Arrive & Sign On
Arrive at the time advised by the club and complete event sign-on. The Observer Coordinator or Race Secretary will confirm where you need to be and what happens next.
Pathfinders Observer Guide
Thank YouObservers
Whether you are considering observing for the first time, have already put your hand up, or have stood on sections for us for years: thank you. Giving up your riding day or your Sunday so somebody else can compete is a huge contribution to the club.
You Make Observed Trials Possible
We Really Do Appreciate It
Observers are not an afterthought. They are one of the people who make a competitive trial possible. We know it is a long day, we know you are giving up your own time, and we know standing on a section carries responsibility. Pathfinders wants you to feel informed, supported and appreciated from the moment you arrive.
You do not need to be an experienced trials rider. If you are new, tell us. We will explain the scoring, show you the equipment and make sure you know which club official to call when something is unclear.
The Whole Day
Observer Walkthrough
This is the normal Pathfinders process. Event-specific instructions, the Supplementary Regulations and the riders/officials briefing always take priority.
Observer Briefing
You will be told the scoring format, section allocation, event-specific rules, finish time and who the supporting official is. Ask anything now - there are no silly questions.
Collect Equipment
Your observer pack includes the scoring phone, a notepad for manual adjustments, a stylus and a cleaning cloth, plus any event-specific information you need. The coordinator will show you the scoring app before you head to the section.
Walk Your Section
Identify Section Begins and Section Ends, the boundaries, each grade line/gate and a safe place where you can clearly see the attempt.
Confirm the Rider
Before scoring, make sure you have the correct rider number. Watch the complete attempt from the front axle entering the section until the front axle leaves it.
Score the Attempt
Apply the standard 0, 1, 2, 3 or 5 score. Record it promptly and accurately. The greatest penalty incurred in the section is the score - penalties are not added together beyond that.
Unsure? Ask
Do not guess and do not get drawn into an argument. Contact the supporting official or Observer Coordinator. Sporting rulings and disputes are for the appointed officials to handle.
Finish & Return Gear
At the end of the event, return the scoring equipment as directed. If anything unusual happened, let the coordinator or event official know before you leave.
Digital Section Scoring
Using the Observer Trials Recorder
Pathfinders uses the Observer Trials Recorder app on the section phones. Once you have seen the sequence a couple of times it is very simple: enter the rider number, confirm it, watch the attempt, select the score and press Enter.
01
Enter the Competitor Number
On the Record screen, use the large number pad to enter the rider number shown on the rider or bib.
02
Check the Rider & Press Enter
The number you entered appears in the Competitor box. Take a moment to make sure it is the correct rider, then press Enter to move to scoring.
03
Watch, Select the Score & Enter
The app shows the rider and lap number. Watch the complete attempt, tap the score you observed, check the Competitor and Score boxes, then press Enter to save it.
04
Use Summary to Check Progress
The Summary tab shows the competitors recorded at your section, their running total and the number of laps recorded. It is a useful check if you are unsure whether an entry went through.
The simple sequence:Rider arrives → enter rider number → ENTER → watch the section → select score → check rider and score → ENTER.
About the 10 button:
The app may show an additional 10 option. Standard observed section scores are 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5. Only use any additional app function when it has been explained in the event briefing or by the supporting official.
If an entry needs a manual adjustment
Do not rely on memory. Use the notepad in the observer pack to record the rider number, lap and the adjustment that is needed, then pass it to the Observer Coordinator, scorer or supporting official as directed at the briefing.
2026 Standard Trial
The Score Is Usually Simple
The 2026 Manual of Motorcycle Sport recognises Trial, No-Stop Trial and Super Trial. Unless the Supplementary Regulations say otherwise, events use the standard Trial rules. The summary below is for standard Trial.
Important 2026 clarification:
In standard Trial, moving backwards without footing is 0. Moving backwards while footing is a 5. MA changed the no-footing rollback penalty in Information Bulletin #2074 to align with FIM scoring.
Rules That Matter Most
What You Are Watching For
When the section starts and ends
The motorcycle is in the observed section from when the front axle passes the Section Begins gate until the front axle passes the Section Ends gate.
What counts as footing
A rider touching the ground or an obstacle with part of the body counts as footing. A machine touching with permitted parts such as tyres, wheels, footrests, frame, engine casing or protection plate is not automatically footing. Sliding a foot counts as more than two footings.
