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Association Requirements Contestant Requirements Registration Timers Judges Approved Events Rodeo Livestock World Gay Rodeo Champion Selection Process Rodeo Awards Rodeo Protest Procedures General Rules Rules For Events Rough Stock Events General Rules for Rough Stock Riding Events Re-Rides Bull & Steer Riding Bull Draw Bareback Bronc Riding Chute Dogging Roping Events General Rules for Roping Events Calf Roping on Foot Mounted Breakaway Roping Team Roping Speed Events General Rules for Speed Events Barrel Racing Pole Bending Flag Race Camp Events General Rules for Camp Events Steer Decorating Wild Drag Race Goat Dressing Optional Demonstration Events Ribbon Roping Professional Conduct and Ethical Issues IGRA Resolutions

2010 IGRA RODEO RULES PDF version (176k) RULE I - ASSOCIATION REQUIREMENTS Member Associations are only to use their respective acronyms on the outside of contestant packet mailing envelopes. Must provide a licensed veterinarian. Have a veterinarian on call for the period the host association permits animals on the rodeo grounds of rodeo weekend and post name and phone number in the barn area. WITH NO EXCEPTION. A veterinarian with large animal care experience will be on site during the running of all events, performance and slack, foot parade, and grand entry. Non-compliance will result in the host association/chapter being fined $1,500 for the entire rodeo. A second consecutive rodeo violation will result in the host association/chapter being fined $3,000 for the entire rodeo and be suspended from hosting an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo the next year. Host association must provide a copy of stock contractor's current liability insurance to the Trustees prior to the close of registration. Copy is required to have the Rodeo Director's signature verifying that they confirmed the policy is current, active, and includes - clear and legible - the policy name, policy number, expiration date, and insurance company phone number. A copy is to be included in the Rodeo Review Board meeting minutes. Provide a list of farriers to call. Offer events from approved list. Each rodeo must provide: Three (3) Rough Stock events. Bareback Bronc Riding can be added as additional 4th rough stock event. Three (3) Roping events. Three (3) Speed events. Three (3) Camp events. Provide the following rodeo officials. IGRA-certified officials (must be in all arenas of a rodeo). Arena Director. Chute Coordinator. Secretary. Scorekeeper. Judges. There must be a minimum of three (3), Judges, two of whom must be Senior Judges. The Rodeo Director will designate one of the Senior Judges as Head Judge. There must be at least one Senior Judge and no more than one Rookie Judge sharing the officiating in every arena in every rodeo event. Non-certified officials. Rodeo Director. Three (3) Timers. Optional non-certified officials. Arena Crew Coordinator (refer to Standing Rule XXIII). Although IGRA is responsible for appointing a certified Rodeo Auditor for each IGRA-sanctioned rodeo, the Rodeo Auditor is also recognized as a certified rodeo official. Provide lodging for three (3) nights for the IGRA rodeo Auditor. Due to necessary equipment for the Rodeo Auditor, must also provide for round-trip transportation between the local airport and the local housing and between the local housing and the rodeo facility. Provide for independent transportation between the rodeo officials lodging and the rodeo facility for the certified secretarial staff (due to secretary's extended working hours). Provide professional, qualified and experienced Bullfighter for Steer Riding, Bull Riding, and Chute Dogging events. Provide minimum of two (2) professional, qualified, and experienced pick-up personnel for Bareback Bronc Riding. WITH NO EXCEPTION. Provide professional medical personnel and an ambulance and/or emergency transport vehicle must be present and available to respond to any emergency. If for any reason during the running of all events, performance and slack, foot parade, and grand entry, the medical personnel and/or ambulance/emergency transport vehicle become busy or unavailable, the Arena Director(s) must stop all events until the medical personnel is available. Exception would be if there were two sets of professional medical personnel crew and ambulance/emergency transport vehicles and one was still available. Arena Director, Chute Coordinator, and the Rodeo Director or his/her designee must meet with the on-site medical personnel before the running of the first event in order to coordinate a plan of action and response expectations in case of emergencies. Space will be provided to facilitate their emergency equipment and they will be provided easy access into the arena. Medical personnel will be provided an official rodeo radio or other communication device throughout the running of all rodeo events. During all rough stock events, medical personnel will observe all competition and be ready to enter the arena with their emergency medical equipment. Post contestant event control lineup sheets for both performance and slack in a specified area convenient to the contestants prior to the first event and a second set of control/line up sheets for the public to view. Publish rules and regulations sixty (60) days prior to the first performance of the rodeo. Media/photographer control. Both public and private media/photographer personnel will be controlled by designated certified official and/or their assigned designee