RMVMC Rules and Code of Conduct

The rules set forth are for the benefit of the members of the Rocky Mountain Vintage Motocross Club (The Club). A (member) shall be anyone who has paid a fee to join the club. Any member participating in races (events) sanctioned by the RMVMC agrees to be bound by these rules. 

Purpose:

Members agree that any races (Event) sponsored, promoted or sanctioned by RMVMC are staged for the enjoyment of all and to advance the sport of Vintage motorcycle competition. Members agree that they are under no obligation to compete and do so of their own free will.

RMVMC is a motorcycle club whose main function is to promote the racing of vintage motorcycles. We are a “vintage centric” motorcycle club that also includes classes for motorcycles not considered vintage. We ride on “Classic” motocross layouts that would have occurred in the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. Classic is defined as mostly natural terrain. Generally speaking, we do not include doubles, triples, or stadium whoops in our layouts as these are largely impossible for most vintage bikes to navigate safely. We do strive to have layouts that are technically challenging and require traditional race tactics and strategies and encourage those who feel the same way to join us at the races.

The RMVMC breaks its rulebook into two parts: Code of Conduct rules and Race rules.

Article I Code of Conduct:

The following defines behavior at RMVMC events:

1. Drinking of alcoholic beverages. No member competing in the event shall engage in the drinking of alcoholic beverages during an event. An event time horizon is from the time practice starts until the competing members last moto is concluded. 

2. Drug use. No member shall engage in drug (PED’s or intoxicants, legal or illegal) use while on the event premises. 

3. Members shall not knowingly compete while intoxicated either by alcohol or drugs.

4. At tracks where it is permissible to ride in the pits to and from the start, a speed of first gear only shall be observed.

5. Members shall not direct offensive or intimidating language at fellow competitors, officials or spectators. This applies to all forms of communication including verbal, digital or written. (The club reserves the right to take action toward any member from the club for this violation regardless of when it occurs. This is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week rule)

6. Members shall not physically assault other members. The club is not prepared to act in a policing capacity. Any off-track fighting that occurs within the race facility will be referred to the (Police) authorities. (The club reserves the right to discipline any member for this violation regardless of when or where it occurs. This is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week rule)

7. Members shall not discharge oil or chemicals onto the ground of the race facility and shall dispose of all trash and waste into approved containers or pack them out of the facility.

8. Any pets that members bring to the event shall be leashed and not allowed to roam freely around the facilities.

9. A member shall be responsible for the actions of those who accompany him or her to the race. This includes pets, family members and “Pit crew”. The member shall bear the penalty for any violation of the code of conduct committed by those associated with the member.

10. If a member feels there has been a violation of the Code of Conduct rules, he/she should report this to the Club President or the person acting on the Club Presidents behalf. The President may or may not request the alleged misconduct complaint to be in writing.

Any violation of the preceding Code of Conduct rules will subject the violator to any level of discipline from a simple warning to expulsion from the club. Race day penalties are determined by the President or that person acting on the Club Presidents behalf. Long term penalties are assessed at the discretion of the club Steering Committee. By joining the club, members acknowledge that discipline for violations is determined by a jury of their peers (fellow racers) and agree to respect and abide by the steering committees decision in all such matters.

Article II Race rules:

1. To compete in RMVMC events you must be a member of the club.
   
   

2. Any individual who wants to race shall not be denied the ability to race assuming the entry is submitted and the fee is paid. Those members or former members previously suspended or under suspension for violations of the code of conduct or race rules may be denied a race entry at the discretion of club officers.
    

3. Membership and race entry fees are set at the start of each season and will be posted on the club website and on official entry forms.
    

4. A one day membership makes the entrant a club member for one day only.
   
   

5. When a yearly membership has been paid the applicant becomes a member in good standing for that current racing year and a membership card will be issued to the new member.

