BMX RULE BOOK

(version on 17.07.09) 

GENERAL RULES

1. Categories and Participation

   1. Age of Participants

      A rider must be at least 5 years of age to compete in a UCI sanctioned BMX event. The minimum age of 5 refers to the real calendar age on the day of race commencement.

      The category a rider is eligible to ride is determined by his age which shall be calculated by deducting the year of birth from the current year.

   2. Categories

      BMX events can be distinguished in two competing levels, the championship level, comprising elite and junior categories and the challenge level.

      1. Categories Championship Level:
         The BMX competition categories recognized by the UCI are as follows:

         1. Standard bicycles:
            Championship level
            Elite Men - 19 & over;
            Elite Women - 19 & over;
            Junior Men - 17 & 18;
            Junior Women - 17 & 18;
            (4 categories).

         2. CRUISER
            Championship level
            Elite Cruiser - 19 & over;
            Elite Women Cruiser - 19 & over;
            Junior Cruiser - 17 & 18;
            Junior Women Cruiser - 17 & 18;
            (4 categories)

      2. Categories Challenge Level:
         The BMX competition categories recognized by the UCI are as follows:

         1. Standard bicycles:
            Boys - 5 & 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16;
            (11 categories).
            
            Girls - 5-7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16;
            (10 categories).
            
            Men - 17-24; 25-29; 30 & over;
            (3 categories).
            
            Women – 17 & Over
            (1 category)

         2. CRUISERS:
            Boys / Men 12 & under, 13 & 14, 15 & 16, 17-24, 25-29,
            30 - 34, 35 - 39, 40 - 44, 45 & over;
            (9 categories).
            
            Girls / Women 12 & under, 13 & 14, 15 & 16, 17-24, 25-29,
            30 - 34, 35 - 39, 40 - 44, 45 & over
            (9 categories).

       TOTAL: 43 categories

c.   Categories Masters Level:
Men: 30 and Over
(1 category)

A rider aged 17 years or over may choose to compete at either Championship or Challenge level at the beginning of the season namely in the appropriate age and gender group in  standard bicycle categories (20")and/or cruiser categories (24”).

The calendar season starts on August 1 and continues until July 31 of the following year.

A rider cannot ride in both Championship and Challenge levels at the same event.

3. Combination rules.

   Five riders shall constitute a category.

   If less than five riders register for a category, they will be combined with an older category. However, cruiser categories with a maximum age of more than 34 shall be combined with the next younger category.

   In the case that any under-subscribed category cannot be combined according to this rules, this category shall not be run.

   If the adequate numbers of five riders are registered, the category will be run even if less riders show up.

   If five or more riders register for a category and are present on race day, the category will not be combined in those cases where injury or illness prevents the requisite number from actually engaging in competition.

   No competing category at championship level can be combined with a competing category at challenge level and vice versa.

   Except as provided by the combination rules, no rider is permitted to compete outside of his age or gender group.

   All categories will eventually transfer to a final, which shall determine the final result.

2. Competition

Riders registered to compete in an event will be classified according to their age, gender, bicycle style and competition level.

Two styles of bicycles are recognized: standard and cruiser, as laid down in article E-2.

A BMX race is composed of 3 phases, the motos, the qualifiers (1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 finals depending on the number of participants) and the final.

The motos are subdivided in 3 rounds, at the end of which the riders with the best overall result shall transfer to the qualifiers.

The qualifiers are the elimination phase of the race. It is subdivided in several stages, which are distinguished from each other by their degree of removal from the final (1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 finals depending on the number of participants).

The last phase is the final.

1. Practice

No rider will be permitted on the track on competition day until he has been officially registered for the event as a licensed rider.

At least one official practice session must precede the racing at any event. Separate practice times shall be allocated to each category or other designated group. Each group shall have as a minimum time allowance that period which will allow all its riders to complete at least four laps including practice gate starts.

After practice has concluded, the commissaire may call a team managers' meeting. The purpose of this meeting shall be to inform team managers and riders of any supplemental regulations that may be in force during the race and to give further instructions regarding the general conduct of the race.