in specific designated areas; i.e., arena, chutes, and contestant areas. If any media/photographer personnel are allowed by the host association within the confines of working areas of the rodeo, they must sign a liability waiver, wear long pants and closed toed shoes, and adhere to any rules or locations requested by certified officials. The Rodeo Director and/or their assigned designee shall make the final decision on this matter. Provide official rodeo results to all contestants prior to the Rodeo Review Board meeting. Must provide... Regulation size arena (minimum 100' X 175'). Minimum of three (3) working bucking chutes. No banners that interfere with footholds may be placed on chutes. A roping chute. Properly equipped horse for finish flag judging. Holding pens. A solid-floored skid with a minimum dimension of 4' X 8', sturdy enough to remove an injured horse or bull from the arena. Skid must be stored as close as possible to the arena. Easy access to the arena (e.g. entrance and exit gates). Water and/or sports drink in the contestant area for staff and contestants during the entire rodeo. Horse stalls. A banner or opaque material must be placed on all animal return gates. Banners must cover the entire length of the gate and be of a minimum height equal to at least two-thirds the height of the gate. Rodeo facilities that do not have a safe and adequately graded warm-up area is required to offer the contestants a minimum of ten (10) minutes warm-up time in the horse arena immediately prior to the start of the event. Contestants must be given access to the full length of the arena. Contestants are required to stay out of the immediate race pattern. After a rodeo has been sanctioned by IGRA, all printed advertising and promotional material (except business card size) used by a committee, management, or stock contractor to promote that rodeo shall have the official IGRA emblem displayed. This requirement does not permit the use of the registered trademark on products that are to be sold commercially (refer to Articles XIV and XV). A free listing of currently approved IGRA productions shall be published in each IGRA association's production publication. The list shall begin with the next approved production and end with any approved productions up to one year in the future. The listing will include the IGRA logo and Web site information and will be maintained by the Marketing and Public Relations Committee. Must provide the following rodeo personnel wearing shirts, vests, or jackets approved by the Board of Directors. Rodeo Director and Assistant Rodeo Director, BLACK. Rodeo Director and Assistant Rodeo Director must wear long-sleeved BLACK shirts, vests, or jackets with their title on the back. The garment does not have to be approved by the IGRA Board of Directors. Arena Director and Assistant Arena Director, BLUE. Arena Crew Coordinator, PURPLE. Chute Coordinator and Assistant Chute Coordinator, GREEN. Judges, RED. Secretary and Scorekeeper, ORANGE. Assistant Rodeo Secretary and Assistant Rodeo Scorekeeper, ORANGE. Timers, YELLOW. Numbering Error, Duplicate #20 Provide adequate security, volunteer or professional, to only allow those individuals with a required pass to enter the contestant area, secretarial area, stalls, and any other areas designated by the host association. Set-up for grand entry is excluded. Provide at no charge, a minimum of one (1) horse stall per pre-registered contestant entering horse events. Contestants requiring additional stalls for horses may be required to pay a stall fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per horse stall for the rodeo weekend. To reserve a stall, the contestant bringing horse(s) must either complete the horse/stall reservation portion of the mailed entry form, or register online with the IGRA online registration form. Host association may charge a fifty dollar ($50.00) late fee, per horse stall, to contestants who did not reserve the adequate number of horse stalls on their entry form or who did not pre-register for a rodeo. Additional stalls requested for tack or other purposes will be charged at the discretion of the host association. This fee must be published prior to the opening of contestant registration and cannot exceed the actual cost of the stall. No additional fees, deposits, or charges will be assessed by any association to contestants without a prior approved and published variance from the Board of Directors. Provide a survey form (Exhibit O) for evaluating rodeo and rodeo officials for contestants to give feedback, both positive and negative, on the rodeo and rodeo officials. The form will be passed out and collected at the awards ceremony. The host association will forward the collected forms to IGRA within thirty (30) days of the award ceremony. The IGRA office will then disseminate the information to the appropriate committee chair and the IGRA President. Provide to IGRA current membership lists. All membership lists will be centralized through the IGRA office. Each Member Association must send a current membership list to the IGRA office within fifteen (15) days prior to the beginning of each rodeo year. Rodeo Review Board may impose fines on any Member Association not meeting this requirement (refer to Article X Trustees, Section 9, and Paragraph G). Recognized Associations shall abide by this rule to assist their members who are contestants. Periodic updates will be at the Member Association's discretion. An update will consist of resubmitting the entire list. Updated