USCF Legislation Summary
Thanks to Jim Patton
USCF Trustee, Eastern Region
USA Cycling - Goals
 USCF Annual meeting held 11/6-7 in Colorado Springs
 Summary of Legislation
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Emphasis on rules that impact promoters and race promotion
USA Cycling New Rules Webinar
http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=5914
~ 2 hours
General Rules: Chapter 1
 Modified 1E Registered Clubs and Teams
Revision of clubs and teams: the following changes the
club/team rules. The main changes are:
1) The emphasis is on being an active club by putting on races
versus the former focus on sponsored club. Active clubs can be
sponsored etc.
2) Clubs can explicitly have multiple teams.
3) Teams may be discipline specific. Riders may race for another
team in a specific discipline e.g. cyclo-cross, even if that team is
organized by another club than their licensed club.
 Modified 1F defining race positions for officials
General Rules: Chapter 1 (Cont.)
 Modified 1P – Finish of a Race
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1P6 Defines timing requirements
1P7 Defines results tabulation including:
1P7(e) Results are assembled and printed. It is the responsibility of the organizer
to provide resources appropriate to the scale of the race for results production.
The results are checked by the Chief Judge, who generally signs or initials them
to show approval, and whether the results are preliminary or final. The
organizer’s staff is then responsible for reproduction and distribution of the
results
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Modifies protest period:
1P8. Results posting. At the end of the race, the Chief Judge will inform the
riders of the time and place where the results will be posted or announced, and
the Chief Judge shall be available there to resolve any protest. Prizes may not be
distributed until all protests have been answered which affect the podium and
awards and at least 15 minutes have passed since the results were announced.
General Rules: Chapter 1 (Cont.)
 Clarified 1J5. Team entry in races adding.
The following applies by default to teams in events with individual classification e.g.
stage races. Organizers may choose to hold team events (team time trials,
madisons etc.) with these restrictions, but it must be specified in the race
announcement.
 Expanded opportunities for Women in Men’s events:
1K2. Women may enter any men’s race for which they are eligible by age, category,
and any performance requirements except championships. They may also enter
categorized races for men that are up to one category lower than their women's
category. For road, track, and cyclocross events, category 1 women may enter
men’s races up to two categories lower. In addition, category 4 and 3master women
who are 35 or older may compete in men’s masters races for all riders up to 20
years greater than their racing age, subject to other eligibility requirements, as
follows: category 1 and 2 master women may enter men’s events for riders up to 10
years above their racing ages; category 3 and 4 master women may enter men’s
events for riders up to 20 years above their racing ages.
General Rules: Chapter 1 (Cont.)
 Rider Release Signature modification added to 1J6:
The signature on the release must be an original handwritten signature (a “wet
original”); electronic signatures are not acceptable.
 Established default field limit for Cross at 100 – 1J7
 Field limit for races with Cat 4 Women expanded to 75 – 1J7
 1J8 – intended to define Course Limits (maximum number of
riders allowed on a course) – withdrawn
 Moved Free Entry rule to Chapter 1:
1J15 National and World Champion race entry.
Current UCI World or U.S. National Champions, who enter category A, B or C races
(except National Championships) by the specified pre-registration closing date, shall be
refunded their entry fee (not including insurance fees and surcharges) provided that
they are eligible to wear their championship jersey in the race, and do so (see Rule
1N5).
General Rules: Chapter 1 (Cont.)
 Junior Equipment limitations, 1M – Failed
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Trustees agreed with the intent of the rule, but the proposed
restrictions were rejected
Trustees group tasked with finding better words for future
consideration
 Helmet rule, including restrictions on Helmet Cams –
Withdrawn
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Rule proposed out of safety concerns
• Helmets are not tested with aftermarket stuff including cameras,
lights, visors, etc.
 Sleeveless jerseys authorized for TT events 1N5.
General Rules: Chapter 1 (Cont.)
 Chip Timing/Scoring added as a method of rider
identification:
1N8. Chip Timing/Scoring
(a) Chips for timing/scoring are provided by the organizer, who may require a
deposit that shall be refunded on return of the chips in good order.
(b) Riders shall place the chips as prescribed by the officials and in such a way
that they will activate the chip sensor upon passing the line. Riders may be
warned, relegated, or fined $20 for refusal to wear chips as prescribed.
 New Entry Fraud rule:
1Q3. Identity Fraud. No licensee may enter a race under an assumed name nor
conspire to allow another rider to enter a race under an assumed name. This
includes fraudulent use of another rider’s license, racing numbers, or
timing/scoring chip [default penalty - one year suspension].
Chapter 2, Track Rules
 Numerous minor changes:
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2E – Miss and Out
2I, 2K, 2L – TT Mishaps and Restarts
2O3 – International Ominium
Chapter 5, Cross
 Cross Feeding
5A16. Feeding is not permitted unless specifically authorized by the Chief Referee
[relegation or disqualification for unauthorized feeding]. If authorized, there is
normally no feeding in the first two and final two laps of the race. Temperature of at
least 68 degrees is recommended. Feeding only takes place in the pit lane, unless
the Chief Referee specifies otherwise.
