Certification Programs

Last page update Feb 1, 2008

General Rules For Arena Crew Coordinators Certified Personnel Certification Programs Arena Directors Chute Coordinators Judges Auditors Secretarys Scorekeepers

STANDING RULE VIII

Purpose. For IGRA to provide a list of qualified and trained Arena Setup Coordinators which may be used to satisfy a rodeo's needs. Arena Setup Coordinators do not necessarily have to be from this list.

Training.

1. Attend an Arena Directors seminar.
2. Work as a second assistant under an Arena Director at one (1) rodeo.
3. Pass a test to be administered by the Arena Directors Committee chairperson. Duties include coordinating the setup of the arena for speed events, camp events, and Chute Dogging. Also, to assist the Arena Director in any other areas as requested.

STANDING RULE IX

1. Certification Program.
   1. Any person interested in becoming a certified rodeo official shall:
      1. Contact the chairperson of the particular area interested in to schedule training.
      2. Be a member in good standing of all Member Associations of which the person is a member.
      3. Attend required seminars and/or workshops.
      4. Serve in associated area as required per each individual program.
      5. Take and pass a written examination.
      6. Upon satisfactory completion of specific program requirements, applicant and certification committee shall complete an evaluation of applicant.
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      7. Upon committee recommendation, Chairperson shall make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for consideration for certification.
      8. Previous experience in a specific area may waive some requirements toward certification.
   2. Each certification program will have a certification committee consisting of a chairperson, two (2) additional certified members selected by the chairperson, and the President.
2. Certification Process.
   1. All certifications and/or re–certifications shall be considered by the Board of Trustees and, with a positive vote of at least two–thirds (2/3) of those present, notice of updated list shall be sent to all Member and Recognized Associations. Certifications/re-certifications may be approved at any regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees.
   2. Certified personnel shall apply in writing for recertification to their respective committee chairperson prior to the last regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting of each rodeo year.
   3. See individual programs for any additional requirements.
3. Responsibilities.

   If, after acceptance to serve, the certified individual is unable to keep the commitment, he/she shall communicate verbally in a timely manner and follow up in writing with rodeo management to allow time to find a replacement.

   1. Officials shall adhere to required dress code (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, western boots, western hat (optional in chute area), and areaapproved shirt design or proper color coded vest for each area of service.
   2. Shall notify local rodeo officials of arrival in area, location residing, and contact phone.
   3. Shall obtain a schedule of meetings, events, locations, and be in attendance when required.
   4. Shall act in a professional manner at all times and ensure that all rules and regulations are enforced.
   5. Shall complete any required paperwork and submit to proper rodeo officials within given time requirements for submission to IGRA.
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4. Suspension from Certification or Recertification.
   1. Grounds for suspension from certification or recertification shall include, but not be limited to:
      1. Failure to comply with IGRA rules and regulations.
      2. Failure to be in proper attire.
      3. Failure to act in a professional manner.
      4. Failure to complete required duties.
      5. Failure to complete and submit required paperwork.
      6. Entering the arena or contestant area under the influence or in possession of alcohol, narcotics, or illegal drugs of any kind.
      7. Causing voluntary endangerment of livestock and/or contestants.
      8. Fixing or changing scores and/or times.
      9. Drugging of any livestock without written veterinary consent which includes description of medication, how often, and for what reason medication is necessary.
   2. Procedures for disciplinary action will be found as Section IV in Standing Rules X through XIII for each respective certified official program.
5. Seminars.
   1. Seminars will be offered during each rodeo year with pre–registration required, except at convention. Seminars will be at:
      1. Annual convention, AND
      2. One (1) rodeo in each division. University may be substituted for a division rodeo.
   2. Pre-registration fees of twenty–five dollars ($25.00) per person payable to IGRA and sent to the IGRA Executive Office, postmarked at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the seminar. Fees shall be refundable upon attendance. Fees shall be forfeited for nonattendance. Late registration will be accepted at the discretion of the respective committee chairperson for the non–refundable fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

