How to Become a BMX Commissaire in the UK
You’ll see them trackside at races, watching closely while everyone else follows their own rider. They’re there before racing starts, making decisions during the day and dealing with work that continues after the final.
Commissaires are part of the reason we get to race.
If you’re wondering how to become a BMX commissaire, this guide explains British Cycling’s training pathway and where to find courses.
The UK BMX racing scene needs more people willing to take on that responsibility. If we want clubs to keep putting on events, and riders to have opportunities to race, we need to keep bringing new officials into the sport.
For parents, former riders and club volunteers wondering how to help, becoming a commissaire is worth a serious look.
This guide follows the British Cycling pathway used in England, Scotland and Wales. If you’re based in Northern Ireland, check the applicable training and appointment arrangements with your club and governing body before booking.
Why BMX needs more commissaires
A track, a full entry list and a willing organiser aren’t enough on their own. Racing also needs appropriately qualified officials.
British Cycling makes the need for new officials clear in its commissaire guidance, which explains how much competition depends on volunteers across the disciplines.
For BMX, recruiting more commissaires means building a larger group of people who can help deliver races. It gives organisers more people to approach, shares the workload and allows experienced officials to pass on what they know.
It also matters for the future. People’s circumstances change. Children stop racing, work commitments increase and long-serving volunteers eventually step back. New officials need time to learn before those gaps become difficult to fill.
If you’ve ever thought, “Someone should do something to help our racing,” this is one practical way to get involved.
Speak to your club about becoming a commissaire. You don’t have to arrive with all the answers—start by finding out what support your region needs.
What does a BMX commissaire do?
A commissaire helps oversee safe and fair competition. There’s much more to the role than spotting an infringement.
British Cycling describes responsibilities covering preparation, checking event documentation and risk assessments, communicating with organisers and riders, managing competition, and completing results and reports. The duties you carry out depend on your role within the officials’ team and your qualification.
You’ll need to pay attention when there’s plenty happening around you. You’ll also need to explain decisions clearly and treat people consistently, including when they’re disappointed or disagree.
That’s why communication matters as much as knowing the rules. British Cycling expects commissaires to stay active, keep their knowledge current and work within its code of conduct. Its overview of the role is a useful first read.
Do you need to have been a racer?
British Cycling’s published trainee entry requirements don’t list a racing background. They require membership, a good understanding of the discipline’s rules, communication skills and the ability to handle online administration.
The trainee course is free. Initial learning comprises approximately four hours online and two discipline-specific seminars of two hours each, spread over at least three weeks from enrolment.
After the course, you become a trainee and gain supervised experience at events. The chief commissaire provides feedback and assessments. Completing the course alone does not make you a fully qualified Regional B commissaire; satisfactory practical assessments are needed before applying for that status.
Read the full Trainee Commissaire course information before applying.
Being a familiar face at the track can help you feel comfortable getting started, but the important question is whether you’re willing to learn and take the responsibility seriously.
Where do you find a BMX commissaire course?
Search British Cycling’s Education Course Finder.
Check the dates and discipline carefully: you need BMX commissaire training, rather than a course for another cycling discipline.
Places are allocated according to regional need. If nothing suitable is listed, use “Express your interest in courses” on the trainee course page. British Cycling says these registrations help it plan future provision and notify interested applicants.
You can also contact British Cycling’s Education team to ask about the BMX pathway and course availability.
Don’t assume that an empty search means there’s no route in. Registering your interest gives British Cycling a clearer picture of where people want to train.
Start learning the rules
Before applying, spend time with the BMX section of the current British Cycling Handbook. Check the accompanying technical regulation updates too.
You don’t need to pretend you know everything. Get used to finding the relevant rule and identifying questions you need help understanding.
Something you’ve heard beside the track may be incomplete, out of date or specific to a particular series. Learning to check the published regulations is a useful habit from the start.
For a more general introduction to behaviour around racing, you can also read The Burm’s BMX racing etiquette guide. The official handbook remains the reference for British Cycling regulations.
How does progression work?
British Cycling’s pathway begins with Trainee, followed by Regional B, Regional A and National.
A Regional B commissaire works in support of the chief commissaire and cannot act as chief. Further training and assessment at Regional A level prepare officials to lead regional events. National qualification is a later route for experienced officials who want to take on chief commissaire responsibilities at national events.
You can see the distinctions on British Cycling’s commissaire levels and training page.
There’s no need to decide now how far you want to progress. Supporting regional racing is valuable work in its own right.
Can you do it if your child races?
Discuss that with the officials responsible for arranging your training and appointments.
Be open about your family commitments and availability. Officiating needs your attention, so don’t assume you’ll be able to leave your duties to help your child prepare or watch every race. Ask how assignments and any potential conflicts of interest should be managed.
It’s better to understand what a race-day commitment involves before agreeing to it.
A useful first conversation might be:
“I’m interested in training, but my child races too. Can we talk about what would be practical and where I could help?”
Take the first step
You don’t have to wait until the next appeal for volunteers appears in your club group.
Talk to your club, read the training requirements and look at the course finder. If there isn’t a BMX course available, register your interest and ask what you can do while you wait.
Find commissaire courses through British Cycling, or visit the trainee page to register your interest.
UK BMX racing needs people who are prepared to help run it. Becoming a commissaire takes learning, time and commitment—but it gives you a direct part in making racing possible for everyone on the gate.
More from The Burm
Training information checked against British Cycling’s published guidance in November 2026. Check the linked course pages for current arrangements and availability.
