WNYOA 2008 ENDURO SERIES RULES/GUIDELINES

 

The Western New York Off- Road Association (WNYOA) Enduro Series is comprised of a group of AMA chartered clubs engaged in the sponsorship and promotion of Enduros. It is dedicated to the betterment of the sport of enduro riding and to providing the individual competitor with a quality, safe, challenging event. The following rules and guidelines will be used to govern enduro riding in the WNYOA Enduro Series for 2008.

 

A.  Enduro Highlights

 

1.      An enduro is a meet where speed is not the determining factor and where a time schedule has to be maintained. It is conducted over little-used roads, trails, footpaths and all other types of terrain. Permission must be obtained from the owners of private property or land manager in the case of public land, where the course crosses such property. The use of active railroad right-of-way facilities is prohibited; however, if an active railroad must be crossed, a mileage reset of sufficient length must be provided immediately after the crossing so as to allow any riders delayed by a train to regain the lost time.

2.      All enduro riders wishing to participate in an enduro sponsored by a member club of WNYOA will be required to be an active member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and a member of the Western New York Off- Road Association (WNYOA) or another AMA sanctioned district organization. AMA and WNYOA membership applications will be available at each event.

3.       Enduro riding is a sport that has a certain amount of etiquette associated with it. An enduro is not a race; it is a time-keeping event in which penalties are given at randomly spaced checkpoints, for being early as well as late. The object is to negotiate the trail on time, as well as possible, without impeding other riders' progress.

4.      The promoting club undertakes the responsibility to put on a safe event that complies with the WNYOA & AMA Enduro rules. The club will handle scoring and disqualification’s. The club referee will make the final decisions on all disputes and protests with input, as appropriate, from the WNYOA Enduro Referee.

5.      All riders should familiarize themselves with these rules and guidelines before competing. Since an enduro is a time-keeping event, only riders who know the rules and are prepared with the necessary time-keeping equipment can be competitive. There are many different methods of time keeping and a rider should pick the one best suited to his/her needs.

6.      Some withdrawals, DNF’s (Did Not Finish), from an enduro are a result of machine failure. A rider must endeavor to have his/her motorcycle in proper working order before beginning an enduro. Enduros require a motorcycle to be street legal as defined by local laws. The rider must have a valid operating license and vehicle registration on his person at all times during the event. The sponsoring club will list equipment requirements on the entry application for their enduro.

7.      The promoting club will patrol the trail but are not responsible for removing disabled motorcycles. However, the promoter will provide a "sweep" crew after the event to aid disabled bikes or injured riders.

8.      Safety is an important consideration in an enduro. Common sense is the governing factor. There are however, a few guidelines that enduro riders must be aware of:

a.      Because enduro trails are often very narrow, it is necessary that slower riders pull over for faster riders. A rider must not try to race when someone is passing. If possible, the slower rider should indicate which side the faster rider should pass.

b.      When approaching a slower rider, make your presence known so that the rider may pull over. Do not expect the slower rider to automatically know you are there and want to pass.

c.      If you see an injured rider, help if you can, and report the mileage location at the next checkpoint or to a patrol rider.

d.      Riders must comply with all local and state laws, ordinances, regulations and speed limitations. Entry in an enduro does not give a rider permission to break highway rules. A traffic violation received during an event will result in immediate disqualification for that event.

e.      Don't leave the trail; it is quite easy to get lost or trespass. If you are broken down, wait for a sweep rider from the sponsoring club to give you direction back to the starting area.

f.       When broken down or stalled, get off the trail. Do not attempt to fix or start your motorcycle in a location that will impede traffic flow or cause a collision.

g.      Never ride back against the trail.

h.      If you miss a turn, do not turn back without looking, as other riders may miss the same turn and collide with you if you turn abruptly.

i.       Parking areas are not for pit racing. Riders and their families, in addition to spectators are in the same area. The promoting club will disqualify any rider showing off in the parking area. Any rider allowing another person to pit race on his/her motorcycle will also be disqualified.

j.       Be constantly alert for dangerous areas of the trail. Some portions of the trail may become rougher during the course of the enduro.

k.      Riders stuck in difficult sections should assist each other so as not to block the trail with their motorcycles.

l.       Riders should endeavor to ride especially careful at spectator areas. Show off riding demonstrates poor judgment and creates dangerous situations.

m.     Make sure your motorcycle is safe. There should be no sharp projecting objects such as broken lever balls as serious injury could take place in the event of a fall.

n.      All riders must proceed with caution when entering a "gas stop" or "gas available" and when exiting such stops.

