The following proposed rule changes and ideas for enhancing our association were submitted by members of the STRA. The following items will be voted upon at the 2019 business meeting on Saturday November 2nd following the Mark Moon Memorial Ride and be implemented for the 2020 riding season.
Additional items may be added to this list if submitted to the President (stramail@charter.net) no later than noon October 30th, 2019. Only items pre-submitted for peer review will be eligible to be voted on at the business meeting.
For The Championship (Rule Changes)
Proposal 1: Section 3.4 states “A Rider wanting to compete in a class other than their normal class may do so by indicating to the Competition Director that they are riding for “Exhibition only”. This allows the rider to test their performance in another class. An exhibition rider will not be eligible for series points but may be eligible for the awards of the day subject to the discretion of the promoter.”
Proposed change: “A Rider wanting to compete in a class other than their normal class may do so however, they may only qualify for points in one class per season. Riders competing outside their normal class will be considered to be riding for “Exhibition only.” This allows the rider to test their performance in another class. An exhibition rider will not be eligible for series points but may be eligible for the awards of the day subject to the discretion of the promoter.”
Reason for change: This change will prevent the potential for riders changing classes towards the end of season from effecting season long point battles among the regular competitors in that class.
Proposal 2: Section 5.4.c states: “Rear dampers may be replaced with gas filled units. Rear wheel travel (not shock travel) is limited to four inches. Front wheel travel is limited to seven inches.”
Proposed change: “Rear dampers may be replaced with gas filled units. Rear wheel travel (not shock travel) is limited to four inches. Front wheel travel is limited to seven inches.”
Reason for Change: Rule seems unnecessary and submitter suspects that all the air cooled monoshock bikes have more than 4 inches of rear wheel travel.
Proposal 3: Section 8.0.b.5 states: “The rider does not have both hands on the handlebar when footing while stationary.”
Proposed change: “The Rider removes their hand from the handlebar and uses their hand to reposition the motorcycle or perform mechanical adjustments to the motorcycle when footing while stationary.”
Reason for Change: To be consistent with current NATC rules.
Proposal #4: Rule 10.1 states “Promoters should start events no earlier than Eleven O’clock Local on Saturday and no later than Nine O’clock Local on Sunday. There will be 30 minutes between the end of the morning event and the beginning of the afternoon event. Youth events will be held at the Promoters and Youth Directors discretion.”
Proposed change: “Promoters should start events no earlier than 11:00 a.m. local time on Saturday and no later than 9:00 a.m. local time on Sunday. Promotors may alter that time if warranted (e.g., available daylight, land use restrictions, etc.) and given the President’s permission. There will be 30 minutes between the end of the morning event and the beginning of the afternoon event. Youth events will be held at the Promoter’s and Youth Director’s discretion.”
Reason: Each year one or two events (most notably the Mark Moon Memorial Ride) occurs where daylight is limited because of Daylight Savings Time. Due to an early sunset Promotors and riders are hindered and sometimes put in a position where it is not safe to ride due to lack of daylight. The proposed change would give leeway to the Promotor to alter the start time under the guidance of the association’s President.
Proposal #5: Rule 12.3 states “Each rider’s championship score for the year shall be based on the points earned in ½ the total number of events plus one. Each rider’s best scores in this number of events shall be used in computing the total championship score for the year. (See Novice exception (page 5, item 4, #4)).”
Proposed change: “Each rider’s championship score for the year shall be based on the points earned in ½ the total number of events plus one. Each rider’s best scores in this number of events shall be used in computing the total championship score for the year. (See Novice exception (page 5, item 4, #4)).”
Reason for change: In 2015 Rule 4.4 was introduced to encourage Novice riders to remain active in STRA events by allowing them to qualify for year-end awards after only riding and working three events. Their Championship points however are tabulated the same as all other classes. Elimination of the wording in Rule 12.3 would help clarify this point.
Proposal #6: Rule 13.4 states “Thirty (30) layout points will be awarded to the Trials Master and one additional worker per STRA Trial. Layout points can only be earned one time per year.”
Proposed change: “Thirty (30) layout points may be awarded to the Trials Master and up to one additional worker per STRA Trial. Layout points can only be earned one time per year.”
Reason for change: Provide flexibility in awarding points. Some Trials Masters do not want the automatic points to go to their championship score and the current rule mandates the giving of 30 points.
Proposal #7: Rule 13.8 states “All STRA riders competing in the Florida Trials Association annual Fun in the Sun 2-Day event will be given work credit for that day’s event provided the rider finishes the event and was not given the opportunity to work in a scoring capacity.”
Proposed change: “All STRA riders competing in an event for which the Promoter provides checkers will be given work credit for that day’s event provided the rider finishes the event and was not given the opportunity to work in a scoring capacity.”
Reason for change: As evidenced by Hollytree this year, Promotors beyond Fun in the Sun are able to provide checkers for events. This proposal “officially” broadens the scope of events for which people can get work credit.
For Member Consensus
No items submitted at this time
For The Promoters (What we want Promoters to do for us)
No items submitted at this time