membership lists in the IGRA office by Monday noon (MST) will be photocopied and forwarded to the next rodeo with IGRA rodeo Auditor. All membership lists will be single spaced, in alphabetical order by last name, in Word or Excel format, and shall include the following: A title on each page listing the Member or Recognized Association's acronym followed by the words "Membership List." Date of membership list. A page number at the bottom of each page. The assigned 4-digit IGRA contestant number (optional), last name, first name, city, and state or province (2-letter postal abbreviation). Membership lists will be sent to the IGRA office and may be sent via postal mail, facsimile (fax), or e-mail. If sent via postal mail, the lists must be unstapled. Member and Recognized Associations may provide their members with membership identification cards, which will be accepted by host association as proof of membership provided that the ID card indicates at least: Contestant name. Association name and membership expiration date. Any variance to an IGRA rodeo requirement or rule must be included in the rodeo application or approved by the IGRA Board of Trustees no later than sixty (60) days prior to the rodeo. Top     Home RULE II - CONTESTANT REQUIREMENTS Uphold the IGRA code of conduct, including conduct in the highest regard for professionalism, respect, and support of IGRA's intents and purposes. Any conduct that is viewed as controversial, disrespectful, or unprofessional can lead to disqualification by any IGRA official. May compete in any event, but only once per performance. Contestants hauling livestock bear the responsibility to know the State or Province laws and/or rules regarding health certificates/coggins tests for each State or Province that he/she is traveling in or entering. It is also the contestant's responsibility to have the necessary paperwork (health certificate/coggins certificate) that complies with each State's or Province's laws and/or rules. State laws can be found at Web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_states.shtml (U.S.) and http://www.inspection.gc.ca/ (Canada). Must be a member of an IGRA Member or Recognized Association to register and compete in any IGRA-sanctioned rodeo (refer to Article IV). If the Rodeo Secretary is not able to verify an individual's membership either from those lists received from Member or Recognized Associations, a valid membership card, or from their association's Trustee prior to the close of registration, then the individual must join any Member or Recognized Association in order to complete registration and compete. Must register using their legal name and may give a performance name (alias). The legal name will appear only on checks and any other document produced by IGRA and/or the host association, which may require the use of legal names. Legal names will not be released publicly to the Internet, press, or other media without the consent of the contestant. The contestant's performance name will appear on all rodeo-related documentation and will be used by the announcers and may be released to the press or otherwise as may be deemed advantageous in promoting IGRA-sanctioned rodeos. In the event a contestant fails to provide a performance name, the contestant's first name and initial of last name will be considered the contestant's performance name. Must be of legal age of majority to sign contracts as prescribed by the regulations of the principality having legal jurisdiction over the geographical area where the host association(s) will hold the IGRA-sanctioned rodeo and its related events by close of registration. Prior to the close of registration, contestant or contestant's representative must notify the Rodeo Secretary of arrival beyond the close of registration due to unforeseen circumstances. A contact phone number for the secretary must be included in the preregistered contestant information. Registration may be allowed with the approval of the Rodeo Secretary. All entry fees and signatures must be collected prior to the start of the first rodeo event. Must enter a minimum of one (1) event each day or two (2) events on one day. The contestant's preregistration form, mailed or online, must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of seventy-five dollars ($75.00). If a contestant then "no shows" for the rodeo, the deposit submitted will be forfeited to the host association. Must reserve the appropriate number of horse stall(s) via preregistration form, mailed or online. Contestants are provided one (1) stall at no cost. Contestants reserving additional stalls may be required to pay a stall fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per additional stall for the rodeo weekend if published by the host association prior to that rodeo's registration deadline. Any preregistered contestant who fails to complete contestant registration will forfeit their preregistration deposit(s). Must complete and sign an IRS form W-9 prior to their receiving any payoff checks of six hundred dollars ($600) or more. Must state at contestant registration if he/she is sharing a rigging or horse. Contestant must fill out a shared rigging/horse form showing the owner of the rigging/horse and the contestant who is sharing so that secretarial can make any necessary changes in the running order and that the owner of the rigging/horse knows who he/she is sharing with. No more than two riders may share the same rigging/horse per event. If the owner is designated on the shared rigging/horse