Experts Serving Cycling

USA Cycling Officials

Thanks for your interest in becoming an official. There are three steps in the process 1) take the entry-level Category C course (online or in-person), 2) complete the yearly SafeSport training, and 3) submit and pass a background check. More details to get you started are shown below. 

If you have any questions please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.

Education & More

Seminar and Testing

The Category C seminar involves training in Road, Track, Cyclo-Cross and Mountain Bike, as well as the basic organizational structure of cycling and principles of officiating. The class is taught in either a live classroom environment (suggested) or through an online self-study program.

At the conclusion of the training, an open-book exam which will test your knowledge of basic rules and concepts. Passing score is 70%.

To register for the Category C online course, follow the instructions included on this How-To Document.

Any available in-person clinics will be listed here, including information on the course and how to register will be included.

Application

If taking the Category C class in person you will be provided with paperwork, including an application, that your instructor will send in to USA Cycling along with your payment.

If you are taking the the class online, once completed, you will be able to download the license application here.

Background Check

All officials are required to submit a background check, which is valid for two years. The cost is approximately $30. USA Cycling is not able to take other company’s background checks, including those of government entities.

To complete your Background Check:

  • Log on to your USA Cycling account and go to the Membership tab, where you will find a "renew" link under Background Check

If you have any additional questions with the above please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.

SafeSport

SafeSport training is a front-line abuse and misconduct prevention measure that raises members awareness of misconduct and abuse issues in sport. The training is designed to help members become more proficient at identifying, preventing, and responding to misconduct and abuse in sport.

Details:
Training is valid for 12 months from date of completion.

  • Year one, you complete the full training (‘SafeSport Trained’; approximately 1 hour); Year 2-4, you complete a Refresher (approximately 15 minutes)
  • The training is hosted by the US Center for SafeSport, so if you have technical issues please contact their tech support team: 720.676.6417
  • To complete SafeSport training:
    • Log on to your USA Cycling account and go to the Membership tab, where you will find a "renew" link under SafeSport.
    • The email you use for your SafeSport account must match the email have on your USA Cycling account.
    • In your SafeSport profile, please include the following before completing your training:
      • Organization Member ID should be set to your USA Cycling License #
      • Role should be set to Official
      • Name of Sport or Community Organization should be set to USA Cycling
  • Allow 24 hours for your training to be reflected in your USA Cycling account (it will only update if you include your USAC ID in the designated box)
    • If your training is not reflected in your USA Cycling account after 24 hours, please send a screen shot of your completion certification to safesport@usacycling.org.

If you have any additional questions please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.

Motor Referees and Motor Commissaires

After attaining your Category C license, interested officials may take additional steps become certified as a Motor Referee or Motor Commissaire (passenger).

Motor Referee Requirements

Receive additional training through a one-day in-person or virtual online seminar. Classes are taught periodically and open to any current official. Steps to be become a Motoref, you must successfully complete the class and have a valid motorcycle operator's license/endorsement.

  1. Attend an in-person or virtual Motor Referee C course and pass the exam with a 70% or better
  2. A valid motorcycle operator's license/endorsement
  3. Attended a motorcycle safety class
  4. Complete a Motor Vehicle Record Check through NCSI (valid for 2-years) by using the following steps:
    1. Log on to your USA Cycling account and go to the Membership tab
    2. Click on the "renew" link under MVR Credential
    3. Once on the NCSI site, follow the instructions and provide payment. Most MVR checks take 3-5 business days

For additional information view the Motor Referee Program Overview page.

Motor Commissaire Requirements

In addition to motor referees, officials are also assigned to limited roles as Motor Commissaires or Timeboard. Along with your standard officials training, those individuals who would like to be considered for these additional roles must first take the Motor Referee C course and pass the exam with a 70% or better. Upon completion, you will receive an Motor Referee endorsement of "P", meaning pillion or passenger.


If you have any additional questions please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.

Seminar and Testing

The Category C seminar involves training in Road, Track, Cyclo-Cross and Mountain Bike, as well as the basic organizational structure of cycling and principles of officiating. The class is taught in either a live classroom environment (suggested) or through an online self-study program.

At the conclusion of the training, an open-book exam which will test your knowledge of basic rules and concepts. Passing score is 70%.

To register for the Category C online course, follow the instructions included on this How-To Document.

Any available in-person clinics will be listed here, including information on the course and how to register will be included.

Application

If taking the Category C class in person you will be provided with paperwork, including an application, that your instructor will send in to USA Cycling along with your payment.

If you are taking the the class online, once completed, you will be able to download the license application here.

Background Check

All officials are required to submit a background check, which is valid for two years. The cost is approximately $30. USA Cycling is not able to take other company’s background checks, including those of government entities.

To complete your Background Check:

  • Log on to your USA Cycling account and go to the Membership tab, where you will find a "renew" link under Background Check

If you have any additional questions with the above please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.

SafeSport

SafeSport training is a front-line abuse and misconduct prevention measure that raises members awareness of misconduct and abuse issues in sport. The training is designed to help members become more proficient at identifying, preventing, and responding to misconduct and abuse in sport.

Details:
Training is valid for 12 months from date of completion.

  • Year one, you complete the full training (‘SafeSport Trained’; approximately 1 hour); Year 2-4, you complete a Refresher (approximately 15 minutes)
  • The training is hosted by the US Center for SafeSport, so if you have technical issues please contact their tech support team: 720.676.6417
  • To complete SafeSport training:
    • Log on to your USA Cycling account and go to the Membership tab, where you will find a "renew" link under SafeSport.
    • The email you use for your SafeSport account must match the email have on your USA Cycling account.
    • In your SafeSport profile, please include the following before completing your training:
      • Organization Member ID should be set to your USA Cycling License #
      • Role should be set to Official
      • Name of Sport or Community Organization should be set to USA Cycling
  • Allow 24 hours for your training to be reflected in your USA Cycling account (it will only update if you include your USAC ID in the designated box)
    • If your training is not reflected in your USA Cycling account after 24 hours, please send a screen shot of your completion certification to safesport@usacycling.org.

If you have any additional questions please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.

Motor Referees and Motor Commissaires

After attaining your Category C license, interested officials may take additional steps become certified as a Motor Referee or Motor Commissaire (passenger).

Motor Referee Requirements

Receive additional training through a one-day in-person or virtual online seminar. Classes are taught periodically and open to any current official. Steps to be become a Motoref, you must successfully complete the class and have a valid motorcycle operator's license/endorsement.

  1. Attend an in-person or virtual Motor Referee C course and pass the exam with a 70% or better
  2. A valid motorcycle operator's license/endorsement
  3. Attended a motorcycle safety class
  4. Complete a Motor Vehicle Record Check through NCSI (valid for 2-years) by using the following steps:
    1. Log on to your USA Cycling account and go to the Membership tab
    2. Click on the "renew" link under MVR Credential
    3. Once on the NCSI site, follow the instructions and provide payment. Most MVR checks take 3-5 business days

For additional information view the Motor Referee Program Overview page.

Motor Commissaire Requirements

In addition to motor referees, officials are also assigned to limited roles as Motor Commissaires or Timeboard. Along with your standard officials training, those individuals who would like to be considered for these additional roles must first take the Motor Referee C course and pass the exam with a 70% or better. Upon completion, you will receive an Motor Referee endorsement of "P", meaning pillion or passenger.


If you have any additional questions please contact our Technical Director at officials@usacycling.org.