BMX freestyle is a sport in which the outcome is decided by a panel of five judges; therefore, scoring is vital to its process.

• All runs in each phase are 60 seconds (1 minute) long
• Judges score each rider's run between 0 and 99.99 points; their average score is the score for that run
• Seeding phase entails two (2) runs, both averaged for a total score
• Final phase also entails two (2) runs, but only the best score of the two counts

The judging method is based on "overall impression," as described by the cycling's world governing body (UCI), and takes into account the run as compared to the quality of the runs done by all riders up until that point. The score given out after each phase's first run serves as a benchmark or anchor point to be compared to future riders' performances in that particular phase. Judges consider the following criteria, all equally:

• Difficulty of tricks (e.g., backflip triple bar spin on jump box or big tailwhip transfer over gap)
• Progression (pulling out a never been done trick)
• Amplitude (height rider goes)
• Flow
• Use of course (finding unique lines)
• Risk factor (level of danger inherent in tricks)
• Variety of tricks (mix of skills)
• Style (rider making tricks their own)
• Execution (e.g., poor would be a 360 bar spin to no hander but not getting full extension with arms)
• Originality (thinking outside the box, differentiating)
• Landings (hanging up or putting feet down are errors)

An error during a run and the extent of its impact depends on how big the mistake was and what the rider does afterward.

Minor error

• Flat landings, deck landings, sliding, light foot touches, other instabilities, etc.

Medium error

• Stopping in full, heavy foot touches, etc.

Major error

• "Throwing away" the bicycle, crashing, etc.

Riders who DNS or don't start a run are given a score of 0. In the qualification phase in which both runs are counted, this would result in the rider's other score being averaged with a 0. But in the semifinal or final phases where the best run counts, their other run's score presuming it's higher than 0 would be used instead.

A tiebreaker is decided by the judges via discussion.

For each BMX racing heat, riders get a point score equal to their finishing position in the heat — first place gets one point, and so on down to the eighth-place rider, who receives eight points.

Riders who do not finish (DNF) or start (DNS) are given a score equal to or more than the number of riders who started the heat.

The rider(s) with the lowest total points over the allotted number of runs advance(s), depending on the competition format.

Omnium

Tempo

In the tempo race, part of the multi-event omnium in the Olympics track cycling program, points are awarded only to the leader of each intermediate sprint, and those who lap the field.

Sprints are conducted every lap after the first four laps. At the end of those four laps a bell indicates the start of the sprint laps.

The first rider in each sprint gets one point, including the final sprint. Any rider that gains a lap gets 20 points, and vice versa, any rider that loses a lap is deducted 20 points.

Points race

Part of the multi-event omnium in the Olympics track cycling program, the points race is determined by the number of points won by riders during the 10-lap intermediate sprints and by taking laps.

The first rider in each sprint is awarded five points, the second two points, the third two points and the fourth one point. Points in the last sprint are doubled – 10, six, four and two points. Riders who tie in a sprint are awarded the same position and number of points. The next position in succession and its points are not given out.

Riders who lap the main field get 20 points, and vice versa, riders who lose a lap on the main field are penalized 20 points.

If two or more riders are equal on points, their places in the final sprint of the race serve as the criteria for a tiebreaker declaration.

Madison

The Madison involves teams of two riders, utilizing an at-will relay system by contact of touch amongst themselves, who accumulate points through 10-lap intermediate sprints and by taking laps.

It follows a scoring method similar to the points race.

The first team in each intermediate sprint is awarded five points, the second three points, the third two points and fourth one point. Points in the last sprint are double – 10, six, four and two points. Riders who tie in a sprint are awarded the same position and number of points. The next position in succession and its points are not given out.

Riders who lap the main field get 20 points, and vice versa, riders who lose a lap on the main field are penalized 20 points.

If two or more riders are equal on points, their places in the final sprint of the race serve as the criteria for a tiebreaker declaration.