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Licensed Officials

Licensed Officials play an integral role at Federation licensed competitions by ensuring a fair playing field, safe competition environment, and supporting competition participants. Officials can serve as Course Designers, Judges, Para Classifiers, Stewards, and Technical Delegates.

 Become a Licensed Official
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What are licensed officials?

Watch this Learning Center video to learn about the different types of officials and their education requirements. 

Are you interested in becoming a licensed official?

For more information on how to apply for a license, go to our Become Licensed webpage. 

Do you have licensed official questions?

Please email [email protected] to reach the USEF Licensed Officials Department. 

Licensed Official Evaluations

Confidential evaluations allow members to share positive and constructive feedback with the Licensed Officials Department about their experiences with a licensed official at a recent competition. The more detail you can include, the easier it will be for us to follow up with the official if needed. While you can submit evaluations anonymously, it can be difficult to act upon vague information. Regardless of whether your submission is anonymous, your identity won’t be shared with the official you’re evaluating. Click here to fill out an evaluation form.

Resolution Process for Licensed Official Evaluations

  1. Intake: Members have the ability to submit evaluations up to 21 days after the last day of the competition. Our Licensed Officials team processes evaluation forms within 35 days of the competition.
  2. Investigation: If necessary, a member of the team may reach out to the reporting person for more details about what they included on the form. From there, the official’s evaluation record may be assessed, and the official may be contacted for more information on any issues cited in the evaluation.
  3. Resolution: Some evaluations require no additional action (many include positive feedback for the official, which is relayed to them). If any issues are raised with the official’s performance, USEF may:
    1. Remind the official of specific rules, policies, or best practices
    2. Issue a warning
    3. Require the official to undertake specific continuing education
    4. Recommend that the Regulation Department consider suspension, demotion, or revocation of the official’s license

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Additional Resources

Licensed Officials Policies and Procedures - Clean

Updated December 1, 2025 - Version 9.0

Licensed Officials Policies and Procedures - Marked Up

Updated December 1, 2025 - Version 9.0

FEI Licensing Information Document - Clean

Promotion and maintenance requirements for all types and levels of FEI licenses. Updated December 05, 2025.

FEI Licensing Information Document - Marked Up

Promotion and maintenance requirements for all types and levels of FEI licenses. Updated December 05, 2025.

Licensed Officials Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics policy for all USEF licensed officials.

Licensed Officials Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy to provide guidance for licensed officials.

LO Library

Resource repository for Licensed Officials and applicants.

Confidential Competition and Licensed Officials Evaluation Form

The online evaluation form is available for members to evaluate the quality and competence of Federation licensed officials, as well as licensed competitions.

Licensed Official Fees

Fee schedule for licensed official related items.

Extension/Reinstatement Request Form

Complete this form if you did not attend a clinic in the year you were due or have not officiated the required number of competitions to renew your license. This form is reviewed and if approved gives you an additional competition year to meet requirements.

News

Equestrian Weekly

Serving the Sport: Alex Ambelang’s Journey as a Licensed Official

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 2/23/2026

When it comes to competitions and events, some of the most vital roles on the showgrounds are filled by those working outside of the spotlight – our licensed officials. "Licensed official” is the overarching term for those serving in roles such as course designer, judges, para classifiers, stewards, or technical delegates, each playing an integral part in ensuring a fair field of play and a safe competition environment for both equine and human athletes. For Alex Ambelang, becoming...
Equestrian Weekly

Same Horses, Different Setting: FEI Grant Program for Licensed Officials Inspires Similar Program at USEF

by Natalie Voss | 2/20/2026

It’s a dream for any equestrian to experience the CHIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Festival – for athletes, fans, and yes, for licensed officials, too. This year, Aachen will be even more special, hosting the World Championships for six FEI disciplines. “One truly cannot appreciate the scale and scope of CHIO Aachen until you experience it first-hand,” said Jon Kreitz, who traveled to the event as a licensed official in 2024. “The opening ceremony in the main...

US Equestrian Congratulates New FEI Endurance Licensed Officials

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 1/27/2026

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian congratulates four new FEI Endurance Licensed Officials, who joined the Endurance community at the close of last year and the beginning of 2026. Their commitment strengthens the foundation of the sport and continued growth within the discipline. US Equestrian also extends heartfelt appreciate to all the FEI Endurance Officials for their hard work, expertise, and dedication throughout 2025. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Congratulations to the following Level 1...
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