Event & Location
The event name, date, venue or address, GPS information where applicable, and a link to the event map.
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.
Before the Event
Your Observer Information Pack
Once you are confirmed as an observer, Pathfinders will send you a personalised Observer Pack by email before the event. Please read it before you arrive so you already know the important event details and where to find the information you may need on the day.
Briefing & Section
Your section allocation if it is known beforehand, plus the Observer Coordinator and briefing information. Some section allocations may be confirmed at the briefing.
Officials for the Day
The key appointed officials and support people for the event so you know who is there to assist when something needs to be escalated.
Observer Cheat Sheet
A direct link to the current Pathfinders Observer Rules Cheat Sheet so you can review the scoring basics before event day.
Observer Rider List
A printable, class-coloured rider list is attached to the email to help identify rider numbers and classes during the event.
Feedback Link
The pack includes a link for observer feedback after the event so you can tell us what worked well and what would make observing easier.
Confirmed but no pack?
Check your junk or spam folder. If it has not arrived before the event, contact Pathfinders so we can resend it or confirm the details with you.
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.
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.
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 Section Equipment
On event day you will collect the scoring phone, a notepad for manual adjustments, a stylus and a cleaning cloth, plus any other section equipment provided for the event. 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
Tap the rider tag or enter the rider number, then confirm the name, class and lap shown on the phone. 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. Press and briefly hold the score button to confirm the entry, then call the score clearly enough for the rider to hear. 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.
Pathfinders Section Scoring
Using the Pathfinders Observer Recorder
Pathfinders is moving away from the previous ACU scoring app and now uses its own dedicated Observer Recorder on the section phones. It has been built around the way our trials actually run, so the phone can show you the rider, class, correct lap requirement and event updates while you concentrate on watching the section.
01
Tap the Rider Tag or Enter the Number
The quickest method is to tap the rider’s programmed NFC tag against the phone. The app can also be used by entering the rider number manually, so scoring can continue if a tag is unavailable.
02
Check the Rider Details
Before scoring, check the rider number, name, class and lap shown on screen. Event Control can also send rider-status changes such as DNS or DNF to the phone, so you can see when a rider is no longer expected.
03
The App Knows the Correct Laps
Different grades may ride different numbers of laps, and some grades may not ride every section. The phone receives those requirements from Event Control and shows each rider’s progress and how many rides they still need at your section.
04
Watch, Score & Check the Section
Watch the complete attempt, then press and briefly hold the 0, 1, 2, 3 or 5 score to confirm it. The score is saved on the phone immediately. The Log and Riders screens then show section workload, riders accounted for and rides remaining.
05
Review or Correct an Entry
If you notice an entry is wrong, open the Log and select Edit. The rider number or score can be corrected without relying on memory, and the scoring system keeps the change in the event record.
06
Send a Private Rider Note to Event Control
If something happens at your section that Event Control should know about, tap NOTE, scan or enter the rider number and leave a short factual note. Rider Notes are sent separately from scores, are visible only to Event Control and are not included in results or Rider Stats.
The simple sequence:Rider arrives → tap NFC tag or enter number → confirm name, class and lap → watch the complete attempt → hold the score to save → move to the next rider.
Observed Event
Normal section observers have SCORE, LOG, NOTE and RIDERS available. NOTE is the private Event Control channel for rider-related issues or follow-up.
Self-observed Event
The normal rider view is deliberately simplified to SCORE and RIDERS. Private Observer Notes and the full observer Log are hidden because riders are recording their own attempts.
Keep Rider Notes factual:
Use the NOTE screen for concise event-control information such as a rider questioning a score, a repeated section issue, an official being requested, or something Event Control should follow up. Do not use it as part of the score itself.
Double-up Detection
If the same rider is presented again within the set double-up time window, the app warns you to check that it is a genuine next ride before another score is entered.
Correct Grade Progress
The app uses the lap requirement for that rider’s grade and day, rather than assuming every rider completes the same number of laps.
Rider Updates From Event Control
A Sync refresh can bring updated rider information to the section phone, including DNS, DNF and who is or is not required to ride your section.
Scores Stay on the Phone
Poor reception does not stop the section. Scores are saved locally first and can be synced when a connection is available again.
Know What Is Still Outstanding
The Riders and Log screens show who has finished, who still has rides remaining and the combined section workload so you can see how the day is progressing.
Wet-weather Backup Controls
If the touchscreen becomes difficult to use in wet conditions, the scoring phone can also use its physical volume buttons as a backup score-control method.
Double-up warning:
A warning does not mean the second attempt is automatically wrong. It is a prompt to confirm that the rider really has returned for their next ride before you record another score.
If something does not look right
Do not guess. Check the rider details on the phone and ask the supporting official or Observer Coordinator if the rider, lap, status or scoring situation is unclear. The app is there to support the observer’s decision, not replace it.
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.
On Event Day
Your Section Equipment
This is separate from the Observer Information Pack emailed before the event. On the day, the club provides the basic equipment needed to record scores and deal with small corrections at your section.
Scoring Phone
Set up with the Pathfinders Observer Recorder for your allocated section. The coordinator will confirm the section, show you the SCORE, LOG, NOTE and RIDERS screens and make sure the phone is ready 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.