AUTO CYCLE UNION HANDBOOK 2009 TRIALS
Trials
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 fulfil 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. The 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 fulfilled.
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 The 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 The Organiser is responsible for ensuring the event meets all requirements of the Road Traffic
Act 1988 and the Statutory Instruments made thereunder.
5 The regulations, final instructions of an event should display the following sign: – “This 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 The Organiser should appoint an officer responsible for event liaison. The Liaison Officer
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. The Liaison Officer will
thoroughly investigate any complaints and try to resolve any problems arising from the event.
7 Wherever possible the Liaison Officer should maintain good relations with other path users in
the area such as horse-riders, walkers, cyclists, recreational motoring groups and orienteers.
The Liaison Officer 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
a) Adult riders: A rider must be at least 16 years of age to participate as an Adult. Sidecar drivers
and/or passengers under 16 years of age, but subject to a minimum age of 14, may be allowed to
compete in Adult events subject to the discretion of the Trials and Enduro Committee.
b) Youth Riders: A rider must be at least 6 years of age to participate in a Trial and may continue to
ride as a Youth until the end of the calendar year that he reaches 17 years of age. A rider who has
reached 16 years but who is eligible as stated above to continue as a Youth may ride either as an Adult
or as a Youth and alternate between them unless they choose to compete in the Adult British Solo
Trials Championship.
Class D Cadets born between 01.01.2000 and 31.12.03
Class C Juniors born between 01.01.97 and 31.12.99
Class B Inters born between 01.01.94 and 31.12.96
Class A Seniors born between 01.01.92 and 31.12.93
ENGINE CAPACITY CLASSES: The maximum engine capacity permitted for machines used in the
age groups set out in this Regulation are as follows:
CLASS A 125cc
CLASS B 125cc
CLASS C 80cc class
CLASS D** 50cc mono/80cc T/shock Electric up to 1,000 watts
** D Class Wheel sizes
a) Small wheel – Max 50cc Mono or 80cc Twinshock (fitted as original equipment)/Electric up to
1,000 watts
Wheel size – Max 16" Front 14" Rear
b) Medium wheel – Max 50cc Mono or 80cc Twinshock (fitted as original equipment)/Electric up to
1,000 watts
Wheel size – Max 19" Front 17" Rear
Standard rebores are permitted subject to the resulting engine capacity not exceeding a tolerance of
+3cc. NB. Any changes to the age groups and/or capacity classes will have at least 12 months notice
and be effective from January of any year.
UPGRADING: For events of below National status a rider may compete in a class higher or lower at
the discretion of the organisers. For National competitions a rider may at the discretion of the Trials
and Enduro Committee be upgraded to the higher class. Written application supported by written
approval from the riders Centre must support such National upgrading. A rider who enters any event
in a class below that of his/her age group shall do so on a ‘no award, no points’ basis. The rider must
always comply with the maximum capacity class for their actual age.
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
All riders, passengers and appointed persons responsible for minors, must register arrival at an event
by signing-on at the event control office, or other designated area, not less than 30 minutes prior to
commencement of said competitor’s practice or first competition, whichever occurs first.
Riders and Passengers under 18 years of age (Minors): In order to conform with the Children Act
legislation, additionally, for every rider or passenger who is under 18 years of age a Parental
Agreement must be signed. This is incorporated in the Annual Competition Licence and Trials
Registration form and once completed will serve as the riders Annual Parental Agreement. All minors
will be bound by the directions of parent(s), guardian(s) or other appointed adult responsible for them
at any event.
Child Protection: The point of contact for Child Protection issues will be the Secretary of the Meeting
unless otherwise stated in the Supplementary Regulations.
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
The 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.
a) Club Teams. A rider must be a registered member of the nominating Club and may be
nominated as a member of one Club Team only.
b) One Make of Manufacturers’ Teams. Teams shall consist of riders all driving machines of
the same manufacturer.
Details of further teams if any shall be contained in the Supplementary Regulations.
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. The 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.
TSR 8 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 specifications. When the
event uses the public highway it is the sole responsibility of the rider to present a machine complying
with all Road Traffic 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.
SOLO: Motorcycles propelled by the action of one wheel in contact with the ground and making only
one track on the ground. Machines must have independent brakes on both front and rear wheels.
Brake and Clutch levers. All handlebar levers (clutch, brake etc.) must be in principle ball ended
(diameter of this ball to be at least 16mm) This ball can also be flattened, but in any case the edges
must be rounded (minimum thickness of this flattened part to be 14mm) These ends must be
permanently fixed and form an integral part of the lever
Mudguards must be fit for purpose and corresponding to the original equipment.
