Training and certification of officials is central to USATF's goal of ensuring fair and safe competitive opportunities for athletes. The organization delivers information and instruction to officials, assuring their development as professionals.
As an official gains experience, exposure to correct officiating practices, and additional training, USATF recognizes this skill development through four progressive levels of certification: Apprentice, Association, National, and Master.
Officials are certified in specific disciplines; each discipline falls under either a set of Levels or a set of Grades as shown in the links below. Officials also have an overall certification level which is equal to their highest level of certification in any discipline.
The certification of all USATF officials expires at the end of each Olympiad. The recertification process opens on Nov 1, 2024 and should be completed by Dec 31, 2024, but not later than March 31, 2025.
Complete details are outlined in the paper at this link.
The Certification Upgrade Criteria chart below specifies the requirements for advancing from one level of certification to the next in a particular discipline.
Officials who believe they have met these criteria may use the upgrade checklists found in the Resources and Best Practices documents (Certification) and have senior certified officials verify that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills for an upgrade in the discipline. Officials may then complete an Upgrade Application (see below) and submit the application and checklist to their Certification Chair for consideration.