2. Transfers and scoring

A rider who fails to start in a moto will be scored as a Did Not Start (DNS). For the purpose of determining his transfer eligibility, a rider will be awarded 2 more than last place points for his first DNS. Last place points are equal to number of riders listed on the moto sheet.

The rider will be ineligible to transfer if he fails to start more than one moto. To determine the first DNS and for scoring purposes it will be recorded as CR meaning the rider was given a credit for the finish of last plus two points.

In the case where a tie occurs in transferring or award positions, the tie breaker will be the rider's best finish in the preceding qualifiers, the next tie breaker will be:

1. In descending order 3rd, 2nd, 1st moto finish result.

2. Time trials results or staged lap.

If applicable, for each moto in which he competes, a rider shall receive a point score equal to his finish position in the race, with the rider in first place earning one point and so on down to the eighth place rider, who will receive 8 points. The riders with the lowest total points earned in the motos transfer to the next stage of competition in accordance with the rules set forth in Appendix 3.

In qualification phase the top 4 finishing riders will transfer to the next stage of competition.

A rider who starts but does not complete a moto will be recorded as “Did Not Finish (DNF) and will receive a score equal to the number of riders who started the moto. This rider will be eligible to transfer.

If one rider or more riders fails to start in the final they will be declared as a Did Not Start (DNS) and will be ranked last place in the final.

In the finals, DNF will be ranked before relegated (REL) riders and the latter before DNS riders.

In case of multiple DNF, REL or DNS in the final, the tiebreaker (within each group) will be as follows:

1. Position in previous heat (semifinal);

2. Lap time in last run of previous heat (semifinal);

3. Time trials results.

3. Scoring system

There shall be a minimum of 5 qualified finish line commissaires, who shall be responsible for recording the finish positions of every rider as he crosses the finish line in each race. The official finish positions of each race shall be determined by a simple majority of the finish line commissaires. The official finish results shall be transmitted to the chief administration commissaire for notation on the moto sheets.

4. Staging and gate positions

The gate starting positions for motos shall be determined according to the rule set forth in Appendix 2 and shall be indicated on the moto sheets. The gate starting positions shall be determined by one of the following:

1. By seeding determined by lap time from the previous round or time trials (fastest rider have first choice on gate).

2. By random by the computer for all rounds of racing, where a UCI authorized computer race program is utilized.

3. By drawing lots for all rounds of racing.

All riders must start in their designated gate positions. The penalty for starting from any other gate position is disqualification.

It is each rider's responsibility to be in the staging area and on the gate at the appropriate times.

In case of a rerun, all riders must start in the same gate position as previously designated.

5. Start

A BMX race shall be started using a voice box. The voice box starting system is a facility that replaces the starter's voice.

Where an electronically controlled starting gate in combination with a voice box supported starting system is used, the recorded commands of the voice box shall be as follows:

1. Stage 1: «ok riders, random start». The starter will hold Stage 1 of the call until satisfied that the start is safe to proceed and will only then activate the voice box starting system. The recorded commands of the voice box shall be as follows:

2. Stage 2: «Riders ready».

3. «Watch the gate».

Only in Stage 1 can the start be held by the starter. The starter will recommence with stage 1 of the call.

In the absence of a voice box, the same commands shall be followed accordingly by the starter.

5. Conduct on the track

Riders who have registered for a competition are the only riders allowed to ride or practice on any part of the track on the days of the competition.

The commissaires panel is the final authority at any competition and has the right to impose a penalty on any competitor, parent, spectator, or team manager in the interests of safety or for violation of the rules.

If a race is stopped by officials before its conclusion, the riders in the race must return to the starting line immediately and await instructions.

A restart will be signaled by the chief commissaire or his designated. A re-run of a moto, qualifying round or final will take place only if, in the opinion of the chief commissaire, the running of the race has been adversely affected by interference in the start procedure, interference on the part of a spectator, animal or other outside agency.

If a rider falls or is forced to stop due to a bicycle malfunction during a race, his first responsibility shall be to remove himself and his bicycle from the course in order to give the least obstruction to other riders. If a rider cannot or does not get up after a fall, he may be moved only by first aid attendants or with the permission of a licensed physician.

