Rules and Regulations

The National Sporting Code of the ACU and these Standing Regulations shall apply to all Trials

together with the Supplementary Regulations and any Final Instructions issued for individual

events.

DESCRIPTION

A Trial is a test of riding skill and balance over a variety of observed natural obstacles with

riders incurring penalties for footing or for failing to fulfi l other conditions.

INFORMATION REGARDING AUTHORISATION AND LAND USE

Most events depend on goodwill from landowners, local authorities, nearby residents and other users

of the countryside. For the continuance of orderly motorcycle sport, a Code, formulated by LARA has

been adopted by the ACU. Th e Code for events with no speed element is reproduced below and will

supplement the Standing Regulations. It is to be noted that where necessary disciplinary action will be

taken if the Code is not fulfi lled.

1. Any competitive event that is routed along, or across, footpaths or bridleways must be

endorsed in advance by the Highways Authority for the area, unless the route of the event is

on a highway of higher status.

2. Th e Organiser is responsible for obtaining authority from the landowners over whose the

event passes, unless the route of the event is on a highway of higher [EC1]status.

3. Where the event requires use of public highway, [EC2]organisers must ensure that the

Motor Vehicles (Competitions and Trials) Regulations 1969 are strictly adhered to. Events

requiring authorisation must obtain this through the RAC Motor Sports Association,

Authorisation Dept.

4. Th e Organiser is responsible for ensuring the event meets all requirements of the Road

Traffi c Act 1988 and the Statutory Instruments made thereunder.

5. Th e regulations, fi nal instructions of an event should display the following sign: – “Th is event

is routed along and/or across public rights of way. Competitors must exercise caution and

reduce their speed accordingly near other path users. Be especially careful near horses. Slow

down, stop and switch off your engine if necessary”.

6. Th e Organiser should appoint an offi cer responsible for event liaison. Th e Liaison Offi cer

should, if appointed submit his name and address to the local Highway Authority, the Parish

Council, the Police and landowners over whose land the event passes. Th e Liaison Offi cer

will thoroughly investigate any complaints and try to resolve any problems arising from the

event.

7. Wherever possible the Liaison Offi cer should maintain good relations with other path

users in the area such as horse-riders, walkers, cyclists, recreational motoring groups and

orienteers. Th e Liaison Offi cer should notify these groups in advance of an event where they

are known to him.

8. All competitors must follow the Country Code.

9. Ensure that all aspects of the ACU Environmental Code are adhered to.

10. Supplementary regulations should include either a map reference or a postcode relating to

the venue in order to assist the Emergency services.

TSR1 ELIGIBILITY/LICENCING

All riders and passengers must hold a current ACU Trials Registration / Membership card or a SACU

licence. Any rider or passenger from another FMN MUST produce a licence issued by their FMN

together with start permission and proof of personal accident Insurance.

Where the Trial includes the use of public highways, then this will be stated in the Supplementary

Regulations. If public highways are used then it is the sole responsibility of the rider to ensure that

their machine is roadworthy and that they and their machine comply with all legal requirements.

RIDERS AGE

Criteria for riders wishing to ride in any higher class:

• Events below National status – a rider may compete in any class higher than that of his/

her age group at the discretion of the organizers. However, they MUST ride the capacity

applicable to their age.

• National status competitions – a rider may at the discretion of the Trials and Enduro

Committee be permitted to ride in the higher class. Written application supported by written

approval from the riders Centre must support such a request.

Criteria for riders wishing to ride in any lower class:

• A rider may enter any event in a class below that of his/her age group on a “no award, no

points” basis.

The rider must always comply with the maximum capacity class for their actual age.

YOUTH RIDERS IN PRE 65 EVENTS

A & B class youth riders may, in events below National status, ride “classic machines” of up to 250cc

in events specifi cally designed for that type of machine, held entirely off road. “Classic machines” are

in this instance defi ned as machines with twin rear shock absorbers and drum brakes and which were

built with this type of suspension as original equipment.

