FAQ

How is the USAOCR run?

USAOCR is run by a volunteers made up of sport professionals, athletes, medical practitioners and event producers from across the United States. Committee members are nominated by members prior to election at annual general meetings.

Are USAOCR committee members paid?

As a not for profit organization, all members are volunteers and are not paid. Members are entitled to be reimbursed for expenses, as long as they are pre-approved by the Executive Committee.

Who does USAOCR support?

USAOCR’s primary purpose is to support the members and the growth of the sport from the grass roots level through to elite athletes competing at international multisport Games, world and continental events.

What is USAOCRs long term plan?

Once financially stable, the board will hire staff to run and administer the organization. USAOCR’s staff will be responsible for implementing the growth of the sport, including national series, national championships, national rankings and qualification for Team USA.

What is a National Governing Body (NGB)?

A NGB is the governing body for a specific sport. Most sports, whether they have a professional division or operate at an amateur level only are represented by not for profit NGBs in the United States. Examples include Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Triathlon, Track & Field, Swimming, Gymnastics, Speed Skating, and Alpine Skiing to name a few.

What does a NGB do?

Recognized NGBs support the development of their sport in the United States which includes athlete, coaching, official development, and events.

Is USAOCR affiliated with race brands in The United States?

USAOCR treats all race brands equally, with a goal to support all parties of interest in OCR. Although some Committee Members are affiliated with one or more OCR brands, USAOCR is a not for profit organization and has not accepted funding from any race organizations.

Will USAOCR stifle innovation?

No. USAOCRs goal is to encourage the growth, diversity and innovation in OCR, along the same guidelines as World Obstacle.  While USAOCR will develop obstacle guidelines and safety / medical standards for various National Championships, these guidelines will not hinder race organizations innovating obstacles or formats, or require them to include restrictive race rules.

Will the USAOCR force race brands to adhere to strict guidelines?

No. It is our goal that race directors from across the United States will adhere to a standard set of safety & medical guidelines that benefit all athletes. When it comes to obstacles and race formats though, the race organizations will continue to operate and innovate new obstacles and race formats as they do today.

There are guidelines in place for regional, national and international championships, part of a long-term strategy for OCR to achieve medal events at international multisport Games.

Is USAOCR affiliated with any international organizations?

Yes, along with 100 other national federations, USAOCR is a member of World Obstacle, a Swiss based nonprofit composed of national member federations worldwide. It is the sole competent authority for obstacle sports and related disciplines throughout the world and is working toward meeting requirements for recognition as on Olympic Sport, as specified by Global Association of International Sport Federations (GAISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). World Obstacle’s goals and structure is similar to the Aquatics (FINA), Cycling (UCI) and Athletics (World Athletics).

What is the history of OCR?  

Early History  

708 BC Ancient Pentathlon:  run, long jump, javelin, discus, wrestling  

1040 Fell Running: 1.5- 20km of open terrain and many hills  

1860 Steeple Chase: 3,000m run + 28 barriers and 7 water jumps  

1876 Cross Country Running: 4-12km of open terrain  

1912 5th Olympiad, Modern Pentathlon: fencing, swimming, show jumping, pistol shooting, track run 1946 Military Pentathlon Obstacle Run:  500m + 20 obstacles    

Modern History 

1987 Tough Guy (UK): 12 km + 25 obstacles   

1996 HiTec US National Series   

1999 Muddy Buddy (US)  2000 Balance Bar US National Series  & Championships   

2009 Warrior Dash   

2010 Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, Rugged Maniac, Spartan Race   

2016 1st OCR European Championships   

2018 1st OCR Asian Championships   

2019 Southeast Asia Games (IOC recognized)

2023 Southeast Asia Games

What will the sport look like in the future?

USAOCR is working to ensure that OCR continues to include the things we love about the sport. This is an innovative sport inclusive of all abilities and ages with a thriving community. USAOCR has training programs for coach and officials development following the international structure provided by World Obstacle. More information on Coaching and Officials Development programs is available on the World OCR website.

Is USAOCR hoping to make obstacle racing an Olympic sport?

Recognition of obstacle sports at world level can only be achieved by the International Federation, World Obstacle. As a voting member of World Obstacle, USAOCR represents the needs of the members at the international level. If you wish to help the sport achieve recognition, you have opportunities to represent the United States on the International Federation and help on committees and commissions of World Obstacle.

How can USAOCR help me?

As a member based nonprofit, USAOCR exists to represent the needs of the athletes. Please sign up to become a member and recommend USAOCR membership to your friends. You can get further involved by joining a committee and help shape the sport.