Any use of radio links or other remote means of communication by the competitors are not permitted.

6. Finish

A rider shall have finished at the moment when the tire of the front wheel touches the vertical plane rising from the starting edge of the finish line.

In a final, at least two riders need to cross the finish line for a race to be valid.

In case the race is not declared valid, a restart of minimum three riders shall be done within 15 minutes. In the case of no restart, the times or results for the semifinal will be declared the final result.

In case of cancellation prior the final, the results of the previous round will be declared the final results.

3. Competition Field

1. Track flags

Flags of the colours listed below are used by track officials as a means of communicating with each other and to riders on the track. These flags have the following meanings:

GREEN FLAG: The course is unobstructed and racing can proceed.

YELLOW FLAG: The course is obstructed and racers should be held at the gate.

RED FLAG: Riders on the track should stop immediately and return to the starting gate to await further instruction.

2. BMX Track

The track must be of a compact, closed looped design, forming a circuit where length measured along its centre line is not less than 300 metres nor greater than 400 metres.

The track must be a minimum of 10 metres wide at its start and may not taper to a width of less than 5 metres at any point along its course.

3. Starting Hill

The starting hill must accommodate a track width of at least 10 metres and be at an elevation at least 1.5 metres above the grade of the first straight.

The initial incline extending from the starting gate to level grade must be at least 12 metres in length.

4. Starting Gate

The starting gate shall be a minimum of 8 metres in width and for all international events an electronically controlled system is mandatory.

The gate shall have a height of at least 50 cm, with no greater angle than 90 degrees with the slope of the ramp which supports the bicycles' wheels when they are in their starting position.

Starting positions 1 through 8 must be clearly marked on the gate.

The electronically controlled gate, to be used at all UCI sanctioned BMX events, must be outfitted with a system of appropriately coloured starting lights located so as to be clearly visible from all starting lanes without disadvantage to any rider who is in the "riders ready" position. In case of a failure of the gate release system, the gate shall fall to the dropped position.

A “voice box” system is mandatory at all UCI sanctioned events.

Whenever a timing scoring system is utilised, the timing system must be activated, whereupon the time starts running, at the moment the gate-start mechanism is activated causing the gate to drop.

5. Initial Straight

The initial straight shall be a minimum of 40 metres in length.

It is recommended that the bottom of the front side of the first obstacle in the initial straight shall be located not less than 35 metres from the starting gate nor less than 20 metres from the point of curvature of the first turn. However, on tracks especially designed for highly skilled riders, the distance between the starting gate and the front side of the first obstacle may be shorter.

6. First Turn

The first turn may go in either direction and shall be banked to a degree which allows safe entry and exit for riders of all ages at race speeds.

At the first turn, the track shall be a minimum of 6 metres wide measured along a straight line extending from its surface at the inner radius to the top of the berm at its outer radius.

7. Turns and Obstacles

The track shall have a minimum of 3 turns.

The track shall be a minimum of 5 metres wide throughout each turn.

All obstacles on the track must be constructed with the safety of all riders, regardless of age, in mind. Consideration must be given to the abilities of the youngest riders in competition when designing obstacles intended to present special challenges to older competitors. On the first straight the minimum distance between two obstacles shall be 10 metres. An obstacle is defined by its front and back slope and can be a single obstacle, double, triple or multi-jump as well as a 4-pack, 5-pack or multi-pack.

Tracks may be designed to include alternate sections to be traversed only by championship categories.

These sections may offer obstacles which are inherently more challenging than those found on the course's main circuit.

8. Race Track Markings

The boundaries of the race track including alternate sections track shall be clearly marked.

9. Fencing

In order to provide a barrier between the event’s participants and it spectators, the track must be enclosed by a perimeter fence which shall not be located at any point closer than 2 metres from the competition course.

The fence must be constructed of a substantial material such as plastic webbing which is capable of absorbing the full impact of a rider of any size striking it at race speed.

10. Finish Line

The track must have a clearly marked finish line to indicate the point at which competitors will be scored. The finish line shall comprise a straight line of 4 cm in width, painted in black in the middle of a white strip 24 cm wide, thus leaving 10 cm of white on each side of the black line.