form, the owner of the rigging/horse shall be given the prerogative if they want to run first and must declare at registration. At the start of the event, if contestant does not have his/her own rigging/horse or one shared by only one other person, the contestant will be disqualified from the event. The Arena Director will hold a mandatory meeting and roll call for new contestants before the start of the rodeo. The Rodeo Secretary will post the time and place of the meeting at registration. Attendance is required in order to compete, non-attending contestants will be disqualified and all entry fees will be forfeited. Items to be discussed shall include, but not limited to, dress code, use of alcohol and drugs, tie-downs and safety persons, shared riggings, knowledge of rules, animal safety and welfare, and other general information. Questions or rule clarifications from contestants or rodeo personnel may also be addressed at this meeting. The IGRA contestant liaison, or their designee, shall attend the new contestant meeting. Required Dress Code. All contestants are required to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, Western hat, and boots that minimally cover the ankle and have a heel. The contestant will be disqualified if a Western hat is not on the contestant's head when they enter the arena to compete, including the roping boxes, bucking chutes, and designated runway. After entering any portion of the arena, contestants in horse/speed events, Mounted Break-Away Roping, and Team Roping must retain their hats throughout their time in the arena or they will be fined five dollars ($5.00). A contestant may choose to wear protective headgear, thus the requirement for wearing a Western hat is waived. No other waivers on required attire will be granted to contestants because of injury or for any other reason. No rolled or pushed up sleeves will be allowed except on the riding arm only during rough stock events. This dress code rule does not apply to camp events; however, closed toe shoes of some type must be worn in the arena for the start of all events. In addition, a contestant wearing clothing that allows the contestant's genitalia to be exposed will not be allowed to begin competition. Rough Stock Riding Requirements. Have all required equipment for their events. Appropriate rigging for the event in good condition. Glove for riding hand. Bull/Steer Riding bell and bell loop to attach bell to rigging loop. Nylon latigos for Bareback Bronc Riding. Pre-arranged assistant to help pull your rigging. Pre-arranged assistant to act as "safety" while setting your ride. Filled out shared rigging form for all events they are sharing a rigging for. Know all rules posted in the IGRA rulebook, under their events, the Timers, Scorekeepers, and Judges sections as well. Ensure their animal is rigged when the Chute Coordinator or line-up coordinator assigns the contestant their animal. Make sure the rigging is set correctly to allow the "puller" to be able to pull. This should ensure there are no twists in the loop of the rigging. Properly adjust the "loop" in the rigging to adjust for varying sizes of stock and to be sure when you "wrap" you have enough tail. Finals Rodeo Invitation Acceptance. As soon as the final standings have been determined by IGRA, the IGRA Executive Office will begin to notify contestants of their eligibility for Finals Rodeo. Contestants not in good standing with IGRA as identified in Article IV, Paragraph D, or who owe money to IGRA, must resolve the issue before being allowed to accept the invitation. Notification will be made electronically and followed up with by telephone. Because of the short timeframe before Finals Rodeo, contestant will be required to respond YES or NO within five (5) days of notification. If a contestant says NO, they will not be allowed to change their mind. Notification begins on the date that the contestant is personally told by the IGRA Executive Office or the day that a message is left on an answering machine at the phone number on record for that contestant. No response will be considered to be an answer of NO. In the event one (1) or more of the top twenty (20) fail to complete registration by 9:00 pm the night prior to Finals Rodeo, additional eligible contestants present in the registration area by 9:15 pm will be asked, in point order, to compete until the maximum number of twenty (20) have accepted. A contestant who responds YES to an invitation but fails to register at Finals Rodeo will be fined fifty dollars ($50.00) per event. A contestant who responds YES to an invitation but fails to register at Finals Rodeo for that event for a subsequent year will be fined one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per event. A contestant who responds YES to an invitation but fails to register at Finals Rodeo for that event a third year will be fined two hundred dollars ($200.00) per event and will be referred to the EPRB with a recommendation to suspend the contestant from competition at any IGRA-sanctioned rodeo or sponsored event. The fine may be appealed to the Board of Trustees at the next scheduled meeting, but the fine stands until or unless the Board of Trustees agrees to rescind the fine. Fines from RULE II #17 Section F must be paid to the IGRA Treasurer within 60 days. Failure to pay this fine will render the contestant ineligible to compete in any IGRA-sanctioned event until the fine is paid and verified by the IGRA Treasurer. Top     Home RULE III - REGISTRATION It is the responsibility