BMX Cycling and Racing for Kids: Rules Explained
1 July 2024
Because BMX racing is so fast and furious, organisers and adjudicators can only tolerate people who stick to the rules. Not following them could jeopardise the rider's BMX tournament and, if they continued, could affect their entire career. When it comes to BMX, knowing the sport inside out will also work in your child's favour to keep them safe and in the game.
The rules are not exhaustive, or over the top because, quite simply, the fastest racer wins; however, they are essential. Learning the rules and regulations in their entirety is achieved by joining a club and learning from coaches with other riders around you; however, here are a few to get you started.
Protection
The first rule of BMX is wearing a helmet and other protective clothing. This is because if riders fly off their bike, they will remain in one piece with only bumps and bruises. Helmets must be in excellent condition and have not been in a previous accident. It’s also a great idea to wear knee, elbow and shin pads that are flexible, allow movement, and add an extra layer of protection. Most BMX clubs won’t allow riders to train or compete without protective clothing.
2- 3 Phases of racing
BMX races are split into 3 phases to reach an overall winner. The first is the heats, also called moto, which is like a time trial to determine their level and who they will race against next. Following this, the qualification round consists of races with quarter-finals and semi-finals and is where some riders will leave the competition because others rode faster. Finally, there is the final, where the fastest riders battle it out to win overall. The winner of this race will win gold.
Obey the track
When the riders take to the tracks, one of the most significant rules, so there isn’t a crash of bikes, is that riders must stick to the path assigned to them at the beginning of the race. Although something unexpected may sometimes take a rider off their track, they cannot, at any cost, purposefully veer into another rider's lane or obstruct their race because the consequences could be catastrophic. Lanes are allocated randomly and likely to change each time they take to the track.
Have a licence
To take part in any competitive BMX race, your child will need to have a licence along with their membership. For juniors up to 16, the licence must be obtained but is free, and then from 16, you’ll need to pay a small fee for the year. Once they have a licence, they can earn points or gain a national ranking.
Sportsmanship
Riders should follow good sportsmanship in BMX racing at all times. This means they must respect and ride fairly alongside everybody in the event. Unsportsmanlike behaviour, including offensive or foul language, is not tolerated, and in all instances, the panel will decide the outcome and whether the rider can continue in the tournament.