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.
05How-to guides
Pick a lane. Each guide runs from the start line to the finish, with the contact who can help.
01Guide 1 of 5
Become a
member
Every athlete, coach and official at a sanctioned meet needs a current USATF membership. It takes a few minutes online.
Membership & Clubs ChairLynn Brownmembership@oregon.usatf.org
Step 2 of 4
Join or renew online
Sign up through USATF Connect. Your membership number and confirmation email arrive right away.
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.
Step 4 of 4
Youth athlete? Verify age
Upload a birth certificate, passport, certified baptismal certificate or state ID in USATF Connect.
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 USATF02Guide 2 of 5
Start a
club
A registered club can enter athletes as a team, host sanctioned meets and appear on the club map.
Membership & Clubs ChairLynn Brownmembership@oregon.usatf.org
Step 1 of 5
Set your focus and leaders
Decide on disciplines and divisions, and who will run the club day to day.
Step 2 of 5
Apply for club membership
Apply through USATF club membership. Once USATF Oregon approves it, your club can compete.
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.
Step 4 of 5
Bring athletes onto your roster
Athletes transfer in from their own Connect account. Parents submit it for athletes under 18.
Step 5 of 5
Renew every November
Club memberships end December 31. Renewals open November 1, or turn on auto-renewal.
You made it
Your club is on the map
Meet schedules, records applications and accident insurance live in club resources.
Register a club03Guide 3 of 5
Get ready
for the Junior Olympics
Junior Olympic track and cross country for athletes 8 and under through 17–18, from the Oregon championship to Nationals.
Youth ChairDoug Burnettyouth@oregon.usatf.org
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.
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.
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.
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.
You made it
Qualify for Nationals
Next up: Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, Saturday November 14 at Ash Creek Preserve, Monmouth.
Race details04Guide 4 of 5
Become an
official
Oregon needs new officials, and you can start any time. Certified officials get training, mentoring and insurance.
Certification ChairScott Phoenixsandcphoenix@gmail.com
Officials Chair, RefTownGibby Reynoldsofficials@oregon.usatf.org
Step 1 of 4
Contact the Certification Chair
Scott Phoenix, sandcphoenix@gmail.com or 503-715-6685. Find every chair in the association directory.
Step 2 of 4
Complete SafeSport and the NCSI check
The SafeSport refresher is yearly; the NCSI background check renews every two years.
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.
Step 4 of 4
Apply for championships
Openings are announced in the National Officials Committee newsletter and filled through the NOC dashboard.
You made it
Welcome to the crew
Once certified you can add the race walk official or judge path too.
Officials program05Guide 5 of 5
Get coaching
certified
USATF coaching education runs in two levels, each an online course followed by an in-person seminar.
Coaching Co-ChairMatt Lydummlydum@gmail.com
Coaching Co-ChairTom Millbrooketom_millbrooke@msn.com
Step 1 of 3
Take Level 1
Complete the online portion at your own pace, then a two-day in-person seminar.
Step 2 of 3
Keep it current
Stay active with continuing education. If your certification lapsed, retake Level 1.
Step 3 of 3
Move up to Level 2
Level 2 is hybrid too, with a two-and-a-half-day in-person seminar.
You made it
You’re certified
Coaches working with minors must also be SafeSport compliant.
Find a courseHelp
Stuck on
a step?
The directory lists who handles what, with a direct email for each. Or search the answers members ask most.