Any banners extending across the track above the finish line or elsewhere along the track must be at an elevation sufficiently above the track level to avoid interference with the riders crossing beneath them.

All finish line commissaires shall operate from an area immediately adjacent to the finish line, which permits them a clear and unobstructed view of the riders as they cross the line.

The UCI Regulations set forth the manner in which a BMX event shall be conducted. All officials participating in a event are required to be fully conversant with the UCI Regulations and any supplement thereof, which governs any event. By accepting the position, all competition officials are definitely bound by such Regulations.

Every BMX competition must be staffed with an adequate number of qualified commissaires and officials, including a minimum of 1 UCI International commissaire, to assume all the responsibilities and perform all the duties of the various positions set forth in this section.

1. Commissaires Panel

The assistant chief commissaire shall assist the chief commissaire in the completion of his duties and shall act as the chief commissaire's representative when the chief commissaire is not available.

The commissaires’ panel is the final authority at any competition and has the right to impose a penalty on any competitor, parent, spectator or team manager in the interests of safety or for violation of these rules.

The chief commissaire shall operate from a position which permits him a clear view of the entire track.

2. Chief Administration Commissaire

The chief administration commissaire shall be responsible for the registration and classification of all riders at the event, the processing and posting of the moto sheets, and the processing of all results (both intermediate and final results). The chief administration commissaire shall be assisted by a sufficient number of administrators, as described in D-6.

3. Race Commissaires

The race commissaires shall be responsible for assuring the observance of all rules governing any event.

Race commissaires must have the following qualifications:

1. They must be fluent in the English language or have English interpretation available;

2. They may not be either directors or officers of the UCI;

3. All commissaires must wear some form of distinctive clothing so that they may be readily identified by competitors and team managers;

4. Each race commissaire shall operate from a clearly defined position.

4. Finish Line Commissaires

In the event that the finishing order is determined by means of finish line commissaires, they shall act as described in B-3.

5. Race Director

The race director, who is designated by the organizer with the assistance of the commissaires, shall be responsible for the following:

1. Establishing and maintaining a timetable of events;

2. Enlisting and organizing of all commissaires, officials and administrative staff in numbers which are commensurate with the size of the event;

3. Arranging for the equipment necessary to conduct a race;

4. Acquiring, displaying and presenting trophies and other awards.

6. Officials/Personnel

The following officials and personnel are designated by the organizer:

1. INSPECTORS - Inspectors shall be responsible for inspecting rider's bicycle and safety equipment prior to practice to assure compliance with the UCI rules.

2. START COMMISSAIRE - The start commissaire shall be responsible for conducting the start of each race. The starter shall operate the starting gate, and perform such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to assure that each race has a safe and fair start. The starter may recommend to the chief commissaire that a rider obstructing the starter from carrying out his duties be penalized.
   
   When a timing system is utilized, the starter must first confirm with the staging official any rider who fails to present himself at the start gate and then ensure that the operator of the timing system and his equipment is ready before he begins the starting procedure of a race.

3. STARTING HILL OFFICIALS - Starting hill officials shall be responsible for checking that riders are in the correct start lane (according to the moto sheets) prior to the start of each race. They are also responsible checking if riders’ safety equipment is correct. Starting hill officials shall report to the chief commissaire any rider whose safety equipment does not conform to UCI regulations.

4. STAGING OFFICIALS - Staging officials shall be responsible for directing riders into the proper staging lanes. They shall announce each race number, age group, and the names of every rider in each race. An appropriate number of copies of the moto sheets shall be made available to the senior staging official.

5. RACE COMMISSAIRES - Race officials shall be responsible for monitoring the conduct of the riders on the track and for notifying other officials of conditions on the track which may warrant their attention. The chief commissaire shall determine the number of race officials necessary for an event. Race officials shall be stationed along the track. Race officials shall make notes of any rule infringements or incidents that they witness. These notes shall be made available upon request by the chief commissaire.