of each contestant to enter online or mail the entry form to the host association in order to receive an information packet. New contestants wishing to compete in any IGRA-sanctioned rodeo are encouraged to pre-register with the IGRA office a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the first rodeo they wish to compete in. The office contact information will be listed on the IGRA Web site. Within one (1) week following receipt of a new contestant's preregistration, the IGRA office will discuss with the new contestant the following two options. Mail-in registrations. Location of forms and rodeo information as well as instructions for mailing in rodeo entry forms. Electronic registration. Set the new contestant up for online registration, including instructions on how to register for a rodeo, and provide directions on where to find Member Associations information. Contestant will be offered the option to receive a current rodeo rulebook from the IGRA office or to access the rodeo rule book located on the IGRA Web site. Contestant will be informed that their association must verify their current membership to the IGRA office prior to competing at any IGRA-sanctioned rodeo. Host association will mail their rodeo information (tri-folds), horse stall information, approved variances, minimum prize money, etc., to those contestants whose mailed entry forms are received at least fifteen (15) days prior to the rodeo. The contestant mailing should be ongoing as forms are received with the last mailing postmarked a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to the rodeo. Host association will E-mail their rodeo information (see rule 2 above) to those contestants whose online registrations are received at least 14 days prior to their rodeo. E-mail can also direct the contestants to the association Web page for this information. In contestant and invited certified officials information packets, the host association will provide maps on blue paper with the names and locations of the nearest medical facilities to the host hotel and rodeo site, and on the reverse side of the blue sheet, one edition of the IGRA Health and Safety newsletter, a.k.a. "Horse Sense," available from the IGRA Web site www.igra.com. Additional maps will be prepared and kept with secretarial to give to those officials and volunteers who request a copy. The Rodeo Secretary will have forms available for a contestant to sign up at registration if a contestant believes they will not be able to attend the awards ceremony. This form will provide the name of the contestant who will be absent and the person authorized to pick up their check. Checks will only be given out to the name on the check or the authorized person on the form (refer to Exhibit A6). However, if a payoff check is six hundred dollars ($600) or more, an IRS form W-9 must have been completed or else the payoff check will be held by the Rodeo Auditor until the IRS form W-9 is in the hands of either the Rodeo Auditor or the host association treasurer. Entries. Contestants with an assigned IGRA number must mail a completed IGRA Event Entry form with a postmark date no less than twenty (20) days prior to the rodeo's first performance or complete an online registration form with a date-time stamp no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the rodeo's first performance. It is the contestant's responsibility to assure their entry form includes all team member names (and IGRA numbers if possible) by close of registration. Non-compliance with the completion of team entries will result in the contestant(s) not participating in the event. In the event of a dispute regarding team members, those entry forms with matching team members will be recognized as a complete team, and those not matching will be refunded their entry fee for that event. The registration process must be for three (3) hours and cannot end less than three (3) hours prior to the beginning of the first event. Late Entries. Host association has the discretion to allow late entries and to charge late fees for those entries or additional events. This information must be published on their Web site and included in the contestant information packet. Late entries or additional event entries can only be accepted at registration. A maximum flat fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) may be collected at registration and will remain with the host association. Late entry or additional event fees apply only to contestants who have been assigned a four (4) digit IGRA contestant number greater than 30 days from registration date and who are entering or adding rough stock or roping event(s). Entry fees for IGRA-sanctioned rodeos will be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per person, per go-round, per event to be distributed as follows: Seventeen dollars ($17.00) to contestant Day Money. Four dollars ($4.00) to the host association. Two dollars ($2.00) to be held in escrow by IGRA to be used as Day Money for Finals Rodeo. Fifty cents ($.50) to support contestant registration infrastructure. One dollar ($1.00) to be held in escrow by IGRA to be used to finance Finals Rodeo (refer to Standing Rule IX, Section 2). Fifty cents ($.50) to the IGRA general fund. All of the two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) portion of contestant entry fees designated to be held in escrow by IGRA and the fifty cents ($.50) to go into the IGRA general fund shall be paid to IGRA simultaneously with the contestant day/prize money at the