Wasatch Trials Association (WTA)
By-laws and Rules
2007 edition
1. Overview -
In Observed Trials, motorcycle competitors ride through a number of
marked sections over difficult terrain while
being "observed" by a scorer and are penalized points for any loss of
balance which requires support. Riders ride
slowly, one at a time, over terrain that is matched to their skill
level, and the rider with the fewest total points wins.
Compared to other motorcycle competitions, trials is much less damaging
to the environment and safer, but trials
competition takes years to master; and does involves a potential risk
of injury.
2. The Club -
The Wasatch Trials Association (WTA) is a non-profit organization of
approximately 100 member motorcyclists
and families. The WTA usually holds 10 to 14 club events per year.
3. WTA is composed of amateur recreational
motorcyclists, and has a simple guiding principle in all its
operations; Have Fun. Although most WTA events focus on fun
competition, many social activities also let riders
and their families and friends relax together afterwards. Riders are
expected to recognize the dangers of
motorcycle riding and ride and act safely and responsibly. Entrants in
WTA events agree to abide by WTA by-laws
and rules when they sign-up to enter the event. Entrants and their
guests and spectators are liable and
responsible for their own behavior. Entrants accept that they
understand and are personally responsible for the
risks of trials competition riding and other activities at WTA events.
4. WTA President and Steering Committee -
WTA will have a club President and four other WTA members who will
make up the Steering Committee. Candidates for WTA President must be
nominated by an active club member. The Steering committee,
composed of active WTA members, shall be appointed by the President.
The President will be voted on by all
active members in attendance at the yearly awards banquet:
4A. President -
Responsible for overall club activities and events, representation
of the WTA at official functions, and delegation
of club responsibilities as needed. The president shall be responsible
for ensuring that meet equipment such as
the sign-up table, score card box, clock, medals, etc are brought to
each meet. The president shall insure club
liability insurance is maintained.
4B. Steering Committee will be made up of a Secretary, Treasurer, and at least two other club members for total of 1 President and 4 Steering Committee members.
Responsible for recording of WTA event results, and yearly points
totals, minutes of WTA meetings, and creation
and transmission of WTA flyers and information, as well as
responsibility for management of the WTA account
and all financial transactions of the club, including collection of
fees for membership dues and event participation.
Funding sources will include advertising revenues, dues, gate fees,
rider entry fees, and other sources. Cost
outlays will include all necessary costs for hosting trials events
(such as awards) and the banquet, with special
outlays at the discretion of the WTA Steering Committee. End of year
balance after the banquet should be
adequate to host the first trials of the next year and ensure there is
money to cover the next years insurance. The
president, secretary, and treasurer all have access to the WTA account.
4C. Steering Committee Members -
Steering Committee members shall be appointed by the president and
approved by the club.
5. Memberships and Dues -
WTA annual membership fees are $20/single and $25/family
(immediate family limited to spouse and
children living at home). Dues should be paid prior to the first event
of the year since club points will not be
awarded for participation in events prior to paying membership dues for
the year. Dues are subject to change by
vote of the Steering Committee.
6. Meetings -
Steering Committee meetings may be called at the consensus of the
Steering Committee no more than once a
month and no less than twice a year. Location and agenda are to be
announced to all Steering Committee
members in advance. The President and each Steering Committee member
shall have one vote on issues. Majority rule is required to approve an
issue.
7. Banquet/Annual club meeting -
An annual awards banquet will be held at the end of each trials year
at a convenient location to award year end
placings and elect the next year's President, Steering Committee and to
set the next years schedule. Location,
date, awards, cost and any WTA subsidy for the banquet will be
determined by the Steering Committee. Meet
dates changed after the schedule has been published will not count
towards year end club points.
8. Trials Events -
Events will normally be on a Saturday, each month January through
November unless specified by the Steering
Committee (i.e two day events). Specific yearly schedules will be
determined by the Steering Committee. Event
dates should be scheduled around known dates for National or World
Rounds, sister club (such as WMTA) meets,
holidays, deer hunt and such as approved by the Steering Committee.
