Club Official Accreditation Program Manual
Club Official Accreditation Program Manual
Club Official Accreditation Program Manual
Accreditation Program
MANUAL
BMXA Club Official Accreditation Program
Copyright © BMX Australia
In order to be accredited as a “BMXA Club Official” you must successfully complete the BMXA Club
Official on-line quiz. Once attained, your accreditation will be valid for four years. To maintain your
accreditation during this period you will be required to:
• Maintain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) as required by the State or
Territory in which you reside
• Maintain current BMXA membership by renewing on-line annually
To re-accredit as a Club Official at the end of 4 years, you will be required to take the Club Officials
On-line Quiz again.
This Manual outlines the knowledge and skills required by BMXA Club officials. It covers: planning,
organising and conducting BMX events to ensure the safety and enjoyment of riders, spectators and
the general public; and applying basic rules to BMX racing in club level competition. If you have any
concerns while undertaking this accreditation program, please contact BMX Australia on
[email protected] or (02) 9008 1300.
It is expected that you read through this Manual and familiarise yourself with the contents and the
rules of BMX racing.
After completion of BMXA’s Club Officials Quiz and becoming experienced at the Club level of
officiating, you may choose to progress to State Official accreditation, then National Official
accreditation, the Elite National Official accreditation and ultimately to International (UCI)
accreditation in support of our sport. We wish you success and satisfaction in your capacity as an
Official in the sport of BMX. Your contribution is very much appreciated.
General Information
Objects of the Manual
The purpose of this BMXA Club Official Manual is to provide a common procedural reference
guide for all BMX Officials. The broad objectives of the Manual are to:
1. Provide a consistent basis for the application of the rules for BMX competition throughout
Australia;
2. Supply Officials with a set of operating guidelines in the administration of BMX competition
throughout Australia; and
3. Serve as a reference text for Officiating Accreditation Programs provided by BMXA.
• Hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) as required by the State or
Territory in which you reside. If you reside in WA and have a child involved in BMX,
you may submit a Statutory Declaration regarding your suitability to work with
children U18.
There is no honorary accreditation. While some practicing officials may be able to satisfy all or most
of the competencies required for Club Official accreditation without having to read this Manual they
are still required to complete the online quiz to gain accreditation.
After you complete the requirements of this accreditation program and provide your WWCC to BMXA
you will be entered onto the BMXA database that will entitle you to officiate. Officials who do not join
BMXA will not be permitted to work as an Official in BMXA sanctioned events and are not covered
by BMXA insurance to officiate. The NOAS provides quality assurance in the area of officials'
development through education and training. Our expectation is that through the NOAS the quality
of Officials in Australia will be enhanced, providing a solid base for the growth and prosperity of the
sport of BMX in Australia.
Officials who have met the minimum competency standards as prescribed by the NOAS will be
accredited for a period of four years. In order to re-accredit at the end of 4years, you will be required
to re-take the Club Officials On-line Quiz. Your accreditation can also be updated by achieving BMXA
State Official status within four years.
For more details regarding the next level of accreditation please contact BMX Australia on
[email protected] or (02) 9008 1300.
You should conduct competitions in a fair and impartial manner, displaying equity to all competitors.
Officials must be consistent in their application of the rules, keeping in mind the objective of providing
an enjoyable and satisfying experience for all involved (including you). Remember that club events
are not the World Championships! Conflicts of interest should be avoided where possible; however,
it is understandable that in some instances, particularly at events where your family members may
be competing, this may occur. In these instances, be careful in your decision-making process to
avoid accusations of favouritism or bias.
Whilst it would be ideal to find more volunteers than required to fulfil all tasks at BMX competitions,
it is quite likely that this will not be the case. It is the duty of the Chief Official to ensure that all tasks
are undertaken with the object of providing a safe and even competition for all competitors. Safety
must be your primary consideration and the material presented in Module 1 will assist you in your
efforts of understanding and competently creating a safe environment.
Cycling Structure
The International Cycling Union, usually referred to as the UCI (Union Cycliste International), is the
peak body of world cycling. Founded in Paris in 1900 the UCI has two official languages, French and
English, with English now commonly used as the primary language. Located in Aigle, Switzerland,
the UCI is responsible for all major world Cycling events, which include BMX, Mountain Bike, Road
and Track cycling. The constituent members of the UCI are the National Cycling Federations, such
as Cycling Australia, MTBA and BMX Australia.
In Australia, BMX Australia controls the sport of BMX Racing & Freestyle. All Australian BMX
Championships are conducted by and remain the property of BMXA. BMXA members include the
State Associations and the individual members of every club in the country.