Stopping and hopping
Under standard Trial rules, stopping without footing is 0. Moving either wheel sideways while stopped and without footing is also 0. If the rider foots while stopped, score the footing unless a five-point failure also occurs.
Stalling
A stalled engine is not automatically a five in standard Trial. Apply the penalty for any footing that occurs. If something unusual happens, record what you saw and ask the supporting official.
Grade markers and gates
Watch the rider’s own grade line. Missing a gate, taking it in the wrong direction, passing the wrong side of the rider’s grade marker, or riding over/touching/dislodging that grade marker can result in a five.
Boundaries
Crossing a boundary with either wheel on the ground, breaking boundary tape or dislodging a boundary marker is a five. If a marker or tape issue is unclear, involve the supporting official rather than debating it with the rider.
Common five-point failures in standard Trial
Moving backwards while footing
Missing or riding a gate in the wrong direction
Crossing or breaking a section boundary
Wrong side / touching / riding over own grade marker
Handlebar touches the ground
Dismounting - both feet down on the same side or behind the machine
Footing while stationary without both hands on the handlebar
Crossing the machine’s tracks while moving forward
Once a five has happened:
The rider has received the maximum section score and must vacate the section at the first available opportunity or as directed by an official. Do not add extra section penalties on top of the five.
Timing & Difficult Situations
You Are Not On Your Own
90-second section time
The 90-second section allowance is applied at National Championships and State Championship rounds. Other open events may use it only when included in the Supplementary Regulations. Do not start timing a normal club section unless the event briefing tells you to.
A rider disagrees with you
Stay calm and do not get into an argument. State the score you observed and refer the rider or minder to the supporting official. You are not expected to conduct a rules debate while trying to watch the next rider.
You realise you made a mistake
Tell the supporting official or Observer Coordinator as soon as practical so the score can be reviewed and corrected through the proper process. Do not quietly change a result because somebody pressures you.
Safety or an incident
Your own safety matters too. Stand where you can see without placing yourself in the rider’s line. If there is an incident, follow the event briefing and alert the appropriate official or first-aid support rather than putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Your Section Equipment
What Is in the Observer Pack?
The pack is set up so you have the basic tools needed to record scores and deal with small corrections during the day.
Scoring Phone
Set up with the Observer Trials Recorder for your allocated section. The coordinator will confirm the section before you leave sign-on.
Notepad
For manual adjustments or corrections that need to be passed back to the scorer or supporting official. Write it down rather than trying to remember it later.
Stylus
Makes the large scoring buttons easier to operate throughout the day and helps keep handling consistent when conditions are dusty or damp.
Cleaning Cloth
For keeping the phone screen clear enough to read and operate as the day goes on.
The Best Seat in the House
Right Beside the Action
Observing is a job that matters, but it also puts you right beside the section. You get to watch every grade work out the same terrain, see different lines and techniques, and be part of the event rather than standing on the sidelines.
If you are new to trials, observing can also be one of the quickest ways to learn what riders and officials are looking for.
What Pathfinders Provides
Support, Food & Recompense
We want observers concentrating on the section, not wondering who to call or whether they have been forgotten. The club’s Observer Coordinator and appointed officials are there to support you.
Allocates sections, provides equipment, explains the basics, checks on observers and helps organise relief or assistance.
An appointed club official is available for scoring questions, unusual situations and sporting rulings. New observers are not expected to work everything out alone.
Pathfinders provides observers with lunch and a drink during the event. Let the coordinator know about relevant dietary needs when you volunteer.
Under the 2026 club policy, a whole-day observer receives $80 per full event day to help cover out-of-pocket expenses. It is one payment per section, per day.
Observer Rules Cheat Sheet
A print-friendly quick reference covering standard 0-1-2-3-5 scoring, common five-point failures, rollback/stopping, timing and what to do when you are unsure.
Download the 2026 Cheat SheetRules reference: 2026 Motorcycling Australia Manual of Motorcycle Sport, Chapter 15 - Trial, particularly GCR 15.12, plus applicable MA Information Bulletins. Rules and event Supplementary Regulations can change. Current MA rules · MA bulletins
Questions, Feedback or Suggestions
Tell Us What Would Make Observing Better
If a rule is unclear, you have an idea for improving observer support, or something did not work well at an event, please tell us. Constructive feedback helps the club make the job easier for the next observer.