9. Entry Fees:
$10 for first time riders and all riders 12 years old and under.
$20 for each adult WTA member and $10 for each WTA member dependent over the age of 12.
$30 for non-members.
Either an additional two
dollars or a letter to support various WTA issues may be charged for
entry fees at select events. Rider's entry fees
and spectator charges for National events will determined by the
National requirements.
10. Flyers announcing the event should be sent out
at least two weeks in advance, noting the location (with map),
starting time, Trials Marshals, requirements (i.e. DOT helmets, spark
arrestors, etc), and other essential
information. Results of the last event, a commentary from riders, bikes
for sale, and other information may also be
included with the flyer.
11. The Riding Area(s) -
WTA is fortunate to have several excellent riding areas with a
variety of terrain. A trials meet is usually held once a
month (except December) at various locations throughout the state.
Locations include but are not restricted to ,
Pachoon Gulch (St George), Elberta, Desert Mountain (Delta), Three
Peaks (Cedar City), Red Creek (Fruitland),
Mtn Green, Powder Mountain, Loa, and Emery.
12. WTA has access to several areas, including
private and public properties where approval by the relevant
parties is required prior to events.
13. Minimum environmental impact "leave no trace"
practices for off road vehicles will apply to all areas that
WTA uses. Trials motorcycles by their nature cause minimal damage to
the land, but Trials Marshals and riders
should still attempt to minimize any unnecessary damage and disturbance
caused by their riding. After an event,
Trials Marshals are responsible for cleanup and repair of the area.
Section judges are responsible for cleanup and
repair of their individual areas after use. Riders should always
attempt to minimize disturbance of other land users
and inhabitants, and should yield the trail to hikers, horseback
riders, or other individuals they may encounter on
the trail. Riders should always consider themselves as representatives
of the club and use all necessary etiquette
in their encounters with others.
14. The WTA Steering Committee is responsible for
running meet operations, including sign-up, riders meeting,
awards ceremony etc, and will decide the outcome of all unforseen
occurrences not covered by the WTA By-laws
or Rules.
15. All changes to the bylaws need to be submitted to the steering committee and published in the WTA news letter at least 30 days prior to the annual WTA banquet to be placed on the agenda. Changes to the by-laws and rules can only be made at the annual WTA banquet, and must pass by 2/3rds vote of the majority of the members present.
WASATCH TRIALS ASSOCIATION
RULE BOOK
1. The Trials -
1A. WTA trials events shall generally consist of no
less than 24 observed sections (i.e. a loop of eight sections
ridden 3 times). "Lower" Classes shall consist of Beginner (if there
are riders to warrant it), Novice, Sportsman,
Senior Sportsman, Intermediate and Senior Intermediate classes, and WOW (Women on Wheels)with
"Upper" Classes made up of, Advanced,
Senior Advanced, Expert B **,
Expert, and Champ classes. "Senior" Classes are restricted to riders 35
years of age and older.
Each class will ride lines in the sections as
posted on the start gates and on section split markers. Normally all
classes will ride 3 loops except Novice which may only ride 2 loops
depending on the length of the loop. Beginner
sections will normally be 4 easy sections set out near the pits. The
Beginner trials will be normally take place after
the normal meet.
1B. Event Scoring -
The WTA uses two types of scoring at club meets, "Group"
and "Observed". Since the clubs inception in 1973
the WTA has historically scored using Group scoring, where each class
rides together and scores each other. Because some classes were getting
so large that they were sometimes being split, in 1998 the WTA voted to
use
the Observed scoring format to avoid having to split
large classes . The format that will be used at each meet will
be determined by the presidency, the morning of the meet, dependent
upon how many participants there are at
the particular meet.
1C. In the Group scoring format
the riders in each class ride together as a group and score each other.
When
riding Group, there should be a minimum of three riders in each group
to facilitate scoring. Classes with less than
three riders should join another class group for scoring purposes.