TSR2 ENTRIES

A Motorcycle Sport Event Entry Form must be completed in every detail, and signed by each entrant,

rider or passenger. Each completed entry form, together with the entry fee (which includes riders

insurance premiums for personal accident and off road risks) and Entry Subscription (see NSC 7.05)

shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Meeting. Where third party insurance cover to meet RTA

requirements on the Public Highway is off ered by the organiser, this will be at a supplementary cost.

All riders, passengers and appointed persons responsible for minors, must register arrival at an event

by signing-on at the event control offi ce, or other designated area, not less than 30 minutes prior to

commencement of said competitor’s practice or fi rst competition, whichever occurs fi rst.

TSR3 LIMITATION OF ENTRIES

Any limitation on the maximum or minimum number of entries to be accepted, together with the

method of limitation (e.g. in order of receipt, by ballot, etc.) must be included in the Supplementary

Regulations.

TSR4 ACCEPTANCE OR REFUSAL OF ENTRY

Th e organiser should notify all riders of the position regarding their entry prior to the event.

TSR5 TEAM NOMINATIONS

TEAM-ONLY COMPETITIONS (E.G. INTER CENTRE).

All riders must sign an entry form and all entries must be made via an appointed Team Manager.

TRIALS INCORPORATING COMPETITION FOR TEAMS.

Teams shall consist of riders who have entered individually and such riders must complete a

declaration on the entry form signifying their consent to nomination as a team member.

TYPE OF TEAM

TSR6 CHANGE OF RIDER

All entries will be deemed to be in respect of the rider so named and no change of rider will be

permitted except in the case of “Team Only” competitions where the Team Entry is submitted by a

Team Manager. For “Team Only” competitions any change of an individual entry will be subject to

the conditions of the Supplementary Regulations.

TSR7 CHANGE OF MACHINE AND/OR PASSENGER

Any request for change of machine and/or passenger must be made in writing and submitted to the

Secretary of the Meeting at least one hour prior to the start of the event. Th e same machine must be

used throughout the event. In the case of a sidecar this is deemed to be an integral part of the machine.

TSR8 MOTORCYCLES

Motorcycles must comply with Appendix D of the National Sporting Code. Prior to the start of each

Trial all machines will be examined to ensure that they comply with ACU specifi cations. When the

event uses the public highway it is the sole responsibility of the rider to present a machine complying

with all Road Traffi c Act(s) requirements Organisers, with the approval of the permit issuing

authority, may at their discretion, allow riders to share the same machine in a Closed to Club Trial

held on private land.

TRIALS SIDECAR SPECIFICATION

All motorcycles in Categories B (1), B (2) and B

(3) shall comply with the following requirements:

a) Th e entire body, including the fl oor, shall

be either sheet metal or other substantial

material, and the Sidecar must be rigidly

fi xed to the motorcycle

b) Minimum dimensions shall be:

A. Measurement from the nose to dashboard

– 450mm (18")

B. Overall length nose to tail – 1350mm (54")

C. Th e height of the body at the apex of the

dashboard position – 375mm (15")

D. Th e overall distance between the outside

of the Sidecar mudguard or bodywork and

the inside of the passenger’s seat measured at

right angles to the machine track – 300mm

(12")

E. Width of body at forward end –

150mm (6")

Depth of body at forward end – 150mm (6")

OR if the forward end is hemispherical and

radius shall be not less than 75mm (3")

F. Track – minimum 876mm (34½ ")

Th e distance is measured from the centre of the track left by the rear wheel to the centre of the track

left by the sidecar wheel.

G. Overall width of cockpit at seating position – 300mm (12")

A seat measuring not less than 180mm (7.5") × 125mm (5") must be fi tted. Th e height of the seat shall

be not less than 300mm (12") from the fl oor of the sidecar.

c) Th e fi tting of grab rails, handles, straps etc shall be according to the driver’s requirements.

d) Protection for the passenger must be provided from the rear wheel, the primary and fi nal drive of

the motorcycle, and from the sidecar wheel, by means of either a mudguard or the coachwork of

the sidecar.

e) Th e use of sidecar wheel drive is prohibited.

TSR 9 FUEL

Commercially available unleaded fuel must be used. Power boosters or octane boosters are forbidden.

Refuelling should not take place when the engine is still running. Mobile Phones must not be used in

refuelling areas.

