Welcome to the USATF Colorado Officials page!

We are building this site to serve our officials with details on certification, training, and much more. Please take a look at all of our materials, and return from time to time to view updated information.

Who Are We?
The Colorado Association of USA Track and Field (USATF) governs the sports of track & field, long distance running, cross country, race walking, and mountain/ultra-distance/trail running within Colorado. We create, conduct, and oversee programs to provide opportunities for athletes of all ages to participate in the sport. Our members include male and female athletes of all ages, certified officials, coaches, colleges, and clubs that support and develop them at every level. The Association handles the certification of officials in the state.

Certified officials in Colorado must be members of USATF and be certified with the Colorado Association. To join USATF go to USATF Membership. USATF membership provides athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and fans of track & field the opportunity to support the sport and receive a wide range of benefits, including a subscription to "Fast Forward" a quarterly USATF magazine; liability insurance coverage for USATF sanctioned competitions; discounts on USATF logo merchandise, hotels, car rentals, track & field publications and videos, and more. For full details go to USATF membership benefits.

If you have suggestions for new content or changes, please submit them to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Thank you.

Officiating Opportunities

Please click here for a complete list of upcoming Officiating Opportunities (to be updated soon)

Recruiting -- Officials Are Needed!

We are recruiting men and women to serve as competition officials. Officials work on a volunteer basis at youth, high school, masters, college, and open track and field as well as cross country meets; road racing; and race walking in Colorado. No previous experience is necessary; training is provided in classrooms and on the job.

We depend on dedicated volunteers who serve and earn the appreciation of athletes and coaches. If you're already assisting with competition, our certification process can help improve your skills and lead to work at larger meets such as regional and national championships throughout the country - as is done by several of our veteran Colorado officials.

If you or someone you know has an interest in becoming a certified official, please see more details on our Become an Official page.

Certification Numbers

We're proud to have the following number of individuals certified as USATF officials in the Colorado Association for the 2009-2012 Olympiad

Officials' Certification & Recertification
All track and field officials are encouraged to become USATF certified officials. The benefits include: certification recognized nation-wide; official's ID card and pin; training; opportunities to work regional and national championship meets; a USATF rule book; and more.

For detailed information on certification levels and procedures as an official in the Colorado Association, see Certification Information for USATF Officials.

Track & Field Rules
The Competition Rules provides information on recent rules changes and sources for rule books for USATF, NCAA, IAAF, and NFSHSA. Colorado officials receive a 2011 USATF Rule Book in connection with payment of their Association certification fee.

Training Clinics for Colorado Officials
The Colorado Association conducts several officials' training clinics each year to help develop and improve the skills of its members, and to satisfy training requirements for recertification. See our Training Clinics for details on the dates, times, locations, costs, and necessary documents to bring to our clinics. Coaches interested in hosting training clinics, contact our Certification Chair, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Officials' On-Line Training Resources
The USATF Officials Training Center contains useful training tutorials, manuals, forms, and resources for track and field officials.

Also see USATF Best Practices documents - mostly one page items for a quick review of rules, venue set-ups, equipment, and briefings to athletes for running and field events.

Uniforms
Officials are expected to dress appropriately and maintain a professional appearance at all times. Bring appropriate gear for all types of weather. Meet management may specify a uniform for specific meets. If not otherwise specified, the National uniform is always acceptable; it consists of:

1. National uniform polo shirt
2. Khaki slacks, shorts or skirts
3. Brown or khaki belt
4. White shoes and socks
5. National officials photo ID card
6. Hat (outdoors) - the hat may contain your official certification pin or meet pin only.
7. National uniform jacket or navy blue jacket
8. Starters (indoor and outdoor) - red sleeves are used; red blazers for TV only

The USATF Uniforms/Equipment/Merchandise page contains full details of uniforms including the National Polo Shirt and raingear, equipment, and sources for ordering items.