Rules Of Competition

SEMA MX

South Eastern Motocross Association

-Where The Family Makes The Team-

The 2025 racing season starts off the third year of the South Eastern moto-cross association, a North Carolina non-profit corporation.

Approximately 150 riders were members during this past year and the association is hopeful that its contribution to the sport of youth moto-cross will provide faster and understanding, not only with riders and their parents but also will be a contributing factor to the overall community life and environment.

The Board of Directors of the Association is available at any time to discuss with either the riders, their parents, or the community-at-large, its feelings and concepts that we hope will contribute substantially to communal understanding and sportsmanlike conduct.

“Motorcycle” - A two wheeled motor-powered vehicle with a minimum wheelbase of not less than 30” measured at the center of the axle, on a line parallel to the ground, having a standard wheel size not to exceed 23”

“Rider classification”- Expert, Support of Novice.

All riders in SEMA sanctioned events are required to be members of the Association. Only these members are eligible to compete. Membership in SEMA is for fiscal January 1 to December 31.

If a member's birthday falls after January 1st of the racing year he/she may finish the season in his/her present class.

Classes with regards to age are broken down to include the word “through” (Through meaning the age is outlined in the class providing the birthday falls in accordance with the above.)

Proof of age must be available during sign-up at any sanctioned activity upon request of the Referee (SEMA card acceptable). SEMA officials and promoters are authorized to pick up the membership cards of the completion of the event.

Parents, legal guardians or authorized adults must be present at sign-up and remain present at all times during participation of SEMA members in any sanctioned event.

An authorized adult must sign below riders signature on the Association sign-up form to authorize the minor to compete.

In addition, a notarized authorization signed by the rider's parent or legal guardian must be affixed to the members annual registration form when joining the Association.

No distinction of events or activities shall be made upon the bases of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin. All particles in activities shall compete under the same rules and in the appropriate classes as determined in this supplement.

All race personnel, officials, riders, mechanics, and photographers shall not be under the influence of any intoxicant or drugs of any nature which could affect their mental or physical ability. Any such use not only affects the safety of competition, but is deeded inconsistent with the concept of good sportsmanship, and therefore an unfair practice detrimental to the sport of motorcycling.

The rider should be of sufficient size to be able to maintain safe and proper stability and control of the machine at all times. This includes stopping, starting at a standstill, mounting or dismounting a machine, or other such times as it may be necessary to put one or both feet on the ground.

The Referee and the SEMA officer or director shall have the authority to change a member's class because of his rider's ability, however, the Referee must request this change in writing to the Association who shall have the final discretion.

Immediate interpretation of the rules will be made by the Referee of the meet.

****REMEMBER****

* NEVER RIDE WITHOUT A HELMET.

* NEVER RIDE WITHOUT BOOTS.
* ALWAYS RECOGNIZE ANOTHER PERSON'S PROPERTY.

* WE ARE THE GUEST OF THE TRACK-PICK UP TRASH.

* SPORTSMANSHIP CONDUCT IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES.

*KEEP EQUIPMENT CLEAN.

* YOU MUST RACE WITH M.A.M.A NUMBERS & COLORS.

The motorcycle starting for the rider's first moto shall be the qualified machine for that day's motos in that class unless the Referee states otherwise.

When the rider's name is called, he must be ready. Two minutes will be allowed after the call of the starter to make minor repairs.

When an event is stopped before completion, motorcycles must return and remain at the starting gate/line.

A rider whose machine is disabled before he reaches the finish line may, by his own unaided muscular energy, push or carry his machine (in the direction of the track) across the finish line to receive the checkered flag, and under such conditions will be considered as having completed the event, provided he has completed 50% of the laps completed be the winner of the event. The rider may be subject to disqualification for the infraction of this rule.

If the rider stops during this course of the race, he must restart and enter the track where he left the track.

If the Referee stops an event after laps equal to at least 60% of the total distance to be run, the race is considered completed and shall be scored according to their position in the lap in which they were red-flagged. If the race is stopped at any point short of the lap equal to 60% of the distance of the race it will not be considered completed and will be restarted.

In order to receive points, a rider must complete 50% of the laps completed by the winner of the event and also take the checkered flag.

Failure to enter the race track pits by the designated entrance and exit lanes will result in the riders disqualifications. This rule will be strictly enforced.

Forty riders shall be the maximum number allowed to start in any moto; provided there shall be at least one meter (3.2 feet) for each junior-cycle, mini-cycle or motorcycle.