1C-1. In Group scoring the rider doing the scoring
is considered to have the "final word" in determining the score
of a rider (excepting protests), but all riders in the group should
ensure that all riders are scored fairly and
accurately. The rider who is observing does not have to tolerate abuse
from other riders, and may penalize a rider
up to 25 points if necessary for unsportsman like conduct if the other
riders in the group agree that the penalty is
warranted.
1C-2. When Group scoring the "Cleanup
assignments" will be posted at the scorers desk. Riders are
responsible to ensure that the section(s) they are assigned to clean is
cleaned. A rider may receive 25 points
unsportsmanlike conduct points for failing to clean the section that
was assigned to that rider.
1D. In the Observed scoring format
afternoon riders will score the morning riders and vice versa. Observed
scoring should only be used if there are enough participants to ensure
there will be an adequate number of
observers "Checkers" at each section.
1D-1. Observers should be selected from riders and/or spectators who have a good understanding of trials rules and scoring and who will be able to score sections without unnecessary hardship or risk. Observers should be instructed on the location and number of their section, procedures for notifying Trials Marshals of problems (i.e. injury, protests, or change in a section), "tear-down" time for the sections, and any other needed information. Observers should be matched to the skill level required to get to the section and judge the section if possible (i.e. Beginner riders should not be asked to judge the farthest and most difficult section of the Upper class riders). The presidency will decide the morning of the meet who rides in the morning and who rides in the afternoon.
1D-2. Observers are to be considered the "last
word" in determining the score of a rider (excepting protests),
and are to make all technical decisions concerning their sections after
the event starts. Selecting lines is part of
Trials competition so observers should not coach riders on which lines
are best to ensure fairness. Observers do
not have to tolerate abuse from riders, and may penalize a rider up to
25 points at their section if necessary for
unsportsman like conduct. Observers should clean up their section after
the event.
1D-3. When riding Observed, morning and afternoon
classes should have reasonable time limits of 2 to 4 hours
for each group. Riders may start on any section after the announced
start time, but must ride the sections in
sequence and start with section #1 on the second loop. Riders riding
sections out of sequence will be penalized
10 points per section. A section may only be ridden once per loop
unless announced different by the presidency
at the riders meeting. A rider off the marked loop may be disqualified
at the discretion of the Trials Marshal. The
Trials Marshal should sweep the loop to give instructions to observers
near the end of the event. Unless instructed
differently by the Trials Marshal, observers are to take down "clean
up" their sections at a given time, and not
allow further riders through after that time.
1E. Whether Observed scoring or Group scoring, it
is vitally important to ensure that all riders are scored
accurately and fairly.
1F. Riders assign themselves to a class based on
their own estimation of their skill level, with Beginner class
limited to riders 12 years old and under. Riders aged 35 and older have
the option to ride in the Senior classes,
but are NOT required to ride Senior classes. The Senior classes are
restricted to riders aged 35 and over. Riders
may enter any size or age trials motorcycle in any class. Other classes
may be created to meet demand as
approved by the Steering Committee. (i.e a Vintage class etc). All
motorcycles must have trials type tires. No
promotion or demotion system for class assignments based on past
performance will be used. New riders unsure
of the appropriate class for them may ride up to 3 sections in their
chosen class and then "begin over" in another
class but will be scored "5's" for each of the sections already ridden.
1G. Sign-up for the event will begin no less than
one hour prior to the published start time. A riders meeting shall
be held no less than 15 minutes before the event start time, at which
the Presidency and the Trials Marshal will
announce the format of the meet, either Group scoring or Observed
scoring, observers for each section, the
number of sections, the course layout, danger areas, time limits, and
other pertinent information. All riders are
required to attend the Riders Meeting. Since observing is also a part
of the sport, riders unwilling to serve as
judges will not compete except under special circumstances as approved
by the presidency.
1H. Meet Time formats
1H-1. Time format for Group ride events:
9:00 am to 9:45 am - sign-up
9:45 am to 10:00 am-riders meeting
10:00 am to 4:30 pm -all riders compete
Lunch and breaks will be at the discretion of each class
4:30 pm cleanup
5:00 pm awards
1H-2. Time format for Observed events:
9:00 am to 9:30 am-sign-up
9:30 am to 10:00 am-riders meeting and scorer placement
10:00 am to 1:00 pm -Morning riders compete
1:00 to 1:30 pm -lunch and scorer placement
1:30 to 4:30 pm -Afternoon riders compete
4:30 cleanup
5:00 pm awards
These are the times that will normally be used but may change at
the discretion of presidency to fit the
needs of a particular meet.
