How to Earn Number Plates and When & Where to Use Them

Assigned Number
The first time you sign up to become an NBL member, you will be given a six-digit NBL license number. the last three digits of this number are your assigned plate number and can be used at any race in the country. This assigned number (last three digits of NBL number) should be used only if you have not earned a number, such as a World, National, Regional, State or LEAP plate.

NBL Track Ranking (LEAP Plate) 
A track ranking can be earned by participating in the LEAP Plate Program. The LEAP Plate is a number plate, which can be earned just by racing at a local track. The NBL awards LEAP Plates to the top 10 Rookies, Novices and Experts, and to the top 5 Girls and Cruisers at each track. LEAP Plates are awarded based on a total points series Beginning Jan. 1 each year ending Dec. 15, each year. A rider may earn a LEAP Plate from more than one track. However, this plate and number can only be used at the local track where it is earned.

NBL State Ranking
Each state has its own requirements for earning a State Ranking through the State Series, where State Plates are awarded to those who qualify. State Number Plates are the highest ranking that can be earned on the State level. These requirements will be listed in the track Guide in BMX Today. A State Plate can be used at any track within the state it was earned for any local or state races. Earning a State Number Plate 1-15 qualifies you for the NBL President's Cup Race.

NBL Regional Ranking (Regional Championship Number Plate Series) 

The NBL Regional Championship Number Plates are the second highest ranking in the NBL. All qualified riders who race their Regional Championship Race will receive a number plate and number (must use 1st letter of last name behind the number on plate). Number plates will be awarded to all riders in each age group in Cruiser, Girls, Expert, Novice and Rookie. Each Region will have a different number plate! The Point season for the Regional Championship Number Plate Series will begin Jan. 1 and ends Aug. 31. Race at any race in the country and your points will be recorded to the region in which you live! Points from Local, State, Regional and National Races Plus the Regional Championship Race will determine the  Regional Championship Plate Winner! Riders can only earn a Regional Championship Number Plate in the region they live in, and the Regional Championship Race is Mandatory. You must race the Regional Championship held in your Region! Regional Championship Number Plates can be used anywhere in the country, at any NBL track, at any NBL Regional or National Event! See the Regional Program page for more information.

NBL National Ranking
The NBL National Number Plates are the highest ranking that can be earned in the NBL and will be awarded after the NBL Grand National to point classes in AA Pro, A Pro, Pro Cruiser, Cruiser, Girl, Expert, Novice and Rookie. You must race the NBL Grand National to receive a National Number Plate. National numbers plates will be determined by the combined scores of a rider's best five (5) national series races (only two of which may be Regional Series races), plus the NBL Grand National. The Regional series races are all the  Regional races including the US Open Championship and the  US Open race. If you raced in five Nationals but NOT the NBL Grand National, then you are entitled to use your earned ranking number at all races. National numbers must be used at all National events unless you request to use a US Open or UCI World Number. National number plates will be awarded to the top 20 ranked riders in the AA Pro, A Pro and Pro Cruiser; for the amateurs, the top 40 ranked riders in the girls, expert and cruiser classes. In addition, the top 30 ranked riders in the novice classes and the top 10 ranked in the rookie classes will receive number plates. The novice riders must use an 'N' in front of their number and the rookie riders must use an 'R' in front of their number on the number plate.