USA Cycling is excited to announce plans for its new Race Director Certification program and race director license. The initiative, which begins roll-out in 2012, will offer certification, continuing education opportunities and licenses to race directors in an effort to define and recognize this important sector of our membership and strengthen overall race quality.
Until now, race directors only had the option of using club affiliation to sanction events with USA Cycling. With the new race director license, professional race directors now have the option to permit events without club affiliation at the same license cost. Clubs will still be able to put on events as they have in the past.Groups organizing a bike race in 2012 do NOT need a race director license in addition to a club license, only one or the other.
With race director certification, race directors will be able to tout training, professionalism and expertise when meeting with government officials and other event constituents. Through the race director’s association, professional race directors will automatically have an environment in which to share best practices. They’ll also enjoy professional development opportunities, specialized training and discounted permit fees. The licensed race directors will also be able to run for and vote for specific race director positions on the various USA Cycling Sport Committees.
“The race director certification program is important because it provides new and veteran race directors with a source of information dedicated to bike racing events and a platform to share best practices to help raise the overall quality of their event,” commented USA Cycling’s Race Director Certification Manager, Tara McCarthy.
USA Cycling will begin rolling out the new program over a two-year period beginning in 2012 with the new race director license available for the same price as a club license beginning immediately. Subsequently the race directors association will be formalized and Level C curriculum will be offered for online race director certification. Level B and National/International level curriculum will be offered by the end of the year.
Beginning in 2013, race director certification classes will be held in various locations around the U.S. and as the program grows certification Level B will be required for top-tier calendar race directors. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will then be required for race directors to maintain certification.
What the new program means for USA Cycling clubs
The new race director license does not take away a club’s ability to sanction events with USA Cycling. It simply offers another option for professional race directors. Clubs can still sanction events as they always have.
Who should purchase a race director license?
Any individual who is interested only in permitting events, races (competitive and non-competitive) and fun rides, with USA Cycling and has no other need for the traditional Club affiliation.
How to purchase a race director license and set up a race director organization
While renewing or purchasing your 2012 license through your secure ‘My USA Cycling” account, click on "License Info," and then "Purchase New License" - you'll find the Race Director License under “Support License Purchase."
If you currently have a club for the sole purpose of sanctioning events, you now have the option to change your club to a Race Director Organization (RDO). If you would like to make that change, or if you would like to set up a new RDO, pleasecontact your USA Cycling Member Service Representative(MSR) for assistance.
Each RDO will come with one complimentary race director license assigned to an individual. To link additional race director licenses to your organization, individuals or your RDO can purchase the additional licenses. Please visit USA Cycling’s Race Director page for FAQs and opportunities for race directors.
