranges from $30 to $50 for U.S. Citizens but does vary 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.

The USA Triathlon background check policy is available here. A failed background check results in the candidate being ineligible for participation in a Level 1 Race Director clinic and certification. You will still be able to sanction events with USA Triathlon with a failed background check.  If the candidate receives a red light and believes the red light is in error, the applicant should work with NCSI directly to resolve the matter. If they are not able to resolve the dispute with NCSI then there is an appeals process outlined in the background check policy. 

Refund Policy

In order to receive a refund, you must contact Todd Brewer, Event Services Senior Coordinator.

Please note: If you are granted a slot from the wait-list and decide to cancel, this refund policy applies.

  • A full refund of the class fee ($350) will be issued outside of 5 weeks before the first day of the course.
  • A 50% refund of the class fee ($175) will be issued 3-5 weeks prior to the class.
  • A 25% refund of the class fee ($87.50) will be issued within 2-3 weeks of the class.
  • No refund will be offered if a cancellation occurs within 2 weeks of the class.
  • If USA Triathlon decides to cancel the class, a full refund will be issued.