SEMA RIDER CLASSIFICATIONS

CLASS

Combined classes will be scored and trophies separately and may at the sole discretion of the Referee be staggered.

Class breakdown will be determined on race day by SEMA officials.

To advance from a novice rider to a support rider, a member must accumulate 250 points.


To advance from a support rider to an expert rider, a member must accumulate 300 points.

Novice and support rider advancement points will be carried from one year to the next for advancement toward a higher class.

Place number points will accumulate during the season.

No rider may ride the beginner class for more than 2 years or if you have finished in the top 5 in the beginner class. This rule will be strictly enforced by the referee.

No rider may ride the C class at any age or bike size that has qualified to go to Loretta Lynes. This rule will be strictly enforced by the referee.

50% of advancement points must be earned in the top half of the class before advancing to the next higher classification.

Riders wanting to compete on a mini-cycle or motorcycle of a large wheel size may drop back one rider classification.

  • C class rider, ride time 10 minutes
  • B class ride time 15 minutes
  • A class rider ride time 20 minutes

         

                ***   All times are subject to change due to weather  ***

Flags and Colors

Green-Start of race; Race is go.

White-One lap to go to finish.

Yellow-Danger on track; does not mean hold position. No jumping on the yellow flag to gain position.

Red-Stopping of race; report to the starting line at once.

Black- Disqualification of individual rider; stop; report to Referee at once.

Light Blue-Move over; another rider is trying to pass.

White with Red Cross-Ambulance flag; indicates that an ambulance is on the track. NO JUMPING.

Black and White Checkered-Finish; End of race.

Equipment Standards

 (Engines)

-Junior cycles and mini-cycles: There shall be only one engine. Maximum displacement is the class cc limit with no allowances for overbore about the limit. If the upper limit is exceeded, the rider must compete in the next higher class.

-Motorcycles (0-105 and 0-125): There shall be only one engine. Maximum displacement is the class cc limit with stock manufactured bore size plus .080”.

(Brakes)

-All brakes must be of the internal expanding drum type or disc brake and each junior-cycle, mini-cycle or motorcycle entered in association activity must be equipped with a front and rear brake.

(Kill Switch)

-A kill button or switch must be mounted on the handle bar (SEMA recommends the left side) and must be operative.

(Frame)

-The frame must be manufactured in a safe and workmanlike manner and any modifications to the frame must be done in a safe and workmanlike manner representing a bonafide mini-cycle, junior-cycle or motorcycle frame.

-All footrest should be of the standard open cleated (non-slip) type and must fold backward at 45 degrees. The length of the footrest from the pivot point to the frame, engine, or transmission proper for each respective pedal is not to exceed 4” and must not be lower than that crankcase or frame, whichever is the lowest.

(Tires)

-No type of studs, spikes, or chains are permitted in any area of SEMA activities.

-Regrooving or cutting of the tread pattern used in moto-cross is permitted if done in a safe workmanlike manner.

(Number Plates)

-Riders participating in sanctioned events must have numbers on a plate on the front of the machine, and on the 2 sides of the plates Colors must be contrasting colors on the bike (Make it easy for scorers to see).

-It is the duty of the rider to enter the class in which it is legal for him/her to ride. Entry into the class does not necessarily make a rider legal for that class. One can be protested by another entrant or his representative for riding in the wrong class. Responsibility of meeting specifications rest with the individual entrant.

-Suitability for competition- The basic design of the bike must be suitable for high performance with safety. The option of the Referee shall be final.

-Tires shall be in good condition with no apparent flows.

-Brakes must be in good condition, in proper adjustment and in working condition. The brake must be capable of locking the rear wheel.

-Throttle must have a self-returning spring which will close the throttle when released.

-Front suspension and steering shall be of suitable design, in proper order and properly adjusted for maximum safety.

-Collapsible pegs are mandatory. It is recommended that pegs collapse at a 45 degree rearward angle.

-The Referee shall have the power to disqualify any mini-cycle or motorcycle that does not conform to the rules and may inspect any part of a mini-cycle or motorcycle entered in competition at any Association sanction meet.

-The Referee and a Referee designated person is empowered to measure motors of all place winners (not an individual motor unless protested) in any meet held under association sanction. Any rider refusing to allow his motor to be measured or to prepare his motor for measurement automatically disqualifies himself in any event at a meet in which he has competed if the bike is protested in the first moto the bike will be impounded and the rider will come retrieve the bike from the referee to start his second moto then directly after the second moto the bike will be impounded and inspected.

(Competition Apparel)

-A helmet must be worn in all Association activities. All helmets must be of proper size to fit with a functioning chin strap of proper length, and helmet coverage must extend below the ears.

