Mid-Atlantic Cycling Officials Information
Last Updated 7/01/2009

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NOTE -- Many of the new links are to PDF documents that require Acrobat 5.0 or higher.  Click here for a free download 

FOR PROMOTERS -- MABRA 2009 Calendar Building:

The MABRA Calendar-2009 is being updated daily as I receive information.  Please send  your race information to to me and our Permits Team (date, race name, location, type of race and promoter's contact information) to schedule a 2009 event.  If you want a date that has already listed, it is up to YOU to contact the other promoter and arm wrestle for the date.  Please remember that the MABRA policy is for one and only one BAR event on any day.

Time to start thinking about 2009 events!

It is now time to start thinking about 2009 races.  The season starts in EARLY FEBRUARY.  The MABRA Calendar will be kept up to date as I get information.  This listing will only contain Chief Referee assignments.  More on the new, improved process shortly.

Once the calendar firms up, you'll need to let me know which events you can help with; just send me an e-mail jim@jimpatton.net. Please remember that submitting this list only indicates that you are available for the event.  It does NOT assign you to an event.  If you have not been contacted about an event that you want to work, you may contact the assigned Chief Referee to confirm your assignment status.  Note: Race planning, including crew assignments, nominally happens 6-8 weeks before the event.

We communicate via an e-mail list:

The MACO e-mail list has been replace by a new incorporated in our new Scheduling website.  If you have an active license, go to www.mabraofficials.org and sign-up under the "e-mail" pull-down.

Computer for the Finish Line:

MABRA finish lines will now use a new Macbook and iMovie to easily record and pick the final placings.  The Macbook is VERY user friendly.  iMovie is even easier to use.  To help you become familiar with  program, here is a link to the iMovie HD Getting Started.  We'll only be using the basic record and playback features!  Recording is a simple "click".  Play back is a touch on the space bar to start and stop; the left and right arrow keys do the frame-by-frame.  No more monitors, no more IR remount control, just a computer screen!

Learn about UCI Bike measurement:

Here is a link to a primer on measuring bikes using the UCI measurement jig Link.  MARA owns one of the basic jigs and it will be used to measure bikes at our local Time Trials.  This is in preparation for National Championships.  Check out the link.

New Printing Stopwatch

We have a new Seiko S149 printing stopwatch that should be easier to use than our old one.  Here is the Seiko S149 Manual for early study.

Who worked in 2008?

Check the current spread sheet HERE.  Additions, errors -- contact Jim Patton.

Fine Form for Chief Referees:

Fine Form

This is the new fine form. Having learned from the first attempt last year, this one addresses several issues. First, it is in adobe fill-in format, so if you have adobe 6.0, you can type info into one line and it will duplicate it automatically into the others to save you time typing. It can still be used as a stand alone form to fill in by hand when that is necessary.

It also includes info on the top that indicates that the licensee will pay a late fee if they do not willingly submit this within 15 days. Clearly, this part falls apart if the CR does not give part A of the form to the fined licensee or his/her manager. Basically, if I have to track them down, it is going to cost them. I must have spend 20 hours this year processing fines from riders I had to track down.

Part B and C are for the CR to submit to us. Part B goes with the CR report. Part C comes to me directly. I would really appreciate it if part C gets to me before the rider sends me the fine, so I have some idea what the fine is for.
 
Motorcycle Handbook:
The Motorcycle Handbook on-line.  Go to the SkooterRefs website, clicking on Training Information  will take you to the download page.            

Reference Lists and Information:

MABRA Calendar w/ CR assignments
Officials List
USACSchedule of Fees
USAC Rulebook (Current) (New format, contains all USA Cycling rules)
UCI Rules (Current)
Race Official's Administrative Handbook
Officials Manual Part 1 General Officiating Principles
Officials Manual Part 2 Officiating Road Events
Officials Manual Part 3 Officiating Track Events
MABRA Cross Series Documents (2008): Series Rules; Series Tech Guide
Update Clinic Slides--January 31, 2009
Seiko S149 Printing Stopwatch Manual

MABRA Invoice Form

Clothing and ID Pouches Available:
Shirts Picture
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USAC will soon have a full clothing program available on-line.  All your needs should be covered, including patches.  Click here or a direct link.
Contact Jim Patton for information on the ID Pouches -- they're still available.

Meet your Finish Line Camera!!!


The 25 Most Important Things To Know About Officiating-- Article from January 2001 Referee magazine, click to download PDF.  Great food for thought for ALL officials (any sport)

General Questions (and the correct (perhaps) answers):
1.  Who is ready to work which races?

