About AMA Riding Schools
Part of fulfilling the AMA’s mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling includes bringing new riders on board and improving existing riders’ skills. One way to accomplish that is through schools, training, and coaching programs.
The AMA not only sanctions recreational riding and competition schools, but in November 2021 entered a partnership with the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) to grow AMA membership and expand access to responsible and comprehensive coaching for motorcycle racers across the country.
Under the agreement, the AMA and the USMCA promote ease of access and availability, safety, and membership in the AMA for AMA-sanctioned competition schools operated by USMCA-certified coaches.
USMCA Resources
The USMCA was launched in 2016 by then-head of KTM North America Jon-Erik Burleson, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer — and former Victory Motorcycle CEO — Mark Blackwell, and former AMA Supercross champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig. USMCA is a non-profit, membership-based organization that has certified coaches across several states, connecting students with coaches.
To become a USMCA-certified coach, applicants must adhere to a code of conduct, pass a motorcycle competency and skills test, complete a background check, and have training in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness and cardiac arrest. The USMCA’s nationally-recognized coaching certification program is an industry first that brings the professionalism of coaching on par with other well-established sports. Coaching certification must be renewed every two years.
- USMCA main site: https://usmca.org/
- USMCA database of coaches: https://www.motorcyclecoaching.org/
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (state licensing/street bikes courses): https://www.msf-usa.org/
Sanctioning Options
- 2023 Competition Skills Development Sanction: includes the option to sanction Motocross Schools, Off-Road Competition Schools, or Track Racing Schools.
- 2023 Recreational Riding School Sanction: includes the option to sanction Off-Road/Trail Riding Schools, Adventure Schools, Dual Sport Schools, Road Riding Schools, or On-Street Coaching Seminars/Tours.