6. FINISH LINE AREA CONTROL OFFICIALS - Finish line area control officials shall be responsible for controlling the passage of riders and other persons into and out of the finish line area. They shall be stationed at each point of access or exit to the finish area and prevent the entry of parents, team managers and spectators except where medical emergencies warrant their presence. Finish line area control officials shall also be responsible for maintaining order among the riders waiting in the finish area.

7. ADMINISTRATORS

1. Entry administrators shall be responsible for the following:

• receiving and checking for conformance with entry regulations all riders' entry forms and/or permit applications;

• establishing a list of entrants in each category of racing and sequentially ordering the categories.

2. Moto sheet administrators (scorers) shall be responsible for dividing the total number of entrants in each category into motos of not more than eight riders and for recording their names on the appropriate moto sheets.

3. Moto sheet officials shall be responsible for posting the moto sheets on the moto boards. These sheets shall be posted in order by age group with each race number clearly visible.

8. TIMING OPERATOR - The timing operator shall be responsible for the setting up and operation of the timing system and for passing rider finish line position results to the administrators for posting on the moto boards.

9. TRACK ANNOUNCER - The track announcer shall be responsible for making formal announcements concerning the competition and for informing riders, spectators, commissaires and officials of any changes to the race schedule.

10. COURSE COMMENTATOR - The course commentator shall provide a commentary of all races for the benefit of the spectators. He shall not comment on any matter which is opposed to the interests of the UCI or to the sport of BMX in general. Neither shall he pre-judge the results of any race or comment on possible rule infractions which he may observe.

11. SECURITY PERSONNEL - The host organization shall provide a sufficient number of security personnel to ensure the safety of the riders and spectators.

12. FIRST AID - At least one ambulance and an adequate number of first aid staff including a licensed physician shall be in attendance during all practice and race sessions. Both the ambulance and first aid personnel must be stationed in the infield and a clear exit route for the ambulance leading to a public thoroughfare must be provided and maintained throughout the progress of the event. Neither practice nor race sessions may take place unless proper medical services are available.

5. Clothing and safety equipment

1.   Inspection

Before official practice, before the start of, or during the course of any competition or event, the rider, his bicycle, helmet and clothing may be subject to inspection by inspectors in order to ascertain whether or not this equipment conforms to these rules. The organizer makes no representation and/or statement of opinion as to the track worthiness of any bicycle, clothing, safety equipment or other gear which may be examined during the course of this inspection.

Any rider whose equipment is unsafe in the opinion of the inspectors or race commissaires, whether or not it fails to comply with a specific provision of these rules, shall not be permitted to ride on the track.

Any rider who does not comply with all instructions given to him by the inspector or race commissaires with respect to his equipment shall not be permitted to compete in any event.

2.   Helmet

Helmets must be of full face construction equipped with a visor of minimum 10 centimeters. Helmet strap must be securely fastened during the completion of the race. Open face helmets are not allowed.

3.   Jersey

The jersey shall be a loose fitted Long-sleeved shirts whose sleeves extend down to the rider's wrists. Lycra material is not permitted.

The fabric of the jersey must be loose enough to have a minimum of 3 cm doubled up excess material, without stretching the fabric. This shall be measured by pinching the fabric between the index finger and thumb.

The jersey must be tucked into the pants to not cause interference.

4.   Pants

The pants shall be loose fitting long pants made of tear-resistant material. Lycra is not permitted. Except for the ankles where the pants must be tight fitted, the pant fabric must have a minimum of 6 cm of doubled up excess material, without stretching the fabric. This shall be measured by pinching the fabric between the index finger and thumb.

Loose fitting short pants made of tear-resistant material are permitted if used together with knee and shin protection with a rigid surface. Lycra is not permitted unless for use under the pants and to cover knee-protection. The pant fabric must have a minimum of 6 cm of doubled up excess material, without stretching the fabric. This shall be measured by pinching the fabric between the index finger and thumb.

Pants must be of a single piece construction, separated from the jersey at the waist. One piece skin suits are not permitted.

Any added aerodynamic accessories on personal equipments are not permitted.

5.   Gloves

Gloves whose fingers completely cover the rider's finger tips.

F.   Bicycle

All bicycles used for competition must meet the general specifications provided in this chapter.