1I. Supplementary rules or special events for a
trials that may affect final days or series standings may be placed
by the Steering Committee only. Riders or spectators exhibiting
unacceptable behavior of any sort may be
disqualified or directed to leave by any Steering Committee member.
1J. Written voluntary critiques for each trials are
encouraged. These will be used to allow Trials Marshals to
receive feedback on how they can improve their sections setting
techniques. Riders may also be asked to
participate in trials promotions, including letter writing campaigns.
1K. After an event, an "Awards Ceremony"
will be held.
- if there are two riders in a class there will be a first place medal and one
last place or "finisher" medal awarded.
- If there are three or four riders, there will be 1 first place, 1
second place medal and one last place "finisher" medal awarded.
- 5 or more riders in a class medals will be awarded for the top 50% of riders in each class.
Awards will vary according to the event. Awards will ONLY be given out
at the awards ceremony and will not be given out prior to the Awards ceremony.
2. Trials Marshal -
2A. The Trials Marshals shall be volunteers selected at the annual banquet for the year's events. At least two
Trials Marshals should be selected for each event - ideally with at
least one upper class rider of the two. Additional
help in setting a meet is always welcome, but only the two designated
Trials Marshals will receive 25 marshal
points awarded for hosting the event. Marshal helpers cannot ride any
lines prior to the meet if they wish to
compete. A Trials Marshal can
only
receive Marshal points for one meet per year. The Trials Marshal(s)
will be
responsible for all preparations for the trials, setting the sections,
managing the event the day of the trials, and
clean up after the event. A Trials Marshal's checklist for holding
events is included at the end of this rule book.
2B. Trials Marshals are responsible for ensuring
land use permission for the meet they are responsible for has
been acquired. Trials Marshals shall also ensure all required equipment
(such as porta potties etc.) required by
land owners have been acquired.
2C. Trials Marshals may not compete in their own
event, but are expected to pre-ride all sections up to their
class to determine if a section is rideable and set satisfactorily.
Trials Marshals, along with at least two Steering
Committee members, will also serve as a protest jury if needed during
events. The Trials Marshals must be
available to ride the loop during the event and settle technical
issues. A Trials Marshal may exclude an entire
section (and any points lost on it) from a trials if necessary after
the event has started.
2.D When riding Group scoring, The Trials Marshal shall go with the
Novice class to teach them how the meets
work and to coach the riders where needed.
3. Spectators -
Spectators are free of charge at all but National events and are
welcome to WTA events, but do so at their own
risk. Spectators should not interfere with the observers judging a
rider's ride, and should not attempt to influence
the judges score. Spectators are expected to stand outside section
boundaries and not interfere in any way with
riders, the section, or the loop during an event. They may lend
assistance if requested by a rider or observer.
Spectators are always encouraged to ask questions and show their
appreciation for a rider's talents!
4. The Rider -
Riders are expected to be in adequate physical condition and
prepared for strenuous activity. Riders MUST wear
a helmet at all times while riding a motorcycle at an event. Sturdy
footwear, motorcycle pants, gloves, jersey and
eye protection are highly recommended. Riders must not be under the
influence of alcohol or drugs during the
event. When "Group Scoring" riders are required to ride with their
class group to ensure consistent scoring.
5. The Trials Motorcycle -
5A. Any size trials motorcycle may be entered in
any class as long as it is in safe working order, has trials-type
tires and a silencer. Spark arrestors may be required. Trail bikes,
although not designed for Trials, may be
entered in the Sportsman classes and below.
5B. Motorcycles may be shared by
contestants with the approval of the presidency. When scoring "Observed
Scoring", riders sharing a bike must allow faster riders to go ahead of
them. If a motorcycle is shared when
"Group Scoring" both riders must be in the same class and ride together
with the class group.