Upon completion of this Club Official Accreditation Program, you will be accredited to Officiate at
your club events and interclub events. This level of accreditation does not authorise you to perform
key duties at Open, State or National Championships however you may be able to assist at the
discretion of the Chief Official. Should you desire to Officiate at State and Open level events you will
be required to successfully complete the State Official Accreditation Programs).
The highest standard of officiating accreditation attainable is that of UCI International Official. To
undertake the UCI Official Course, you must be aged between 25 and 50 years of age, have a
number of years’ experience at National level events and be endorsed by BMXA.
Once you have completed this accreditation program please ensure that you download the BMXA
App where your virtual card will show your Officials accreditation. It’s important you have your virtual
card with you at all times when working as an Official. If a Chief Official has a person make technical
decisions regarding a BMX race and they are not part of the NOAS then the Chief Official may be
liable. Please ensure all Officials hold a current Officials accreditation to ensure that liability
insurance is valid.
Please click here for information on BMXA insurance coverage for accredited Officials.
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Code of Conduct (Code) is to describe the type of behaviour which BMXA is
seeking to promote and encourage members and supporters to adopt.
2. Governance
The Code shall be known as BMX Australia’s Code of Conduct. The Code shall govern the
conduct of all persons formally associated with BMX within Australia. In particular, it shall apply
to:
• Persons acting for and on behalf of BMXA
• Athletes, coaches, managers and support staff of BMXA
• Persons participating in BMXA sanctioned events
• Officials, volunteers and support personnel assisting or conducting BMXA events
• BMXA appointed Delegates and employees of BMXA
3. Key Principles
• BMXA wishes to operate in an environment where people show respect for others and their
property. Respect is defined as consideration for another’s physical and emotional wellbeing
and possessions, to ensure no damage or deprivation is caused to either.
• BMXA wishes to operate in a non-discriminatory environment. Respect the right, dignity and
worth of every human being - within the context of the activity; treat everyone equally
regardless of gender, ethnic origin or religion.
• Persons to whom this Code applies acknowledge and agree to comply with the disciplinary
and grievance procedures promulgated by BMXA. If any disciplinary action is taken, persons
directly affected shall be given the opportunity to participate in those proceedings and the
right to appeal against any decision against them.
4. Key Elements
All persons who are bound by this Code shall:
• Act in a manner which is compatible with the interests of BMXA
• Accord people involved in BMX with the appropriate courtesy, respect and regard for
their rights and obligations
• Treat people’s property with respect and due consideration of its value
• Show a positive commitment to BMXA’s policies, rules, procedures, guidelines and
agreements
• Respect the law and customs of the places they visit
• Respect the confidentiality of information which they receive in the course of fulfilling
their duties
5. Unacceptable Behaviour
This list provides examples of behaviour deemed to be unsuitable and not in the best interests
of the sport.
• ‘Sledging’ other athletes, officials or event organisers. Sledging is defined as a statement
that is deemed to denigrate and/or intimidate another person, or behaviour likely to
constitute emotional abuse
• Excessive use of alcohol, acting in a way that becomes a public nuisance, or creating a
public disturbance
• Damaging another person’s property or depriving them of that property
• Sexual relations between an appointed official and a junior athlete (under the age of
consent), irrespective of the wishes and desires of the athlete. In all other cases such
relations are strongly discouraged
• Any physical contact with athletes that shall be inappropriate to the situation and be
unnecessary for the further development of the athlete's skill
• The use or encouragement of the use of banned substances. (The banned substance
list is as outlined under BMXA’s Anti-Doping Policy)
• Statements which are deemed to denigrate the group that an individual is representing
• Any type of gambling, betting or organisation of betting at any BMX event, while
competing, officiating or undertaking a management role
• Any form of harassment.
Do I owe a duty of care to the participant and if so, is the risk of any injury reasonably
foreseeable?
A duty of care depends on establishing some relationship between the parties. If an injury occurs,
the courts will ask whether the relationship between the parties was such that the defendant should
have foreseen that his or her negligent act would lead to the damage suffered by the participant.
Although the question needs to be answered for each situation, it would be reasonable for the Official
to assume that they do owe a duty of care to competitors, other Officials, spectators and the general
public what may in some way or other interact with a BMX competition.
Effective risk management practices include the identification, assessment and reduction of risk and
the implementation of risk management plans.