 

B. General

 

1.      The WNYOA Enduro referee shall have the power to recommend suspension for an indefinite period of time, with approval by AMA, any rider, for flagrant violation of these rules.

2.      Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be condoned at any WNYOA event. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: cheating, the use of physical force against anyone and foul/abusive language and/or gestures.

3.      The entry blank and insurance waivers are binding agreements between the rider and the sponsoring club and must be filled out completely and correctly. Intentionally falsifying an entry or insurance waiver, especially in regard to age of the rider or signature, is a serious offense. It could result in legal action against the sponsoring club.

4.      No rider under 18 years of age may compete without the duly notarized consent of his/her parent or legal guardian.

5.      No rider shall at any time ride in such manner as to endanger the safety of other riders, check crews, or the public. When in violation of this rule, the rider shall be subject to immediate disqualification.

6.      Pit racing and other exhibitionist type riding, have no place at WNYOA events. Riders guilty of pit racing or other dangerous riding are subject to immediate disqualification. Any rider, or member of the sponsoring club, may request the offending rider to stop his/her offensive riding. If the offending rider ignores the request, the club or the WNYOA Enduro referee shall disqualify that rider. If the rider is not subject to disqualification, the referee may notify the local law enforcement authorities and lodge a complaint of disorderly conduct.

7.      No rider may compete in a WNYOA event while under the influence of any intoxicant or drug, which would affect his/her normal physical or mental ability.

8.      WNYOA does not undertake to supervise any enduro. All riders must rely on their judgment as to the safety of the course and must assume all risk of participation.

9.      Riders must wear appropriate protective apparel and comply with all AMA rules when competing in WNYOA enduros. A helmet and eye protection must be worn at all times, as well as boots especially designed and constructed to provide leg and foot protection should be worn.

10.   The promoter must clearly and properly mark the course. There is not to be any active 2-way traffic on trails except on public roads. Single down arrows, approximately 50 yards before a turn shall be placed for each turn indicated on the route sheet and shall be identified by mileage to conform to the route sheet. Mileage figures should be prominently displayed directly beneath the major turn arrows so as to be clearly visible to the riders making the turn. Not less than one marker shall be placed for every one-quarter mile on straight stretches of the trail. Where a dangerous condition exists, danger markers should be posted in advance of the hazard to allow the fastest riders sufficient warning to stop. A member of the promoting club must proceed over the course ahead of the first rider to see that all markers are posted (Pre-riding the course). Promoters should retrieve all course markers within two weeks of the enduro event conclusion.

11.   All WNYOA Enduro events must be marked in accordance with the standardized orange and black including arrows for direction/turns, "W" for wrong way and "X" for difficult sections. Two "W" markers should be used within 20 yards of a turn or intersection so that they are visible to a rider who may have missed a turn. The markers may be either plastic or paper as determined by the sponsoring club.

12.   Riders must remain on the marked course. A rider leaving the course can only continue in the enduro by returning to the point where he/she left the course.

13.   Any point on the course where refueling will be allowed and whose mileage and key time are listed on the route sheet is considered to be a "gas stop" or a "gas available". There must be at least one "gas stop" or "gas available" up to each 40-ground miles of the course. There will be time allowed for refueling at a "gas stop" and time available at a "gas available" at the discretion of the sponsoring club. The rule allowing riders 2 miles of free time before "gas stops" and 3 miles of free time after "gas stops" does not apply to "gas available". If the "gas stop" is also a checkpoint, that checkpoint must be a "Known Control" and must be listed as such on the route sheet. A "Known Control" at a "gas stop" should be used only as an arrival check. A departure check from a "gas stop", if used, should be a "Starting Control" and must be listed as such on the route sheet and identified properly.

