1. The course shall consist of sections in numerical order laid out on a loop. Turns must be marked with arrows. Caution or danger spots on the course must be adequately marked.

2. The design and layout of the sections shall be such that they do not present unrealistic or overly hazardous conditions to riders in the respective class. Trails connecting the sections must not present challenges above the skill level of the lowest class riders.

3. Section design for “flowing” no-stop sections is strongly encouraged. Challenges requiring “stop & hop” techniques should be avoided if possible.

4. All sections should be ridden several times by the organizer or his representative (non-rider in trial) to ensure their suitability for use. Event organizers should pay special attention to the effects of changing weather on each section and plan for possible route changes. The Sporting Steward serves the Executive Committee as the COTA representative who may judge the suitability of the sections and has the authority to delay the start of the trial until any required changes are made.

5. Each section shall be adequately marked throughout to show the required path and boundaries for each class. The sections shall progress through gates of one meter minimum width marked with red on right and blue on left. Riders are limited only by the splits and gates that pertain to their class. All other ground within the section is “free territory”.

6. Once the event has begun, the sections must be ridden as is and as they develop, changes to sections cannot be made after having been ridden by a single competitor.

7. Each section shall be numbered and have clearly marked start gates and end gates one meter minimum width.

8. Each section shall be ridden in numerical order. No section shall be ridden twice in a row.

9. Each trial shall consist of a minimum of 24 attempts, maximum of 36. Exceptions to this shall only be granted by the Executive Committee and the trials marshal.

10. Group check system shall have groups consisting of riders from the same competition class unless done so or approved by the course marshal. No rider may punch his own card- punching your own card may result in disqualification. Supplementary rules may be in effect at group check trials, the course marshal shall communicate these rules at the riders meeting prior to the trial.