awards program. In the event there is no Finals Rodeo held, refer to Standing Rule X for disbursement of these funds. Entry fees for Finals Rodeo will be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per event, per go-round, per person and will be combined with any contestant money held in escrow. All of this money will be distributed as contestant day money. Except for the seventy-five dollar ($75.00) non-refundable entry fee deposit, all prepaid monies are eligible for refund if notified prior to the close of registration. Waivers. All contestants, staff, and volunteers, in any capacity (e.g. chute volunteers, arena volunteers, ticket takers, etc.), and buddy pass holders must sign the standard IGRA Liability Waiver, the standard IGRA Staff/Volunteer Medical form, any international sponsor waiver form, and any other waivers required by the local host association. The individual's printed name and signature on the medical form will be considered as a completed form. Any contestant, staff, or volunteer refusing to complete the required medical and waiver forms will be ineligible to compete in the rodeo or work as a volunteer in any capacity. When age is in question, a valid photo ID is required as proof of age when the waivers are signed. Media/photographer personnel allowed by the host association must sign the standard IGRA Liability Waiver, any international sponsor waiver form, and any other waivers required by the host association. All volunteer liability waivers and issuance of buddy passes are the responsibility of the host association. Contestant Rodeo Numbers and Access Badges. Contestant rodeo numbers must be visible on the contestant's back at all times during roping and speed events. Chest protectors may be worn over the contestant's number in all rough stock and camp events. If the Scorekeeper or secretarial staff is unsure of a contestant's identity, they may request a contestant to remove the vest to show their number before competing. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of fees for that event. The contestant's access badge, which displays the contestant's rodeo number, will gain the contestant admittance to the grounds, contestant area, and chute areas. Lost, stolen, or forgotten number or badge will be replaced for a fee of five dollars ($5.00), which will go to the host association. Contestant will be disqualified from any event if they do not display their IGRA contestant rodeo number in compliance to the above rules. Contestant Rodeo Numbers (material, embroidered, or screen printed). Contestant will be provided a material rodeo number at each rodeo's registration. All material numbers will be on reinforced tear-resistant white material, a minimum of eight inches (8") by ten inches (10") in size. Numbers must be a minimum of four inches (4") high, Arial or Helvetica font in portrait format. Numbers will be issued in numerical sequence from a series of 100 to 998. Contestant may choose to use their IGRA contestant number as their assigned rodeo number for competition purposes. Contestant can choose the option to have their contestant number embroidered or screen printed on the back of their shirts in a manner that must follow these guidelines. Must be a solid white background at a minimum of eight inches (8") by ten inches (10") in size. Must be black colored numbers a minimum of four inches (4") in height. Must be of Arial or Helvetica font. Contestant must maintain the quality of their number and can risk disqualification for faded or non-legible rodeo number. It is also suggested for contestants who wear protective vests to consider a smaller version of the above (contestant rodeo number) on their upper sleeve to assist officials in identifying them while wearing the vest. Top     Home

RULE IV - TIMERS All back-up hand stopwatches used must be the same type and produce the same type of display. Timed events will be timed to the thousandth (three (3) decimal places). Timed events will be recorded by the Scorekeeper to the thousandths of a second and will be recorded in the computer to hundredths. Thousandths will be used to break ties in the event of a tie recorded by the computer. Times will be recorded as hundredths in the computer by entering the first two (2) places after the decimal, not by rounding off using the third (3rd) place digit. Stopwatches to the hundredths will be used. Hand stopwatches will be used as the official time for events where an electronic timing light is not to be used. For camp events, there will be one (1) or two (2) stopwatches per team (refer to General Rules for Camp Events). For rough stock riding events, the official time will be a stopwatch held by one of the Judges. For roping events and Chute Dogging, there will be three (3) hand stopwatches used. All times will be recorded. The high and low hand stopwatch times are not used, and the hand stopwatch time in the middle is the official time. If only two hand stopwatch times are available, the average time will be used with no round offs. If only one hand stopwatch time is available, the contestant will have the option of accepting that time or rerunning the event. The contestant must make their decision prior to any other contestant competing in the event. If contestant has been flagged with a stop time, but is then waived off by the judge, or disqualified by the judge, or has a penalty imposed by the Judge, all times must be recorded, and either DQ or +5 should be noted on the scorekeeper's sheet. Timers will work from the same position