1.   Frame

The bicycle's frame must be of sufficient strength to withstand the rigors of BMX racing and be devoid of any cracked or bent frame members or welds which are cracked or otherwise deficient.

Aerodynamic accessories, chain guards, side stands, mud guards, sheet metal accessories such as simulated fuel tanks, butterfly nuts, any superfluous welded or mechanically fastened fittings such as chain guard lugs, frame mounted reflectors and any other sharp protruding objects are not permitted.

Wheel axles may not protrude more than 5 mm beyond the hub nuts.

All components, accessories and other parts must be firmly attached to the bicycle.

2.   Wheels

Bicycles with 20” wheels may be raced only in standard categories. Cruisers may be raced only in cruiser categories.

With the exception set forth herein below, all bicycles used in the standard 20” type must be equipped with matching wheels that are nominally 20” in diameter. The total diameter of the wheels, inflated tires included, shall not exceed 22 1/2” (57 cm).

The total diameter of the wheels, inflated tires included, in the cruiser type shall measure at least 22 1/2” (57 cm), and the total diameter of the wheels, inflated tires included, shall be no larger than 26” in diameter.

The bicycles of riders aged 6 and under may be equipped with wheels smaller than 20”.

Wheels must be laced with the full complement of spokes for which the hubs and rims are intended. Spokes must be properly tensioned and hub bearings must be adjusted to eliminate noticeable play. Disc wheels are not permitted, wheels must be open.

Tires must be of one-piece construction and have tread sufficient to provide adequate grip on the particular surface that the track presents.

Tires must be inflated to a pressure sufficient to assure safe riding under race conditions.

Quick release axles are not recommended but may be used if the release levers are taped or wired in the locked position.

3.   Handlebars

Maximum width of handlebars on both standard bicycles and cruisers shall be 74 cm (29“).

The maximum rise of handlebars on both standard bicycles and cruisers shall be 30 cm (12“).

Handlebar grips are mandatory and must completely cover the ends of the handlebars.

Handlebars that are cracked or bent are not permitted.

4.   Steering head

The forks must turn smoothly in the headset bearing without binding or excessive play.

The stem may not protrude above the headset lock-nut by an amount that exceeds the manufacturer's recommendation or by more than 5 cm if no maximum height mark is inscribed on the stem.

5.   Brakes

All bicycles entered in competition must be equipped with an effective rear brake, which may be operated either by foot (coaster brake) or hand (caliper brake).

The reaction arm of a coaster brake must be securely anchored to the frame by means of a mechanically fastened clip that completely surrounds and firmly grips the chain stay. Attachment of this arm to a lug brazed or welded to the stay is not permitted.

The rear brake cable must be secured to the frame.

A front brake may be fitted, but is not required.

The free end of the handbrake lever must be smoothly rounded or covered in such a manner as to prevent it from presenting a hazard.

All exposed cable ends must be capped, soldered or covered to prevent fraying.

6.   Seat

The seat base must be constructed of material that is sufficiently strong to resist penetration by the seat post.

The seat post must be secured to the seat tube by means of a seat post clamp. This clamp's fixing bolt may protrude from the body of the clamp by no more than 5 mm.

7.   Cranks, pedals and gears

Cranks of either one-piece, two-piece or three-piece construction are permitted. Crank arms may be of any length so long as they do not compromise the bicycle's ground clearance.

The bottom bracket bearings must be adjusted so as to allow the cranks to spin smoothly and without noticeable play.

Pedals must be securely attached to the crank arms and adjusted so as to eliminate lateral motion of the pedal body along the pedal axle. Pedal axles must be of sufficient strength to withstand the rigors of competition. The teeth on pedal cages must be sufficiently pointed and prominent to offer effective grip on a rider's shoes without being so sharp as to pose a safety hazard. Toe clips and straps are not permitted. Interlocking pedal-cleat systems however are allowed. Where an interlocking pedal-cleat system is used, the rider must be able to demonstrate the ability to engage and release from the pedals upon any request from an official at an event.

Multiple speed gear systems are permitted.

8.   Safety pads

The following safety pads, each having a minimum thickness of 1 cm are recommended:

a.   A pad that surrounds the crossbar of the handlebars;

b.   A pad that surrounds the top tube of the frame;

c.   A pad that covers the stem connecting the handlebars to the fork.