STANDING RULE X

1. Certification Program.
   1. Be an IGRA-certified Chute Coordinator.
   2. Assist in coordination of
      1. Horse events.
      2. Camp events.
   3. Serve as Assistant Arena Director in at least three (3) rodeos.
      1. If an applicant presents written documentation of previous rodeo experience, the chairperson of the Arena Directors Committee shall evaluate this experience and determine whether this requirement may be reduced.
   4. Complete the following:
      1. Arena Directors seminar.
      2. Chute Coordinators seminar.
2. Recertification.
   1. Each certified Arena Director shall attend at least one (1) Arena Directors seminar or work at least one (1) rodeo as an Arena Director or Assistant Arena Director per year. If a certified Arena Director is unable to attend a seminar or work as an Arena Director or Assistant Arena Director in a rodeo year, then that person must serve as an Assistant Arena Director and attend an Arena Directors seminar before being submitted for recertification.
   2. See General Rules for Certified Personnel, Standing Rule IX, Section II.
3. Responsibilities.
   1. Manage rodeo staff and to run an efficient, smooth, and safe rodeo.
   2. Coordinate with Rodeo Director to ensure ample staff is available for all areas of rodeo arena.
   3. If the Arena Director becomes incapacitated during the rodeo and is unable to continue performing the responsibilities of the Arena Director, then the Assistant Arena Director will assume those responsibilities with the Chute Coordinator as an advisor. If the Assistant Arena Director is unable to take over the responsibilities, then the Chute Coordinator will assume the Arena Director responsibilities.
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4. Disciplinary Procedures.
   1. The Host Association Trustee at each rodeo will be responsible for reporting at the rodeo review board meeting problems in the performance of the Arena Director at that rodeo including, but not limited to the items listed in IGRA Standing Rule IX, General Rules for Certified Personnel, Section IV. A. Problem areas may include violation of procedure, process, technique, or interpretation of IGRA rules.
   2. The Arena Director in question will be notified in writing, by certified mail, by the Secretary within thirty (30) days regarding a problem under Section A. A response must be sent to the Arena Directors Committee chair by certified mail within thirty (30) days. All members of the committee will review the response.
   3. By consensus, the Arena Directors Committee may issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning, place the official on a probationary period, or suspend the official. The committee may impose additional requirements. Any action will be communicated to the Board of Trustees.
   4. A suspended official may apply to the Arena Directors Committee for recertification at the next regularly scheduled IGRA Board of Trustees meeting.

