For many events, the USATF sanction improves the event's public perception. A sanction tells athletes that an event is being run according to applicable competition rules. Sanctioned events have the ability to use the USATF event designation logo to promote the fact that the governing body has sanctioned the event.
Most governmental entities including cities, counties, state highway departments, parks and community centers require general liability insurance for all events. A sanction provides cost-effective event insurance, with best-in-class coverage. It is important to know that events that are already insured may choose to waive the insurance coverage and pay a lower sanction fee. Events that waive USATF liability insurance still gain the other benefits of a USATF sanction.
USATF is now offering exclusive access to industry vendors who will help take your event to the next level while offering discounted rates and special offers on their products. All USATF-sanctioned event organizers will have access to the program — no extra steps, no middleman. Event organizers will work directly with the vendors to gain access to products and services from companies that have worked in the industry and understand race-specific needs.
Any athlete who is a USATF member and is injured while participating in a sanctioned event will be eligible for secondary medical insurance coverage for the injury. This insurance not only provides valuable coverage to USATF members, but it serves as a valuable deterrent to lawsuits.
This add-on insurance coverage is available to USATF sanctioned events to provide medical liability coverage for volunteer physicians and all other volunteer healthcare providers providing support to participants, volunteers and spectators during sanctioned events.
Sanctioned events will be included in the USATF online calendar and be highlighted to distinguish them from non-sanctioned events.
In general, a sanction is required for a record to be set. There are some exceptions to this rule, however.
If requested, USATF will act as an arbiter in disputes between athletes and sanctioned events.
Each Association may provide additional benefits to its sanctioned events. Please contact your local Association for more details.