during all contesting of that event for the duration of the rodeo. Timers for a rodeo may not be changed after the first performance except for sickness or injury, or at the request of an IGRA official because of the Timer's incompetence. The Timer who times the first performance of a riding event must time that riding event for the duration of that rodeo except as previously stated. Roping events, horse speed events, and Chute Dogging shall have only three (3) designated official Timers. The Scorekeeper will record only those three designated official times for roping events and Chute Dogging. For horse speed events, the scorekeeper will only record the electronic timing light time. If at any time an electronic timing light is not available for an individual run, refer to General Rules for Speed Events. It is the responsibility of the Timers to audit the Scorekeeper to ensure that times are recorded for the correct contestant and they match the times on the stopwatch. Lap and tap timing is used in roping events and is called by the Judge. The Judge will drop his/her flag but not wave off the event as would be done for a "no time." The watch or watches affected are to be stopped as usual, but not to be cleared. After the Scorekeeper has confirmed that the "buzzer" watch and at least two Timer watches are still effective, the Starting Judge will continue the event by dropping his/her flag at the appropriate time, and the Timers will restart their watches at that time. When lap and tap is invoked, the remaining time shall be determined from the clock/watch controlling the horn, whistle, or buzzer. The official time is still held by the three Timers in roping events or the one Timer in camp events, which will continue their watches when notified by the Start Judge. Top     Home RULE V - JUDGES All Judges must be IGRA-certified for the current rodeo year and in good standing. A Judge has the authority to request that any person be removed from the arena if that person, in the Judge's opinion, is interfering with the contestant event. Rookie Judges shall not be assigned to finish flag any roping events or Chute Dogging or as the official timer in a rough stock riding event Every reasonable attempt should be made by the Judge(s) to notify contestant of any disqualifications or penalties in speed and roping events. Judges must notify contestants being penalized or disqualified in Rough Stock and Camp Events prior to the contestant leaving the arena. In all timed events, Judges and/or Timers must record times for all contestants/teams. Judges must note the rough stock riding score sheet with the reason for the disqualification. It would be beneficial to quote the rule that was not followed, if possible. Barrier Judges must keep a record of all barrier penalties. Judges will be furnished a complete list of contestants by the Rodeo Secretary and their records and the Scorekeeper's must correspond. Pattern Judges must keep a record of all penalties and broken pattern disqualifications. Judges will be furnished a complete list of contestants by the Rodeo Secretary and their records and the Scorekeeper's must correspond. Top     Home RULE VI - APPROVED EVENTS Rough Stock Events. Bull Riding. Bareback Bronc Riding. Steer Riding. Chute Dogging. Roping Events. Calf Roping on Foot. Mounted Break-Away Roping. Team Roping. Speed Events. Barrel Racing. Pole Bending. Flag Race. Camp Events. Steer Decorating. Wild Drag Race. Goat Dressing. Optional Demonstration Events. Ribbon Roping. Top     Home RULE VII - RODEO LIVESTOCK All associations producing an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo must have a signed, dated, original contract on file and must provide a copy to the checklist Trustee during the pre-rodeo meeting. All IGRA rodeo livestock requirements must be included in the stock contract. Stock contractors bear the responsibility to know and follow all State or Provincial laws and/or rules regarding health certificates and/or coggins tests for each State or Province that he/she is traveling in or entering, and must have the necessary paperwork that complies with each State's or Province's laws and/or rules, in regards to all of his stock. State laws can be found at Web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/. IGRA contestants are of an amateur ability and bucking stock provided must be similar to the level used in a high school rodeo. No animal shall be beaten, mutilated, or cruelly prodded. Standard electric prods shall be used as little as possible. Animal shall be touched only on the hip or shoulder area with prod and never while in a closed chute. Livestock Requirements. Bulls, minimum of 1,200 pounds, non-horned or with horns blunted to a minimum diameter of a fifty-cent piece, with smooth, rounded, and non-jagged edges. Broncs, minimum of 1,000 pounds, been previously bucked, and proven capable of the event. Riding steers, minimum of 900 pounds, non-horned or with horns blunted to a minimum diameter of a quarter, with smooth, rounded, and non-jagged edges. Cows and/or heifers may be used for Steer Riding if riding steers are not available of the proper weight. If cows and/or heifers are used, then steers may not also be used. Team Roping steers, 400-500 pounds, and must have minimum of seven-inch horns, blunted to the minimum diameter of a dime, with smooth, rounded, and non-jagged edges. These steers cannot be used for any other event, must have been previously roped, and wear protective horn wraps during the event. Chute Dogging