Why should your club join the ATVA and why should you sanction events?

To get new members for your club

Growing your ATV club can be tough, often because it's hard to find and reach other ATVers. For individual riders, finding a club nearby can be equally difficult. The ATVA helps bring enthusiasts together. As new clubs join we announce them in our bi-monthly publication, ATVA News, that is sent to all ATVA members and the clubs are listed right here in the club section of www.ATVAonline.com.

To get affordable event insurance

Clubs can sanction off-road poker runs or trail rides for motorcycles and ATVs and get affordable liability insurance. ATVA-chartered clubs can get insurance for trail rides or poker runs for as low as $161. Poker run and trail ride participants don't have to be ATVA or AMA members. This is a new change, and a big change, because in past years participants needed to be members.

When your club sanctions an ATVA event, we'll list your event both in ATVA News and in the monthly American Motorcyclist magazine, giving ATVers across the country information about your events. This allows you to boost attendance and brings in new club members.

Has your club run into roadblocks when property owners ask for a certificate of insurance? We're here to help. If your club promotes anything from a poker run and trail rides or even hare scrambles to motocross event, the ATVA can meet your needs.

To give your club more clout

Our sport is challenged by anti-ATV forces who want land closures, bans on children riding ATVs, and discriminatory regulations. Our Government Relations Department educates and empowers clubs, helping them become involved in political, legislative and regulatory arenas on all levels. ATVing can flourish only with the full participation of our members in the political process, and we're here to help you.

How does your club join the ATVA?

First, consider whether your club should be chartered with the ATVA as a Social Club, Recreational Promoting Club or Promoting Competition Club.

Social Clubs are just that: social organizations that don’t plan any organize events but want to show their support for the ATVA. You need five club members who currently belong to the ATVA or the American Motorcyclist Association as members. We'll provide you with new member applications along with your social club application, allowing you to sign up as many new members as you'd like. The annual Social Club charter fee is $25.

Promoting Recreational Clubs host trail rides, off-road poker runs or field meets. Event participants aren't required to be ATVA members. Recreational clubs must have at least 10 members who are members of the ATVA or AMA, one of whom is designated as a risk management officer. Also, at least one member of your club must attend a risk-management seminar conducted by the ATVA/AMA before conducting sanctioned events. The annual charter fee for a Recreational Club is $50.

Promoting Competition Clubs, or promoting clubs, host races like motocross, hare scrambles, TTs, flat-track or ice races. Racers must be ATVA or AMA members. Competition clubs must have at least 10 ATVA or AMA members, one of whom is designated as a risk management officer. Also, at least one member of your club must attend a risk-management seminar before conducting sanctioned events. The annual charter fee for a Competition Club is $100.

Visit the AMA Organizers site to download all forms you'll need to get started.