Ask The Editors: What Happened to the AATVA?

We just got bigger is all.

We suspect what you’re thinking of was AATVA – American All Terrain Vehicle Association. The AATVA sanctioning body, after many years of sanctioning all things off-road competition, was made obsolete shortly after your last foray when the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) decided that ATVs weren’t really different enough from the forms of off-road racing it sanctions to warrant a separate classification.

Rather, ATV competition is now just another chapter in the AMA rule-book. No need to take our word for that, here is the official 2023 AMA rule book and ATVs begin on page 163.

Most of the rules are carryover from the remaining disciplines the AMA controls – things like motocross, GNCC, flat-track, hill-climbs and so on. There are a few ATV-specific protocols like mandatory equipment coming in the form of a tethered engine kill switch and Nerf Bars for competition. And of course, since you were last involved there are parameters in place for all-electric classes (EVs).

And, like always, not every event you’re interested in participating in will be AMA-sanctioned so it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules, standards and protocols of each venue individually before entering to compete.

Also note that ATVA exists as an anagram of All Terrain Vehicle Association with an official site here but this is in no way related to the sanctioning body that ran the show prior to becoming absorbed into the AMA.

We see this as a good thing, overall. The AMA has a rich history and brings a legitimacy to everything included under its diverse umbrella. The fact that ATVs competition was deemed worthy of inclusion only further illustrates the widespread acceptance of the sport.

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