My Account 
NXGen Race Parent 101
Welcome to NextGen Racing Team
We believe racing is about far more than motorcycles, ATVs, trophies, and lap times.
Our goal is to develop the person first, the racer second, and the champion last and Parents are an essential part of that process.
Racing gives young people an opportunity to learn:
- Discipline
- Responsibility
- Courage
- Resilience
- Sportsmanship
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Goal setting
- Accountability
- Respect
1. THE NXGen FAMILY PHILOSOPHY
We measure success in more ways than podium finishes.
2. THE PARENT’S ROLE
Parents should create an environment where the rider can learn, compete, fail, improve, and enjoy the sport.
3. THE NXGen PARENT PLEDGE
Every parent or guardian participating with NXGen Racing Team is expected to support the following principles:
4. MOTOCROSS TRACK ETIQUETTE
Track etiquette is a safety issue as well as a sportsmanship issue.
5. PITS ARE A SAFETY ZONE
The pit area should never be treated as a racetrack.
6. RESPECT THE STARTING AREA
Only authorized personnel should enter restricted starting areas.
7. RESPECT THE TRACK
Never enter the racing surface unless specifically authorized.
8. FLAGS AND OFFICIALS
Parents should understand basic race flags and encourage riders to respect them.
9. SPORTSMANSHIP
NXGen riders are expected to respect every competitor. That means: No trash talking. No mocking crashes. No celebrating injuries. No intimidation. No intentionally dangerous riding....
10. DEALING WITH OFFICIALS
Parents should model the behavior we expect from our riders. If you disagree with a call: Step 1 Take a breath. Step 2 Wait until...
11. TEAM EXPECTATIONS
Joining NXGen Racing Team means becoming part of a team. That responsibility exists both at the track and away from the track. Riders are expected...
12. TEAM COMMUNICATION
Parents should monitor official team communications and respond when action is required. NXGen will establish official communication channels for: Race schedules Practice schedules Team meetings...
13. THE 24-HOUR RULE
When emotions are high after a race, parents are encouraged to wait before raising non-emergency complaints. If an issue does not involve immediate safety, allow...
14. RACE-DAY PARENT SUPPORT
Race day can be stressful for young athletes. Parents can reduce that stress by creating predictable routines. Before the Race Help your rider: Get adequate...
15. THE PRE-RACE CONVERSATION
Keep pre-race conversations simple. Good: “Have fun.” “Trust your training.” “Ride smart.” “Listen to your coach.” “I’m proud of you.” “Focus on what you can...
16. THE “THREE THINGS” PRE-RACE TECHNIQUE
Before a race, ask the rider: 1. What’s your goal? Example: “Smooth starts.” 2. What’s your focus? Example: “Look ahead and stay relaxed.” 3. What’s...
17. DURING THE RACE
Parents should be enthusiastic—but controlled. Cheer for: Good lines Effort Determination Safe riding Teammates Positive competition Avoid screaming technical instructions. The rider may not hear...
18. AFTER THE RACE
The first few minutes after a race are extremely important. The rider may be: Excited Angry Disappointed Exhausted Adrenalized Embarrassed Proud Do not immediately analyze...
19. THE POST-RACE 3 QUESTIONS
Instead of: “Why didn’t you win?” Ask: 1. What went well? 2. What was difficult? 3. What do you want to work on next? These...
20. WINNING AND LOSING
When Your Rider Wins, When Your Rider Loses When Your Rider Wins Celebrate appropriately. Then remind them: “Great job. What did you learn?” Winning should...
21. CRASHES
Crashes are part of racing. The parent’s first responsibility is safety. Ask: “Are you hurt?” Not: “What happened?” Not: “Why did you do that?” Not:...
22. INJURY AND RETURN TO RACING
Parents must report significant injuries to the appropriate team personnel. Riders should not return to competition simply because: “It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Return-to-racing decisions should...
23. SUPPORTING THE RIDER’S MENTAL GAME
Parents have enormous influence over a rider’s confidence. Build confidence through preparation. Instead of: “You’re the fastest.” Say: “You’ve worked hard.” Instead of: “You’re going...
24. TEACHING RESILIENCE
Experience → Reflect → Learn → Adjust → Return Racing will produce: Mechanical failures Bad starts Crashes Poor finishes Injuries Weather problems Missed races Disqualifications...
25. SOCIAL MEDIA EXPECTATIONS
Parents and riders represent themselves, their families, NXGen Racing Team, and potentially team sponsors. Do not post: Personal attacks Threats Insults Arguments with officials Accusations...
26. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Parents are encouraged to capture positive memories. However: Respect privacy. Do not photograph sensitive medical situations. Do not post another child without appropriate permission where...
27. VOLUNTEERING
A successful race team requires volunteers. Families may be asked to assist with: Team setup Teardown Hospitality Registration support Equipment Fundraising Sponsor events Community events...
28. EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY
Parents initially provide significant support. As riders mature, responsibility should gradually transfer to the rider. Younger Riders Parent-led. Developing Riders Parent-assisted. Junior Riders Rider-led with...
29. THE FAMILY PIT AREA
Leave the pit better than you found it. The pit should be: Clean Organized Safe Respectful Welcoming Families should: Keep walkways clear. Properly store tools....
30. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Problems happen. What matters is how we handle them. Step 1 — Direct Communication Talk respectfully to the person involved when appropriate. Step 2 —...
31. ZERO-TOLERANCE BEHAVIOR
NextGen Racing Team will not tolerate: Violence Threats Harassment Bullying Discrimination Intimidation Retaliation Dangerous conduct Substance impairment at team activities Abuse of riders Verbal attacks...
32. DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE
One of the most important things a parent can do is gradually become less necessary. That doesn’t mean becoming less supportive. It means transferring responsibility....
33. THE PARENT AS A ROLE MODEL
Riders watch everything. They notice: How you talk about officials. How you treat competitors. How you respond to losing. How you respond to winning. How...
34. RACE WEEKEND FAMILY CHECKLIST
Before Leaving Home ☐ Helmet☐ Boots☐ Gloves☐ Goggles☐ Protective equipment☐ Race gear☐ Spare gear☐ Water☐ Food/snacks☐ Tools☐ Spare parts☐ Fuel/fluids as permitted☐ Chargers/batteries☐ Registration information☐...
35. THE NEXTGEN RACE-DAY RESET
When something goes wrong: STOP Don’t react emotionally. BREATHE Give yourself a moment. ASSESS What actually happened? COMMUNICATE Who needs to know? SOLVE What can...
36. WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
At NXGen, success is measured through five areas. CHARACTER Does the rider demonstrate integrity and respect? SAFETY Does the rider make responsible decisions? DEVELOPMENT Is...
37. THE NEXTGEN FAMILY STANDARD
Every member of the NXGen family should strive to leave people saying: “They were prepared.” “They were respectful.” “They were good sports.” “They helped others.”...
38. FINAL MESSAGE TO PARENTS
Developing riders. Building character. Creating leaders. Your rider may someday forget their lap time. They may forget where they finished. They may even forget which...
