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Race Director Certification

The Race Director Certification is an online course comprised of 10 interactive learning modules. This robust introduction to race directing and event production covers key topics such as the USA Triathlon sanctioning process, risk management and insurance, permitting and agency coordination, and self-officiating. It also includes detailed planning for swim, bike, and run logistics. Additionally, the course features a dedicated marketing module focused on social media strategies and best practices to help grow and promote your event effectively.

Register for Certification Now

Additional questions regarding race director certification should be directed to Todd Brewer, Race Director and Sanctioning Manager.

While certification is not mandatory for race directors who sanction their events with USA Triathlon, the program provides significant value for both new and experienced event directors.

In addition to on-demand access to the Level I Race Director course upon completion, Certified Race Directors receive the following benefits:

  • Reduced sanctioning fees
  • A free annual membership to USA Triathlon
  • Access to online templates, worksheets, and checklists to streamline event operations
  • Eligibility to host national championship events
  • A special Certified Race Director logo for use on your event websites. The logo will also be displayed next to your events listed on our on-line event calendar
  • The opportunity to speak at Endurance Exchange, USA Triathlon’s industry conference held every other year

Certified Race Directors represent the best of our sport—committed to delivering fun, fair, and safe events. To maintain certification status, Race Directors are expected to keep their SafeSport training current and have an up-to-date background check on file with USA Triathlon.

If you are hosting an event with athletes aged 17 and younger, you must have an active SafeSport training and cleared background check. SafeSport training must be completed on an annual basis and only SafeSport Trained, Refresher 1, Refresher 2 or Refresher 3 meet the annual requirement.

Race directors must submit and receive a cleared background check every two years. Background checks take an average of 10 business days to process once the application has been submitted to NCSI.

Race directors should complete their annual SafeSport training and submit background check requests through their USAT member hub account. Please contact trisafesupport@usatriathlon.org with questions.

Additional resources to help you deliver high-quality events can be found on Triathlon Learning, USA Triathlon’s hub for race director tools, guides, and educational content.

USA Triathlon has compiled a robust library of Race Director and Event Operations resources. From water temperature guidelines and the latest USA Triathlon Competitive Rules, to budget planning templates and instructional videos on setting up aid stations— whether you are a seasoned veteran or first time race director - you’ll find everything you need to plan and execute a successful event. Explore the Race Director section of Triathlon Learning to access these tools and more.