Risk identification
A check through the records of the club will generally indicate previous areas where risk can be
attributed. Of course, previous experiences may have been unusual occurrences, but generally they
will provide a reasonable guide to some of the potential areas of risk for the club. Drawing on known
experiences of other BMX clubs will provide additional information. Participants and experienced
Officials should be consulted with a view of assembling a detailed picture of risk areas.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment follows risk identification. Risks must be assembled and dealt with in priority order.
Officials may choose to analyse and classify risks as:
• High risk (frequent accidents with severe consequences - the strategy should be to avoid
such risks)
• Moderate risk (infrequent accidents with major loss - the strategy may be to take out
insurance)
• Moderate risk (frequent accidents with minor loss - the strategy may be to manage the risk)
• Low risk (infrequent accidents with minor injury - the strategy may be to accept the risk)
Risk reduction
Once risks have been identified and assessed it is good practice to implement an appropriate risk
reduction campaign. Risk reduction may lower the frequency and severity of accidents and injuries
and may even help maintain or reduce insurance premiums payable.
Currently qualified and accredited medical attendant/s must be present at all times during a BMX
event.
Some technical regulations included in this Manual are the result of previous safety and risk
management evaluations. For example, the requirement that all competitors are required to wear a
helmet before, during and after an event when riding a bike.
Each Official needs to be confident that their decision is commensurate with the response / actions
of another person in a similar situation. At times you may be criticised for your decisions, however
the more experience that you gain by performing your duties, the easier you should find the decision-
making process.
**Officiating Decisions:
• Is it Safe?
• Is it fair?
• Is it logical?
• What happened?
• Is it against the rules?
• How did the action affect the result?
Do:
• Know the rules and stick to them
• Concentrate on your duties
• Be fair and unbiased
• Be courteous and calm in dealing with other officials, riders, parents, coaches, and
spectators
• Be consistent and firm – once you have made a decision stick with it. Where you have made
a mistake be courageous enough to admit it and seek to remedy the situation as soon as
possible
• Always present yourself in a professional manner - clean and tidy
• If the situation is not covered in the Rule Book, review all facts then make a sensible and
practical decision
• Self-assess your performance after each event and encourage feedback from others,
particularly senior and experienced officials
Don’t
• Overlook rules or infractions – let the riders know that you are watching and at least give a
warning where an infraction has occurred
• Show favouritism
The above recommendations may not solve all your problems but heeding them may help you
avoid a number of problems that could be difficult to manage.
Members of your club should be responsible for accepting entries, preparing programs, organising
prizes / medals, managing spectator services and other similar tasks.
Officials are expected to control or assist with the running of the actual races (applying the relevant
rules). You should take care that you allocate sufficient time to your job without overloading yourself
with the many other tasks needing to be done. If more than one Official is present at any event one
should be appointed as Chief Official (by the club officials or among the present Officials) and he/she
should delegate tasks to the remaining Officials. This will ensure that the duty of care by having
enough officials to conduct the event.
At a Club level BMX event, the roles of officials are much more relaxed with the focus on Safety,
Fun and Fairness.
Refer to Section 8 of the BMX Australia Rule Book as well as UCI Articles 6.1.048-053.
2.2 Guidelines for Conducting a BMX Event (UCI Class events 9,8 &7)
To conduct any BMX event takes careful planning and adequate time to complete all required tasks.
The Event Manager will also be responsible for organising Officials to run the races. Each State
body and BMXA, is keen to support you in your service to the sport. You are therefore encouraged
to ask questions and use the resources of other Officials to help develop your skills.
The Club organisers need to provide sufficient volunteers to manage the event and coordinate tasks
with the appointed Officials. The number of Officials appointed and their roles will depend on the
number of entries and categories expected at the event. Officials in training and junior officials (U18
but not younger than 16years) should always be under the direct supervision of an Accredited
Official.
Please refer to Sections 12, 13 & 14 of the BMXA Rule Book for rules applicable to Club, Regional
and State competition.
Communication and
Conflict Resolution Skills
3.1 Communication
What is Communication?
Communication is a two-way process in that people send and receive messages and signals (body
language) to one another. Problems can sometimes arise due to the incorrect interpretation of the
messages. The goal of effective communication is to understand the intention of others and have
them understand your intended meaning. Verbal and non-verbal communication is a learned
behaviour and one that we have control over changing and improving. Being able to effectively
communicate with other officials, coaches, athletes and other parties will greatly aid your role as an
Official.
Volume: Should be appropriate for the environment - not too loud or too soft. When
broadcasting use megaphones or PA systems, if available.
