This guide is designed to provide newcomers with an overview of the key items a trials rider should consider and account for when competing in a New England Trials Association (NETA) event. Be advised that although this guide covers most of the key items it does not necessarily cover all of them, as this is dependent on each rider’s unique circumstances. All riders should familiarize themselves with the current NETA rulebook prior to entering an event.
Topics Covered
| Event Schedule | Accomodations & Facilities | Safety Reminders |
| Registration Requirements | Tips | Youth Classes |
| What Class to Enter | Riding the Loop | Clubs & Forums |
| Points of Contact | Riding the Sections |
Event Schedule
- Arrival Time
- It is recommended that riders arrive at the event site by 8:30am to allow ample time for setup, registration, riding the loop to inspect the sections and having a quick snack and drink before the event starts.
- Registration
- Registration time is from 9:00am to 11:00am, however, it is highly recommended that riders (especially those riding the Youth Class) register ASAP as the line can become very long.
- Riders meeting
- There is typically an announcement made to all the riders (except youth) at 10:45am. Attendance is required.
- Start/end time and grace period
- All classes (except Youth) start at 11:00am and end at 3:00pm. All riders are allowed a 30 minute grace period but are penalized ½ point for each minute after 3:00pm and are disqualified if they arrive after 3:30pm. The Youth A & B classes start at 10:00 am and run about 1½ hrs depending on the number of riders.
- Awards
- Scores are posted until 4:00pm and awards are typically presented from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. All grievances must be addressed and resolved before 4:00pm.
Registration Requirements
- “Competition” vs “Non-Competition” entries
- Riders may enter a NETA event as a Competition or Non-competition rider. The non-competition entry is designed for those that want to try out an event without any focus on competing.
- Non-competition entries are free to ride any line in a section.
- AMA memberships
- All riders are required to have a valid American Motorcycle Association (AMA) membership card which may be obtained at the event or in advance from the AMA website.
- We recommend obtaining your membership prior to your first event, but if you sign up on the day of the event, note that credit cards cannot be used to make payment.
- NETA memberships
- All riders are required to have a valid NETA membership which may be obtained at the event.
- We recommend obtaining NETA membership in advance: download the Membership & Letter of Intent form and follow the directions therein.
- Day passes are also available for $15.
- Event Fees
- All riders age 16 and older are required to pay a $30 event fee.
- All minors under age 16 pay a $15 event fee.
- Payment can be made via cash or check only.
- Liability forms
- All riders are required to sign a liability waiver form upon entering the event site and the AMA competitor release form at registration. These forms will be provided to you at the event.
- All MINORS entering a NETA event must complete the AMA Minor Release form and have it signed by a parent or legal guardian at registration. Minors represented by an authorized adult can bring a copy of the signed AMA form with them to the event. A copy of the form is available on the NETA website. See the rulebook for details concerning minors.
- Number Plate
- Number plates to fit trials bikes can be purchased from a variety of vendors, including RYP, JacksCycles, TrialstoreUSA and others.
- All riders must have a number plate decal (or lettering) that conforms to the current requirements in the NETA Rulebook.
- You may obtain a number plate decal directly from NETA that meets current requirements, free of charge. Follow the instructions on the Membership & Letter of Intent form.
- You can choose to craft your own number plate decals or purchase one from a vendor such as Dynamic Designs, who can provide you a complete number plate and decal to specifications you provide.
- Minders
- There is no fee for minders. However, minders must still register as such and must have an AMA membership, NETA membership (or day pass), sign all liability waivers and have a yellow MINDER card covering their number plate. This card will be provided at registration if needed. Also, minder’s bikes must comply with local rules & regulations for the given event.
- Insurance Coverage
- Be advised that NETA’s insurance coverage (through the AMA) is for
liability coverage to NETA and the hosting club only. It does not cover injury or medical payments to the riders unless a lawsuit is placed and won. - Riders are expected to have their own medical/liability insurance.
- Be advised that NETA’s insurance coverage (through the AMA) is for
- Minors
- All minors must have a parent/legal guardian or authorized adult present at all times.
- The parent/legal guardian shall comply with all town, state and federal laws/statues pertaining to minors participating in a motorsport event in the location of that event.
- IMPORTANT: see rulebook for details concerning minors.
What Class to Enter
Deciding what class to enter can be difficult early on. Please see the rulebook to better understand the current class structure. Here are a few things to consider.
NETA events incorporate two distinct and separate section levels: Sportsman & Expert. Expert sections are set in more difficult terrain with larger obstacles, and at some events are on a partially separate loop.
Every section has three levels of difficulty denoted by a letter: “A”, “B” and “C”, with “A” being the most difficult and “C” being the least. While the lines in the Expert sections are all set for experienced trials riders of varying ability, Sportsman sections incorporate lines for both experienced riders and beginners.
As a newcomer, you will likely want to start off in the Sportsman sections. The lines, “A”, “B” and “C”, vary substantially in difficulty. We recommend that you ride the loop in the morning and inspect the sections. Take a look at each of the three lines before making a decision. Also, remember that if you choose to ride non-competition for your first event, you can ride any of the three lines in all the sections, which is a great way to try and see where you regularly want to ride.
