2025 XKIDS Balance Bike Competition Rules

1. Competition Groups

1.1 Age Groups

• U2 (2-year-old group): Maximum of 4 participants per group.

• U3 (3-year-old group): Maximum of 4 participants per group.

• U4 (4-year-old group): Maximum of 4 participants per group.

• U5 (5-year-old group): Maximum of 4 participants per group.

• U6 (6-year-old group): Maximum of 4 participants per group.

• ASD Group: 4 participants per group (not subject to group merging; rules determined based on actual registrations, following the standard competition format for now).

• If the number of participants in a specific age group is insufficient, the group may be merged with an adjacent age group according to BMX Race Rules. For example, some 5-year-olds may be merged with the 6-year-old group.

1.2 Check-in & Competition Schedule

• Check-in Time:

  • 8:30 AM: General check-in, equipment inspection.

  • U2, U3 groups: Check-in closes at 9:30 AM.

  • U4, U5, U6 groups: Check-in closes at 10:30 AM.

• Competition Start Time:

  • Races begin at 9:35 AM, with groupings published online and on-site. The order will be: U2, U3, ASD, U4, U5, U6.

  • Adjustments may be made based on real-time conditions, subject to the referee team and organizing committee's announcements.

2. Late Arrivals

• If a participant has not completed check-in and equipment inspection by the deadline, they will forfeit the race.

• For special circumstances, please contact the event organizer in advance. If approved by the chief referee, arrangements may be adjusted based on the schedule.

3. Competition Format

3.1 Total Point Rule (For Groups with ≤4 Participants)

• Three rounds of races will be held, with up to 4 riders per round (minimum 3 riders; if fewer than 3, merging with an adjacent age group will occur).

• Points are awarded based on finishing position in each round. The total score from all three rounds determines the final ranking (1st-4th place).

• In case of a tie, rankings will be determined by:

  1. The number of 1st place finishes across all three rounds.

  2. If still tied, the ranking in the final round.

  3. If still tied, a tiebreaker race may be held, at the discretion of the referees.

3.2 General Group Advancement Rules

• Preliminary Round 1:

  • Groups of 3-4 riders start together.

  • 1st place advances to the semifinals; others proceed to Preliminary Round 2.

  • If a group has fewer than 3 participants, the organizing committee will adjust the race format accordingly.

• Preliminary Round 2:

  • Groups of 3-4 riders start together.

  • 1st place advances to the semifinals; others are eliminated.

  • Adjustments may be made if group sizes are less than 3.

• Each rider competes in at least 2 rounds, except for those who win in Round 1.

• Semifinals:

  • Groups of 3-4 riders compete; the top 2 finishers advance to the final.

• Finals:

  • A maximum of 4 riders from the semifinals compete for 1st to 4th place.

  • If only two groups exist in a category, the top 2 riders from each may advance directly to the final.

  • The final race structure is subject to the event day arrangements by the referees and organizing committee.

4. Competition Rules

4.1 Start and Race Process

• Each group consists of 3-4 riders.

• The referee gives the start commands:

  1. “Riders Ready!” (Get ready)

  2. “Watch the Gate!” (Gate drops, race starts)

• Lane Assignments:

  • Determined by draw lots before the race.

  • Subsequent rounds may have additional lane draws, subject to referee announcements.

4.2 Placement Determination

• The rider whose front wheel crosses the finish line first is placed higher.

• If riders fall or finish closely together, the referees' judgment is final.

5. Safety & Conduct Rules

5.1 Equipment Requirements

• Only 12-inch or 14-inch balance bikes (no pedals) are allowed.

• Mandatory: Helmet.

• Recommended: Knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and appropriate sports shoes.

• All equipment must pass an inspection before racing.

• Rental bikes, helmets, and protective gear will be available on-site.

5.2 Race Conduct

• Riders must propel themselves using their feet. No external assistance is allowed.

• Parents may cheer from the sidelines but must not enter the track or interfere with the race.

• If a rider falls, volunteers or referees may help move the bike or assist them to a safe area, but no pushing is allowed.

• If a rider is injured or unable to continue, the referees will determine if the race should be stopped.

• If a rider is absent at the time of their race, they will be called once over the loudspeaker. Failure to appear results in forfeiture.

• Parents entering the track after a warning may result in the rider’s disqualification.

6. Points System

6.1 Single Race Points

• 1st Place: 10 points

• 2nd Place: 8 points

• 3rd Place: 6 points

• 4th Place: 4 points

• Other finishers: 2 points

• Non-finishers: 0 points

6.2 League Total Points

• If the event is part of a 4-race league, total points across races determine final rankings.

• In case of a tie:

  1. Number of 1st place finishes.

  2. Number of 2nd place finishes.

  3. Final race result or best finish in the last event.

  4. If still tied, a tiebreaker race may be held.

7. Awards

7.1 Single Race Awards

• Trophies & Medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group.

• All finishers receive a finisher medal.

7.2 League Awards (if applicable)

• Overall Champion of each age group receives:

  • Grand Champion Trophy

  • One free Stouffville BMX Racing experience class

8. Media & Photography Authorization

• The organizers may take photos/videos for promotion, education, and reporting purposes.

• By registering, participants and guardians agree to this usage without additional notification or compensation.

• Photos will be shared free of charge with parents.

• Concerns can be addressed with the organizers.

9. Miscellaneous

• All participants must sign a liability waiver.

• Parents are advised to purchase accident insurance.

• The final interpretation of these rules rests with the organizing committee.

• For any questions, please contact the event organizers or referees.

Good luck to all young riders—enjoy the race!