9.   Number plates

During competition, riders shall be identified by an identification number. A rider will be assigned a random number at each event.

Each bicycle entered into competition must have a number plate attached to the front of the handlebars. The upper edge of this number plate may not extend above the crossbar safety pad on any handlebars having a crossbar.

Number plates must be made of plastic or other similar flexible material.

Riders must use the plate and number color combinations specified for the category in which they are racing as follows:

Elite Men, Elite Women, Elite Cruiser Men, Elite Cruiser Women:
white plate, black numbers.

Juniors Men, Juniors Women, Juniors Cruiser Men, Juniors Cruiser Women:
black plate, white numbers.

Challenge level:
Men, Boys: yellow plate, black numbers;
Girls, Women: blue plate, white numbers;
Cruiser: red plate, white numbers.

If a photo finish system is utilized, each bicycle entered into competition must display a lateral number plate/sticker located just behind the steer tube. The number shall be black with a white background. The height of the number must be a minimum of 8 cm with a width of 1 cm.

The area of the plate that provides a background for the number must, during the entire duration of a competition, be kept free of markings, stickers or other impediments to the number's legibility. Riders may not cut, mutilate or put additional stickers or marking on their number plate if it’s provided by the organizer.

G.  Seeding

1.   The seeding will be determined by a time trial event (over 1 run) and racing a rider's lap time will be registered immediately after crossing the finish line as outlined in B-10.

Based on the time trial finish order seeding shall be carried out according to the principle displayed in article F-2.

Start gate positions in the 1st round shall be as described in appendix 2, whilst starting positions in the following motos and qualification rounds shall be determined by the riders' lap times in preceding round.

2.   Example 64 Rider

Example 32 Riders

Example 16 Riders

H.   Infringements, Penalties and Protests

1.   Infringements

a.   All riders must observe these rules and follow all instructions given them by any commissaire or official at any time during the course of the event. Every rider must at all times observe such conduct as reflects the ideals of good sportsmanship and avoid any conduct which may bring himself or the sport of BMX into disrepute. The use of obscene or foul language is forbidden. Riders using such language will be penalized in a manner to be determined by the commissaires panel.

The infringements described in this chapter will be penalized by the commissaires’ panel, according to article G-2 and the following.

b.   If necessary, the officials will determine whether an infringement was caused deliberately or not. An infringement is considered to be caused deliberately, in the event that it could have been avoided.

c.   Bike position on the start gate

The front wheel must be placed against the gate, be grounded and remain stationary during the starter's call. All riders must start in the designated gate position.

d.   Deliberate Interference

Interference is often a complex offence, given that BMX is a contact sport. The commissaires will determine whether it was deliberate or not. If an infraction or interference can be avoided, and is caused, the officials may determine it as being deliberate. Deliberate interference between two or more riders will be penalised, as laid down in article G-2 and the following.

e.   Deliberate Force off the track

Any competitor must not force another competitor off the track deliberately.

f.    Track Re-entrance

Any rider who leaves the course during a race must, regardless of the circumstances, re-enter the course at the nearest safe point. He shall not interfere with the progress of any other rider or cut the course in order to gain an advantage.

g.   Contact

A rider shall not cause any part of his person or bicycle to come into contact with another rider's person or bicycle during a race with the intention of impeding that rider's progress so as to overtake him or cause him to be overtaken by another rider.

h.   Obstruction on the final straight

The lead rider shall have the right to choose his line on the track and through the corners. When on the final straight, however, the lead rider shall not deliberately obstruct another rider from passing. A penalty for this infringement shall be imposed by the chief commissaire, as laid down in article G-2 and the following.

i.    Team Riding

Team riding or helping other competitors to gain a higher finishing position is prohibited.

j.    Third Persons Interference

Team managers, parents, and others in the company of a rider shall not interfere with a race on behalf of a team or a rider.

