We received an advance of a press release on USOCR the first sanctioning body in Obstacle Racing. USOCR is an exciting new entity entering the market to help make our sport safer and give us who compete the best possible races. This is the first step in OCR cementing itself as a true sport in which other sports can look at as their peer. As many readers will know we have championed the need for this for a while as recently as our news years post, A New Year A New Day.

USOCR’s sanctioning will help ensure when you sign up for a new race if that race is sanctioned it will be up to a certain standard we have grown to know and love. As well it will  ensure that races are properly insured. This is a huge step and all other major sports have sanctioning bodies, and now is our time. Think USA Triathlon or USATF but for OCR. This is an exciting time in OCR and a step into the future and the future of the sport.  Full Press Release below –

What are your thoughts?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United States Obstacle Course Racing (USOCR) Launches as Official Sanctioning Body for Burgeoning Sport

USOCR to Offer Safety Standards Program, National Ranking System and Industry-Leading Insurance Program for Sanctioned Races and Participants

ATLANTA (January 7, 2014)—United States Obstacle Course Racing (USOCR), today announced its plan to serve as the official sanctioning body for the sport of obstacle course racing in the United States.

As the sport continues to grow, USOCR will ensure that uniform safety procedures are implemented and industry-specific insurance solutions are developed for sanctioned events.  USOCR has taken the necessary steps as the first non-race entity to establish criteria for both safety and excellence for race companies and participants alike.

“USOCR is dedicated to the longevity and ongoing development of obstacle course racing,” said Sam Mansfield, co-founder and CEO of USOCR.  “We have initiated conversations with multiple race companies and have generated strong interest in our race partner programs.  Ensuring that our partners’ events are safe and successful is our top priority.”

USOCR will officially launch in February with a roster of partner race organizations that will operate USOCR sanctioned races.  These organizations will have the opportunity to take part in the USOCR Event Safety Program, which includes world-class consultation from ESIX, a global leader in risk management and insurance solutions for sports and entertainment events and companies.  This program will help set a consistent standard for safety that protects event operators and race participates alike. Beyond safety, the results from qualifying races will be used to determine a ranking system allowing competitors to gauge themselves against competition nationwide.

As a member-based organization, USOCR will offer a wide range of benefits including insurance solutions designed specifically for the OCR industry, discounts on race entry fees, travel assistance, discounts from product and apparel partners along with a racer profile on the USOCR website.

“As an OCR athlete and former Green Beret, I know the dedication it takes to conquer obstacles both in the business world and in races,” said Mark Ballas, co-founder of USOCR.  “With numerous benefits for members and race organizers, USOCR will hit the ground running by providing an umbrella organization to promote the sport and create a sustainable business model for race organizers and partners.  USOCR will embody the spirit of OCR and be a valued partner to the race industry.”

Look for the full USOCR website to launch in February at www.usocr.com.  The site will be a resource for racers and race organizers.  It aims to become the place where pro-level and amateur athletes can share in their passion for obstacle course racing.

ABOUT USOCR

United States Obstacle Course Racing (USOCR) is the first nationally recognized sanctioning body for obstacle course racing in the U.S.  Founded in 2013 by Sam Mansfield and Mark Ballas, USOCR establishes regulations to ensure safety and quality across the sport.  In partnership with the industry’s top race organizers, USOCR sanctions races allowing for the first national ranking systems for OCR athletes.  The organization fosters a vibrant community where athletes can share in their passion for obstacle course racing.  For more information, visit www.usocr.com.

Follow USOCR online on Facebook and Twitter.