14.   The persons, who actually lay out the course, mark it, or who in any way gain an unfair competitive advantage in knowing the terrain challenge or check placement by their involvement in the organization or preparation of the enduro are prohibited from competitive participation. No rider may ride on the marked course prior to the day of the enduro under penalty of disqualification.

15.   The motorcycle shall cover the course by the power of the motor or by the muscular energy of the rider. Any other means used to move the motorcycle such as towing, except if required to aid the starting of the motorcycle, or transporting in a truck will result in disqualification.

16.   A route sheet shall be furnished to all riders not less than one hour before the start. It shall give the key time for the start and the key time for all "Known Controls", as well as exact mileage and schedule in miles per hour between such controls. It must give the exact cumulative mileage; turn number for each turn and the direction of the turn. It should also indicate the mileage and key time for additional "Starting Controls". It will give the exact mileage and key time for the point where the miles per hour average is changed, if so used, during the course of the enduro.

17.   A 10:00 PM curfew will be enforced at all WNYOA enduro events for loud music, partying, howling, loud noises, such as fireworks, generators, starting of a motorcycle, etc. The club or WNYOA referee has the right to disqualify any or all persons involved or suspend from participation in future WNYOA events.

18.   Any rider in an event may make a protest to the referee regarding piston displacement of a machine, classification of a rider or any other matter relating to the event. The protest must in writing and accompanied by a $25 fee from each protesting party for each issue being protested. Protests must be filed with the referee no later than 30 minutes after the official final results are posted for that class. The referee must accept a properly filed protest. The protesting party must be allowed to watch the tear down and be informed of all measurements. The person or persons making the protest must be present during the inspection. The referee must announce his decisions as quickly as possible. If the referee cannot rule immediately, he may allow the rider and the motorcycle to compete under protest. Any trophy the rider wins will be held pending the outcome of the protest. If the referee decides in favor of the protesting party, he must refund the protest fee and forward his report in writing to the AMA. If he decides against the protesting party, he must forward the protest fees and his written report to the AMA. However, if the referee denies a protest involving engine displacement, the protest fee must be turned over to the rider who was protested. The referee has the authority to disqualify riders as the result of a protest. The disqualification means a rider loses all rights involving that event (points, award, etc.) and at the referee’s discretion the disqualification may also be applied to any other event in the same meets. Once made, a protest may not be withdrawn without the referee's permission. The protesting party must pay any legitimate expenses incurred by the referee due to the protest. The referee may demand in advance from the protester a deposit sufficient to cover any such expenses.

19.   The WNYOA 2009 Operations meeting will be held at 9:00 AM at the Banquet location to be determined. Only Enduro Promoters and Enduro Rider Representatives may vote on Enduro issues. There will be no proxy votes allowed for anyone not present at the meeting. The Election of WNYOA Officers will take place during the WNYOA Operations meeting.

20.   Mandatory - All promoters must be present at or have a representative at the December District 4 AMA Sanction meeting and at the January WNYOA Operations meeting.  Any WNYOA promoter that does not attend or does not send an officer of that club to the annual WNYOA Operations meeting will be fined $250 for the 1st offense and terminated from WNYOA for the second offense.

21.   All WNYOA promoters will be required to attend an AMA Rulebook Conference once every three years.

22.   David Barnes, will be responsible during 2008 for the following at each WNYOA Enduro:

a.      Moose rider check-in (The WNYOA form will be available at the event signup/registration area)

b.      WNYOA rider sign-in roster (The WNYOA form will be available at the event signup/registration area)

c.      WNYOA series membership (Dave Barnes will coordinate application completion, fee collection and fee submission to WNYOA)

 

C.  Classification of Riders and Points

 

