2025 Rule Changes

Filed under General on November 08, 2024 | Comment(s)

At USA BMX and BMX Canada, we’ve listened closely to the BMX community and we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates for 2025!  Our dedicated team, made up of lifelong BMX enthusiasts, has been actively engaging with riders, parents, volunteers, and track operators to find ways to improve the program. These updates are inspired by your valuable feedback, and we can’t wait to roll them out for 2025!

 Proficiency Advancement 

During COVID, thanks to dedicated volunteers across North America, BMX flourished while many sports faced extended shutdowns. Our tracks kept the sport alive by hosting events safely and attracting new riders who wanted to stay active. However, some of these riders have since returned to their original sport. One factor may be the rapid advancement in proficiency, which can make the sport feel challenging for newcomers. To address this, we’ve talked with track operators across North America and are adjusting the criteria for advancement in 2025. Here’s what’s changing:

Starting in 2025, wins will only count toward proficiency advancement if a rider beats at least two riders of the same age group and skill level, or better.

• Ages 5 & Under through 16: Riders must beat at least two others who are in their age group or older and at the same skill level or higher.
  
  

• Ages 17 & Over: Riders must beat at least two others who are in their age group or younger and at the same skill level or higher.

This change aims to prevent riders from advancing too quickly due to "easy wins”, supporting a more balanced progression. 

Tracking wins will be easier, as nearly all races are submitted electronically. Results will be updated daily on our new website and the upcoming mobile app (launching early 2025). The website's Live Motos feature will also display each rider’s age and skill level, so competitors and parents can see if a win qualifies.

State/Provincial Championship Series

We’ve heard from tracks and riders facing challenges due to their location, which sometimes limits their ability to compete in the series. Geographically, they may live closer to tracks in another state (or province) than their residence.Therefore, starting in 2025, we’re introducing OPEN BORDERS for the Championship Series in all states and provinces. Any rider can compete and earn points for a series ranking within any state or province, regardless of residency.

Key Changes:

• Point System: Points will be earned through SCR/PCR events and single-point races in the selected state or province where the rider is attempting to earn a ranking.
  
  
  

• Single-Point Race Impact Reduction: Single-point race contributions will be reduced by 47.5%, with only the top 4 single-point scores counted. An additional bonus of 1 point will be awarded for races 5 through 8. This adjustment lowers the potential impact for an Expert-level class from 160 points to 84 points.

Racing Rules – Total Points for Single Group Classes

Starting in 2025, classes with 8 or less riders will switch to a total points system, where all riders in the class will race 3 times with the finish determined by lowest points. In the event of a tie, the final round will be the tie-breaker. In addition, all riders in the class will receive finish points based on that finish. Previously, in 4-8 rider classes, the last-place rider would receive “rider points” only instead of finish points as they would not transfer to the main event to earn a finish. This change will apply to all sanctioned events within USA BMX & BMX Canada.

This change benefits riders who continuously make an effort to support their local tracks, but may find themselves moved to a more challenging class. Now, even if you're combined into a tougher 4-8 rider class, you’ll still earn finish points for your position instead of being limited to rider points.

Timing & Scoring

At USA BMX national events the following classes will be required to utilize a transponder for racing:

Men Pro
Women Pro
Vet Pro
Pro Open
SX Open
Girls Expert
Expert
UCI CHALLENGE

Race Manager now has the ability to accept scoring data from the Sqorz software. With a simple API connection, the Race Manager scoring grid will accept the data provided that every rider within the moto has an active and working transponder.

What else does this mean for racers?

• Faster Results: See your results almost instantly! This means less waiting around and more time to celebrate victories or plan your next race strategy.
• Advanced Seeding: Round seeding will be based on your transponder times, leading to fairer and more competitive races.
• Gate Pick by Time: Get ready to choose your gate based on your qualifying time!

Transponders are revolutionizing BMX racing by providing accurate, timely scoring at an affordable cost—much lower than in other racing disciplines, both for purchase and subscription. 

We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Sqorz as more sanctioned tracks across North America install these systems. This advancement allows riders and parents to elevate their training and performance, bringing the future of BMX racing to life!