Points of Contact
- Trials Master
- All questions concerning a specific event should be addressed to the Trials Master or Clerk of the Course, whose name may obtained here, or by asking at the event.
- Dealers
- There are typically one or more trials bike/equipment dealers at each event with bikes, some spare parts and technical advice to offer. Ask around if you need help locating them at the event.
Accommodations & Facilities
- Food & Drink
- Don’t count on it. Bring your own or contact the Trials Master in advance to see if food and drink will be available.
- Parking
- Parking varies from event to event but all are able to accommodate trucks and bike trailers. Some can accommodate RV’s but one needs to contact the hosting club in advance to be sure. It pays to arrive early to secure a good parking spot.
- Lodging & Camping
- Riders need to do their own research for locating nearby lodging. Camping is available at some events but riders need to contact the hosting club in advance to be sure.
- Toilets
- All event sites will have a port-a-potty.
Tips
- Loop cards
- Loop cards are issued to all riders at registration. Some riders prefer to clip the card to the clutch cable or front brake cable with a small paper binder clip. Some carry them in a pocket, others under their bar pad. Only one card is used at a time and the rest stowed in a secure location until needed on the next loop. Do not lose your cards!
- Loops cards for each loop must be turned in immediately after completing each loop. There will be a designated turn-in site that is usually located near the registration area.
- Refueling
- Riders should start with a full tank and refuel at least every other loop. Bring at least 1 extra gallon of fuel.
- Hydration/nutrition
- Riders are encouraged to stay well hydrated during an event and this is best accomplished by carrying a hydration pack such as a Camelbak. Nutrition is equally important and riders should have high energy snack foods which can be eaten throughout the day.
- Time management
- All riders should try to ride the loop and check out all the sections before the start of the event. Be advised that you may only walk the sections prior to the event and that you may not alter them in any way without the approval of the Trials Master of that event.
- Parents/guardians that are competing, riding with, and minding for their child will save significant time by riding the sections before their child.
- Maintenance
- Riders should bring a basic tool box and carry a small tool kit for minor field repairs. These should include spare levers, tire pump, low pressure tire gauge, flat repair kit, tie wraps, spark plug, master link, screw driver and wrenches.
Riding the Loop
- Length
- All riders (expect Youth Class) ride a loop that’s typically two to three miles long, consists of eight sections and are required to ride three to four loops depending on the class. See the rulebook to understand how many loops each class rides.
- Youth Class (up to age 12) rides in a separate area that typically consists of six sections which are generally located near the pit area within walking distance.
- Markers
- The loop and sections are marked with signs. DO NOT ride backwards on the loop, as you risk an accident and potential disqualification.
Riding the Sections
- Be sure not to skip any sections as you will be penalized.
- Pay close attention to the number of gates noted at the start of each section and where the gates are located. A missed gate is an automatic 5 points.
- Loop cards are occasionally mis-punched by the checkers and should always be checked by the rider, and corrected if needed, before proceeding to the next section.
- It’s best to inspect each section before riding for any changes that may have occurred.
Safety Reminders
- You MUST always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle at ANY time at an event or you risk being disqualified.
- You must adhere to the noted speed limits in the parking/pit areas which are typically 5mph.
- It is recommended that riders wear the appropriate protective gear which includes, but is not limited to, riding boots, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads and goggles.
- Bring a basic first aid kit as not all events are equipped with first aid supplies.
- Go through your bike prior to an event to ensure everything on the bike is functioning correctly.
- A parent/legal guardian or an authorized adult must be present at the event at all times for a minor rider and must accompany the minor if riding the Youth Class or if under age. Minors are not to ride in the pit area unsupervised.
- IMPORTANT: see rulebook for details concerning minors.
- You are advised to inspect all sections prior to riding them. If a section appears beyond your ability you should not ride it. See the checker and ask them to score you a 5.
Trials Schools
A variety of trials schools are often available in New England and at the Trials Training Center in Tennessee for all riding levels. Trials schools are very beneficial to new riders and are a great opportunity to improve your skills and get to know some of your fellow riders.
The Rhode Island Trials Club typically puts on a one day event at the start of each season with a focus on rider training and education. See the event schedule for details.
Youth Classes
This is an introductory program geared towards children, typically age 10 and under, that already know how to ride a motorcycle but have no trials riding experience and/or have bikes that aren’t specially designed for trials. This is a non-competitive class with no year end points.
All riders will receive an award for participating in the event. Parents or legal guardians should be present to support and assist their child as needed. The youth class offers an “A” line and a “B” line, with the “A” line being the harder of the two.
Clubs & Forums
There are a number of trials clubs in New England that put on both NETA championship events and non-NETA events. New riders can greatly benefit from joining a club in their area and meeting fellow riders. A listing of the clubs that participate in NETA events can be found on the venues page.
Additionally, the NETA Forums are a good place to ask any questions you may have.