In this guide
- What you need first: Off-road marshals: age 16. No qualifications, because there's a briefing at the start of each event.
- What you'll learn: Track safety, flags and how an event is run.
- How long it takes: A marshal works a few hours on the day. Clerk of the Course takes years of other roles first.
- Cost: Marshalling is usually voluntary. The ACU says some clubs give small rewards, such as food or a small payment.
- What's next: Officials track: marshal, then seminars, then other roles, then Clerk of the Course. Riding track: licences. Coaching track: ACU coach.
The roles
The ACU lists observers, marshals, Clerk of the Course, technical officials, timekeepers and event secretaries.
Off-road marshal
- From 16.
- Briefed at the start of each event.
- Motocross marshals can go to marshals' seminars and join the register of trained marshals, for events from grassroots up to Grand Prix.
Clerk of the Course
The Clerk of the Course is the chief executive official of an event and appoints the others under them. The ACU advises doing other roles first and watching how an appointed Clerk works. For off-road, it says the path is less intense than in road racing, but the job still means tough decisions, protests and discipline.
Officials at AMCA events
The AMCA says three qualified officials sign off every motocross event to make sure it matches the rule book. There's also an elected coordinator who can give riders advice.
Safety training
The ACU says it trains stewards, marshals and observers for track safety.
Source: Becoming a Marshal, Clerk of Course, Choosing a Sport and About The ACU, ACU; General FAQs, AMCA; Head injury and concussion, NHS; checked October 2026.
Governing body: Auto-Cycle Union (ACU). It sets the UK safety standards and licences for motocross, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
