Changes in the 2026 AMA Rulebook

mshafer62

mshafer62

PR Addict
A friend at the AMA sent this to me:

Good Morning Organizers and Racers,
We’ve continued working hard to grow the sport while also taking important steps to improve safety and clarity within our rulebook. Please review the 2026 rule updates below.

Track Racing​

  • With referee approval, a rider may change bikes during an event. The rider must start from the penalty line.
  • Beginning in 2027, all racers competing on ½ mile or larger tracks must wear full-face helmets with integrated shields. Motocross-style helmets will no longer be permitted.

Motocross​

  • Beginning in 2027, the minimum age for an Amateur rider will increase from 12 to 14.
  • Chest and back protection is required for all riders.
  • Yellow flag violations will result in a 5-position penalty.
  • Red Cross flag violations will no longer be based on “wheels on the ground” language (now similar to yellow flag language). The penalty for violations will be 10 positions.
  • Wheelbase maximum for minibike classes has been eliminated.
  • 250cc 2-strokes are now allowed in Schoolboy 2.
  • Suspensions will be issued for first-time violations of Limited class and displacement rules.

Off Road​

  • Youth riders may no longer compete in youth mini classes once they turn 17.
  • Hard Enduro will now have its own separate RPV.
  • Supermini age range changes from 12–16 to 12–15.
  • Family Enduro rules for the 2026 season are now included in the rulebook.
  • Extreme Off-Road has been renamed Hard Enduro.

Specialized Sport​

  • Helmet standards have been updated.
  • Rules governing Pro riders competing in Amateur Hillclimb have been relaxed.

Sporting Commission​

  • Helmet certification rules updated to current standards.

Technical Commission​

  • New sound rules passed in 2025 have been pushed back one year.

Trials Commission​

  • Several minor rule changes to mirror North American Trials Council (NATC) rules.
  • Tires must meet Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) specifications.
  • Changes to rider ranking procedures.
Please review these changes carefully and reach out with any questions. We appreciate your continued partnership and commitment to making our sport stronger and safer.
 
I must have the same friend, I got it too!

I've already seen people freaking out on FB about the mandatory chest protector rule. Also seen a few comments from guys stating they are a big body size and there is no CP that actually fits them.
 
The chest protector rule for kids has been around for a few years.

“Big body protectors”. Could be a start to a company.
 
After 51's lawn dart off the top of 27, I bought a tech air chest pro. I had been wearing a fox hard protector under my jersey for years but this astar one is just as comfortable. Slightly warmer but not enough to complain about. No inopportune blow ups yet and fortunately haven't had to test it.

You'd have to be a really large fella to not be able to wear a chest pro. Ive seen some fellow big guys wearing them. The troy lee rockflight one looks like it goes pretty big.
 
Chest protectors are necessary not just for roost but sports dangerous enough why not have another form of protection and you don’t even notice having it on. The limited class suspension I’m wondering how they are going to do that and monitor it. In the amateur scene that will be hard
 
I never wear chest protectors, in the woods or mx. i just don’t like how they feel, super uncomfortable. Plus, the roost pisses me off and makes me ride harder haha.
 
Romanyak256 said:
I never wear chest protectors, in the woods or mx. i just don’t like how they feel, super uncomfortable. Plus, the roost pisses me off and makes me ride harder haha.
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Ah man... Cant tell you how many times they've saved me.. I honestly dont even feel my chest protector at all anymore but i sure appreciate its there when stuff gets sideways.
 
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