1.      Riders are classified by experience level as "C" riders, "B" riders, and "A" riders. Advancement of "C" riders (beginning level) to "B" will be made as soon as the rider accumulates 50 points as a "C" rider during a rolling two-year period of time. Advancement of "B" riders to "A" is made by the AMA when the rider accumulates 100 points as a "B" rider prior to July 1 of any year. After July 1, the rider may elect to either advance to the "A" classification or remain in the "B" classification for the remainder of the year. In this case, the rider will be classified as an "A" rider on the next January 1. Any "B" rider whose name is published in American Motorcyclist as having advanced to class "A" will be considered an "A" rider regardless of whether a new AMA card has been received by the rider. Penalty for violations is 15 days suspension for the first violation and a one-year suspension for each succeeding violation.

2.       Points earned in any specialized "B" class such as Vet B or Senior B are considered advancement points for "A" rider status, the same as points earned in any other "B" class. Beginning riders who are eligible for Senior B class due to their age of 40 years or older may elect to ride in that class rather than the "C" class, but after having acquired experience may not later elect to ride in the "C" class.

3.      Women's class, Super Senior and Masters are not classified as to experience level in WNYOA. Points earned in these classes are not used for rider advancement. Riders in these classes may transfer to an appropriate "B" class for the purpose of earning advancement points.

4.      When a rider is advanced it is the rider's responsibility to enter all future enduros in the higher class. "A" rider classification is considered permanent after accumulation of 100 points but may be changed. If after having been advanced to "A" rider status, a rider feels that he or she is not capable of competing with any degree of success in the "A" class, that rider may appeal to the AMA in writing asking to be returned to the "B" class. Riders wishing to return to "B" status must show that a significant number of attempts competing on the "A" level were made and that all attempts were unsuccessful. The AMA appeal process will return to "B" class only those riders who are totally non-competitive in the "A" class, and will not return a rider who would dominate the "B" class. Upon returning to the "B" class, the rider will again begin accumulating points up to the 50 point level. A rider may return to "B" class only once. "B" riders may not return to "C" class.

5.      Rider Advancement Points are awarded at each enduro to the riders on the basis of finish in the entire event and not within each equipment classification. The following point structure is used for rider advancement from "B" to "A" and from "C" to "B":

 

Finish Placement       Finish Placement    Points

(<= 200 riders)        (> 200 riders)           Awarded

1                          1 & 2                       20

2                          3 & 4                     19

3                          5 & 6                     18

4                          7 & 8                     17

5                          9 & 10                   16

6                        11 & 12                   15

7                        13 & 14                   14

8                        15 & 16                   13

9                        17 & 18                   12

10                      19 & 20                   11

11                      21 & 22                   10

12                      23 & 24                    9

13                      25 & 26                    8

14                      27 & 28                    7

15                      29 & 30                    6

16                      31 & 32                    5

17                      33 & 34                    4

18                      35 & 36                    3

19                      37 & 38                    2

20                      39 & 40                    1

 

6.      Advancement of riders from the "C" class to "B" class can be made by the WNYOA Enduro Referee if the referee is satisfied that the affected rider's level of skill warrants such advancement. "B" riders may advance themselves to "A" rider status at any time, but having done so; remain as an "A" rider without the option of reverting back to "B" status, except through an appeal to the AMA.

7.      Recording of accumulated points and rider advancement from "C" to "B" is the responsibility of the WNYOA Enduro Referee and Points Keeper . The point’s keeper’s records are official for purposes of normal rider advancement.

8.      Points are awarded at each enduro for advancement to "A" class on a basis of finish in each equipment classification or specialized class. The first place finisher in each class shall receive five additional points towards his/her advancement to "A" status.

9.      Motor classes, specialized classes, and the actual number of enduros will be used in determining WNYOA Enduro Series Year-End Championship points. The WNYOA Enduro Series Year-End championship scoring system will be based on the rider's (8) best scored events of the season's enduros included on the WNYOA schedule. This is based on a total of (10) events with (2) throwaway. Minimum of (7) scored events will be required for a year-end award. To obtain credit for working an event, each rider must finalize the arrangements with a promoting club official. Failure to do so may result in no recognition of the work event.

