2008 Manual of Motorcycle Sport - Motorcycling Australia

This effort is to help you navigate as safely as
possible, but there are always some hazards that
appear during the event or may go unmarked, so
you must beware.
During an event, you may see trail markers,
follow a roll chart or receive instructions from a
corner person.
Once on the road or trail, you must keep an eye
out for trail markers, hazards and other road users.
This can be very difficult for new riders whose focus
might be on the trail in front of them, rather than
their surroundings.
At speed, it’s easy to miss a trail marker or misread
the roll chart, so as you ride, remember to frequently
look ahead for turns, obstacles and other road users.
If you get hurt, stay close to the trail or road side
so someone will see you. If you break down, stay
with your bike. This protocol avoids arranging a
search for people who may have left the trail.
the corner man system
MA events will often use an internationally
recognised hazard system called the Corner Man
(CM) system.
The Corner Man System is a user-friendly
system that helps create safer riding. It accounts
for a variety of skills and experience, allowing
everyone to ride at their own pace, with a safety net
if something goes wrong.
There are three main components of the CM
System.
Lead Rider – They wear red vests or helmet
covers.
Riders – known as the corner men.
Sweeps – They wear green vests or helmet covers.
how the corner man system works
When the Lead Rider arrives at a hazard, an
environmental issue or a change in trail direction,
he/she will indicate to the following rider (using pre
agreed hand signals) that they are to STOP and
WAIT.
That rider then becomes the Corner Man. Their
job is to indicate to all riders that follow the hazard,
or change in trail direction. They should also count
the number of riders that pass, comparing it with the
number that started.
Only once the Sweep (last rider) arrives, the
Corner Man can proceed. If there’s a difference in
the number of riders that have passed the corner
man and those who started, it’s the Corner Man’s
enjoy the ride
job to tell the Sweep(s).
The benefit of the CM
System is that it allows
all riders to ride the trail at
their own pace, determined
by their experience. The
more experience riders
who have waited while
acting as a Corner Man can
make their way through the
riding group. These riders may find themselves acting in
the Corner Man role more frequently as their skill level
dictates.
No rider is permitted to pass the Lead Rider, and
no rider should fall behind
the Sweep.
hand signals
transport signal
Once they receive a
transport signal, riders
must reduce their speed
and not overtake. This
signal may apply where
there is a dust or other
hazard.
directional signal
Riders need to follow
the direction of the signal,
coming from a Corner
Man, and not ride on any
sidetracks, major or minor, unless indicated.
slow down
When they receive the slow down signal, riders
must reduce speed and watch, as there may be
danger or hazard ahead. This signal may also be
used where the trail can be easily damaged, so
riders should keep a steady throttle.
bike problems
If a there’s problem with a bike, the rider should
move it off the trail to a safe area where it won’t
obstruct other traffic. The following rider should stop
to render assistance and aid in the investigation of
the problem. If it can’t be fixed, the Sweep(s) will
follow the procedure for vehicle evacuation.
If you become separated from the rest of group,
stay calm and think carefully. Stop your bike, switch
off the engine and remove your helmet so you can
hear other bikes. It might be some time before you
2008 RIDERS’ DIVISION MANUAL