 Pulling Riders clarified
5G1. Unless announced otherwise, riders who have been lapped will be pulled
from the race using the following procedures:Before the start of a race, it should be
announced whether lapped riders will be pulled or remain in the race. If riders are
to be pulled, the following applies:
(a) Riders who have been lapped shall continue the lap to a designated location
before the finish line and withdraw, under the control of the officials.
(b) The Chief Referee may, after consulting with the organizer, impose the 80%
rule. Under this rule, riders whose time gap to the race leader is at least 80% of
the race leader’s time for the first lap will be pulled by the officials unless it is the
final lap. The number of 80% is merely an approximation based on a typical
course; the intent is that all riders should be pulled before they are lapped
Chapter 8, Championship
 Defined eligibility for Women in Men’s championship
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8b1(d) In National Championships, women may not enter men’s events; in state
championships women are not eligible for medals in men’s events.
 Junior Track
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Added Cat 3 to Madison 8D8
Added International Omnium 8D7
 Added single speed to Cross and defined categories - 8F8
 Added Masters Scratch Race 8G10
 Rule change to modify Para-cycling classes to include
riders defined by International Paralympic Committee
(IPC) failed because the wording lacked definition
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Trustee group assigned to investigate addition of athletes beyond
those defined by UCI
Northeastern Regional Technical Commission
 Composition
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National Technical Commission (NTC) designees (2)
One member per Local Association
• VAC representative is Ruth Stornetta
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Up to three at large members
• Steve Stone from MABRA/VAC
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USAC Regional Rep. (Randy Inglis)
 Goals and Objectives
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Identify promising officials in the region and assist with advancement
Provide mentoring opportunities to all officials
Provide appropriate training for all officials
Set policies and guidelines for local officials
Manage Level B upgrade program
Establish a regional evaluation program for officials
Establish an officials recognition program
What is coming?
 New Evaluation System
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More Evaluations – well beyond the current system
Wider Scope
• Regional Level – done by RTC
• Including Organizers and Riders
 New Discipline Policies
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Including officials
Corrective action is the goal, but discipline can be the
result of poor performance
UPGRADING TO CAT B
Cat B Modules
 Candidate completes 10 required and two optional
Modules
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The official controls their own pace of advancement
A lack of a clinic in an area will not be a hindrance
The process will make for a much better official
The checks will make sure that the official has learned the
material and has the practical experience to upgrade.
Through this process, the official will be in close contact with a
member of the USA Cycling Regional Technical Commission, as
well as the on-site Chief Referee, who will be able to give
valuable mentoring and evaluation to the official.
Cat B Required Modules
Module 0 – Customer Service
Module 1 (Assistant Judge 1) – Judging and Scoring
Module 2 (Assistant Timer 1 ) – Timing
Module 5 (Assistant Referee/Pit) – Working a pit at a Criterium
Module 6 (Assistant Referee/Crit) – Working as an assistant
referee at a Criterium
Module 8 (Assistant Referee/TT) – Working a TT as a
stager/whip/holder
Module 10 (Registrar) – Working a race as a registrar
Module 12 (Chief Referee 1) – Pre race preparation
Module 13 (Chief Referee 2) – Managing the bicycle race
Module 14 (Chief Referee 3) – Post event paperwork
Cat B Optional Modules – pick 2
Module 3 (Assistant Judge 2) – judging omniums
and stage races
Module 4 (Assistant Timer 2) – Timing stage races
Module 7 (Assistant Referee Vehicle) – Working
races from a follow car
Module 9 (TT Starter) – Acting as starter for a TT
Module 11 (Radio) – Using proper radio protocol
Each Module Contains
 Introductory material
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goals of the module and any prerequisites, including
required reading
 A module pre-test
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complete and turn in to a designated official.
 The observed practical tasks
 A check off sheet where the tasks can be
documented by the Chief Referee of the race(s)
where you complete the module
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What does this mean for our current CRs?
When can you start the Module process?
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NOW!
For everyone licensed before 2011,
• We can work on credit from 2010 once you have completed the
Self Test in a module
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What you can not do:
• Same CR can not sign off all blocks in most modules;
– You need to demonstrate experience to more than one person
• Family members can’t sign for family members
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I will assign mentors to all Cat C officials who request
one
• Mentors are responsible for guiding you through the modules
• All of the senior officials will help you with race day scenarios
OFFICIALS AND CUSTOMER
SERVICE
Did You Do Your Homework?
 Have you ever said or heard?
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Unfold your number or you’ll be fined $20!
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Put your helmet on! (Usually screamed at full volume)
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I don’t know. The Chief Judge handles results protests!
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The promoter doesn’t need to give you a refund!
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You can’t sign someone’s waiver for them. They have to sign it
themselves.
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You were relegated for your bad riding behavior. Go home!
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Only a coach or the rider can file a protest. I won’t listen to
anyone else!
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What kind of idiot do you think I am?
Officials are Customer Service Reps
 You are the only uniformed & paid representative of
USA Cycling at a local event.
 You are probably the ONLY representative of USA
Cycling that most riders will ever meet.
 You are the one wearing the distinctive uniform, so
everyone will ask you questions.
