The American Motorcyclist Association outlines the rules and regulations for all AMA-sanctioned motorcycle racing events in the United States. The rules and regulations are updated every year and released on the AMA website. If the AMA needs to make changes or adjustments to the rules during the year in order to address specific races or situations, it releases a supplement to the rules on the AMA website.
Motocross Racer Eligibility
A motocross racer must be a member of the AMA or the All Terrain Vehicle Association to race at AMA-sanctioned events. Additionally, if the racing district hosting the race requires local district membership, then the racer must obtain a local membership in order to maintain points earned for a racing series. The minimum age required for competition at an AMA-sanctioned event is 12 years, unless the event is a youth event. If a rider wishes to compete on a bike with an engine displacement of 250cc or greater, he must be at least 14 years old.
Rider Classification
The AMA provides three classifications for riders: A, B and C. Class A riders are the most experienced and advanced racers and Class C riders are entry-level or beginner racers. A racer is allowed to decide when he should move up in class, however, the AMA can move a racer up in class if he consistently dominates the lower class at races. The only exception to this rule is that racers between the age of 12 and 15 cannot be forced from the B class into the A class. Once a racer has completed a race in an advanced class, he cannot return to a lower-level class without permission from the AMA.
Approved Equipment
In order for a motocross bike to be eligible for use in an AMA-sanctioned event, the bike manufacturer must apply with the AMA for approval each year for the new-model bikes. Approved motocross bikes must meet the AMA specifications concerning items such as engine class, suspension, transmission and frame. The AMA requires every racer to wear, at minimum, a full-face or full-coverage helmet, shatterproof face shield or goggles, protective pants made of a durable material, long-sleeve jersey and motocross boots, a minimum of 8 inches high. The helmet must contain certification from an authorized testing organization such as the Department of Transportation or the Snell Organization.
Racing Rules
If the racer is not tall enough to touch the ground when sitting on the bike, he can use a starting block to start the race. If the racer crashes or stalls during the race, he must re-enter the race without assistance, unless he needs help removing the bike from off top of him or the location of his bike is dangerous to other racers. All racers must observe the racing flags as displayed during the race. A white flag indicates one lap remaining in the race. A yellow flag indicates an accident ahead, and the racer cannot jump or pass another rider until he is clear of the accident. A black flag indicates the racer has been disqualified and needs to exit the track immediately. A light-blue flag with a diagonal yellow stripe indicates that a racer is about to be lapped by other riders and should maintain a steady line so that the faster riders can easily pass. A white flag with a red cross indicates medical or safety personnel are on the track and the racer cannot jump or pass until past the incident.
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