FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is USAN Official?
Yes! USAN is an affiliate and technical committee of USA Pentathlon Multisport, a member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and is recognized by World Obstacle, the international governing body.
How is the USAN run?
As a National Governing Body (NGB) USAN 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 NGB 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 if they are pre-approved by the Executive Committee.
Who does USAN support?
USAN’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 a National Governing Body?
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.
What does a NGB do?
Recognized NGBs support the development of their sport in the United States which includes athlete, coaching, official development, events, and qualifying the national team to represent the United States at international competitions and multisport Games.
Will USAN stifle innovation?
No. A goal of USAN is is to encourage the growth, diversity, and innovation in Ninja Sport, along the same guidelines as World Obstacle. While USAN 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 USAN force race brands and leagues to adhere to strict guidelines?
No. It is our goal that race directors and leagues from across the United States will adhere to health, safety and medical guidelines that benefit all athletes. Competition organizers should continue to operate and innovate new obstacles and competition formats.
There are international guidelines for regional, national, and international championships, part of a long-term strategy for Ninja Sport to achieve medal events at international multisport Games.
What is the history of Ninja Sport?
1997 Sasuke TV Show Competition, TBS Japan
2006 Sasuke “Ninja Warrior” airs on G4 Network in the USA
2009 American Ninja Warrior (ANW) season 1 in the USA (season 12 in 2020)
2015 Ninja versus Ninja (head-to-head sport version)
2016 NNL championships inaugurated
2016 UNAA championships inaugurated
2017 Team Ninja Warrior (head-to-head mixed relay)
2018 American Ninja Warrior Junior (head-to-head) ages 9-14
2019 Ninja World Championships, Russia “Arena of Heroes” (head-to-head and mixed relay)
2022 Ninja World Cup series kicked off in Manila, Philippines
2022 Ninja speed format adopted by UIPM to replace equestrian in the new Pentathlon format
2023 Ninja World Cups in 5 countries
What will the sport look like in the future?
USAN is working to ensure that Ninja Sport 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.
How can USAN help me?
As a member based nonprofit, USAN exists to represent the needs of the athletes. Please sign up to become a member and recommend USAN membership to your friends. You can get further involved by joining a committee and help shape the sport.
What is the Difference between a World Cup and a National Championships?
A National Championships is the highest level competition run in a country to identify the best athletes in that country. World Series, World Cups, and World Championships (any event with "world" in the title) are international events for the purpose of competition between national teams of individuals representing their country.
How does the USAN Selection Committee make decisions?
The selection committee is tasked with the formation of competition teams for world-wide events. To identify the athletes that will represent the USA in the event, the committee will draw from the current USA Ninja Team and, as needed, the Ninja Community using the following criteria:
- Participation and ranking in previous USAN events
- Age on event day (as determined by hosting country)
- Number of National Team athletes allowed in the respective event as allowed by World Obstacle, the International Federation
- Other impacting details
All National Team members need to be in compliance with Code of Conduct and other requirements to participate in any event representing the USA.
