1. Congratulate an official (read below – we have a new Level A official in Missouri).

2. Become an official (an entry level C Clinic being offered on March 29).

HERE IS THE SCOOP

Those of you who race may not realize this, but like racers, officials have categories too.  Someone who is interested in officiating can get started by taking a one-day C Clinic and passing an open-book test based on the rulebook.  There is a C Clinic being offered again this year on March 29, from 9 AM – 3 PM.  If you know someone who is interested, please have them contact Sara Rodney (saralrodney@gmail.com).

Last year we had eight new officials join our ranks, and you have seen them working at the races already.  Most of these new officials are having so much fun that they are working on their B Modules.  These modules are like taking an online course.  You have to work certain races with certain jobs, take pretests, fill out post evaluations and have the Chief Referee sign off on them.  This process takes at least two years, and once all 11 required modules are completed, an official is advanced to level B.  B level officials and above are those officials who work as the Chief Referee here locally.

The next level up from B is A (I know, the progression makes sense, right?).  Level A officials have the opportunity to earn assignments at National level events.  For example, the chief judge at Gateway Cup this year must be level A or higher, since it is now a National Criterium Calendar (NCC) event.  We have a brand-spanking-new, hot-off-the-press A Level official: Marijn Braadbaart (yes, that same guy who is Missouri Official of the Year for 2013). Marijn attended a three-day course this past weekend and passed the test, which is based on a written exam, an oral exam, and class participation.  Please offer Marijn congratulations when you see him next!