Footrests must be of the folding type.
Throttle must be self closing when not held by the hand. The machine may be set with a “tickover”.
Wheels If of cast, or fabricated construction (other than conventional spoked wheels) then protection
must be provided to the rear wheel by the fitting of ‘solid discs’ to cover open areas.
Tyres. Only tyres which conform to the following
specification may be used. All tyres will be measured mounted
on the rim inflated to a pressure of 14 lbs/sq.in, and must
have a nominal aspect ratio of 100/100. Overall width (O)
measured at wheel spindle height must not exceed 115mm.
(Refer to diagram). Tread depth (A) must not exceed 13mm.
All tread blocks in the same circumference must be of the
same depth. The space between the tread blocks (B) must not
exceed 9.5mm across the tyre or 13mm in a circumferential
direction (C). The space between the shoulder blocks (D)
must not exceed 22mm. The space across the tread (E) must
not extend completely across the tyre measured at right angles
to the tyre wall unless broken by a block. All main tread
blocks must in principle be parallel with or at right angles to
the tyre axis. (
and conform in principle with these diagrams). The tyre
surface must not be fitted with any subsequently mounted
elements such as anti-skid devices, chains, etc. Note: Only
tyres available from commercial sources and complying with
these dimensions are permitted in competitions.
Tyres for Long distance Trials Only tyres normally available
from commercial or retail sources for use on the public
highway are authorised. They shall appear on the tyre manufacturers range catalogue or tyre
specification list available to the general public. They must be manufactured to comply with European
have a minimum service description of 45M. The use of MX and Enduro-type tread patterns are not
permitted. The space between adjacent tread blocks must in principal not exceed 15mm (distance
between tread block corners at diagonal groove intersections may exceed this dimension).
Cut Out Buttons. All machines used by Youth competitors must be fitted with an operational cut out
button.
Chainguards must be fitted to all motorcycles as per manufacturer’s specification.
Engine Stroke. Engine stroke in millimetres must be permanently and prominently displayed on the
crankcase for use in sound control calculations.
TRIALS SIDECAR SPECIFICATION
All motorcycles in Categories B (1), B (2) and B (3) shall comply with the following requirements:-
a) The entire body, including the floor, shall be either sheet metal or other substantial material,
and the Sidecar must be rigidly fixed 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. The height of the body at the apex of the dashboard position – 375mm (15")
D. The 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 (34 1/2")
The 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") x 125mm (5") must be fitted. The height of the
seat shall be not less than 300mm (12") from the floor of the sidecar.
c) The fitting 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 final drive
of the motorcycle, and from the sidecar wheel,
by means of either a mudguard or the
coachwork of the sidecar.
e) The 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.
TSR 10 TELEMETRY
The 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 the
Registered Assistant is allowed.
TSR 11 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 different section routes for different classes of riders, each rider shall be issued with a means
of identification as to which route is applicable.
TSR 12 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
or plastic will be allowed. The wearing of gloves is recommended. Motorcycle helmets, which must be
correctly fitted, must be worn by all officials, riders and sidecar passengers when riding a machine.
Youth: All Youth competitors must have clothing covering arms and wear gloves covering hands and
fingers.
Jewellery Competitors are advised not to wear hand, face or body jewellery which could prove
hazardous in the event of an accident. The mouth should be kept clear of anything likely to cause a
blockage of the airway in the event of an accident, e.g. chewing gum. This includes removing false
dentures.
TSR 13 PILLION PASSENGERS
The carrying of pillion passengers is not allowed except where provision has been made for this in the
Supplementary Regulations.
TSR 14 CONTROL OF EXHAUST SOUND LEVEL
The 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). The correct engine piston stroke in millimetres must be permanently
and prominently displayed on the crankcase for use in sound control calculations. (NS Code). There
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 disqualification and must return to the finish as directed.
Additionally, at any time during the event, the Clerk of the Course or the appointed official is
empowered to exclude any machine he considers excessively noisy.
TSR 15 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.
The 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.
TSR 16 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. The location of the
final 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 thereafter disqualified.