-Mouth or face guards (Snaps or screw-on type) are recommended with full coverage type helmets. Shatterproof goggles must be worn in all Association meets, including practice.

- The following apparel must be worn in all Association Activities. Motocross pants or blue jeans, any long sleeve shirts, recommended shoulder, knee, and elbow pads.

-Boots: All footwear must be of height reaching above the ankle. Boots may be laced, multi-buckled, zippered and constructed for leg and foot protection. The heel shall not be more than ¾” in height, at the highest point, from the sole of the boot, measured at a point at the front of the heel, nearest the toe.

-Shirts, Jackets, and Pants: Shirts and Jackets must be long sleeves. Pants must be full-length and of sufficient weight material to afford a reasonable degree of protection.

-Gloves: Gloves are required at all events.

-No lights, License plates, brackets, kickstands, mirrors, glass, or any equipment constituting a hazard to the rider or other competitors will be allowed on mini-cycles, junior cycles, or motorcycles.

Entrants

  • Reference to any machine shall be construed as reference to all classes.
  • Riders and participants are required to know and understand the rules and regulations which cover an event sanctioned by the Association and are (By reason of their entry) definitely bound by such rules and regulations.
  • Acceptance of a license (riders ticket or sign-up form) to participate shall be construed as acceptance of the rules and regulations therein and affirmed by the participants in events sanctioned by South Eastern MotoCross Association.
  • The one machine qualified (or used in the first event) must be used by the rider throughout the races unless the referee says otherwise.
  • One bike may be entered by 2 or more riders for other events within the same bike classification by paying the additional entry fee.
  • No one except riders officially entered may ride or practice on the race course during the day's events.
  • You may advance in the junior-cycle, mini-cycle or motorcycle class from a lower cc displacement with the same bike by paying the entry fee for the additional class providing the participant entered and rode in the lower cc displacement class. (See SEMA scoring rules)
  • If, during an event, a rider inadvertently leaves the course with both wheels, he must rejoin it at the point of exit compatible with the safety of himself and other riders without improving his position.
  • Any foul riding, unnecessary bumping, blocking or other unsportsmanshiplike conduct on the course is grounds for disqualification, and the rider will be black-flagged.
  • The Referee reserves the right to prevent anyone from competition in any event if the rider or bike does not comply with the general rules.
  • Members of SEMA are required to display their correct numbers while participating in a sanctioned event. A rider will not be scored if correct plates are not displayed.

Official Duties And Powers

-The Referee of all meets shall be a member-in-good-standing of the Association. The Referee shall be the principal officer of any meet and shall sit as general supervisor of all affairs, but shall not attempt to carry out the duties of any other officials of the meet.

The duties of a Referee

  • Satisfy himself that this course is safe for the meet and call the meet off at any time that conditions are unsafe.
  • Determine if all riders are qualified to safely negotiate the course and prohibit any rider not so qualified from competing.
  • Direct the starter to Black Flag if he deems that any part of the track is unsafe for riders.
  • Provide the technical and safety inspection of equipment being used by the riders and bar any equipment which does not conform to the equipment and safety regulations.
  • Receive all protest and render decisions thereon, subject to appeal to the Associations Referee-in-Standing.
  • Render all decisions on disqualification of riders, and disqualify any rider who violates any of the rules of the meet or the Association.

Starter

  • The duties of the starter shall include the following:
  • To give complete instruction on the starting rules to all riders. This shall include information on flags.
  • Provide a complete set of flags for use during the meet;

 Including the corner flag.

  • Determine if scorers, timers, umpires, flagmen, etc. are ready and in place before starting the meet.
  • Position riders at the starting line, start the event, give halfway flags, last lap flags, and finish flags. (Required)
  • Flag off the course any disqualified riders and otherwise direct the progress of the meet with flags as instructed by the Referee.
  • Instruct the flagmen of their Duties.
  • All Starters alone shall have the power to decide what is a fair start. The starter may declare a restart when conditions occur that endanger the safety of spectators or contestants and the event is not more than 50% completed.
  • Head scorer and Assistants Scorer- The duties of the head scorer and Assistant Scorer shall include the following:
  1. Exhibit a list of all events.
  2. Receive all entries and check the riders Association membership cards.
  3. Check riders classification and place riders in proper events.
  4. Keep a complete record of winners and places of all riders in all events, and turn all records over to the Association at the conclusion of the meet.
  5. See that a suitable checking stand is provided and at the proper place on the course.
  6. See that the promoter or others have provided all the necessary equipment for proper checking.
  7. Provide, or see that the promoter has provided, a sufficient number of scorers, checkers and pit scores.
  8. Advise the starter when the scorers are ready and keep the starter informed on finish information of each rider.
  9. Complete and keep all scores.
  10. Perform other duties as assigned by the Referee.

