Dan,
Trials are run under the rules of the Auto Cycle Union (ACU). The rules can seem quite complex without experience, here is a link to the current ACU Trials Rules; http://www.acu.org.uk/Uploaded/1/Docume ... Trials.pdf
An Observer is an assistant to the Clerk of the Course, appointed to judge a competitor's performance. Observer are very important to the running of a Trial and are given respect by the riders who appreciate that the Observers are giving of their free time to help run the competition.
Basically, trials riders have to pass between a number of 'gates'; over a variety of obstacles; without crossing their own tyre tracks, travelling forward and most importantly without putting their feet down. Their score is recorded on either a punch card carried by the rider or onto a score card held by the Observer.
If the rider completes the section without footing or rolling backwards then they record 0 marks 
Negative marks however are recorded by the Observer if a rider; 
puts one steadying foot down, called a 'dab', and records 1 fault;
footing twice records 2 faults;
footing more than twice but continuing to keep moving forward records 3 faults;
failing to keep forward momentum under machine control records 5 faults
when requested by a rider who does not wish to attempt the section records 5 faults
rider exits the section without going through the final gate records 5 faults
rider enters a section before being called to by the Observer records 5 faults
refusing to enter a section when called upon by the Observer records 10 points (rare)
for missing out a section records 10 points
I am pleased to say that unlike so many other 'sports' any form of abuse of an Observer is not tolerated although their decision can be challenged.
The marks are totalled and the rider with the lowest number of faults is adjudged to be the winner.
Observing is purely voluntary although some Trials have started to offer nominal snacks to helpers.
Simply watching the way the riders tackle the obstacles is a great learning process for improving one's own riding skills. It is good fun and you would get a real pleasure from the camaraderie, plus a great day out in the countryside.
Hope this helps.
TTFN
Hugh.
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