Five laps, start to finish

How-to guides

Pick what you want to do, then scroll to run it from the start line to the finish. Every step, the right contact and the questions people ask next.

1Guide 1 of 5 · 4 steps

Become a member

One membership covers you at every sanctioned meet in the country, from your first all-comers meet to a national championship.

Membership & Clubsmembership@oregon.usatf.org

RelatedHow do I join or renew?When does my membership expire?Is there a family discount?

Start line to finish

4 steps, then the finish
  1. Step 1 of 4

    Pick a membership type

    Fees depend on type and length. Compare the options on the USATF membership page. Every athlete needs their own membership.

  2. Step 2 of 4

    Join or renew online

    Sign up through USATF Connect. Your membership number and confirmation email arrive right away.

  3. Step 3 of 4

    Choose a club, or race unattached

    You can belong to more than one club but represent only one at a meet. No club? You can still enter championships unattached. Find a club.

  4. Step 4 of 4

    Youth athlete? Verify age

    Upload a birth certificate, passport, certified baptismal certificate or state ID in USATF Connect.

  5. You made it

    You’re on the start list

    Memberships run January to December. Join on or after November 1 and you’re covered through all of next year.

    Join USATF

2Guide 2 of 5 · 5 steps

Start a club

Member clubs are at the heart of the sport: coaching, support and teammates for athletes of every age and event.

Lynn Brown, Membership & Clubs Chairmembership@oregon.usatf.org

RelatedHow does a club join USATF?How do we renew our club?Club resources

Start line to finish

5 steps, then the finish
  1. Step 1 of 5

    Set your focus and leaders

    Decide on disciplines and divisions, and who will run the club day to day.

  2. Step 2 of 5

    Apply for club membership

    Apply through USATF club membership. Once USATF Oregon approves it, your club can compete.

  3. Step 3 of 5

    Make your adults SafeSport compliant

    Coaches, board members, chaperones and regular volunteers need a membership, an NCSI background check and the yearly SafeSport course.

  4. Step 4 of 5

    Bring athletes onto your roster

    Athletes transfer in from their own Connect account. Parents submit it for athletes under 18.

  5. Step 5 of 5

    Renew every November

    Club memberships end December 31. Renewals open November 1, or turn on auto-renewal.

  6. You made it

    Your club is on the map

    Meet schedules, records applications and accident insurance live in club resources.

    Register a club

3Guide 3 of 5 · 4 steps

Get ready for the Junior Olympics

Junior Olympic track and field and cross country for athletes 8 and under through 17–18, from the Oregon meet to Nationals.

Doug Burnett, Youth Chairyouth@oregon.usatf.org

RelatedWhat are the 2026 age groups?How do athletes advance?Youth program

Start line to finish

4 steps, then the finish
  1. Step 1 of 4

    Get a membership and verify age

    Your athlete needs a current membership and a verified birth date in Connect before entering.

  2. Step 2 of 4

    Find your 2026 age group

    Set by age on December 31. 8 and under: born 2018–20. 9–10: 2016–17. 11–12: 2014–15. 13–14: 2012–13. 15–16: 2010–11. 17–18: 2008–09.

  3. Step 3 of 4

    Race the Oregon championship

    Hit the qualifying mark at the Association meet. Washington athletes can enter after an Association transfer request.

  4. Step 4 of 4

    Advance to Region 13

    Qualifiers move on to the Region 13 Championships. Exceptions can be requested ahead of time at youth@oregon.usatf.org.

  5. You made it

    Qualify for Nationals

    Next up: Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, Saturday November 14 at Ash Creek Preserve, Monmouth.

    Race details

4Guide 4 of 5 · 4 steps

Become an official

Meets need officials, timers and helpers. Certified officials get training, mentoring and insurance, and many meets are paid.

Scott Phoenix, Certification Chairsandcphoenix@gmail.com
Gibby Reynolds, RefTownofficials@oregon.usatf.org

RelatedWhy certify?How do I get paid to officiate?Officials program

Start line to finish

4 steps, then the finish
  1. Step 1 of 4

    Contact the Certification Chair

    Find them in the association directory, or email Scott Phoenix at sandcphoenix@gmail.com. They’ll walk you through the steps.

  2. Step 2 of 4

    Complete SafeSport and the NCSI check

    The SafeSport refresher is yearly; the NCSI background check renews every two years.

  3. Step 3 of 4

    Get on RefTown for paid meets

    Email officials@oregon.usatf.org to join RefTown, where schools, clubs and meet directors post paid assignments.

  4. Step 4 of 4

    Apply for championships

    Openings are announced in the National Officials Committee newsletter and filled through the NOC dashboard.

  5. You made it

    Welcome to the crew

    Once certified you can add the race walk official or judge path too.

    Officials program

5Guide 5 of 5 · 3 steps

Get coaching certified

Coaching education is hybrid: an online course at your own pace, then a seminar in person.

Matt Lydum, Coaching Co-Chairmlydum@gmail.com
Tom Millbrooke, Coaching Co-Chairtom_millbrooke@msn.com

RelatedHow do I get Level 1 certified?My Level 1 is oldWhen is the next Level 2?

Start line to finish

3 steps, then the finish
  1. Step 1 of 3

    Take Level 1

    Complete the online portion at your own pace, then a two-day in-person seminar.

  2. Step 2 of 3

    Keep it current

    Stay active with continuing education. If your certification lapsed, retake Level 1.

  3. Step 3 of 3

    Move up to Level 2

    Level 2 is hybrid too, with a two-and-a-half-day in-person seminar.

  4. You made it

    You’re certified

    Coaches working with minors must also be SafeSport compliant.

    Find a course