TSR10 TELEMETRY

Th e use of Telemetry between the motorcycle and any other equipment by radio means is not

allowed. In events where Assistants are allowed the use of Bluetooth communication between the

Rider and Registered Assistant is allowed.

TSR11 RIDING NUMBERS

Riding numbers issued by the organisers, whether card or numbered bibs must be clearly displayed

in a legible condition throughout the competition. Riding numbers shall not be defaced in any way

and no event sponsors advertising shall be covered. Riding numbers shall be removed at the Finish.

Where there are diff erent section routes for diff erent classes of rider

Each rider shall be issued with a means of identifi cation as to which route is applicable, to refl ect the

route the competitor is riding

TSR12 CLOTHING

Clothing must cover legs and body and it is recommended that arms should be covered. Boots of

approximately knee length must be worn. Only safety type Wellington boots made of leather, rubber

or plastic will be allowed. Th e wearing of gloves is recommended. Motorcycle helmets, which must be

correctly fi tted, must be worn by all offi cials, riders and sidecar passengers when riding a machine.

TSR13 PILLION PASSENGERS

Th e carrying of pillion passengers is not allowed except where provision has been made for this in the

Supplementary Regulations.

TSR14 CONTROL OF EXHAUST SOUND LEVEL

Th e sound level of a Trials machine controlled according to the ACU method and measured

at 2 metres distance will not exceed 85 dBA. (For precise method of testing, see Sound Control

Regulations in this Handbook). Th e correct engine piston stroke in millimetres must be permanently

and prominently displayed on the crankcase for use in sound control calculations. (NS Code). Th ere

may be one or more ‘spot’ sound level tests during the event. Any rider required to take this ‘spot’

test will be given a delay time of 5 minutes, but will not be allowed to make any adjustments. Riders

who pass the sound level test must wait until the 5 minutes delay time has expired before proceeding.

At all subsequent timing points, the delay time will be allowed for. Any rider whose machine exceeds

the maximum permitted sound level or does not present his machine in a testable condition will face

immediate disqualifi cation and must return to the fi nish as directed.

Additionally, at any time during the event, the Clerk of the Course or the appointed offi cial is

empowered to exclude any machine he considers excessively noisy.

TSR15 START AND FINISH

A rider will sign on at the Start and must report at the Finish where he may be required to sign off .

Th e method of deciding the starting order for solos and sidecars will be stated in the Supplementary

Regulations or, where applicable, in the appropriate Championship Regulations.

TSR16 TIME

For Trials other than Time and Observation Trials, where full details regarding the calculation of

time penalties shall be included in the Supplementary Regulations, the following shall apply; if a time

restraint is applied to part or all of the Trial, it shall be in the form of an individual allowance for each

rider and the details given in the Supplementary Regulations or Final Instructions.

A rider’s Time Allowance shall commence from the actual time the rider starts. Th e location of the

fi nal Time Control should be at the last section, or as close as practical, so that riders do not travel

on the public highway between the last Section and the Control. Riders will be penalised one mark

per minute or part of that minute up to a maximum of twenty for late starting, or arriving late at any

subsequent Time Control, and thereaft er disqualifi ed.

TSR17 COURSE/ROUTE

Th e Organiser / Clerk of the Course must ensure that due consideration is given to the age and

abilities of the riders when planning and marking the course and that suitable marking is displayed to

guide and restrict any spectators/members of the Public who may attend.

Th e onus of following the correct route rests entirely with the rider. A rider leaving the course must

rejoin it at the same point. When public roads are used to connect areas of private land a map clearly

showing their position must be displayed at the Start or in the programme. Th e onus of fi nding these

areas of private land rests entirely upon the rider and any route making provided by the organisers

is purely for assistance. Th e promoters reserve the right to modify the route. To qualify as a fi nisher

and be eligible for an award, the rider’s machine must have travelled the whole distance under its own

power or the exertion of the rider and passenger. Any rider, who on any private land is accompanied

by another vehicle unconnected with the event, is liable to disqualifi cation. Any competitor who is, in

the opinion of the Clerk of the Course, considered to be riding the course for the benefi t of another

competitor is liable to disqualifi cation and reporting to the Stewards for disciplinary action.

