Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00287322	Description Activated On: 6/25/2026 8:26:10 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

In order to help ensure the integrity of race, The Associate Judge is to assist the Presiding Judge in interpreting and enforcing the Rules and Regulations of The State Horse Racing Commission.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1. Exclude from racing any horse that in their opinion is improperly equipped, dangerous, or unfit to race.
2. During a race, investigate any apparent or possible interference or other possible violation of the provisions of 183.281(relating to driving procedures), whether or not a complaint has been made by a driver.
3. Investigate any act of cruelty, seen by them or reported to them, towards a racehorse at the meeting at which they officiate. If the judges find that such an act has been committed, they shall penalize the offending person.
4. Immediately thereafter or on the day of the race, the judges shall fill out a complete accident report and send the report to the Commission and the USTA.
5. Grant a hearing at a designated time in accordance with the provisions of 183.451-183.466 (related to practice before the Commission) before a penalty may be imposed upon any party.
6. Check Judges books for accuracy after each race.
7. Maintain judges’ books, stewards list, accident reports, and daily reports for the Commission.
8. Preparation, delivery, and posting of all notices of penalties, rulings, and decisions related to racing.
9. Collectively, the Presiding Judge and Associate Judges rule on any matter that may be brought before them relating to racing.
10. Supervise the opening of the Declaration Box, correlate and verify the number of entries.
11. Oversee the drawing of post positions in a manner approved by the Presiding Judge.
12. After the races have been drawn, proofread the program for errors concerning horse eligibility or other matters that might need to be corrected.
13. At a designated time (scratch time), set by the Presiding Judge in cooperation with the race office, clear the racing program (the board) before the final proof is sent to be printed.
14. Hold drivers’ meeting to discuss any proposed rule or policy changes.
15. Closely observe the performance of all drivers and horses during a race to ascertain if any violations of the RULES OF RACING have been committed.
16. Determine all questions of facts relating to each race.
17. Consider complaints of foul brought forth by the Patrol Judge and/or drivers, and investigate any possible violations
18. Observe horse warming up and post parading and exclude any horse that is improperly equipped, dangerous, or unfit to race.
19. Mediate differences between individuals in relationship to a race or other matters related to racing.
20. Place horses on the Stewards’ list for poor performance, repeated breaks, or other valid reasons
21. Assist the Presiding Judge in closing the wagering at the start of each pari-mutuel race.
22. Assist the Presiding Judge in establishing the correct of finish after each race by reviewing the photo finish and verifying the correct order of finish has been posted before the “Official” sign is posted.
23. Examine claims. In the case of multiple claims of a particular horse, the judges will draw the winning claimant by lot.
24. Attend meetings with other Commission representatives, track management, and/or horsemen’s association(s) to discuss racing topics and concerns.
25. Assist the Presiding Judge in fielding questions from the public, track management, and horsemen in reference to judges’ decisions and other issues pertaining to racing.
26. Watch and officiate qualifying races.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Collectively the Presiding Judge & Associate Judges has the authority to rule on the following:

1. Determine if there are any violations of the Rules of Racing and impose penalties when necessary.
2. Use the United States Trotting Association's Pathway database and/or Fines and Suspension database to ascertain if an owner, trainer, or driver has past or current penalties that may make him or her ineligible for a Pennsylvania License.
3. Determine is a horse is eligible to participate in a race.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) accreditation must be up to date. Must have passed all sections of the ROAP accreditation tests and kept accreditation up to date via ROAP approved continuing education.

Must possess a current USTA Judges/Officials license.

Must be able to obtain a PA State Horse Racing Commission License.

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   N/A

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Interpret and enforce Pennsylvania Rules and Regulations
2.	Know and retain understanding of the U.S.T.A. rules
3.	Attend hearings
4.	Observe and officiate live harness racing and associated activities in accordance with Commission rules and regulations
5.	Be available to judge PA fairs
6.	Make rulings and impose penalties as permitted under all applicable PA Rules and Regulations
7.	Write and defend rulings and penalties
8.	Ability to write and read reports
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