Diction: Be sure to speak clearly. It is difficult to understand someone who strings all their
words together and trails off the ends of words.
Projection: Ensure that you are aware of the spread of your audience and accommodate them
by projecting your voice accordingly.
These techniques will assist your delivery of the message you are sending. For example, if you are
communicating with 8 riders at the finish bales, have them move close together and in front of you
(and off their bikes if necessary) so they can clearly hear you. If you wish to communicate to
everyone at the event, then use the PA system and ask for confirmation that various sections can
hear you. Speak slowly and clearly. You may also need to ask those with whom you are speaking
to adjust their speech so that you may better understand them.
When addressing a junior member (U18 of age) you should always ensure that an adult BMXA
member (coach or preferably riders advocate), or parent is present so that all conduct is monitored.
This requirement equally protects you and the junior member and you are advised to adopt this as
part of your standard operating procedure.
Negotiating a Solution
No one can be certain that the solution will work until you try it out. It may prove to be a very beneficial
solution or perhaps it may need some modification. If unsuccessful at first, keep moving forward in
your attempt to find an agreed and workable solution to the conflict. Walking away from a problem
will not fix it.
Club Administration
President
• Chairs meetings and control situations that may arise in consultation with other executive
members
• Performs leadership role and stays informed of club activities
• Helps set goals and future direction of the club
• Understands and implements the club's Constitution and By-Laws, and
• Represents the club at social, local, regional, state and national levels if required
Treasurer
• Organises and maintains financial records and informs club members of the club’s financial
obligations
• Ensures money received is promptly banked
• Prepares annual financial reports
• Is a signatory on club cheque accounts (with at least one other person)?
• Manages club investment programs
Secretary
• Manages and supervises all day to day aspects of running the club
• Keeps the members informed of meetings and issues accurate details of all business at
meetings
• Must be well organised and communicate information effectively
Your club's Constitution should outline the rights and liabilities of its members. It is a document
designed to establish the existence of a group (in this instance a BMX club), sets out its purpose
and defines the rules under which it will operate. Although Constitutions vary from club to club there
are certain matters which are commonly included for the protection of club members, such as:
• Qualification for membership
• Whether applications for membership should be in writing
• The manner in which a membership can be cancelled other than by resignation
• Classes of membership (such as honorary and life) and their rights (such as voting rights)
• The manner in which a general meeting shall be called
• Powers of the committee to manage the day to day running of the club
• Whether or not the Secretary and Treasurer can be one and the same person
• The number of members on the committee
• The frequency of meetings and the numbers required for a quorum
• The manner and reasons for a member to be expelled from the club
• The number of trustees in whom the club property is invested
• The manner and circumstances for the committee members to be indemnified out of the
club funds in the event that they incur liability on behalf of the club, and
• The manner by which a club will be wound up (e.g. way of distribution of assets to
members or conversion of these assets to cash and then distribution)
The Secretary should always keep the Constitution up-to-date and the rules should be clear and
understood.
Club Officials should be aware of the content of their club's Constitution in order to apply rules and
regulations accurately.
Technical Regulations or rules with regards to running events should not be included in the
Constitution or the By-Laws. All racing and general instructions (rules) should be in the Technical
Regulations of the club and available on the club website. These Technical regulations must not
conflict or override the Australian Regional Application or the UCI Regulations.
Agendas should be provided and adhered to. This will assist in the smooth running of the meeting
and ensures all relevant points are covered / discussed. The President (Chairperson) is responsible
for maintaining control and order, though must remain unbiased, giving all members in attendance
an equal opportunity to have their say.
Annual General Meetings must also be held. The club’s Constitution should outline when and where
this meeting will be held. The Secretary must inform every member of this meeting. He or she must
produce an agenda, reports and collate all business papers relevant to the meeting, including
financial reports.
Clubs that develop a good working and harmonious committee, coupled with a sound structure, often
have little trouble in achieving their goals.
• “Sprockets” are participation only until the year the year they turn 8 years old (year of birth).
If a rider turns 7 in a calendar year they must only ride in the Sprockets category. They cannot
“ride up” with the 8-year old’s.
• If the club has a “Pro Section” on their track then only Pro Class riders are allowed to ri de
this section. Definitely no U14 riders and if the highest-level category at a Club event includes
a mix of Pro and Non-Pro riders then the Pro section must not be used.
• Only licenced riders allowed on the track during official training, warm-up and racing
• Safety education starts at Club level. All riders must be properly attired in safety gear before
they start riding
• Track Flags are used by track officials as a means of communicating with each other. Green
flag means the track is clear and racing may proceed. Yellow Flag means that the track is
obstructed and riders should be held at the gate for the next race. Red Flag means that all
racing should stop immediately. The flag should be held or waved so as the starter can clearly
see it.
