Posted July 17, 2006

There Needs to be a Rule!

By ATVA Director Doug Morris

Have you ever said something like "there needs to be a rule" or “that’s a dumb rule?”

If not, I'm sure you have heard someone else say something like that, possibly many times.

Most people just complain to others in the pits or log on to chat rooms anonymously and complain.

Others go about it the right way. They send their comments to someone who can make a change for you.

Here are a just a few selected comments that we received recently from a very passionate parent, concerning the current classes and types of machines that are allowed to compete in youth ATV classes.

"I think that if you really do care about the future of ATVs when it comes to the minis (which are the riders of the future) then you will take serious note.

"I feel very strongly that the way things are now are NOT for the good of the sport and it has had detrimental effects on the riders and the parents morale."

Let’s face it, youth ATV racing is growing by leaps and bounds.

New manufacturers are entering the market every year. Existing manufacturers are offering more models along with race-inspired improvements.

Not to mention the all-new race ready youth ATVs available in multiple engine sizes, with the possibility of more to come.

Parents and promoters are both facing many challenges. What was the latest and greatest ATV last year may not be able to compete this year.

What are parents to do? They have a perfectly good youth ATV, but they can’t compete against the new, up-to-date ATVs.

The promoter once had a good group of youth ATVs in a particular class, but many stay home because the latest-and-greatest youth ATVs show up and dominate the class.

Some say this is good for the sport, while others say it is hurting the sport and something must be done.

Just who is responsible for all the existing rules and classes? The American Motorcyclist Association Congress, which is made up of elected individuals from each of the 44 AMA districts in the country.

The staff at the ATVA and AMA don't make the rules, Congress delegates do. The staff must administer the rules that Congress gives them to work with.

If you want to make a change you need to communicate your ideas to a Congress delegate.

Will every suggestion you submit change the rules? Maybe! The delegates of the ATV committee will meet the first weekend in October to discuss your suggestions.

ATV-specific delegates will discuss at length each and every suggestion and either pass, modify or turn down each proposal. It is the vote of the ATV Congress delegates that make the rules that affect you.

If you want changes, it can start with YOU. At the bottom of the Racing page on this website is ATVA Congress. Just do a search by your state. If you don’t have a delegate in your state, no problem. Just select another state.

Now contact the delegate of your choice and get your suggestions in TODAY! Don’t wait. The deadline is August 1.

© 2006, All Terrain Vehicle Association