STAN BOWKER
CHAIRMAN
RACING OFFICIALS ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
What is the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP)?
Collaborative effort of industry organizations dedicated to ensuring the integrity of horse racing through educating and training racing officials
ROAP works with the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program and the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program
Who is ROAP?
ROAP is represented by an alliance of
industry representatives
For what types of racing does ROAP provide accreditation for?
Flat
Harness
Steeplechase
Levels of Accreditation
Accredited Senior Steward/Judge Accredited Steward/Judge Accredited Racing Official Fair Steward/Judge
Educational Requirements
Attend 60 hour accreditation school Pass all required exams Meet experience requirements 16 credit hours of continuing education
every two years
Continuing Education
Sponsored by the University’s of Louisville and Arizona, or by another group such as a racing commission
Agenda must include ROAP’s Points of Emphasis
8-16 credit hours
2008 Points of Emphasis
Uniform handling of objections & inquiries in reviewing races
Determining disqualifications in races with multiple incidents of interference
Stewards & judges should conduct regular meetings with racing officials
Weekly race video review with jockeys
2009 Points of Emphasis
Conduct mock disciplinary hearings Writing rulings Write daily reports Consideration of mitigating and aggravating
factors when reaching decisions on penalty phase
United States Canada Puerto Rico
Caribbean South America Asia
Global Impact
Program Benefits Racetracks and racing commissions that
employ accredited officials are represented by qualified professionals
Racing fans are confident the sport is being overseen by qualified experts
Goals & Objectives Achieved
Enhanced accreditation schools & continuing education classes
Produced training DVD Created Code of Conduct Designed lapel pins for accredited officials Reviewed State rules for uniformity on
interference, riding fouls, and disqualifications
Developed ROAP website with Directory Enhanced teaching of RCI Model Rules, RMTC
recommended medication polices uniform penalties, & racing law
Secured adoption of model rule requiring accreditation of stewards & judges
Developed race video survey Produced 2nd edition Resource Guide Created Steward/Judge evaluations
Goals and Objectives For 2009
Develop “On Call” Steward/Judge Program Conduct accreditation school internationally Coordinate industry wide survey to research
salary ranges & compensation packages for racing officials
100% adoption of accredited stewards’ & judges‘ model Rules
Create one day educational workshops
ROAP Committees
Steering Committee Steward/Judge Advisory Committee Continuing Education Committee Communications Committee Fundraising Committee
Accreditation Requirements By State
State Accreditation Required No. of Accredited
Arizona No 6
Arkansas All Stewards 3
California No, but encouraged 15
Colorado Yes 1
Delaware Yes, in statute 7
Florida No 8
Idaho Yes 2
Illinois All Stewards 10
Indiana Yes - Policy 4
State Accreditation Required No Accredited
Iowa State Stewards, but recommended for others 3
Kansas No 3
Kentucky No, but consideration given to those who are 12
Louisiana Nothing written, but in policy yes 9
Maryland No 6
Massachusetts No 1
Michigan Not in rule book, but in principle it is required 6
Minnesota All Stewards 3
Montana No 2
Nebraska Yes, in rule 4
New Jersey Yes, common policy 8
State Accreditation Required No
Accredited
New Mexico Yes, in statutes 7
New York Yes, state unwritten rule 9
North Dakota State Steward Only 2
Ohio State Steward Only 12
Oklahoma Yes, by administrative rule 7
Oregon No written rule, but principle 4
Pennsylvania Stewards and judges required to have gone to school, passed exams, and keep up with CE for
employment
10
Texas Not required 9
Virginia All Stewards 9
Washington Only at Class A & B tracks 6
West Virginia State Stewards 6
Wyoming No, but in process of making it a rule 2
Resources Website Video Library Responsibilities & Duties of Racing Officials DVD Educational Materials Resource Manual ROAP Directory Job postings/help wanted
ROAP Website
ROAP Directory
Educational Resources
Articles of Interest
vv
QUESTIONS
Racing Officials Accreditation Program
821 Corporate Drive
Lexington, KY 40503
859-224-2702 (phone)
859-296-3033 (fax)