10.   The scoring system to be used for the WNYOA Enduro Series Year-End Championship will be as follows:

a.      Rider Requirements

                                                    i. AMA Membership

                                                   ii. Western New York Off Road Association membership

                                                 iii. No WNYOA year-end points will be awarded until a rider joins WNYOA and the rider’s membership application is on file with the WNYOA secretary.

b.      Work Credit

                                                    i. Riders are not required to work an event to be eligible for a year-end award; however, they may voluntarily work one event per season and receive credit for having worked that event. The credit will be a score equal to their best finish for the entire enduro season and the score will be used to determine final year-end placement in their respective class.

                                                   ii.  Work a WNYOA Enduro - Definition: 8 hours prior to the weekend of the Enduro plus day of the event

                                                 iii.  Each rider is responsible for verifying his or her work credit. Work Credit for Year-End Scoring will be final after 14 calendar days following the final enduro of the Championship Series.

c.      Awards - An award will be given at the year-end banquet for each participant in the WNYOA Enduro Series Year-End Championship. The awards will be given to participants that meet the minimum requirements in all classes in addition to Grand Champion, High Point A, B and C.

d.      For the purpose of determining the WNYOA Enduro Grand Champion, a “Top 7” list will be created for each event and year.  The list for each event will be the seven lowest scores from all WNYOA series riders.  If a rider does not get into the “Top 7”, the rider does not get any Enduro Grand Champion points for the year for that event.  If a rider has one of the seven lowest scores for an event, they will be awarded points as follows:

                    1st     20

                    2nd    18

                    3rd    16

                    4th     14

                    5th     12

                    6th     10

                    7th     9

           Points are awarded to the riders regardless of   class that rides a full and not shortened                     course. The points accrued from the “Top 7” finishes will be totaled to determine the                       WNYOA Enduro Grand Champion for year end awards.

e.      For the purpose of determining “Enduro Hi Point”, “A”, “B” and “C” Champions, a “Top 7” “A”, “B” and “C” list will be created for each event and year.  The list for each event will be the seven lowest scores per ranking (“A”, “B” and “C”) from all WNYOA series riders.  If a rider does not get into the “Top Seven”, the rider does not get any Enduro Hi Point points for the year for that event.  If a rider has one of the seven lowest scores per ranking (“A”, “B” and “C”) for an event, they will be awarded points as follows:

            1st     20

            2nd    18

            3rd    16

            4th     14

            5th     12

            6th     10

            7th     9

Points are awarded to the riders regardless of class that riders a full and not shortened course.  The points accrued from the “Top 7” finishes will be totaled to determine the WNYOA Hi Point Champion for year-end awards.  “AA” riders are not eligible for Hi Point Awards.

f.       Year End Banquet - The year-end banquet will be a combined banquet with the WNYOA Hare Scrambles and Enduro series; however each series will have separate awards.

g.      Any A or B rider that rides an abbreviated course will not be eligible for Hi-Point in that class for the event or for the year-end awards. If the rider would like to be scored for Hi-Point, they must get written permission from the promoter. This is at the promoter’s discretion. This written permission must be given to the WNYOA scorekeeper prior to the start of the event.

h.      Point Structure (Does not apply to Grand Champion or Hi Point “A”, “B” and “C” year end awards)

                                                    i.  Grand Champion - 25

                                                   ii.  High Points - 22

                                                 iii.  Remainder of entrants as follows:

                       

                       

 

 

                                 Number of Entries

           Finish    <=15   >15                              Finish    <=15   >15

1             20      20               14           2       12      

2             18      19               15           1       12      

3             16      18               16-17      -        11      

4             14      17               18-19      -        10

5             12      17               20-21      -         9      

6             10      16               22-23      -         8      

7             9       16                24-25      -         7      

8             8       15                               26-27      -         6      

9             7       15                28-29      -         5         

10           6       14                30-31      -         4        

11           5       14                32-33      -         3        

12           4       13                34-35      -         2        

13           3       13                36-37      -         1  

 

i.       Riders do not have to finish the Enduro to receive event credit, but must turn in their scorecard to a club official; however, all riders must at least start the event.  Classes “A and B” will receive “0” points for a DNF while the “C, Women and Age” classes will receive their points regardless of a DNF.  As for multiple DNF’s per class, the rider that made it the furthest or had the best score up to that point will be listed first.

