2019 Flat Racing Accreditation School

The ROAP Flat Racing Accreditation School will be June 23-30, 2019, with the classroom portion at the Courtyard Marriott Pasadena/Monrovia. Live racing will be attended at Santa Anita Park and Los Alamitos Racecourse. If you are interested in this school, please register below to receive updates. Schedule will be forwarded once available.

A scholarship for the school fee ($650) is available by completing the application by May 31. The recipient will be notified by June 7. CLICK HERE for the scholarship application.

A 16 hour Continuing Education Class for accredited officials will also be available (dates TBA) and a one-day Certificate Course open to the public may also be offered prior to the school, if there is enough interest. Please let us know if you would like to participate in the Certificate Course.

Registrations for the accreditation school are currently being taken. Registration and payment is requested by May 23, 2019. 

The following four (4) items must be complete prior to attending the accreditation school:

1. Registration - follow link below to the complete the registration form
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation - these letters of recommendation are separate from the three references listed on your application. These must be sent to ROAP directly either through regular mail (821 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY 40503) or emailed to contactus@horseracingofficials.com. At least one (1) letter must be from someone in a regulatory capacity (ie: commissioner, steward, director of racing, etc.)
3. School Fee - $650 (Payment invoices will be emailed to registered participants)
4. Materials Fee - $50 for the ROAP Resource Guide (includes US shipping). Payment can be made via the yellow PayPal link below or by mailing a check or money order, payable to ROAP, to 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. Please notify us if you are mailing a check or money order. The text book and supplemental materials (if applicable) will be shipped once payment is received. For shipping outside of North America, please contact ROAP

What to expect?

It is strongly encouraged to obtain the materials packet well in advance of attending the school. The materials contain the text book and supplemental information that will be covered during the school. Due to the length of the school, information is covered very quickly and it is encouraged to read the entire text book prior to attending. Additionally, a thorough review of the ARCI model rules or your state jurisdictions rule book will assist in your completion of the school. 

The school is divided into three sections - General, Legal, and Medication. The bulk of the day will be in lecture with field trips schedule to attend and observe live races. The testing includes three (3) hour and a half written examinations, one (1) two-hour film review examination, and one (1) 30 minute oral examination. 

Lectures will be in a classroom setting and for long hours. Be sure to dress comfortably but presentable. Jeans are acceptable during lectures. Bring at least two professional outfits to wear to the races. Keep in mind to wear comfortable shoes for walking as much of the time spent at the races will be shadowing officials on both the front and backside.

How to Prepare For and Get the Most Out of the Steward/Judge Accreditation Program

• Review the Racing Officials Resource Guide (text book).
• Familiarize yourself with the racing statutes and/or rules of racing in your home jurisdiction. 
• Familiarize yourself with the Model Rules of Racing found on the ARCI web site (www.arci.com). 
• You will not be expected to memorize these rules, but you will be expected to understand their purpose and why they may differ from state to state.
• Come ready to contribute to the conversation. Participation is more than half of the learning process. You have a lot to offer the rest of the group, so don't be shy!
• When you think of unique situations that you have encountered, write them down! Bring that list with you. Discussing these events is the backbone of this program it helps to bring more consistency to decisions made at tracks across the region and the country.
• Think about and write down current issues or problems you are facing. This is a great way to find out if other jurisdictions are facing the same things and how they are dealing with them.
• Bring a tape of races that were 'close calls' or unusual incidents. 
• Remember, write it down and bring it along!

If you have any questions about the application process, please direct them to the ROAP Coordinator, Cathy O'Meara at contactus@horseracingofficials.com.

Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Pasadena/Monrovia, 400 West Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA  91016