Yes, you will probably feel like you are “nagging”. If you keep on top of the safety issues, pretty soon
you will notice the positive results particularly when you gain the support of the older riders then the
younger riders will follow their example.
Always speak politely with a friendly tone and be consistent and unbiased.
5.3 Uniforms
Jersey – a BMX jersey shall be a loose fitting long-sleeved shirt whose sleeves extend down to the rider's
wrists. Jerseys used in BMX events should be of a type specifically sold for use in BMX, Moto-cross or
Mountain Bike downhill events. Custom produced jerseys of this type and matching the requirements of
this article are permitted.
Road style jerseys, skinsuits, or one-piece suits comprising the jersey and the pants/shorts are not
permitted for use in BMX events, nor are jerseys with zippers, other than a very short (less than 10cm
long zipper) at the collar. For the purpose of safety, the Jersey only needs to be tucked in to the pants if
it is deemed that it will cause interference.
The following is not permitted for BMX jerseys:
3. Lycra
4. Back pockets
5. Jerseys for Road/track cycling Pants
Long pants: Long pants of the type described above must be loose fitting, of one-piece construction, and
made of tear-resistant material. They must cover the entire length of both legs until just above the shoe or
ankle.
Short pants: Short pants of the type described above must be loose fitting, of one-piece construction, and
made of tear-resistant material. They must be worn together with suitable leg protection, that covers the
entire knee and the entire shin until just above the ankle. Protection that is designed to only cover the knee
or only cover the knee and upper part of the shin shall not be accepted. Such protection must be of a type
that is specifically designed, constructed and sold to protect the knee and entire shin for BMX, Motocross
or Downhill Mountain Bike events, and shall extend until just above the shoe or ankle.
Pants or shorts composed of tight fitting stretch material are not permitted, as such material is not
considered as tear resistant. Such pants, shorts or leggings may only be worn under acceptable long pants
or shorts, or to cover acceptable knee and shin protection, or under or as part of the construction of that
protection. Such a material shall not in and of itself be considered as a protective element.
Gloves – Riders must wear gloves that completely cover the finger tips. UCI 6.1.059
Aero-Dynamic Accessories - any added aerodynamic accessories on personal equipment are not
permitted.
5.5 Numbers
At all times during practice and racing a competitor must display a number plate on the handlebars
of their bike which identifies them and matches the number on their race entry. The number size
must be a minimum of 8cm and a width of 1cm. The numbers must be clearly visible from a distance
for race officials and commentators to identify them. UCI 6.1.071- 075. Race numbers 1-8 are
reserved and may only be used by riders who have been awarded an approved number.
• Frame – Must be sufficiently strong build without cracks or defects. No Aero accessories,
chain guards, mud guards, side stands, butterfly nuts or any sharp protruding objects. All
components must be firmly affixed.
• Wheels – 20” wheels may be raced only in standard categories. Cruiser 24” wheels may only
be raced in cruiser categories. Wheel axles must not protrude more than 5mm from the hub
nuts. No disc wheels and all spokes must be fitted and properly fastened.
• Handlebars – Maximum width of 74cm, maximum rise of 30cm, must have handlebar grip
fitted that completely cover the ends or have end plugs securely fitted. No cracked or bent
bars are allowed.
• Steering Head – Must turn smoothly and the stem must not protrude more than 5cm above
the headset locknut.
• Brakes – Must have an effective rear brake, either hand operated or “coaster” back pedal
brake. A front brake may be fitted but is not required. Brake cables must be secured to the
frame. Any handbrake lever must be round and smooth and not present a hazard.
• Seat – The seat base must be sufficiently strong to resist penetration by the seat post and
the seat post must be secured to the seat tube by a sufficient clamp.
• Cranks, Pedals and Gears – Cranks may be one, two or three piece designs with crank arms
of any length provided they clear the ground. Pedals must be securely fitted to crank arms
and must have ‘teeth’ sufficient to provide grip to the shoe but not be too sharp as to create
a safety hazard. Toe clips and straps are not permitted. Interlocking pedal cleat systems are
allowed but the rider must be able to demonstrate the ability to engage and release from the
pedals to an official. Multiple speed gears are permitted.
• Safety pads – top tube, handlebar crossbar and headset safety pads are “recommended”.
Due to the wording in the UCI regulations they are not mandatory.