2.   Penalties

The commissaires panel may invoke any of the censures provided in this chapter against a rider who commits one of the infractions mentioned in this part of the regulations.

a.   Official warning

A rider may receive an official, verbal warning for certain misconduct. The first warning issued to a rider at an event carries no specific penalty other than the advice of the warning, however the issuance of a subsequent warning for the same, or any other offence, on the same day will result in the rider's disqualification from the event.

b.   Rider to be placed last in moto

A rider may be scored in last place regardless of his actual finish in a race.

c.   Disqualification of a rider

A rider may be disqualified and thereby barred from further participation in either the competition category in which the infringement occurred or the entire event.

d.   Removal of an offender from the competition venue

The commissaires’ panel shall have the discretion to remove an offender from the competition venue for an offence against any of the provisions set down in this rule book.

e.   Riders will be held accountable for the actions of their parents, team managers and any other persons in their company at a BMX competition or event. Any misconduct on the part of any of these persons may, at the discretion of a race commissaire or race director, result in the disqualification or suspension of the rider and the removal of the offending persons from the track area.

3.   Protests

In any BMX event a protest may be filed by a rider or through that rider's team manager, with the chief commissaire for any of the following:

1)   The classification of a rider;

2)   The scoring of a rider:

Protests by riders regarding judgment decisions during a competition are not allowed. Race commissaires in charge shall make decisions on the spot through the chief commissaire in case of any incidents or irregularities occurring during the competition.

a.   How to protest

A rider wishing to make a protest arising under article G-3-2 above, may do so only in writing. The protest must be submitted by the rider or rider's team manager to the chief commissaire within 15 minutes of the posting of the moto sheets that has given rise to the protest. The chief commissaire will conduct an investigation and render a decision on the protest prior to the commencement of that rider's next round of racing.

b.   If a rider disagrees with his finishing position as posted on the moto sheets, a written protest must be lodged with the chief commissaire. All finishes shall be posted within ten minutes of each race. The chief commissaire (or his assistant) and the chief scorer will view the applicable scoring system and render a decision.

The team manager(s) or the rider(s) involved in the protest may be called upon as required by the chief commissaire.

Should a situation arise in one of the three qualifying motos, where a clear decision cannot be determined from the applicable scoring system, both riders will be scored with the better ranked finishing position. For example: a protest between 4th place and 5th place finishing position would in the case of a tied decision ultimately give both riders 4th place finish in that particular race.

A video protest may only be filed within the time span of a round of motos. For example: if moto #42 of the first round is in the moto in which a rider wishes to view the video, then the video protest must be filed by moto #42 of the second round.

When protesting a transferring position, a rider must do so prior to that rider's next round of racing, whilst a protest against a rider's position in the final shall be filed within 15 minutes after posting of the final results.

If a protested race is not available on the video tape for viewing due to mechanical failure, the score sheets will determine the finish position of the race.

c.   The commissaires' panel shall have the power to impose a penalty up to and including disqualification of the rider as a result of any protest arising under article 3.

APPENDIX 3

STARTING POSITIONS

Starting positions to be filled out on the second page of the racing sheets, applicable to all BMX events:

APPENDIX 4

TRANSFER SYSTEM

When more than 8 riders have registered in a class, it will be necessary to place them in motos of no more than 8 riders. After 3 motos have been run (except when there are 9-16 riders, only 2 motos will be run), the top 4 riders in each moto transfer on to either the semi-finals or the final. The transferring of riders from moto to the next and subsequent qualifying rounds shall be according to the order in which they are listed on the moto sheets, from top to bottom.

9 - 16 RIDERS (2 MOTOS)

Riders are transferred according to the overall position gained in the motos. The top four riders in each moto shall transfer to the final. Exception: in case of a number of 9 riders, the top three riders of the 4 rider moto, and the top four riders of the 5 rider moto shall transfer to the 7 rider final.

 

17 - 19 RIDERS (3 MOTOS)

Riders are transferred according to the overall position gained in the motos. The top four riders in each moto shall transfer to two 6 rider semi-finals as per the following:

20 - 32 RIDERS (4 MOTOS)

Riders are transferred according to the overall position gained in the motos. The top four riders in each moto shall transfer to two 8 rider semi-finals as per the following:

The top four riders in each semi-final shall transfer to the final.