TECHNICAL REGULATIONS: BMX

TECHNICAL REGULATIONS:

BMX

These Regulations will come into force from January 1 2021

Please refer to the BMXA Rule Book until that time

These Regulations have been developed to ensure safety of all participants and to encourage fair

competition.

Where any ambiguity or lack of a clear ruling exists the UCI regulations will take precedence.

 

 
 
Contents 
 
SECTION 1 GENERAL REGULATIONS - BMX   ........................................................................... 4 
00   CATEGORIES …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 
01   NOVICE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ………………………………………………………………….. 4 
02  RACE CLASSES & EVENT RESTRICTIONS .............................................................. 4 
SECTION 2 COMPETITION ................................................................................................... 5 
00  CLASSIFICATION.................................................................................................. 5 
01  RIDING UP .......................................................................................................... 5 
02  RACE SCHEDULE ................................................................................................. 5 
03  TRANSFERS AND SCORING ................................................................................. 5 
SECTION 3 GUIDELINES ....................................................................................................... 9 
00  RETRO BICYCLES …………………………………………………………………………..…….9 
01  MINI WHEELER GUIDELINES ............................................................................... 9 
02  NUMBER PLATES ................................................................................................ 9 
03  ADVANCED SECTIONS …………………………………………………………………………………. 10 
SECTION 4 INFRINGEMENTS & PENALTIES ........................................................................ 11 
00  PENALTIES ........................................................................................................ 11 
SECTION 5 PRIZE MONEY .................................................................................................. 12 
01  EQUITY IN RELATION TO PRIZE MONEY ........................................................... 12 
02  SUPERCLASS AND JUNIOR SUPERCLASS PRIZE MONEY .................................... 12 
 
 
 
 
   

SECTION 1

GENERAL REGULATIONS - BMX

1.00 CATEGORIES

Refer ‘AusCycling Technical Regulations – General’ Annexure 6 for category information.

1.01 NOVICE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

1.01.01 In states offering Novice categories these may only be offered until riders are classified as 17

years of age.

1.01.02 Novice riders may choose to move up to Expert at any time, however once they do so they

cannot go back down.

1.01.03 Novice category is open to both Male and Female riders.

1.01.04 Novice riders are not to be awarded State or State Series rankings.

1.01.05 Novice riders must ride as an expert once they have achieved one of the below:

Top 16 at the National Championships

Top 8 at any of the National Cup Rounds

Top 8 at a State Championships

1.01.06 Novice categories are participation categories with all participants receiving equal (non-

financial) recognition.

1.02 RACE CLASSES & EVENT RESTRICTIONS

Class

Description

C1 / HC

International Competition

National Championships

National Cup

State/Territory Championships

State Series, State Challenge, Inter-Regional, State/Territory

Open

Regional

Club

1.02.01 International Competition Event (C1 / HC)

During C1/ HC designated event dates, no ST, S, R, event can be run within the same State.

National Championships (CN)

During CN designated event dates, no ST, S or R, event can be run in Australia (only a C and NS

event can be run during a CN event).

National Cup (NC):

During NC designated event dates, no ST, S or R event can be run within the same State.

State Titles / Series (ST/S)

During ST/S designated event dates, no S or R event can be run within the same State.

Regional Events (R)

During R designated event dates, no other R event or club day can be run within the same

Region

1.02.02 In Club racing only, the club can choose to offer Ability catagories at their club events.

SECTION 2

COMPETITION

2.00 CLASSIFICATION

2.00.01 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 recognised in a BMX race:

• standard 20 inch

• cruiser 24 inch

2.00.02 Mini-wheelers and Sprocket Rockets, do not compete.

2.01 RIDING UP

2.01.01 Except at National Championships, National Cup and State Titles, competitors may enter (ride

up) above their racing age or ride the opposite gender category equal to or above (but not

below) their own racing age. This includes age-on-day and year of birth racing.

2.01.02 A competitor in all categories other than participation catagories (Novice, Sprockets and Mini

Wheelers) may ride in any age category above their racing age up to the pinnacle category.

Pinnacle category is the category with a maximum age of 34, categories above the age of 34

shall be combined with the next younger category. Participation categroies are permitted to

ride up within their category only. (e.g. Sprockets must stay in Sprockets and Novice must stay

in the Novice Category).

2.01.03 A competitor may enter in:

One (1) Age, one (1) Cruiser and one (1) Superclass noting a rider cannot ride in both Junior

Superclass and Superclass at the same event and or series. Minimum age for Junior Superclass

is year of birth 14; or

One (1) Masters category and one (1) Cruiser category

per event.

i.e. if you enter a masters category a rider cannot enter another 20” category.