Organisers should display Warning Notices at the event, recommended to be placed at any point of

the course where the public is likely to congregate.

If route marking is appropriate it is recommended that discs (square, round, etc – not arrows) are

used to signify the direction – red for right, blue for left and white to straight on. It is suggested also

that where a red or blue disc is used then following the turn, there should be a white to assure the

rider that the correct route has been taken.

TSR18 OBSERVED SECTIONS

Th e organiser must announce which route each class is riding and the corresponding colours of the

corresponding route marking. Details may be displayed at signing on, at the fi rst section or contained

in the Final Instructions or programme . Riders in the same class must all start at the same section

It is recommended that routes be marked as follows: –

Route A – Principle Route – Blue ( left ) Red ( right)

Route B – Yellow both sides

Route C – White both sides

Any further routes to be marked in a colour chosen by the Organiser

In the above, the letters denote the severity of the sections in descending order ie Route A would be

hardest, Route B next hardest and so on.

Routes may be marked in their entirety in the colours shown – or the Organiser may mark

appropriate diversions in these colours. Ideally – the coloured section of markers should be in the

shape of an arrow – with the point toward the centre of the section

No penalty shall be imposed on a rider who wishes to inspect a section before riding it.

Th e lateral limits of an Observed Section or Sub Section may be defi ned by artifi cial boundaries such

as markers or tapes, which shall be fi rmly placed and positioned in a way so as to clearly defi ne the

intended limits of the section. If tapes are to be used they shall always be clear of the ground but not

exceed a height of 500mm from the ground.

Th e Start and Finish of each Observed Section or Sub-Section will be clearly defi ned, with the Section

Begins and Section Ends identifi ed as such.

Sections and Sub-Sections shall be numbered or lettered and ridden in the correct sequence unless

otherwise instructed by the organisers.

A rider failing in a Sub-Section must restart in a forward direction from the Sub-Section in which he

has failed.

To qualify as a Finisher and be eligible for an award, the competitor must be deemed to have made a

bona fi de attempt at least 75% of the course.

TSR19 PUNCHCARDS

If punchcards are used, the onus of looking aft er these rests entirely on the rider and only the rider/

passenger may present the punchcard to the observer. Any disagreement over the score punched,

or errors must be reported to the Secretary of the Meeting immediately upon completion of the

event. Th e Observer must be informed that this action is being taken as any error not verifi ed by the

Observer shall not be accepted. Refusing to have the card punched, deliberately disfi guring or losing

the punch card will result in disqualifi cation for which no protest will be accepted. Deliberately

disfi guring a punchcard, or refusing to allow it to be punched, will result in disqualifi cation.

TSR20 OBSERVERS

An Observer is an assistant to the Clerk of the Course appointed to judge a competitor’s performance

in an Observed Section. No protest or appeal can be accepted against a judgement of performance

made by an Observer, however, a protest may be accepted against any breach, or misinterpretation of

the Regulations.

A mistake made by an Observer may be corrected by the Observer with the approval of the Clerk of

the Course.

TSR21 INSTRUCTION TO RIDERS

Any instruction to rider subsequently issued shall have the same force as these Standing Regulations

and the Supplementary Regulations providing it is issued by one of the following methods.

• Issued in writing and distributed to each rider

• Issued via a clearly situated notice board

• Via a riders briefi ng meeting, providing all riders have been informed of the venue and time of

such a meeting.

TSR22 METHOD OF MARKING

A machine will be deemed to be in an Observed Section or Sub-Section when the front wheel spindle

has passed the ‘Section Begins’ Card and until the front wheel spindle has passed the ‘Section Ends’

Card. Marks will be lost as follows: –

A. STOP PERMITTED

0 Clean

1 Footing once

2 Footing twice

3 Footing more than twice

5 Failure

5 When requested by a rider rather than attempt the section

10 Not attempting a section when called upon to do so by an Offi cial

10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.

DEFINITIONS

B. NON-STOP (SOLO &SIDECAR)

0 Clean

1 Footing once

2 Footing twice

3 Footing more than twice

5 Failure

5 When requested by a rider rather than attempt the section

10 Not attempting a section when called upon to do so by an Offi cial

10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.