5C. When riding observed a broken bike may be repaired
if the repair and completion of the rest of the
sections can be done within the allotted time frame.
5D. When riding "Group" if a motorcycle breaks
down, it will be up to the rest of the class to decide whether
or
not they want to wait for the rider to repair the bike or go on ahead
while the rider attempts to repair the bike. If the
rider is able to repair the bike within the allotted time frame and
wants to "make up" the sections the rider has
missed during the repair, and the rest of the group agrees to allow it,
the rider must ride each section missed first
and last, until the rider is caught up with the rest of the class.
6. The Loop -
6A. The loop must be set so that the least skilled
rider expected to ride that course will be able to travel without
excess risk or delay due to bottlenecks or length of the loop. The loop
should not be the major obstacle of the
trials! If possible, several sections of the loop should be close to
the pit area to allow spectators to follow the
riders. As a rule, loop markers should be set so that when stopped at a
marker the previous and next marker can
be easily and clearly seen.
6B. Danger areas on the loop must be marked clearly with red ribbon, and all major turns should be well marked with arrows signs. Pink or other high visibility ribbon should be placed at adequate spacing and location to allow riders to ride at rapid pace without losing the trail. Closer spacing of ribbon for difficult trails is required.
6C. Wrong way signs should be
placed as needed at confusing intersections. If a loop crosses itself,
markers
must show the direction to the next section by number. Riders may not
"cut" the course under penalty of
disqualification at the discretion of the Trials Marshals. Pit areas
are to be considered slow speed areas. Pit
racing will not be allowed. Cleanup of the loop is the responsibility
of the Trials Marshals, supported by observers.
7. The Sections -
7A. Sections must not contain impossible or too
difficult or dangerous turns, ascents, descents, or obstacles for
the class. Trials Marshals should set sections based on the skills of
the lower half of that class at WTA events. If
a rider deems the sections are too easy he/she should "move up" to the
next more difficult class. A good target
for difficulty is to have the winner have approximately 15 to 25
points. Trials Masters should attempt to have a mix
of difficulty in their sections, with a few easier sections, several of
moderate difficulty, and a few difficult sections
for the class, and should take into account the possibility of bad
weather. Sections should be made of challenging
but non-dangerous durable terrain, with natural boundaries if possible.
Ribbons should not be used as an
obstacle. Section boundaries that are easily moved or rolled should not
be used.
7B. The Trials Marshal will test rideability of the class lines by the following means: (On Lower classes ensure there are adequate "dabs" on both sides).
1. Novice - ride sections sitting down, 1st gear, no clutch.
2. Sportsman - ride sections standing up, 1st gear, no clutch.
3. Intermediate/Senior - no hopping or trick riding.
4. Advanced/Senior - minimal hopping and trick riding.
5. Expert - hopping or trick riding encouraged in at least 50% of sections.
6. Champ - discretion with respect to safety of bike and rider
should be used on large obstacles.
7C. Sections may not be changed after the first
rider has ridden in any line in the section. Changes that occur to
a section as a result of use should only be made, at the discretion of
the observer, if the section becomes
impassable or dangerous, or when the change was caused by a spectator.
Observers should make section
repairs, such as replacing necessary "kickers" that are required for
safety which have been accidently moved or
replacing markers that have been moved. Only those minimum
modifications to the terrain necessary for safe use
should be made. Adequate space for riders to "stage" prior to entering
a section and for parking in front of and
after a section must be provided. Sections should be set with multiple
lines and minimal danger in mind, and
should not be less than three feet in width if possible. "Keyhole"
sections (where a rider reverses direction halfway
or returns over his path to a common entry/exit) must be very clearly
marked.
7D. When riding under Group Scoring a section may be changed if the "majority" of the class votes for the change.
7E. Ideally sections should be marked with all
classes in the section to facilitate Observed scoring if required,
but which classes ride in a particular section is left up to the
discretion of the Trials Marshal.