6. An executed race entry form is required to compete.
   
   

7. Once an entrant has participated in a practice session the entry fee is non-refundable.
    

8. Races may be cancelled or stopped for any number of reasons. The club is under no obligation to conduct races when the result of such conduct puts contestants, track personnel and others at risk.
   
   

9. When a member submits an executed entry form with payment he accepts that acts of nature or other unforeseen events may require the stoppage or cancellation of the event. He also accepts that the club is under no obligation to provide refunds once an event has been initiated.
   
   

10. An event is deemed to have been initiated once practice has begun.
    
    

11. The club submits that it is in the business of putting on races and not cancelling them and will make every effort to see that events are held and consummated.
    
    

12. Any member signing up for a class is entitled to (1) practice session and (2) motos (races).
    
    

13. Scoring: 1st and 2nd moto scores are added together and the lower total is the winner. Ties are broken by the lower second moto score.
    
    

14. Points: The points are awarded as follows: 1st 20 points 2nd 16 points 3rd 13 points 4th 11 points 5th 10 points 6th 9 points 7th 8 points 8th 7 points 9th 6 points 10th 5 points 11th 4 points 12th 3 points 13th 2 points and 14th 1 point. Points are awarded in each moto. Class champions are those who amass the most points over the course of the season. End of year awards are issued at the year end awards banquet.

Article III Practice:

Practice is organized by class.

1. Members are allowed to practice in their designated practice session by class.

2. The practice order will be posted at sign-up.

3. Members are expected to be on time for their practice. The club is not obligated to wait for members to assemble. 

4. Members are not allowed to practice in practice sessions for classes they are not competing in.

Article IV Starting procedure:

1. Members are expected to be on time for their start. The club is not obligated to wait for members to assemble. However, for racers in back to back motos, every attempt will be made to ensure the rider has time to get to the starting gate before gate drop. 

2. The start order will be posted at sign-up.

3. Starts can be one of a number of different methods; backwards falling gate, rubber band, or by flag.

4. Regardless of method, the procedure is the same. The starter will raise a (1) minute sign in the air. He will then start at one end of the line of riders and point at each rider to ascertain their readiness. He will then place his second hand on the (1) minute sign. This signals the rider to put his bike in gear as the start is imminent. The starter will then turn the (1) sign sideways. The gate will fall between 3-5 seconds after the card turns sideways.

5. Members are expected to have their bikes ready for the start. Although the club strives to accommodate bikes that are reluctant to start, the club shall not be required to wait for individuals who cannot start their bike in the time allocated.

6. Members who are determined to have left the start early (Jumped the start) may be penalized 1-lap, one position or excluded from the result. 

Article V Staggered starts:

1. When two starts occur during one moto they are considered to be “staggered”.

2. Typically, the first class leaves the gate, the start gate is re-set and then the 2nd start occurs. The second gate usually drops 30 seconds after the first gate drop.

3. Members unsure about whether their start is staggered should consult the starter beforehand. 

4. It is the member’s responsibility to know the status of their start.

5. The start procedure shall be the same for all staggered starts.

Article VI The course layout:

1. The course layout shall be determined prior to practice.

2. The dislodgement of any course marker during practice or a race shall not change the course layout.

3. Members shall not knowingly dislodge course markers.

4. The Club reserves the right to make changes to the track it deems necessary at any time.

5. If the Club alters the track layout in a significant way a sighting lap will be given prior to the start to allow members to observe the change.

6. Obvious course cutting is not allowed. Penalties may include loss of position, loss of a lap or exclusion from the event.

7. Members shall be allowed to veer from the layout to avoid a collision with a downed rider when that rider falls directly in front of them. They must re-join the track at the earliest possible place without endangering other riders and without gaining a position. Penalties may include loss of position, loss of a lap or exclusion from the event.

8. Circumstances may cause Members to lose control of their motorcycles and exit the track. When this happens the member shall enter the track at the earliest possible place without endangering other riders and without gaining a position. Penalties may include loss of position, loss of a lap or exclusion from the event.