2.01.04 Competitors may also enter (or qualify for) any appropriate Superclass categories, Composite

categories, Retro categories or other special racing that may be organised.

2.01.05 Sprocket riders are ineligible to ride up into competitive categories.

2.02 RACE SCHEDULE

2.02.01 The schedule of races for scrambled motos shall be established according to the procedures set

forth in these regulations.

2.02.02 The number of motos to be raced at a particular event will be determined having regard to:

• Total number of entrants

• Time available to conduct the event

2.02.03 If it becomes imperative to reduce the time to be taken for an event (i.e. through inclement

weather) one of the following methods may be applied by the Race Director:

• Reduce the number of motos to be raced by every entrant; or

• Cut out qualifiers and final. At the end of the last moto the competitor with the

least points is then deemed to be the winner

2.03 TRANSFERS AND SCORING

There are three phases to a BMX meeting:

1. Motos

2. Qualifiers (eighths, quarters, semis etc)

3. Final

2.03.01 Events may be run using the UCI-BMX scoring/transfer system.

2.03.02 Category of more than 1 full gate

Motos: when there is more than one heat in any category, motos must be mixed on a random

selection or mathematical progression basis. The number of moto heats is determined on the

basis of having the maximum number of riders in each heat with a differential not exceeding 1

between the number of riders in each heat. Eg a category of 23 riders will have three moto

heats (2 x 8 rider and 1 x 7 rider).

To determine award/prize winners, one of the following methods must be used. Whichever

method is chosen it must be specified on the technical guide and promotional material.

a) Total points to end of motos, followed by Qualifiers and Final

Each competitor rides the same number of motos.

The top “x” riders (as defined in 2.03.04 on accumulated points following motos are

seeded in order of merit (according to the principle of a downward left to right zigzag

pattern) into the first qualifier round, with top 4 competitors in each qualifier transferring

to the next qualifier round and/or final.

Any ties for the last qualifying position into the qualifiers are decided by 2.03.05.

Awards/prizes are awarded according to placing gained in the final.

b) Total points to end of Qualifiers, followed by a Final

Each competitor rides the same number of motos.

The top “x” riders (as defined in 2.03.04) on accumulated points following motos are

seeded in order of merit (according to the principle of a downward left to right zigzag

pattern) into the first qualifier round. At the completion of the first qualifier round, points

earned in the qualifier round are added to the rider’s existing moto points.

The top “x” riders (as defined in 2.03.04) on total accumulated points are seeded in order

of merit into the next qualifier round (if required) and points accumulated until the

qualifiers are completed and the top 8 riders determined (who transfer to the final).

Any ties for the last qualifying position into the first and/or subsequent qualifier, and to

the final, are decided by 2.03.05.

Awards/prizes are awarded according to placing gained in the final.

c) Total points - no Qualifiers or Finals

Each competitor rides the same number of motos. 2.03.05 shall be used to break any ties.

d) 3 (Three) Heat Final

If a 3-heat-final is determined for the event, then competitors earn their way to the final

using (a) or (b) above.

The competitors then ride 3 finals, using the following matrix to determine gate draws for

each final. Riders choose a combination of fixed gates for the Three Heats as per the table

below based on Olympic selection.

Awards/prizes are awarded according to overall points gained in the 3 finals.

Any ties are resolved using 2.03.05.

Three Heat Final Starting Lane Order

Final #1

Final #2

Final #3

2.03.03 Category of 1 full gate or less

To determine award/prize winners, one of the following methods must be used. Whichever

method is chosen it must be specified on the Technical Guide and promotional material.

Where the number of entrants in a category does not exceed a full gate, ie 8 or less for an 8-

lane gate, one of the following methods must be used:

Each competitor rides the same number of motos, then

a) Each competitor rides an extra moto with awards/prizes being awarded on total

accumulated points, however should there be any ties in accumulated points placing then

the results in the extra moto are used to separate any such ties (assigned gates).

b) Except for the last placed rider as determined by accumulated points following the motos,

the rest transfer to a final (Olympic Draw). Any ties for the last qualifying position to the

final are decided 2.03.05.