7F. Sections must be marked with an easily
visible sign indicating the start gate, section number, and classes at
the beginning of a section, with red ribbon on the right hand side and
blue ribbon on the left hand side as a rider
rides through. Yellow ribbon should be used to designate split lines
within a section. White ribbon should be used
to designate the "end gate" of the section. Surveyors ribbon or colored
duct tape are the preferred marking
materials. Flags, cups, or other marking material should not be used
unless absolutely necessary. Ribbon should
be placed on the ground to help eliminate snagging problems. Section
widths should be at least 3 feet wide. Ribbons markers should be at
least three feet long. Riders are very clever at finding easier
"cheater" lines, so it is
hard to over mark a section. If possible natural terrain should be used
as a border. Easily moved objects such as
small ribboned rocks or sticks should be avoided if possible because
they move if they are touched. There is no
"line of intent" between two un-ribboned points. Riders may "ride-out"
anywhere between two non-connected side
boundary ribbons as long as they do not violate the other boundary
markers, remain in sight of the observer and
do not cross their tracks. For this reason, completely and clearly
marked continuous ribbon and natural
boundaries in a section are encouraged. "Splits" for the separate
classes in a section shall be clearly marked with
a split sign clearly indicating the directions for the individual
classes.
7G. Section split markers shall be marked so that
an SINGLE DARK line is placed next to the class
indicator on
the split plate indicating which side of the split plate the class
should ride. Classes not included in a particular split
plate should be marked out. Arrows, circles, blocks etc. should not be
used on split markers. Riders must ride the
lines designated for their class from start to finish of a section.
Section exits will be marked with white ribbon at
both sides of the exit gate. An adequate stopping/scoring area must be
provided at the end of a section. Exit and
entry gates should be at least 3 feet wide and perpendicular to the
rider's path. Sections placed close together
must have adequate space for riders to park and inspect the next
section without interfering with riders from the
previous section.
7H. Sections may be inspected on foot at any time
by a rider, but the rider may not intentionally modify the
section at any time. Only riders who have paid entry fees for the event
can ride the sections during the meet. Riders shall not
pre-ride any or practice any portion of any section
prior to or during the meet. Riders can only ride each section
ONCE during each loop. While other classes are rining, Riders are
not allowed to "Play" on the sections after they have finished riding
the meet. Violators will
be disqualified. The meet is not over until ribbons have been removed
from the sections. The section should be
clear of other riders and ready to ride prior to a rider's entry.
Riders will not enter a section until instructed to do so
by the observer, who will hold up a closed fist and announce "RIDER".
The Observer is responsible for cleanup of
the section the Observer is scoring after the event. A minimum of two
observers should observe each rider as
they ride the section, and they must agree on the score before a riders
scorecard is punched.
8. Scoring -
8A. Scoring is the main item that separates
trials from other motorcycle competitions, and can be very complex.
Every effort must be made to be consistent and fair to all riders. In
the event of a very unclear decision about a
score, the rider should get the benefit of the doubt. Scoring of a
rider begins when the motorcycle's front wheel
axle passes through the plane between the entry gate markers and ends
when the front wheel axle passes
through the plane between the exit gate markers. Scoring in each
section will be based on the following penalty
point system:
Points
None (clean) 0
Footing once while moving 1
Footing twice while moving 2
Footing three times or more while moving 3
Sliding a foot on the ground while moving 3
Stopped with a foot down 1
Stopped with both feet down, but still straddling the bike 2
Stopped with both feet down, but not straddling the bike 5
Failure to complete a section 5
Choosing not to ride a section 5
Foot dabs on opposite side of bike 5
Backing up with one or both feet down 5*
Backing up or balancing with feet on pegs 0
Balancing on skip plate without footing 0
Jumping the bike over a boundary 5**
Dabbing
with a dead engine and the motorcycle is stopped 5***
***If a rider dabs while the motorcycle is stopped with a dead engine, the rider is penalized 5 points. A rider who is able to "paddle a dead engined bike" through the end gate will only be penalized for the number of dabs taken, up to 3, as long as the dead engined bike keeps moving and does not stop.