TSR 17 COURSE/ROUTE
The 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. The onus of finding these
areas of private land rests entirely upon the rider and any route making provided by the organisers is
purely for assistance. The promoters reserve the right to modify the route. To qualify as a finisher 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, and without any outside assistance or additional
means of conveyance. Any rider who allows his machine to be ridden, pushed or transported any
other way, on any part of the course, by any other person, is liable for disqualification. Any rider, who
on any private land is accompanied by another vehicle unconnected with the event, is liable to
disqualification. Any competitor who is, in the opinion of the Clerk of the Course, considered to be
riding the course for the benefit of another competitor is liable to disqualification and reporting to the
Stewards for disciplinary action.
TSR 18 OBSERVED SECTIONS
The route of the course will be marked as stated in the Supplementary Regulations. It is recommended
that the principle route be marked as follows: – Blue – Left Red – Right, with diversions for other
classes in additional colours
No penalty shall be imposed on a rider who wishes to inspect a section before riding it.
The lateral limits of an Observed Section or Sub Section may be defined by artificial boundaries such
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.
The Start and Finish of each Observed Section or Sub-Section will be clearly defined, with the Section
Begins and Section Ends identified 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 have attempted at least 75%
of the sections.
TSR 19 PUNCHCARDS
If punchcards are used, the onus of looking after 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. The Observer must be informed that this action is being taken as any error not verified by
the Observer shall not be accepted. Refusing to have the card punched, deliberately disfiguring or
losing the punch card will result in disqualification for which no protest will be accepted. Deliberately
disfiguring a punchcard, or refusing to allow it to be punched, will result in disqualification.
TSR 20 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.
TSR 21 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 briefing meeting, providing all riders have been informed of the venue and time of
such a meeting.
TSR 22 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 Official
10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.
Graded Hills.Where a Section is to be termed a ‘Graded Hill’ a notice to that effect must be displayed
at the Section Begins, and the following shall apply: – Numbered boards must be placed at defined
places along the Section, in order that a rider’s performance may be determined. Marks will be lost in
a decreasing manner from 5 to 0 depending on the distance a rider can traverse the Section without
failure. The front wheel spindle is the part of the machine to be used in assessing the distance traversed.
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 Official
10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.
DEFINITIONS.
Clean: A rider traversing a Section as defined above without penalty as described under FOOTING or
FAILURE shall be unpenalised and given a “CLEAN”.
Footing: Footing will be considered to have occurred if any part of the rider’s body touches the
ground or the rider benefits from any part of his body leaning on an obstacle (tree, wall etc.), without
stopping the progress of the machine.
Footing outside the lateral limits of a Section does not constitute a failure but should simply be classed
as footing
Failure: A failure is considered to have occurred if:
a) The machine moves backwards.
b) The rider does not have both hands on the handlebar WHEN HE FOOTS WHILST
STATIONARY.
c) The engine stops WHILST ANY PART OF THE MACHINE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF
THE TYRES, TOUCHES THE GROUND OR THE RIDER IS FOOTING.
d) The rider dismounts from the machine. Dismount will be deemed to have occurred when
both of the rider’s feet are on the ground at the same side of, or behind the machine.
e) A rider is requested to leave the section by the observer for “unnecessary delay”.
f) A machine does not stay within the intended limits of the section and within each marker.
g) If any wheel of the machine crosses any boundary tape or marker whether the wheel be on the
ground or airborne before the front wheel spindle passes the “Section ends” sign.
h) The rider is held responsible for displacing a flag, marker or support etc.
i) Travelling in a forward direction against the direction of the Section.
j) The machine or rider receives outside assistance.
k) A rider or person having an interest in a rider’s performance, who in any way alters the
severity of a section without the authority of an official.
For all trials other than those for which Championship Regulations apply the organiser may, with the
agreement of the Permit Issuing Authority, apply a time limit to each section. The time allowed must
be the same for each and every Section and the penalty for a rider not completing the Section within
that time would be failure. If a time limit is to be applied to the Sections then this must be clearly
stated in the Supplementary Regulations.
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 Official
10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.
Graded Hills. Where a Section is to be termed a ‘Graded Hill’ a notice to that effect must be displayed
at the Section Begins, and the following shall apply: – Numbered boards must be placed at defined
places along the Section, in order that a rider’s performance may be determined. Marks will be lost in
a decreasing manner from 5 to 0 depending on the distance a rider can traverse the Section without
failure. The front wheel spindle is the part of the machine to be used in assessing the distance
traversed.
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 Official
10 For missing a section or failing to have punch card marked.
DEFINITIONS.
Clean: A rider traversing a Section as defined above without penalty as described under FOOTING or
FAILURE shall be unpenalised and given a “CLEAN”.
