Check Out Our Sister-series: AMA Regional West Hare Scramble
Season Finale: November 16-17 Lucerne Valley, CA

Downed Rider Ettiquette

Racing is an inherently dangerous sport, and when competing in an AMA National Hare & Hound Event, sportsmanship and looking out for the rider beside you is of the utmost importance.

While both the NHHA and the host Club do absolutely everything within our power to ensure a downed rider is tended to without hesitation, all riders are expected to exhibit a basic etiquette for their peers in need. Sometimes a downed rider is miles from camp, and a medic or rescue crew are still a call away. It’s just the nature of our racing, and no rider’s race is more important than the safety of another individual, regardless of class or running position.

Below are a few best practices when looking out for a downed rider:

  1. IDENTIFY
    • Is the rider off of their motorcycle (standing, or on the ground)?
  2. STOP
    1. If yes, you must SLOW and STOP.
    2. By not slowing or stopping to ensure clear communication, you risk the rider’s safety.
  3. ASK
    • Communicate with the rider by asking if they are OKAY, along with a thumbs up.
      • Generally, a rider will give a strong thumbs up when they are not in need of assistance. These riders are fully coherent and their motorcycle or ATV is in good condition.
      • Injured riders are typically hunched over, on the ground, unconscious, confused, not breathing or showing other visible signs of stress. These riders may not be able to reciprocate and their motorcycle or ATV is likely on the ground.
  4. ACT 
    • If the rider gives you a thumbs up:
      • Continue on, but communicate the rider’s number to the next check or point of contact with the club to let them know the rider was stopped. This is important to ensure the rider did in fact continue on, and the club is aware.
    • If the rider is in need of help or medical attention:
      • DO NOT MOVE THE RIDER
      • Look for on-coming riders and wave your arms to let them know to slow down
      • Turn off or remove the the downed riders motorcycle if it is on top of the rider’s body.
      • Move the motorcycle off of the trail immediately. Do not move the rider.
  5. STAY
    • STAY with the rider and STOP the next on coming rider to hand them the downed rider’s stuck stub.
    • Keep the rider calm and wait for help. If you are certified to assess the situation (an EMT, Paramedic, Doctor) proceed as obligated.