8B. Five points is the maximum score a rider who
attempts a section may be scored. Brushing a foot, arm or
part of the motorcycle against the side of a rock, tree etc, without
using it for support is not considered a penalty.
Riding over one's tracks is only permissible if a section is designed intentionally in such a fashion.
Riding over
one's own tracks is not a five if riders are hopping, and/or backing up
while balancing. Touching or riding on a
boundary ribbon or split plate marker without actually going
outside it (i.e. ground not visible between tire and
marker) or moving it so that it must be replaced is not a penalty. A
"dab" is defined as any additional support
taken by a rider (including hands, head etc) or motorcycle while in a
section on anything other than the tires or the skid plate. Dabs
outside the
marked section boundary are permissible and are penalized the same as a
dab inside a boundary. Lofting a wheel
over a boundary is not considered a penalty as long as the wheel does
not touch any structure outside the
boundary before returning "in-bounds". The rider is considered to be in
the section when the front wheel axle
passes through the plane between the entry gate markers and cannot be
lifted over entry gate markers. Breaking
a boundary or split ribbon with the machine is a five, breaking a
ribbon with a part of the riders body is not
penalized. Any displacement of a marker requiring it to be reset is
considered a five.
8C. If a rider chooses not to ride a section due to personal safety concerns etc. the rider may "Take a five" and have the observer scoring that section punch a 5 on the rider's scorecard
8D. If riders do not complete 80% of a trials (19
sections in a 24 section event), they will be considered a
Did-Not-Finish (DNF). If unable to complete all sections on time,
riders will be penalized 10 points for each section
not completed. Riders may be disqualified from the event for
unsportsmanlike conduct, reckless use of the
motorcycle, abuse of the riding area, or other behavior at the
discretion of the Trials Marshal or Steering
Committee member.
9. Scorecards -
9A. Riders will be issued scorecards after the
riders meeting which will be marked with the rider's name and
class. A paper-hole punch issued to each section's lead observer will
be used to mark the score of the rider for the
section immediately after completing the section. If an incorrect score
is entered by the scorer, the block of the
incorrect punch will be completely punched out and the correct score
will be punched. Other techniques
weaken the cards causing the cards to rip more easily and can also
cause scorers to inadvertently include the
extra punch holes which are not meant to indicate points. The scorecard
is a rider's responsibility. All scorecards
must be tallied by the rider and returned immediately after sections
are closed. Final scoring personnel at the
sign-up desk will ensure accuracy. Scores for the event as they apply
to the year's total will be verified by the
secretary prior to inclusion. Riders may trade-in damaged cards if
scores are legible. Riders who lose cards after
having ridden more than 20% of the sections will be considered a DNF,
otherwise they will be penalized 5 points
per "lost" section.
9B. In the event of a tie, the rider with the highest
number of cleans will be the winner, followed by highest
number of ones, twos, threes, etc. If still unable to break a tie, the
rider who rode the most sections before
incurring points will be declared the winner. If none of the above
requirements can break the tie, a "ride-off" will
be used to determine the winner at the discretion of the Trials
Marshal.
10. Yearly Points Totals -
The objective of using the point system is to rank WTA club members by points accrued for the year. Event medals will be awarded according to the scores of riders in a specific class group. Club points will be awarded only to the WTA club members riding in a specific class group.10A. During the year, WTA club members are awarded points based on their finishing position for each day's event. Total year points will be based on the best 80% of the total meets, rounding up or down. (For example 80% of 11 meets is 8.8 rounding up to the best 9 of 11). The points accrued for each meet is based on the following:
Marshal = 25 points, 1st place = 20 points, 2nd
place = 17 points, 3rd place = 15 points, 4th
place = 13 points, 5th
place = 11 points, 6th place = 10 points, 9th
place = 9 points etc decreasing by 1 point. DNF = 1 point.
10B. If a rider moves up a
class during the year, his points will move up with him/her to indicate
he/she took
last place in the class for each meet ridden before the class move up.
If two or more riders move up at the same
time relative places will remain the same.