0 Clean

1 Reaching or passing the “1 Board” without Failure.

2 Reaching or passing the “2 Board” without Failure.

3 Reaching or passing the “3 Board” without Failure.

5 Failure to reach the “3 Board”.

5 When requested by a rider rather than attempt the section

10 Not attempting a Section when called upon to do so by an Offi cial

10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.

DEFINITIONS.

TSR23 TIES

a) Ties in an Event

Where a special test will be used to determine ties details must be included in the Supplementary

Regulations for the event.

Where there is no special test, ties will be resolved by the following method in the sequence shown.

a) In favour of the rider with the highest number of cleans.

b) In favour of the rider with the highest number of one mark.

c) In favour of the rider with the highest number of two marks.

d) In favour of the rider with the highest number of three marks.

e) In favour of the rider who travelled furthest with the least marks lost.

f) In favour of the rider who completes the course with the least marks lost on time.

If the event is part of a Championship and if a tie cannot be resolved in accordance with the above

those involved in the tie will be allocated the points of the highest place for which the tie exists.

23 b) Ties at the end of a Championship Series.

Th e number of rounds and the number of rounds to count for the fi nal assessment must be

stated in the Championship Regulations.

Should a tie occur in a Championship series it shall be decided as follows-:

a) In favour of the rider with the greatest number of wins in ALL rounds held .

b) If not resolved then the greatest number of second places and so on down to 15th place in

ALL rounds held.

c) If not then resolved, by the rider with the best performance in the fi nal event held

TSR24 FINAL ASSESSMENT OF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Th e Championship Regulations for any Championship must state the number of rounds to count

for the Final Assessment eg; ”All rounds to count” or “All rounds held less one, or all rounds less two

to count”. If no indication is stated then it will be assumed that all rounds held will count.

TSR25 BAULK

A baulk is deemed to have occurred when a rider, whilst attempting an observed section, is prevented

from making a bona-fi de attempt due to some outside obstruction. Should a rider claim a baulk, the

Observer may, at his discretion, allow a rerun of the section. Th e Observer’s decision as to whether a

rerun is permitted is fi nal. Should a re-run be granted, any marks lost prior to the point of the baulk

on the original attempt shall stand, and the section shall be observed from the point of the baulk.

Regarding any time allowed for the section the re-run shall start from the Section Begins and the time

will be measured for the total section as if no obstruction had taken place.

TSR26 PRACTICING

Unoffi cial practising at the venue is prohibited. A breach of this regulation renders the rider liable

to disqualifi cation from the event and to be reported to the stewards of the meeting for disciplinary

action. If offi cial practice is to be allowed, either in a suitable area away from the paddock, or on the

sections to be used, then full details must be stated in the Supplementary Regulations.

Where another event takes place at the same venue it will not be considered to constitute unoffi cial

practice.

TSR27 PREJUDICIAL ACTION

Any person having an interest in a rider’s performance, who takes any action prejudicial to the

sport may result in the disqualifi cation of that rider. Riders, parents or associates failing to obey

instructions given by offi cials of a meeting or deemed to have unjustifi ably or maliciously jeopardised

the effi cient running of the meeting by not adhering to the Regulations, Supplementary Regulations

or the Protest or appeal procedure, may render the rider liable for disqualifi cation and/or being

reported to the permit issuing authority for further action.

TSR28 LEGAL ACTION

A rider who is convicted following a police prosecution for an off ence committed by them whilst

taking part in the competition may be liable to disqualifi cation.

TSR29 INSURANCE

Th e organisers will be required to cover riders and passengers against Personal Accident risk and for

Th ird Party Insurance for ‘off -the-road’ risks whilst taking part in the event and the premium for such

insurance will be included in the entry fee. Where the Trial involves the use of Public Highways each

rider will be required to declare that there will be in force in relation to the use of the vehicle which

they intend to ride during the event such a policy of insurance or such a security in respect of third

part risks as complies with the requirements of the current Road Traffi c Acts. Where the organiser

wishes to off er (through the ACU Insurance Broker), Th ird Party Insurance cover necessary to meet

the Road Traffi c Act requirements on Public Highways, this must be stated in the Supplementary

Regulations. It is the rider’s responsibility to request this insurance, complete the necessary forms and

pay the required premium.