Footing: Footing will be considered to have occurred if any part of the rider’s body touches the
ground or the rider benefits from any part of his body leaning on an obstacle (tree, wall etc.), without
stopping the progress of the machine.
Footing outside the lateral limits of a Section does not constitute a failure but should simply be classed
as footing.
FAILURE: A failure is considered to have occurred if:
a) Solo
(i) The machine ceases to move in a forward direction.
(ii) The rider dismounts from the machine. Dismount will be deemed to have occurred when
both of the rider’s feet are on the ground at the same side of the machine.
(b) Sidecar
(i) The machine ceases to move in a forward direction.
(ii) The rider dismounts from the machine. Dismount will be deemed to have occurred when
both of the rider’s feet are on the ground at the same side of the machine.
(iii) The passenger foots i.e. if any part of the passenger’s body touches the ground, or benefit
is gained from any part of his body leaning on an obstacle (tree, wall etc.).
The following apply to solo or sidecar:
c) A machine does not stay within the intended limits of the section and within each marker.
d) If any wheel of the machine crosses any boundary tape or marker whether the wheel be on the
ground or airborne before the front wheel spindle passes the “Section ends” sign.
e) The rider or passenger is held responsible for displacing a flag, marker or support in an
observed section etc.
f) Travelling in a forward direction against the direction of the Section.
g) The machine, or rider or passenger receives outside assistance.
h) A rider or person having an interest in a rider’s performance, who in any way alters the
severity of a section without the authority of an official.
TSR 23 TIES
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.
TSR 24 BAULK
A baulk is deemed to have occurred when a rider, whilst attempting an observed section, is prevented
from making a bona-fide attempt due to some outside obstruction. Should a rider claim a baulk, the
Observer may, at his discretion, allow a rerun of the section. The Observer’s decision as to whether a
rerun is permitted is final. 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.
TSR 25 PRACTISING
Unofficial practising at the venue is prohibited. A breach of this regulation renders the rider liable to
disqualification from the event and to be reported to the stewards of the meeting for disciplinary
action. If official 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.
TSR 26 PREJUDICIAL ACTION
Any person having an interest in a rider’s performance, who takes any action prejudicial to the sport
may result in the disqualification of that rider. Riders, parents or associates failing to obey instructions
given by officials of a meeting or deemed to have unjustifiably or maliciously jeopardised the efficient
running of the meeting by not adhering to the Regulations, Supplementary Regulations or the Protest
or appeal procedure, may render the rider liable for disqualification and/or being reported to the
permit issuing authority for further action.
TSR 27 LEGAL ACTION
A rider who is convicted following a police prosecution for an offence committed by them whilst
taking part in the competition may be liable to disqualification.
TSR 28 INSURANCE
The organisers will be required to cover riders and passengers against Personal Accident risk and for
Third 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 Traffic Acts. Where the organiser
wishes to offer (through the ACU Insurance Broker), Third Party Insurance cover necessary to meet
the Road Traffic 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.
TSR 29 ABANDONMENT
The 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.
TSR 30 MEDICAL SERVICES
It is recommended that a person holding a certificate 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 Definition” section of this Handbook.
TSR 31 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. The 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.
TSR 32 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 fire, accident or any agent, representative or servant
acting on their behalf, during the meeting.
TSR 33 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 offensive to an Observer, or other Official, 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 disqualification by the Clerk of the Course.
TSR 34 YOUTH AWARDS
Cash awards and gift vouchers are not permitted for Youth classes.
TSR 35 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. These Regulations shall apply to all youths taking part in such competitions.
TSR 36 TIME AND OBSERVATION RULES FOR YOUTH TRIALS
1 Qualified First Aid Personnel with equipment and transport must be in attendance.
2 The 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 The Regulations must include the note “This Event is not recommended for Novice Riders”.
5 The general public are to be discouraged from entering the area of the course.
6 The C and D Classes are only allowed to participate after 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.
TSR 37 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 hereafter 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.
TSR 38 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 finishing. This must be announced in the Supplementary
Regulations or the Championship Regulations.
TSR 39 INTERPRETATION
The 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 final and binding
except as provided in the National Sporting Code.
TSR 40 POWER WASHERS
It is prohibited to use power washers, unless the organisers offer suitable facilities which comply with
the ACU Environmental Code.
TSR 41 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
There shall be at least one fire extinguisher at the start of each event and at any subsequent designated
refuelling areas. (Mobile phones must not be used in designated refuelling areas).