We have a new process for requesting events and being assigned.  Click Here to download instructions on what you do to set up your account and request races (equivalent to the old RAL). Events that need people will be listed on the home page. You’ll see two events listed now: City Bike and Ride Sally Ride. These events are among the many that need CR.

Once you are assigned to events, your assignments will appear on your Home Page.

Please download and read the insturctions, go to the www.mabraofficials.org, establish your account and request some races.

Remember, if you want to make sure you are considered for an event, you may contact the assigned CR and discuss your assignment.

Race crews are normally established six or more weeks before the event!

2. Motors Referee Information -- Including a great Road Racing Handbook, see SkooterRefs website

3. Need to find one of our officials?

The current Officials List can be downloaded here
4. Need Motorcycles?   This is list of people having completed the New Motor Clinic. 
Our Officials List has local motors listed with an "M" in the official's category.

5. Information for New Officials

To become a USCF Official, you must:
- Attend an introductory Seminar
- Take and pass an entry-level, open book exam (70% minimum score)
- Purchase a USCF Officials License ($35)
6. So, you want to Up-Grade?  Here are the guidelines:
Regional "B"
      Minimum age, 19 years
      At least one season of experience
      Worked 10  Regional events in road, track, or cyclo-cross as an official
           - The official must show that the event work was in a variety of positions for each of the disciplines in which an upgrade is sought.
       Successfully complete the 1.5-2 day USAC Regional B Race Official Training Course.
           -  70% minimum score on USAC Regional B Race Official Exam

Regional "A"
       Minimum age, 21 years
       Minimum of 25 races -- road, track and cyclo-cross -- any position, plus:
        - For Road Upgrade
            - The 25 race minimum must include at least 2 stage races
            - Must have worked at least
                - 5 road races as Chief Referee
                - 5 road or cyclo-cross races as Chief Judge
                Note:  No more than 2 cyclo-cross events may be counted for upgrade experience
        - For Track  Upgrade
            - At least:
                - 5 races as Chief Referee
                - 5 races as Starter
                - 5 races as Chief Judge or Secretary
           -  At least four of the 25 minimum events must be at the National Level or Higher
         Successfully complete the 3-5 day USAC Regional A Race Official Training Course
           -  75% minimum score on USAC Regional A Race Official Exam
 

7. Motor Referee Program, including upgrade process
 
C-Motoref (C-MR)
This would be the starting point for someone who is an official but who has not necessarily done any motoreferee work.
  • Must have a level C officials license or better at the time of the first motoref clinic.
  • Successfully completes the initial course (one-day seminar, with test)
  • Works at E-C level events
  • Works at B level events if under the tutelage* of a level A motoref
  • Works A level events if under the tutelage* of a level A motoref with a recommendation of the Motoref Commission
B-Motoref (B-MR)
This is a motoref that has some gained substantial experience since earning the C-MR certification. This person will have experience in criteriums, road races, and time trials. He or she may also have participated as a motoref in level B or A races with caravans per the stipulations above.
  • Must have a level B road officials license
  • Detailed resume documenting 10 road events as a C-MR

o At least 5 events as circuit or road race events
o At least 2 events as lead or follow moto for a Criterium

  • Two recommendations from A-MR, International Commissaires, or Regional Coordinators
  • Recommendations must include data from documented personal observations at events
  • Works up through B level events
  • Works A level events if under the tutelage* of a level A motoref
A- Motoref (A-MR)
This is the highest level certified. This person has experience at all levels of motorefing, including work with large caravans. This person also has extensive understanding of the rules of cycling, the relationship of the motorefs to the commissaires, and the nature of international rules and interpretations.
  • Attends and passes the level A motoref course
  • Has a minimum of one season as a B motoref before upgrading**
  • Detailed resume documenting 15 events as a B-MR
o At least 10 circuit or road race events
o At least 3 events at the National Calendar level or higher
  • Three recommendations from A-MR and international commissaires
o Recommendations must be based on documented personal observations at events.
o At least one recommendation must come from an international commissaire or a member of the motoref commission.
  • Works all events.
* Note that under this usage of “tutelage”, the fact that an A-MR is present is not sufficient in itself. If this A-MR is not someone who is going to help the other motorefs or the schedule is not conducive to that being possible, then this situation should not be allowed and is not counted as a qualifying resume experience.
** Two years would be better, and it would take some serious recommendations for a single year to be acceptable

 

8. Missed the 2009 Update Clinics and want to see the slides?

      Here are some of the seminar materials:   Update Clinic Slides 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jim Patton
Jim @jimpatton.net
1803 Roxboro Place
Crofton, MD 21114
410-721-7650 (evenings before 9)
202-781-1591 (days)
301-332-3358 (cell)