Checkers Guide Scenario

Here is the scenario:

2023 Florida Nationals, Pro Line Sunday Section 5

You make the call based on what happens at the exit of this section - 3 or 5 and why?

There are two rules in play here:

1. The handlebar touches the ground and the motorcycle is more than 45-degrees from vertical. (7.B.10)  Several examples in the Video Link. Note that in this case the verbiage in the video is incorrect saying "less than 45 degrees from vertical"  and it should have been stated as "more than 45 degrees from vertical"
2. The Rider removes their hand from the handlebar and uses their hand to reposition the motorcycle or perform mechanical adjustments to the motorcycle when footing while stationary. (7.B.4)  Video Link Note that in this case the 2018 video is outdated.  The rule has been changed and the rider can remove their hand from the handlebar to wipe sweat, adjust glasses or make other non-mechanical adjustments without incurring any penalty.

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Watch the full 1 min 35 second video below or click here to jump to just the last 10 seconds of the video​.
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Click to reveal the answer:

​The rider was scored 3 points.  Here's why:
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• From the checker: "There was nothing in his ride that clearly met the definition of a failure"
• The rider's hand was indeed off the bars and touching the ground but he was not making any mechanical adjustments to the bike​
• Touching the ground with the hand in this case is just like taking a dab with a foot
• The handlebars did not touch the ground.
• The handlebars may or may not have gone past 45 degrees but since the handlebars did not touch the ground it doesn't matter.
• The rider was punched 3 points

Note there is no provision for a video replay of a ride during an event, checkers must make their decision based on what they observed, punch the card and move on.