2.03.04 Category sizes and qualifiers

The table below details the number of riders required for various qualifiers and finals for an 8-

lane gate:

8 Rider Gate

No of Riders

Semi

Quarter

Eighth

Less than 17

17-19

Two 6 rider

20-32

Two 8 rider

33-40

Two 8 rider

Four 5 rider

41-64

Two 8 rider

Four 8 rider

65-80

Two 8 rider

Four 5 rider

Five 8 rider

81 or more

Two 8 rider

Four 8 rider

Eight 8 rider

2.03.05 Tie-Breaker

In the case where a tie is required to be broken, the following methods in the order listed

below will be applied until the tie is broken. In case a method is either not available or not

applicable to the situation, then the next highest priority tie-breaking method will be used.

a) Time in the previous heat.

b) Position in the previous heat.

c) If applicable to the situation, the rider’s best finish (time, or if not available, finish

position) in the preceding qualifiers preceding in descending order of Semi Final, Quarter

Final, Eighth Final, et cetera, until the Motos are reached.

d) In descending order 3rd, 2nd, 1st round finish result in the Motos.

e) BMX Time Trial results (if held).

f) For Championships categories, the UCI Individual BMX ranking, or for Challenge level and

Masters categories, the national ranking or series ranking used for seeding the Motos, if

any exist.

g) In the case of breaking ties between riders scored with the same IRM, at random.

2.03.06 Olympic lane draws for qualifiers and finals gate positions

Competitors in finals will have the option of nominating/selecting their starting lane position.

In the first stage following the motos, the pick is based on lap times from last moto run (if lap

times are available) or Placing from last moto run. In subsequent stages:

a) By seeding determined by lap time from the previous round (fastest rider has the first

choice on the gate).

b) By the finish placing from the previous round (first placed rider has first choice on gate).

Selection of starting lane position by competitors made before the race (eg) during staging,

allows only one pick per rider. A rider cannot change lane, have another pick or swap their

selected lane with anyone.

Any ties for starting lane selections will be determined by 2.03.05.

2.03.07 Finish line Commissaires

There shall be an adequate number of qualified finish line Commissaires (ideally an odd

number), who shall be responsible for recording the finish positions of every rider as he/she

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 Head Scorer for notation on the moto sheets.

2.03.08 Bike position on the start gate

Participation categories may be assisted at the start.

Where an interlocking pedal-cleat system is used, the rider must be able to demonstrate the

ability to engage and release from the pedals, unassisted, upon any request from an official at

any event.

Interlocking pedal-cleat systems are allowed for all riders age 13 and older. For avoidance of

doubt, riders aged 12 and under must use flat pedals with no interlocking pedal-cleat system.

Mini Wheelers are not permitted to start off a track’s start hill/gate. (They may have their own

Mini Wheeler gate).

The use of photo finish camera equipment is recommended for all State / Territory event and

above.

SECTION 3

GUIDELINES

Refer - UCI General Regulations, Part VI, Ch 4: The Bicycle, Clothing and Equipment for BMX Equipment

regulations. The follow regulations are supplemental.

3.00 RETRO BICYCLES

A rider may ride a bike that is 30 years old or era correct. The category will be self-regulated,

meaning those who are racing on the day can modify rules so as to include a rider that is out of

specification by a number of years. Thus in 2021 the benchmark for the bike is to be built in, or

era correct to 1991 or earlier.

3.01 MINI WHEELER GUIDELINES

3.01.01 Bicycle (AusCycling recommends usage of a steel/alloy frame)

a) Mini Wheelers total length including wheels must not exceeded 88.9cm (35”)

b) Mini Wheelers must not have pedals or cranks

c) Pit bikes can be used but must have cranks removed and not exceed 88.9cm (35”)

d) The total diameter of the wheel, inflated tires included shall not exceed 33.02cm (13”)

3.01.02 Mini Wheeler Clothes

Long pants

Long sleeved shirts

Covered shoes

Helmets (stack hats) are permitted that meet Australian standards

Helmet straps must be securely fastened

Must wear full fingered gloves

3.02 NUMBER PLATES

3.02.01 The following number plate colour combinations must be used:

Superclass, Junior Superclass,

Challenge male riders, Masters 30+

Yellow plate, black numbers

Superclass, Junior Superclass, Masters, Challenge

female riders

Blue plate, white numbers

Cruiser

Red plate, white numbers

Participation Novice Categories

Green plate, white numbers

Participation Sprocket Rocket

Orange plate, black numbers

Participation BMX Mini Wheeler

Purple plate, white numbers

Note: Only riders with International Elite Number (formerly known as the Permanent Career

Number) can ride with white plate, black numbers in a Superclass event.

3.02.02 Female Masters Category 30+ Open Wheel need to run either a blue plate, white numbers for

20” or red plate, white numbers for 24” cruiser.