 You should always know the answer to them as it will
do credit to the officials and to USA Cycling, as well as
make everyone happy at the event.
 What impression are you giving?
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Every time you open your mouth, you represent
USA Cycling!
Who Are Our Customers?
 Riders
 Race Organizer
 Sponsors
 Spectators
 Media
 USA Cycling
 Sport of Cycling
What Do Our Customers Want?
 An opportunity to compete in or see an event that is:
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Fair
• Set the conditions for the strongest rider to win
• See that we are enforcing the rules
• Without being overbearing
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Safe
• Know that someone is watching out for them
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Well Organized
• Run on time without unnecessary delays
• Accurate results within 15 minutes or so
Qualities of Good Officials
Being the Best Official
You Can Be
Consistency
Enjoyment &
Motivation
Rapport
All of these
characteristics are
essential to providing
good customer service
Confidence
Judgment
Decisiveness
Poise
Integrity
Qualities of Good Officials
Preparing to Officiate
Officiating is physically and mentally demanding. Both physical and
psychological preparation is necessary to officiate effectively. Good
officiating is a result of good pre-game preparation and post-game
evaluation.
• Pre-Game
• Game Strategy
• Mental Preparation
• Post-Game Evaluation
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When Stuff Happens - Handling Complaints
 Handling upset
customers
requires:
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Empathy
and
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The ability to keep
your own emotions
in check
Keys to Dealing with complaints
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Listen
Don’t be on the defensive
Find the exact problem
Restate the problem
Show empathy and an understanding of their concerns
Access the situation, fix the problem or find a solution
Give a time estimate on resolving
Give a proper answer with reasons
Give a gesture of caring
Follow up on promises
Really think about e-complaints
VCA OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
VCA Official of the Year Award
 Recognize the hard work and superior performance of
the USA Cycling Officials who support VCA
 Promote increased professionalism by VCA officials
 Open to Category B & C Officials who worked 5 or more
days of VCA racing
 Scored by senior VCA officials on 5 criteria
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Score only officials observed
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1-10 points for each criteria
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Scores averaged
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Ties broken by vote of selection committee
Overall Contribution to VCA
 Commitment to growing the VCA Official’s Program:
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Recruiting new officials
Mentoring less experienced officials
 Commitment to improving racing within VCA
 Number, level, and type of VCA races worked and the
position held at those event
 Goes above and beyond the minimum to create a good
VCA racing experience
Official’s Customer Service Skills
 Courteous, respectful attitude
 Communication skills
 Interactions with racers, promoter & spectators
Official’s Technical Skills
 Application of rules
 Consistency & impartiality
 Mechanics, positioning skills
Official’s Professional Skills
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Appropriate uniforms, neat appearance
Prepared
Thorough
Organized
Focused on the event, not easily distracted
Evidence of continuing growth:
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Officials education
Rules study
Seeking additional experience
Official’s Presence
 Presence is the way you conduct yourself
 Presence is the way you conduct yourself as an official
 Presence is how others perceive you and your officiating
 Presence is your style
 Presence is not something you are right or wrong about
 Presence is not something you can copy
 Presence is not holding court
 Presence is the sum of your qualities as an official
2010 VCA Official of the Year
Is Awarded to
Carolyn Goble
For exceptional contributions to
the Virginia Cycling
Association in 2010. Carolyn
demonstrated the highest
degree of dedication,
customer service, technical
skills, professionalism and
presence while officiating
nineteen days of VCA racing.
EVENT SKILLS AND BEST PRACTICES
Cross 2011
 Chief Ref needs to be more involved ahead of time
 Check that course length will give AT LEAST a 6 minute lappreferably 7 minutes
 Communicate with promoter if problems arise during race
Keys to Good Cx Scoring
 Think Vertical w/ longest possible columns
 Check current lap against prior lap
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You’ll know who hasn’t come through and who hasn’t
Lapped riders show up VERY quickly
 Work together to solve problems
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Fill in missed riders -- Keep your sheet up to date
 Maintain a “bad number list”
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DNF, Lapped Riders, etc.
Quick Check against the final order of finish
 Solve problems quickly
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Really try not to send people away angry!
If we’ve made mistake, 15 minutes isn’t all that important
Road Scoring
 Where do we have troubles?
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Juniors!!!
Solution – score them exactly the same way we score Cross
• Vertical
• Check off EVERY RIDER, EVERY LAP
• Keep a good list of lapped riders
 Other Fields
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You are responsible for order of finish only
Promoter is responsible for Names, Splitting field, etc. 1P7
• CJ still approves final results
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Try to score everyone, even those you pull
If protests are outside the prize list, don’t hold the prizes while
resolving the protests – 1P8
Waivers
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Must be current year forms
Must have all information filled in
Must be legible
For Juniors
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Must be signed by rider’s parent or legal guardian
• May not be signed by the coach, car driver, friend…
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May be signed before arriving at the venue
• Requirement is for an original signature (i.e., no copies)
Camera Review
 Where should the camera be placed?
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Why?
How do we focus?
What should the shutter speed be?
Steps to handle glare?
What is the quickest way to start and stop recording?