9. Other than first turn crashes, members may not receive outside assistance while on the track. Track workers or volunteers removing a bike from the track shall not be considered outside assistance. Penalties may include loss of position, or loss of a lap.

Article VII Dangerous behavior:

1. Members shall not intentionally use their motorcycles to cause collisions or injure other riders. Penalties may include loss of position, loss of a lap or exclusion from the event or suspension.

2. Collisions may occur in motorcycle racing. As the result of a collision or any other unforeseeable event during a moto, any member who strikes another member with any part of his body or equipment is subject to immediate penalty. This may include loss of position, loss of a lap, exclusion from the event or suspension.

Article VIII The Flags:

1. Green: The start is good. Race on.

2. Red: The race has been stopped. Stop racing and proceed to the start for further instructions.

3. Yellow: The caution flag. From the place the flag is displayed to the spot of the downed rider there shall be a safe speed observed and there will be no passing. You are not authorized to cut the track unless instructed to do so by track personnel. Riders are not allowed to close distance on the rider in front of them under a yellow flag condition. Once past the downed rider racing may resume. 

4. Blue Flag: You are about to be lapped. Do not impede (race with) those lapping you.

5. White Flag: one lap to go.

6. Checkered Flag: The race has ended. Regardless of the number of laps completed, when the checkered flag is displayed, the race is over. Please exit the track and return to your pit.

Article IX Motorcycle requirements:

1. It is the member’s responsibility to make his motorcycle suitable for racing.

2. The motorcycle must have two working brakes.

3. The control levers on the handlebars must have balls on the end of the levers that are approximately ½ inch in diameter.

4. Only twist type throttles are allowed. The throttle must return on its own.

5. A kill switch must be on the motorcycle and functioning.

6. Gas and oil must not be leaking from the machine.

7. The motorcycle must have a silencer fitted before it may start practice.

8. The motorcycle shall have three (3) number plates.

9. Kickstands must be removed or secured.

10. The motorcycle must meet the proper size requirements for the class. (I.E. no 400cc motorcycles in the 250 class). Those found violating this rule may be excluded from the event and subject to probation or suspension.

11. The club reserves the right to exclude any motorcycle from the event if it is deemed to be unsuitable for racing.

Article X Class Designations:

1. Class designations are posted on the club website and on entry forms

Article XI Rider requirements:

1. It is the member’s responsibility to make him or herself suitable for racing.

2. A helmet is required for competition and practice. The helmet must be DOT or Snell certified. 

3. A long sleeved shirt must be worn.

4. Boots at least 8 inches high must be worn.

5. Gloves must be worn to start a race or practice.

6. Eyewear with impact resistant lenses must be worn to start practice and each moto.

7. Riders with medical conditions are encouraged to wear medical ID information on their person while competing to aid emergency personnel.

8. Members shall not ride an unlicensed motorcycle, ATV, UTV in the race facility without a helmet at any time. Those assigned track vehicles for race track maintenance may be excluded from this requirement by track management.

9. The club reserves the right to exclude any rider from the event if he or she is deemed to be ill-equipped for racing.

Article XII Bike numbers:

1.  The members shall display a number on their motorcycle in three locations; one on the front and one on each side.

2. The member may select the number they wish to use. However, if another member is already using this number the member may be asked to add a letter to his or her number. I.E. 40T instead of 40. This letter shall appear on each number plate after each number. Members are encouraged to select a number not in use by other members.

3. It is the member’s responsibility to display their bike numbers in a way that is readable by the scorekeepers.

Article XIII Age Definition:

1. For race classes that are age defined, your age is determined by your birth date not your birth year.

The club reserves the right to amend this rulebook at any time. The most current version of the rulebook is available on the club’s website.www.rmvmc.org

This rule book and the RMVMC logo are the sole property of the RMVMC and cannot be used or reproduced without the expressed written consent of the RMVMC.

03/2022