TSR30 ABANDONMENT

Th e organisers reserve the right, subject to the approval of the Stewards of the Meeting, to cancel,

postpone or abandon the competition, if circumstances should arise which in their opinion, render

such action necessary.

TSR31 MEDICAL SERVICES

It is recommended that a person holding a certifi cate of First Aid competency be present at all events.

In addition it is recommended that the organiser shall be conversant with the nearest Accident/

Emergency Services and insure they have a means of contacting them. Organisers must also refer to

the “ Medical Services and Defi nition” section of this Handbook.

TSR32 LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE

A rider is liable for any damage caused by themselves, their passenger, or any agent, representative or

servant acting on their behalf, during the meeting. Th e promoters may act as agents for such persons

to agree and pay for any such damage, and the rider shall on demand reimburse the promoters any

sum so paid.

TSR33 DISCLAIMER

It is condition of acceptance of entry that the promoters shall not be responsible for any damage

to, or loss of a motorcycle or its accessories whether by fi re, accident or any agent, representative or

servant acting on their behalf, during the meeting.

TSR34 OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOUR

Any rider, or party with an interest in a rider’s performance, reported to the Clerk of the Course for

arguing or being off ensive to an Observer, or other Offi cial, renders that rider liable to disciplinary

action. Where the organiser issues the Observer with a Yellow Card, any rider who is shown the

“Yellow Card by an Observer is liable to disqualifi cation by the Clerk of the Course.

TSR35 YOUTH AWARDS

Cash awards and gift vouchers are not permitted for Youth classes.

TSR36 JOINT ADULT/YOUTH EVENTS

Youth classes may be included in adult events, but they must ride within the AGE GROUPS AND

ENGINE CAPACITY CLASSES in the Regulations. Youth and Adult classes must compete for

separate awards. Th ese Regulations shall apply to all youths taking part in such competitions.

TSR 37 TIME AND OBSERVATION RULES FOR YOUTH TRIALS (A & B CLASS RIDERS)

1. Qualifi ed First Aid Personnel with equipment and transport must be in attendance.

2. Th e course must be marked in such a manner that excludes sharp corners and blind bends

wherever possible.

3. Travelling Marshals will be provided to give at least one per two miles of course.

4. Th e Regulations must include the note “Th is Event is not recommended for Novice Riders”.

5. Th e general public are to be discouraged from entering the area of the course.

6. Any other Youth class riders are only allowed to participate aft er prior approval of the Trials

and Enduro Committee.

7. A Steward appointed either from ACU Headquarters or from the Local Centre should be in

attendance.

TSR38 COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

Every rider, by entering or being nominated, thereby acknowledges that he is bound by the National

Sporting Code of the ACU and these Standing Regulations together with any Supplementary

Regulations and Final Instructions to be hereaft er issued, to all of which he undertakes to submit and

moreover renounces any right to have recourse to any arbitration or tribunal not provided for in the

said Rules and Regulations.

TSR39 PROTESTS

See Appendix B of this Handbook.

Protests must be submitted within 30 minutes of the announcement of results provided the results are

displayed within 30 minutes of the last rider fi nishing. Th is must be announced in the Supplementary

Regulations or the Championship Regulations.

TSR40 INTERPRETATION

Th e interpretation of these Standing Regulations and the Supplementary Regulations or Instructions

to rider will rest entirely with the Stewards of the Meeting whose decision shall be fi nal and binding

except as provided in the National Sporting Code.

TSR41 POWER WASHERS

It is prohibited to use power washers, unless the organisers off er suitable facilities which comply with

the ACU Environmental Code.

TSR42 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Th ere shall be at least one fi re extinguisher at the start of each event and at any subsequent designated

refuelling areas. (Mobile phones must not be used in designated refuelling areas).

TSR43 DOGS

At some venues Dogs may be prohibited. Where they are allowed, they are to be kept under control

and owners are responsible for clearing up any fouling which may occur.