j.       All riders who finish the Enduro will receive at least one point

 

11.   Miscellaneous

a.      At WNYOA National and Co-Sanctioned ECEA and NETRA events, ONLY WNYOA series riders will be scored for year-end points.

b.      Any rider starting the season as a "B" or "C" rider but then advances to a higher class before the season is over, will be scored in their original class, but must earn their points in the higher class.

c.      Any rider who becomes eligible and elects to ride Vet A or B; Senior A or B; Super Senior or Masters, during the season, will forfeit all points earned prior to the move.

d.      Ties existing in end-of-year point standings will be broken by the following method: Best-unused scores of riders involved will be used to break the tie. If riders have the same number of runs and the tie still exists, then the rider with the most number of firsts, seconds, and thirds and so on is the winner.

e.      Riders who work two events, the second worked event score will be the average of that rider's used scores.

 

D.  Equipment

 

1.      All motorcycles must have a securely fitted muffler or silencer emitting a sound not to exceed 99db measured at 0.5 meters at half throttle. Each sponsoring club must perform a sound test. All motorcycles must meet the accepted standard or they will not be allowed to be used for the event.

2.      All motorcycles must have a securely fitted U.S. Forestry approved spark arrestor, in addition to, or incorporated into a muffler or silencer.

 

 The following classes must be run if they meet the minimum requirement of 5 riders per class:

 

AA            A                            125-200 B                                     125-200 C           Super Senior (>=50)  

                     201-250 B                       201-250 C           Masters (>=60)

                      251-Open B                    251-Open C         Women

                                 Vet A                     Vet B                               Vet C

                                 4 Stroke A            4 Stroke B                       4 Stroke C

                                 Senior A (>=40)    Senior B (>=40)          Senior C (>=40)

                                                  

 

3.      Classification will be made according to the manufacturer's piston displacement specifications for the make of the motorcycle and/or engine. Displacement may be increased to the maximum allowable for that class. Dual Sport and Vintage motorcycles (>=15 years old) classes may be run at the discretion of the promoter. In addition, they will be subject to participating in a modified course layout.

4.      Motorcycles having passed the sound test and inspection may not have inspected equipment altered after inspection, under penalty of disqualification.

5.      Under penalty of disqualification, no rider shall compete in any WNYOA event on more than one motorcycle.

6.      When a rider ceases to be a contestant in any enduro, the motorcycle on which the rider was competing is considered disqualified and may not be used in competition by any other person.

 

E.  Check Stations

 

1.      Known Control - Yellow marker with black letter "K". A timed checkpoint whose location is known to all Check stations must display the key time and accumulated mileage to the checkpoint.

2.      Check stations will use the following markers:

a.      Observation Check - White marker with a black letter "O". An unknown checkpoint where time is not recorded but the rider's arrival is indicated on his/her scorecard.

b.      Secret Check - Red and White diagonal marker with a black letter "S". An unknown timed checkpoint where the rider's arrival time is recorded in whole minutes.

c.      Emergency Check - Green and White diagonal marker with a black letter "E". An unknown timed checkpoint where the rider's number and arrival time is recorded to the nearest second.

d.      Starter Control - Yellow and White diagonal marker with the black letters "ST". A check designated on the route sheet indicating a starting point, and whose mileage and key time are listed on the route sheet.

3.      All markers must be conspicuously displayed facing the oncoming rider and will designate the exact checkpoint. Timed emergency and secret checks shall be combined and in such cases only emergency markers will be displayed. Scores will be computed as though check stations were operated separately. Emergency checks may not be combined with Known Controls.

4.      Check time will be taken the instant the motorcycle's front wheel arrives opposite the marker. Checkers are not permitted to leave a chec