3.02.03 Race plates should be 250mm wide x 200mm high approximately with numbers being 15mm

wide x 100mm high approximately.

3.02.04 BMX Mini Wheeler plates should be 180mm wide x 140mm

high approximately.

3.02.05 Retro Plate sizing should be 260mm wide x 300mm high approximately.

3.02.06 At all events a competitor must, at all times, ride with the racing number and/or letter

combination which has:

1. Been allocated to them by their club; or

2. Been allocated to them by AusCycling; or

3. Been allocated to them through successful competition at any of the immediately

preceding Titles:

3.02.07 The only riders who will be entitled to race with a racing number between 1-8 (inclusive) will be

those riders that placed in the preceding above Titles with the use of the above letters

immediately after the number except World plates that will have the prefix W.

3.02.08 If a rider is riding up or the category is combined for any reason, the preference to the above

numbering system will be provided to the rider who earnt the respective plate in the

designated category offered for a specific event. E.g. 13yr rider who is currently 1A enters into

the 14yr category who has a rider that is also 1A the preference will be given to the 14yr rider

with the 13yr rider will be required to change their number for this event.

3.02.09 State plates in the designated National Championships age categories may be run at the

National Championship event. For all other events plates achieved at an event category equal

to or higher, can only be used.

3.02.10 The size of the prefix or suffix letter must be 50mm in height.

3.02.11 Use of Number Zero on a Number Plate – 0 – 00 zero or double zero is not a numeral and 1-8

are reserved.

3.03 ADVANCED SECTIONS

3.03.01 Riders wishing to enter into the Superclass category at AusCycling sanctioned events where an

8m/SX hill or pro straight is available will be required to show a competency certification prior

to the commencement of racing.

3.03.02 Junior Superclass will always ride the same straights as the Challenge categories.

Prefix/suffix

Example

Title

World

Australia

ACT

1ACT

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

1NT

Northern Territory

Queensland

1SA

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

1WA

Western Australia

SECTION 4

INFRINGEMENTS & PENALTIES

4.00 PENALTIES

These are suggested outcomes to the following infringements. Each case needs to be

adjudicated on its own merits.

Refer AusCycling ‘Technical Regulatons – General’ for Disciplinary and Appeals proceses.

Infringement

Penalty

Bring the sport of BMX into Disrepute

Disqualification and referral to Judiciary

Riding in a category that rider not nominated

Disqualification and referral to Judiciary

Deliberate T boning

Relegation

Deliberate cutting of track and gaining an

advantage

Relegation

Rider forced off track and gaining an advantage

Relegation

Causing interference and disadvantaging

another competitor by use of arms, feet, body

or bicycle

Relegation

Tactical team riding

Relegation

Use of physical violence or threating behavior

Disqualification from event and referral to Judiciary

Audible use of abusive offensive language

First offense - Official warning, Second offense –

Disqualification

Refusing to submit to anti-doping testing

Disqualification and referral to Judiciary

Any competitor or official involved in an event

while intoxicated

Removed from venue and referral to Judiciary

Misconduct by parents, family members, team

managers at an event

Official Warning, Disqualification, removal from venue

and referral to Judiciary

SECTION 5

PRIZE MONEY

5.01 EQUITY IN RELATION TO PRIZE MONEY

AusCycling guarantees male and female, equity, wherever possible, in competition prize money.

Challenge Categories are to have equal awards for male and female.

5.02 SUPERCLASS AND JUNIOR SUPERCLASS PRIZE MONEY

For Superclass and Junior Superclass, the prize pool is to be split 50:50 between male and

female. Junior Superclass prize pool may be offered however not greater than 25% of

Superclass prize pool.

5.02.01 Prize money Breakdown

Total amount minimum at all races conducted in Australia must be:

a) Junior / Superclass Men: minimum prize pool to be advised on event flyer

b) Challenge/Masters riders: male and female equal awards

5.02.02 Placing breakdown

Either of the below tables can be used for awards breakdown.

1st Place

33%

1st Place

50%

2nd Place

23%

2nd Place

30%

3rd Place

14%

3rd Place

20%

4th Place

5th Place

6th Place

7th Place

8th Place

5.02.03 All prize money to be paid in EFT, cash and or cheque at the discretion of the event organiser.

Monies to be paid immediately following the conclusion of the event (or as soon as practical in

the case of EFT) or, if two events over two days at the end of the second day.

5.02.04 Process

Calculate prize pool

Apply above placing percentages to individual determined pools