It is essential that you are aware of the following rules before you commence competition. There are many rules in the Manual of Motorcycle Sport which are applicable to all competitors and competitions and are binding on all participants. Once you have been issued with your copy of the Manual of Motorcycle Sport it is your responsibility to know the rules.
Rules are a necessary part of any organisation with the main aim being for all the participants to comply with a common standard and of course to ensure that events are conducted in a safe environment.
Supplementary regulations are issued by a competition organiser to provide particular details about an event. They may expand on any rule, but may not go outside them.
The following list outlines some rules, definitions and advice.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSE
Any competitor whose exclusion from a race has been signalled shall immediately leave the course. A competitor whose machine has stopped on the course should not jeopardise the chances or safety of others by staying on the course to make adjustments, repairs or restart their machine.
STOPPING A RACE
If, in the opinion of the Steward or the Clerk of the Course it would be dangerous for a race to continue, the race may be stopped.
LEAVING THE COURSE
The Steward or Clerk of Course of the meeting can exclude any competitor who has gained an advantage by leaving the track, unless such action was for the safety of other competitors or was due to the action of another competitor.
FOUL OR DANGEROUS RIDING
The Steward or Clerk of Course of the meeting will exclude any competitor who in their opinion is guilty of any foul, unfair or dangerous conduct.
The Steward may also declare the race void and order a re-run if, in their opinion, an offending rider jeopardised the
fair chances of one or more of the other riders in the race.
PUNCTUALITY IN STARTING
All meetings must commence at the published time (however, there may be changes in extreme circumstances). Any competitor not ready to start at the end of this time may be considered a non starter.
PRACTICE FOR A COMPETITION
Only competitors entering an event and/or nominated reserves shall participate in any practice for the particular competition for which they have entered.
START AND FINISH
The crossing of the starting and finishing lines in speed events is when any part of the machine passes over the line. The actual time of the start and the finish of the race shall be taken when the order to start is given or when the starting line is crossed, according to the method of start, and when the finishing line is crossed. A sidecar shall be considered to have finished a race provided that both the rider and the passenger are in the machine at the finish of the event.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
MA has adopted the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Doping Policy, and adheres to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) definition of doping and listing of banned substances. These can be found in the ASC Doping Policy. For further information see the Manual of Motorcycle Sport or visit www.ma.org.au.
IMPOUNDING A MOTORCYCLE
The Stewards of a meeting may order any motorcycle, which they have reason to believe may not be in accordance with the GCRs or Supplementary Regulations, to be impounded at the end of the meeting. The motorcycle may be retained until it is examined. This rule applies to Championship events only.
RACING NUMBERS
There are specific requirements concerning racing numbers, number plates, types of numbers etc. Before you select a number or make a number-plate for your bike check with your club, coach or SCB as to the allocation of numbers and number plate requirements. Rules relating to number plates are contained in the GCRs.
TRACK SIGNALS
Track Signals are given to competitors by the means of lights or flags and are used in practice as well as during a race.
The meaning of the various flag colours are explained:
Australian flag – Dropped or raised can be used as a Starting flag.
Green Flag – Waved can mean that the Course is clear, also starting flag
Red flag – Displayed means that race or practice stopped and riders must stop racing immediately and return to the pit gate and await instruction.
Black Flag – Displayed Means exclusion. Can also be disc or light indicating riders number or helmet colour.
Yellow flag with Black Diagonal Cross – Held stationary or waved Commencement of last lap
Black & white checkered flag – Waved means Finish of race.
Please note the following signals which may also be used:
(a) The starting tapes at the start of a race may be replaced by a light signal, a rubber band, green flag or national flag.
(b) Flag signals may be supplemented by light signals as follows:
i)Green light: same meaning as the green flag.
ii)Red light: same meaning as the red flag.
(c) For speedway: A warning shall be given to indicate to competitors that there is two minutes left before the start. The warning shall be audible in the pits and be a horn, siren or bell. A flashing amber light, visible in the pits, shall also be used to indicate the two-minute warning.
