The people who make trials possible
Observing trials.
A trial cannot run properly without observers. You do not need years of experience — you need to understand the section, apply the marking rules consistently and give every rider the same fair chance.
New observers welcome
You can help
Manchester 17 regularly relies on riders' families, friends, club members and volunteers to observe. If you are unsure, tell an official — someone can explain the section and the marking before the trial starts.
Report to the officials
Let the organisers know you are available to observe. They will allocate a section and give you the scoring method or equipment being used at the event.
Know your section
Walk the section before riders arrive. Make sure you understand the begins and ends, the route markers and any alternative routes through the section.
Be consistent
Apply the same interpretation to every rider. If you are unsure about a route or a rule, ask an official rather than guessing.
Manchester 17 method of marking
TSR22A — stop permitted
Observation begins when the rider's front wheel spindle crosses between the section begins markers and ends when the front wheel spindle passes the section ends. Under the stop-permitted method, stopping on its own is not automatically a failure.
How marks are lost
Footing & failure
This is a practical summary of the Manchester 17 guidance. The current ACU Trials Standing Regulations remain the definitive rules.
What counts as footing?
Footing is when any part of the rider's body touches the ground or the machine, apart from the tyres or sump guard, or when the rider gains support by leaning against an obstacle such as a tree or rock.
One footing = 1 mark. Two footings = 2 marks. Three or more = 3 marks.
Engine stopped?
An engine stopping is not automatically a five under the stop-permitted method.
If the rider can restart without footing or otherwise committing a failure, or can roll out through the ends without footing, the observer applies the normal rules.
Manchester 17's guidance notes that footing with a stalled engine, or taking a hand off the bars in the circumstances covered by the rules, can constitute a failure.
A backward movement can constitute a failure under the published Manchester 17 summary.
Both feet on the ground on the same side of, or behind, the machine is treated as a dismount.
Going outside the permitted route, crossing boundary tape or passing the wrong side of a marker is a failure.
If the motorcycle crosses its own track with either wheel, it is treated as a failure.
The rider or machine receiving outside assistance constitutes a failure.
If the rider is responsible for moving a marker/support so that the observer must reinstate it, the published guidance treats this as a failure.
Travelling in a forward direction against the intended direction of the section is a failure.
An observer may ask a rider to leave the section for unnecessary delay where the rules allow.
Practical observing
At your section
The observer controls the section while riders are attempting it. A calm, consistent approach keeps the event moving and makes things fair for everyone.
Be ready before waving a rider in
Make sure the section is clear and you are ready to watch from the begins to the ends. Riders should wait for your signal before entering.
Watch the whole attempt
Observation starts at the front spindle crossing the begins and continues until it passes the ends. Keep your attention on the rider throughout.
Know the routes
Check the colours and gates used for each class or route. If the section has different begins or ends, make sure you know which riders use which markers.
Keep the section clear
You can ask riders or spectators to clear the section when necessary. Do not wave the next rider in until it is safe to do so.
Record every score
Record the rider number and score clearly using the system provided by the club. Riders must not record their own scores.
Ask if unsure
No one expects a first-time observer to know everything. If a rule, route or situation is unclear, contact an official rather than improvising.
Why it matters
No observers = no trial.
Observers give up their time so everyone else can ride. Manchester 17 asks riders to respect observers, wait until they are ready and remember to say thank you — particularly on the final lap.
Cold, rain and long sections are not glamorous, but the sport depends on the people standing with the board, phone or score sheet.
More information
Useful links
Further Manchester 17 and ACU information for riders and observers.
Thinking of helping?
Give observing a go.
If you have never observed before, tell the organisers when you arrive. The club can explain what is needed and help get you started.
See the next Manchester 17 trial →