(Track Committee)

  • The track committee shall operate under the discretion of the Referee.
  • It shall inspect the track prior to an event and recommend whatever changes it deems necessary to the Referee.
  • The track committee shall concern itself with the overall safety and environment of an event.

Protests and Offenses

  • Any rider competing in an event may make a protest to the Referee regarding the piston displacement of a machine, classification of a rider, or any other matter relating to the event. The protest must be in writing and accompanied by a protest fee of $150 for each matter for which the protest is made. Protest must be filled with the Referee no later than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the last moto of that class.
  • The Referee shall render all decisions on the protest as soon as possible for the Referee to decide the protest immediately, the Referee may permit the rider and mini-cycle or motorcycle to compete under protest but any trophy or points may be withheld pending the decision of the protest.
  • If the Referee decides to protest in favor of the protesting party, the Referee will refund the protest fee and forward his report in writing to the Association. If he decides against the protesting party, the Referee will forward the protest fee along with his report to the Association.
  • The Referee shall have the power to disqualify riders as the result of and protest, and such disqualification means the loss of any rights with regard to any event in respect to which the cause of disqualification arose and may be extended, in the discretion of the Referee, to apply to any other event of the same meet.
  • In cases where the protest involves piston displacement, the such mini-cycle or motorcycle shall be suspended for not less than 30 days, shall forfeit any trophy won with such machine in all events run that day. There shall be a Flat Rate teardown fee $50 in addition to the original $150 protest fee. If the engine displacement of the protested machine is within specified limitations, the rider of the protesting party will receive both fees. If the machine proves to be oversized, the protesting party will be refunded his total protest fee and tear-down fee.
  • Any rider refusing to permit the examination of a mini-cycle or motorcycle which is protested shall forfeit all prizes won in events on that day and shall be suspended for a period of not less than one year.
  • Once made, a protest cannot be withdrawn without permission of the Referee. Any legitimate expense to which to which the Referee may be put as the result of a protest must be paid by the protesting party, and the Referee may demand in advice from the protesting party a deposit sufficient to cover any such expense.

Offenses

  • Unless penalties are otherwise expressly provided for in these rules of competition, the Referee may disqualify any rider or suspend him for the remainder of the meet for violation of these rules of competition. Tardiness and allowing a half break at the starting line, insubordination, or any other conduct detrimental to the meet is up to the Referee. In addition, The Referee-in-Standing makes decisions on suspension.
  • A rider must surrender his SEMA card to the Referee if required or face a 180 day suspension from the Association.
  • Unless penalties are otherwise provided for in these Rules, the Association may suspend any rider for any period up to indefinite suspension for willful violation of these Rules of Competition and for any of the practices listed:
  1. Competing under a false name or in any other way attempting to gain an unfair handicap.

Appeals

  1. Decisions of the Referee on protests may be appealed. Such appeal must be in writing and filed with the Association within 72 hours after such decision has been made, and shall be accompanied by $100. Any appeal shall be heard by the association's Referee-in-standing. The decision shall be rendered within 30 days.
  2. All fees shall be returned to appealing parties if their appeals are sustained, and the fees shall then be collected from the losing party.

Reinstatements

  1. Any rider under suspension, not otherwise disqualified by these rules of competition, may be reinstated by action of, and in the sole discretion of, the Association.

Responsibilities

  • Riders are responsible for their pit crue, no cussing, no fighting, and no disrespect to the referee. No drugs of any kind on the premises, if a SEMA official is notified you will be asked to leave the property and will be disqualified from anywhere from 1 race to a year.
  • The rider will be disqualified if any disrespect is shown toward the Referee, Any were from 1 race to a year.
  • Must attend 7 out of 10 races to be eligible for the banquet, must be at the banquet to receive trophies, no trophies will be handed out to any individuals after the banquet.
  • SEMA does not have a fuel rule, you may run any fuel that you desire.

Pitbikes

  • Pitbikes are to be ridden in 1st gear with both wheels on the ground, if at anytime you are stopped by a SEMA official you will be told to put the bike up, if the bike and rider is seen again, the referee has the ability to impose any discipline he/she feels necessary up to confiscating the bike till the parent retrieves it or end of the race day on Sunday.