The opportunity to propose changes to the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) Racing Rules was presented to the membership this fall. In addition to a few changes proposed by one of our current members, there is also a submission from OBRA for consideration. These proposed rule changes will be voted on during the OBRA Annual Meeting on Saturday, February 28. You can see all of the proposals below.
Who votes on rule changes? Our administrative rules specify one vote each from:
- One representative from each OBRA-registered team
- Individual race promoters
- The OBRA Director of Officials
- The OBRA Executive Director
We’ll also review a rule recently voted on and passed by the OBRA Board of Directors related to unmanned aircraft at OBRA events (see more details below).
The OBRA Annual Meeting will be held at Chris King Precision Components on Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m. Our Annual Awards party will follow the meeting at 6 p.m., and we’ll be celebrating our Best All Around Rider (BAR) winners and a great year of racing in 2025! Chris King is located at 2801 NW Nela Street, Portland, Oregon 97210.
We hope to see you there!
Rules submitted by OBRA member MJ Scheer
Additions to rule 5 which states: OBRA Championships will be designated by the OBRA Executive Director.
5.1 To be eligible to win a championship medal and jersey in any ability category (e.g., Category 1-5, Elite) or weight or attribute category (e.g., Clydesdale, Athena, Singlespeed) at an OBRA Championship event, a rider must have started at least one OBRA-sanctioned race in that same category during the current season.
5.1.1 This requirement does not apply to Age-Graded categories (e.g., Masters, Juniors) or gender-specific categories (e.g., Non-Binary) that lack weight, attribute, or ability distinctions.
5.1.2 Riders who have been mandatorily upgraded to a higher category by the OBRA Executive Director or a race series director (per Rule 6.1.1) less than 30 days prior to the OBRA Championship event are exempt from the requirement in 5.1 and should compete in their new category.
5.1.3 Riders participating in their first OBRA-sanctioned race are exempt from the requirement in 5.1. This includes riders assigned to a category other than Beginner/Category 5 per the upgrading guidelines referenced in Rule 6.
Edits to rule 6.1.1: (note strikethrough)
6.1.1 Riders who have been mandatorily upgraded and are more than halfway through a mountain bike or cyclocross series may request an exemption allowing for the completion of that specific series under the conditions below. The mandatory upgrade is in effect for all other races.
(i)The request is approved by the race series director and the OBRA executive director.
(ii)The exemption is granted for a maximum of three event days. (iii)The exemption may only be used once per rider per category.
Racers who podium in a series will automatically be upgraded to the next highest category.
Eliminating the current rule 20 and replacing it with:
20. The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association has a policy of diversity and inclusion, as set forth in the OBRA Code of Conduct and Bylaws.
20.1 For all OBRA-sanctioned events and categories (including State Championships), a member may self-select the gender category that best aligns with their gender identity in everyday life.
20.1.2 Members who identify as non-binary or gender expansive may choose to compete in the category (Men/Open or Women) that they feel is most appropriate for them.
Rule submitted by OBRA (note strikethroughs in bullet points)
20.1 Non-Elite Competition
At non-elite competition levels, a member may self-select his or her gender. Members who transition to a gender different from their gender on file with OBRA should contact OBRA to be placed in a class and category appropriate for that person’s racing resume and experience. Members will be subject to the mandatory upgrade policy, and OBRA may recategorize a member based on results achieved after a gender identity change. This policy may be used to either downgrade a member who is not able to compete in a higher category, or to upgrade a member who shows exceptional results in a given category outside of normal upgrade regulations. In the event that a question should arise about member’s eligibility 102 to participate in a manner consistent with his or her gender, any member may file a grievance with OBRA. In such a situation, criteria that may be used to determine a member’s eligibility in a chosen gender include evidence of one or more of the following:
- Does the member’s gender in their “everyday life” match
his or hertheir racing gender? - Has the member obtained civil documents with
his or hertheir racing gender identified (i.e. state I.D., driver’s license, birth
certificate)? - Attestation of gender identity from a medical professional
- Attestation of gender identity from a certified counselor, public official, school administrator, or other academic advisor.
Add:
If a member files a grievance, they must provide evidence none of the above requirements have been met. OBRA will not investigate the gender/gender identity of its members and racers until sufficient evidence is provided to necessitate further investigation.
Administrative rule proposal voted on and passed by the OBRA Board of Directors
Under section II Events: Competitive and Non-Competitive
Adding Subsection L
L. Unmanned Aircraft (UA)
Unmanned Aircraft including drones are prohibited at OBRA-sanctioned events with the following exception:
- The pilot has obtained a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.
- The pilot provides OBRA with a certificate of liability insurance naming OBRA as an additional insured on the policy.
- The limits of the insurance policy must match or exceed the limits on the insurance policy held by OBRA.
- Any unmanned aircraft operation at an OBRA sanctioned event must be pre-approved by the OBRA executive director.