STANDING RULE XI

1. Certification Program.
   1. Work on the chute staff for a minimum of three (3) sanctioned rodeos as a volunteer before entering the Chute Coordinator certification program. Candidate must then work the following activities and receive approval according to the Chute Coordinator Program Checklist (Exhibit E).
      1. Nine (9) rodeos as a recognized volunteer in the following areas:
         1. Rigging and spotting (may be combined with animal loading).
         2. Animal loading (may be combined with rigging and spotting).
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         3. Contestant line-up.
         4. Gate openings (rough stock, camp, roping).
      2. Two (2) rodeos as an assistant in bucking and two (2) as an assistant in roping.
      3. Complete a Chute Coordinators seminar.
      4. Certification committee and student shall review performance to evaluate if candidate is ready for rookie.
      5. Upon approval to serve as a Rookie Chute Coordinator, chair shall contact rodeo officials of requested rodeo, including Rodeo Director, to obtain approval for usage of rookie. Chair shall then notify rookie of approval and disseminate name and number of Chute Coordinator. Rookie shall contact Chute Coordinator regarding assistants and duties for said rodeo.
      6. Rookie service shall be done with a certified Chute Coordinator on staff in the chute area. At the discretion of the Arena Director and Certified Chute Coordinator, the Certified Chute Coordinator may be activated for any period.
      7. Student performance review shall be completed by student and Chute Coordinator. Must be forwarded to chair within fourteen (14) days of completion of rodeo.
2. Recertification.
   1. Each certified Chute Coordinator shall work within the chute areas as a Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator, or recognized volunteer at least once each rodeo year or attend a seminar prior to the last regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting. If a Certified Chute Coordinator is unable to attend a seminar or work as a Chute Coordinator or Assistant Chute Coordinator in a rodeo year, then that person must serve as an Assistant Chute Coordinator and attend a Chute Coordinator seminar before being submitted for recertification.
   2. See General Rules for Certified Personnel, Standing Rule IX, Section II.
3. Responsibilities.
   1. The Chute Coordinator is the coordinator and will act in such a manner to oversee the entire area.
   2. To coordinate the chute staffs, both in the bucking chutes and roping chutes areas, in regards to duties necessary, rules, dress code, livestock, and equipment for a smooth, safe, and efficient running rodeo.
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      To accomplish the above, the Chute Coordinator and assistant will remain on or behind the bucking chutes during chute events except in the case of split chutes.
   3. To direct contestants and livestock to proper locations according to lineup of event and ensure all procedures and rules regarding event are enforced.
   4. To observe that all rules regarding livestock behaviors are acted upon as necessary.
   5. Shall inspect and ensure, with the assistance of necessary staff, that all necessary equipment (riggings, ropes, halters, chutes, etc.) are kept in working order or removed from usage, and report any defective equipment to the Rodeo Director for replacement.
4. IV. Disciplinary Procedures.
   1. The host association Trustee at each rodeo will be responsible for reporting at the Rodeo Review Board meeting problems in the performance of the Chute Coordinator at that rodeo including, but not limited to, the items listed in IGRA Standing Rule IX, General Rules for Certified Personnel, Section IV. A. Problem areas may include violation of procedure, process, technique, or interpretation of IGRA rules.
   2. The Chute Coordinator in question will be notified in writing, by certified mail, by the Secretary within thirty (30) days regarding a problem under Section A. A response must be sent to the Chute Coordinators committee chair by certified mail within thirty (30) days. All members of the committee will review the response.
   3. By consensus, the Chute Coordinators Committee may issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning, place the official on a probationary period, or suspend the official. The committee may impose additional requirements. Any action will be communicated to the Board of Trustees.
   4. A suspended official may apply to the Chute Coordinators Committee for recertification at the next regularly scheduled IGRA Board of Trustees meeting.

STANDING RULE XII

1. Certification Program.
   1. The certification program does not have to be completed in any particular time frame or sequence. However, it may be of benefit to the student to attend a seminar prior to student judging. Student shall attend a minimum of one (1) Judges seminar covering both PRCA Judges Handbook and IGRA Rodeo Rules and pass a written examination. As a minimum, this MUST occur during the rodeo year when student is recommended for certification in order to be familiar with most recent IGRA Rodeo Rules.
   2. Shall attend a minimum of six (6) days of Student Judging School at IGRA major rodeos. All rodeo events must be student judged a minimum of six (6) times.
   3. The Judges Committee may require additional Judges schools if, in the opinion of the committee, applicant needs additional training.
   4. Scores awarded by students will be compared with official rodeo results for analysis.
   5. If an applicant presents written documentation of previous rodeo judging experience, the Judges Committee will review and determine certification requirements on an individual basis. A seminar and passing a written examination on the IGRA Rodeo Rules will be required.
   6. After satisfactory completion of the certification program, students may apply for Rookie Judge status. Applications must be submitted in writing to the Judges Committee which will then make the appropriate recommendation to the Board of Trustees The first rodeo worked by new Rookie Judges will be considered a practical examination. All Rookie Judges will be evaluated by the committee upon the conclusion of their first working rodeo. If their performance is satisfactory, upon approval of the committee, they will be advanced to Senior Rookie. If their performance is not satisfactory, they will be required to complete additional training prior to advancing to Senior Rookie status. Once a Senior Rookie has worked in all judging positions, he/she may petition the Judges Committee to be elevated to full Judge status. This
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      request must be in writing. Upon approval by the committee, the Senior Rookie will be advanced to full Judge status. Rookies are not eligible to supervise student Judges.
2. Recertification.
   1. Prior to the last regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting, each Certified Judge must attend a Judges Seminar covering both PRCA Judges Handbook and the IGRA Rodeo Rules and pass a written examination with a score of 90% or better.
   2. See General Rules for Certified Personnel, Standing Rule IX, Section II.
3. Responsibilities.
   1. To officiate rodeo events and ensure that all competition rules are enforced for the fairness of each contestant.
   2. Shall ensure that all Judges scores or score sheets are turned over to the official Scorekeeper.
4. Disciplinary Procedures.
   1. The host association Trustee at each rodeo will be responsible for reporting at the rodeo review board meeting problems in the performance of a Judge at that rodeo including, but not limited to the items listed in IGRA Standing Rule IX, General Rules for Certified Personnel, Section IV. A. Problem areas may include violation of procedure, process, technique, or interpretation of IGRA rules.
   2. The Judge in question will be notified in writing, by certified mail, by the Secretary within thirty (30) days regarding a problem under Section A. A response must be sent to the Judges Committee chair by certified mail within thirty (30) days. All members of the committee will review the response.
   3. By consensus, the Judges Committee may issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning, place the official on a probationary period, or suspend the official. The committee may impose additional requirements. Any action will be communicated to the Board of Trustees.
   4. A suspended official may apply to the Judges Committee for recertification at the next regularly scheduled IGRA Board of Trustees meeting.