10C. If a rider moves down a
class during the year, his points will move down with him/her to
indicate he/she
took last place in the class for each meet ridden before the class
move. If two or more riders move down up at the
same time relative places will remain the same.
10D. If a rider is temporarily riding a class
that is lower in difficulty than the class the rider normally rides,
for
example due to an injury an Expert rider temporarily moves down to the
Advanced, that rider will be considered
riding "Exhibition" (no points or awards). If the rider is moving down
permanently that change should be discussed
with the Steering Committee.
10E. If a rider changes classes "mid meet" (other
than a new rider see 10B.) the rider will be considered riding
"Exhibition" and is not eligible to win awards or accrue year club
points for that meet.
11. Year end point ties-
In the event of a tie the points of the meets that the riders
competed together in will be compared to determine
which rider has the most club points, and that rider will be the
winner. Further ties will be broke by totaling dabs
for meets ridden together.
12. Protests -
Protests must be made by a rider immediately after finishing a
section, and if possible should be handled by the
observer immediately to avoid hindering other riders. Scoring protests
will not be heard if the observer was not
made aware of the protest at the time. Riders may not protest
another rider's score. If an observer is unable to
make a determination in a protest to a rider's satisfaction, the rider
must state to the observer he is filing a protest
and must file the protest with the Trials Marshal, President, or
Steering Committee member prior to the awards
ceremony. A rider may continue to compete pending results of the
protest. A protest jury consisting of the Trials
Marshal, and at least two members of the Steering Committee
member/President will reach final determination of
any protest. A rider interfered with in a significant way for any
reason by outside influences may request a re-ride
at the discretion of the observer, but will keep the score of the
re-ride even if it is worse. For safety reasons, pets
should not be taken with riders, observers, or spectators on the loop.
13. Year awards-
Club members who compete in at least "50% plus 1" events (i.e 5 + 1
= 6 out of a 10 meet year) for the year are
eligible for yearly awards given such as number plates or place
plaques.
14. Special Events -
The club may hold special events such as National Trials, benefits,
exhibitions, poker runs, fun rides, work days or
special competitions over a year at the discretion of the Board and WTA
members. Special rules (such as Gate
Trials) may be used for those events at the discretion of Trials
Marshals and the Steering Committee. National
Trials events will follow National rules. Any other promotion or event
which is held by WTA must be approved by
the Steering Committee, but WTA members may act on their own in any
endeavor if not representing the WTA
club. Public relations for WTA should be addressed to the club
officers.
Trials Marshal Suggested Checklist:
Get approval (in writing if possible) for selected riding area from
BLM, National Forest Service, land owners, etc.
for specific date, location, and type of event.
Communicate details of event to secretary and treasurer, including
Map, start times, and other essentials.
Advertise only after coordination with WTA Officers. Solicit donated
prizes from shops if possible. Announce trials
at preceding event, with special emphasis on new or changed details
from previous years.
Select loop and potential sites for sections, taking into account
possible weather, rider classes, etc. Mark loop then
sections beginning 1-2 weeks before event if possible.
Communicate with Club Officers and Course Clerks the day or two
before trials to settle any last-minute issues.
Trials Marshals should put cleanup bags (plastic grocery sacks work
best) at the start gate of each section to be
used for section cleanup.
Finalize and pre-ride sections and loop. Make additional changes as
needed up to morning of trials, depending on
weather.
Post signs and ribbon on road showing way to trials at least one day
prior to the event.
In the riders meting the Trials Marshal should explain the loop and
section location and numbers, Classes to ride,
markings used, scoring, time limits, tear-down and cleanup, and special
procedures (i.e protests, injury, changes
to section). Answer any questions.
Ride loop, beginning at section one, to verify observer's
understanding of section and loop. Proceed to other
sections ahead of bulk of riders.
Have fun watching others enjoy your hard work! Be available for
protests, technical issues, and other issues.
Nod sympathetically to tall tales and stories of woe.
Help hand out awards at awards ceremony, and bask in glory of a job
well done! Ensure cleanup and
maintenance of loop and site.
Enjoy the next trials as a rider!