Alabama Cycling Association 2025 Rulebook

Coach Christie has asked everyone to "please go over the 2025 rule book. There is some good info in there. For example, if our kids are caught with caffeine or on a bike without a helmet strapped to their head at race venues the team will be penalized in overall points. Thanks for taking time to read through. Ask any questions."

Summary

• Effective Date: January 31, 2025.
• Applies to all student-athletes, coaches, parents, and event attendees.
• Violations may result in disciplinary actions ranging from warnings to permanent bans.
• Contact for rule clarifications: walt@alabamacycling.org.

Key Rules for Student-Athletes

1. Equipment & Safety Rules

• Helmets: Must be worn at all times while riding at ACA events (Orange-level violation).
• Bike Requirements:
  • Mountain bikes only (26”–29” wheels, knobby tires, no drop bars, no road/cyclocross/gravel bikes).
  • E-bikes & single-speed bikes are prohibited for student-athletes.
  • Functional brakes (front & rear) are mandatory.
• Traffic Laws: Riders must obey Alabama traffic laws at all times.
• Trail Etiquette:
  • Respect pedestrians and fellow riders.
  • Yield to uphill riders and follow local trail rules.
• Headphones & Music Players: Prohibited while riding (Orange-level violation).
• Cell Phones: No phone use while riding; must stop safely before using (Orange-level violation).

2. Rider Eligibility & Team Rules

• Open to middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students in Alabama.
• Riders must race for their assigned school/team unless an official petition is approved.
• Homeschoolers race with their zoned public school team or nearest composite team.
• Private school riders may petition to race with their zoned public school team if no private school team exists.

3. Racing Rules

• Pre-Ride: Riders must be accompanied by a registered ACA coach during pre-rides.
• Number Plates: Must be attached to bikes at all ACA races (Orange-level violation).
• Race Conduct:
  • No intentional blocking, swerving, or physical contact.
  • Passing must be safe and announced (“On your left” or “On your right”).
  • Bike pushers must yield to those riding.
  • No outside assistance for repairs (5-minute penalty).
• Prohibited Substances:
  • Performance-enhancing drugs (USADA banned list) = Full season ban.
  • Alcohol & drugs = 3-race suspension (first offense), increasing for repeat violations.
  • Tobacco/vaping = Required cessation class for continued eligibility.
  • Caffeine, taurine, guarana = Banned during ACA events.

4. Penalties & Consequences

• Yellow-Level: Warnings, time penalties, minor infractions.
• Orange-Level: Disqualification from races or events.
• Red-Level: Season-long bans, permanent prohibition.

Key Rules for Parents & Coaches

1. Conduct & Sportsmanship

• Parents and coaches must demonstrate respectful behavior at all times.
• No verbal abuse, profanity, or disrespectful behavior toward riders, officials, or other attendees.
• Disputes must be handled through Head Coaches, not directly with race officials.

2. Course & Race Day Rules

• Only riders may be on the course during races.
• No running or riding alongside riders during a race (Orange-level violation).
• No unauthorized course modifications or obstacles.
• All team tents and equipment must be in the designated Pit Zone.
• Feeding riders must only occur in the official Feed Zone.

3. Coaching & Team Management

• Teams must have an ACA-licensed Head Coach and Team Director.
• Coaches must complete:
  • Background checks, first aid & CPR certification, and abuse prevention training.
  • Field training hours based on experience level.
• Teams can hold a maximum of 4 practices per week, up to 16 hours per rider.

Scoring & Categories

• Category Placement: Based on grade level and past performance.
• Upgrades require a petition through a Head Coach or Team Director.
• Team Scoring:
  • Division I: Top 8 riders score.
  • Division II: Top 4 riders score.
  • Middle School: Top 4 riders score.
• Bonus Points: Riders completing all races get +25 season points.

Weather & Emergencies

• ACA monitors weather conditions and may adjust races as needed.
• Riders may be pulled from a race if deemed unsafe to continue.
• Emergency course closures will be announced as needed.

Race Officials & Protests

• Protests must be filed by the Head Coach/Team Director within 15 minutes of results posting.
• Decisions by the Chief Referee are final, and protests cannot be filed by parents or riders directly.
• All riders, parents, and coaches must show respect for officials and accept race outcomes in good sportsmanship.

Final Notes

• The full rulebook is legally binding, and ACA reserves the right to enforce or modify penalties as needed.
• All participants should familiarize themselves with ACA rules, policies, and expectations before the season.

📧 For questions, contact: walt@alabamacycling.org