STANDING RULE XIII

AUDITOR

1. Certification Program.
   1. Successfully complete the Secretary and Scorekeeper certification program.
   2. Serve as the Rodeo Secretary at a minimum of three (3) IGRA approved rodeos (Finals Rodeo excluded).
   3. Work under the supervision of an IGRA Rodeo Auditor as an Assistant Auditor at a minimum of three (3) IGRA approved rodeos.
   4. Attend or conduct a Rodeo Secretary/Scorekeeper seminar and successfully pass each of the examinations with a score of 90% or better after the conclusion of the seminar.
2. Recertification.
   1. Serve as the IGRA Rodeo Auditor, appointed Certified Auditor, or Assistant Auditor for at least one (1) rodeo during the current rodeo year.
   2. Attend or conduct a Rodeo Secretary/Scorekeeper seminar and successfully pass each examination with a score of 90% or better after the conclusion of the seminar.
   3. See General Rules for Certified Personnel, Standing Rule IX, Section II.
3. Responsibilities.
   1. Work closely with the Rodeo Secretary to ensure that scores, times, results, etc., are recorded accurately and timely in the rodeo records and IGRA records.
   2. Submit a report to the trustees meeting following the final event, but prior to the awards presentation.
   3. See Bylaws Article XI Auditors, Section 2, Paragraph B Duties.

1. Certification Program.
   1. Serve as a Certified Scorekeeper at a minimum of one (1) IGRA approved rodeo.
   2. Serve as an Assistant Secretary at a minimum of three (3) IGRA approved rodeos. Associations will not refuse any reasonable request from an applicant to serve as an Assistant Rodeo Secretary.
   3. Attend a Rodeo Secretary/Scorekeeper seminar and successfully pass each of the examinations with a score of 90% or better after the conclusion of the seminar.
2. Recertification
   1. The following shall be acceptable each rodeo year for Secretarial recertification:
      1. Serve as the
         1. IGRA Rodeo Auditor, or
         2. Appointed Certified Rodeo Auditor, or
         3. Assistant Rodeo Auditor, OR
      2. Work as a Rodeo Secretary or Assistant Rodeo Secretary at at least one (1) IGRA Rodeo, AND
      3. Attend or conduct a Rodeo Secretary/Scorekeeper seminar and successfully pass each examination with a score of 90% or better after the conclusion of the seminar.
   2. See General Rules for Certified Personnel, Standing Rule IX, Section II.
3. Responsibilities
   1. Supervise Scorekeeper and other secretarial staff.
   2. Ensure that adequate secretarial staff is available.
   3. Work closely with the Rodeo Auditor to ensure that scores, times, and results are recorded accurately and timely in the IGRA records.
   4. Work closely with the Rodeo Announcer to ensure that times/scores are announced as quickly as possible.
   5. Ensure that adequate secretarial supplies and forms are available at the rodeo.
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4. Disciplinary Procedures
   1. The Auditor at each rodeo will be responsible for reporting problems in the performance of the Secretary officiating at that rodeo, including, but not limited to the items listed in IGRA Standing Rule IX, General Rules for Certified Personnel, Section IV Paragraph A. Problem areas may include violation of procedure, process, technique, or interpretation of IGRA rules.
   2. The official in question will be notified in writing, by certified mail, within thirty (30) days regarding a problem under Section A. A response must be sent by certified mail to the Auditor/Secretary/ Scorekeeper Committee chair within thirty (30) days. The response will be considered by all members of the committee.
   3. By consensus, the Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper Committee may issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning, place the official on a probationary period, suspend the official, or take no action. Additional requirements may be imposed by the committee, e.g., attendance at an Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper seminar, or work as an Assistant Auditor, Assistant Secretary, or Assistant Scorekeeper. Any action will be communicated to the Board of Trustees Chairperson.
   4. A suspended official may apply to the Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper Committee for recertification at annual convention following the period of suspension.

1. Certification Program
   1. Serve as a Timer at a minimum of three (3) IGRA approved rodeos, and serve as an Assistant Scorekeeper at three (3) IGRA approved rodeos, covering all 13 events. Associations will not refuse any reasonable request from an applicant to serve as a Timer.
   2. Attend a Rodeo Scorekeeper seminar and successfully pass the examination with a score of 90% or better after the conclusion of the seminar.
2. Recertification
   1. The following shall be acceptable each rodeo year for Scorekeeper recertification.
      1. Serve as the:
         1. IGRA Rodeo Auditor, or
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         2. Appointed Certified Auditor, or
         3. Assistant Auditor, or
         4. Work as the Rodeo Secretary or Assistant Rodeo Secretary at at least one (1) IGRA rodeo, or
         5. Work as the Rodeo Scorekeeper or Assistant Rodeo Scorekeeper at at least one (1) IGRA rodeo, AND
      2. Attend a Rodeo Scorekeeper seminar and successfully pass the examination with a score of 90% or better after the conclusion of the seminar.
   2. See General Rules for Certified Personnel, Standing Rule IX, Section II.
3. Responsibilities
   1. Ensure that an adequate number of Timers are available at all times during the rodeo.
   2. Supervise activities of all Timers.
   3. Accurately and legibly record all scores and/or times for the rodeo.
   4. Relay scores and/or times to the Rodeo Announcer as quickly as possible.
4. Disciplinary Procedures.
   1. The Secretary at each rodeo will be responsible for reporting problems in the performance of the Scorekeeper officiating at that rodeo, including, but not limited to the items listed in IGRA Standing Rule IX, General Rules for Certified Personnel, Section IV. A. Problem areas may include violation of procedure, process, technique, or interpretation of IGRA Rules.
   2. The official in question will be notified in writing, by certified mail, within thirty (30) days regarding a problem under Section A. A response must be sent by certified mail to the Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper Committee Chair within thirty (30) days. The response will be considered by all members of the committee.
   3. By consensus, the Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper Committee may issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning, place the official on a probationary period, suspend the official, or take no action. Additional requirements may be imposed by the committee, e.g., attendance at an Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper Seminar, or work as an Assistant Auditor, Assistant Secretary, or Assistant Scorekeeper. Any action will be communicated to the Board of Trustees Chairperson.
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   4. A suspended official may apply to the Auditor/Secretary/Scorekeeper Committee for recertification at the IGRA Convention following the period of suspension.
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