steers, 400-500 pounds, and must have minimum of seven-inch horns, blunted to the minimum diameter of a dime, with smooth, rounded, and non-jagged edges. These steers cannot be used for any other event, must have been previously dogged or wrestled, and have not been previously used for Team Roping. Camp event steers, 400-500 pounds, and must have minimum of seven-inch horns, blunted to the minimum diameter of a dime, with smooth, rounded, and non-jagged edges, and have been previously handled. Calves, no more than a 30-pound difference between animals in the herd and should not have horns. Common goats, minimum height of twenty-five inches (25") at shoulder, and be similar/same in breed, height, and size. No Billy goats or fainting goats. No animal with steel reinforcing bar or plaster on the horns shall be allowed in the competition. The utilization of steers in the above specified events is for safety considerations. All steers are expected to follow the guidelines of the veterinary community for proper castration. Host association must request for proof of castration if a stock contractor brings young bulls for any IGRA event that specifically states the use of steers. Host association will be fined for the utilization of young bulls in any event that specifies the use of steers and will be fined $100.00 per intended use and will be responsible for any replacement costs associated with obtaining the required stock. A variance must be requested by the host association, in compliance with IGRA rules, to use junior bulls for Steer Riding. IGRA Rodeo Resources has a reference document titled Castration in Cattle - Welfare Issues. An excerpt follows. Castration is deemed a necessary practice in U.S. cattle production systems. The procedure is primarily advocated to reduce damage to animals, humans, and facilities by decreasing aggressive male behavior. Several techniques have been developed for castration. Less pain has been associated with early castration (younger than 2 months of age) and is, therefore, recommended. Grouping of steers. The Chute Coordinator and stock contractor shall determine which animals are in each group and pen accordingly. One group for Chute Dogging, a second group for Team Roping, and a third group for camp events. All stock must be run through the event chutes and through the arena prior to the start of the rodeo while the Arena Director and Chute Coordinator are present to inspect all stock. The Arena Director and Chute Coordinator will inspect stock upon arrival and prior to each rodeo performance. No green (overly aggressive), sore, lame, sick, diseased, or injured animal, or animal with defective eyesight, will be used. An animal with any of the above noted characteristics will be referred to as "unfit" and are to be visibly marked and removed from competitive status. Inspect horned animals to see that they follow the guidelines in #6 above. Any animal not meeting the horn requirements must be visibly marked and pulled from competitive status or blunted appropriately. Arena Director and Chute Coordinator must inform the stock contractor if they decide to pull an animal for the above reasons. The Chute Coordinator and Arena Director will inspect and examine all bucking chutes, roping chutes, loading pens, alleyways, and arena for any unsafe or unsuitable conditions. This inspection must be done prior to each rodeo performance and will include a physical inspection of all areas where livestock may be exposed to potential hazards. Any livestock concerns should be addressed to the Arena Director and/or Chute Coordinator. If an animal is injured during an event, it shall be removed as soon as possible from the arena to a place as isolated and comfortable as possible to reduce stress to the animal. Each rodeo shall provide a method and the equipment necessary to remove injured animals from the arena. Top     Home RULE VIII - FINALS RODEO/WORLD GAY RODEO CHAMPION SELECTION PROCESS Point Awards. Finals Rodeo points are equal for all events, and awarded per performance to the first eight (8) places as follows. 1st place = 50 points 2nd place = 45 points 3rd place = 40 points 4th place = 35 points 5th place = 30 points 6th place = 25 points 7th place = 20 points 8th place = 15 points For World Gay Rodeo Championships, points are awarded per performance in each event to the first eight (8) places as follows. 1st place Points = 8% of Day Money 2nd place Points = 7% of Day Money 3rd place Points = 6% of Day Money 4th place Points = 5% of Day Money 5th place Points = 4% of Day Money 6th place Points = 3% of Day Money 7th place Points = 2% of Day Money 8th place Points = 1% of Day Money In team events, each team member will receive full points for placing. For World Gay Rodeo Championships, only the outlined points (see letter B above) for that contestant's placing will be tracked and will not include unearned Day Money that was added money, added purse, added prize, rolled up to any contestant, or any additional monetary award that an association or individual may choose to add to the event. Each contestant's best six (6) point placements in each event will count towards the Finals Rodeo selection for a maximum of 300 points. Top     Home RULE IX - RODEO AWARDS Day Money. Classification of competitive groups. Cowboy and cowgirl can compete together but will be scored separately in all events except team events and will receive separate awards. Contestant entry fees are defined as "Day Money" and will be distributed back to contestants based upon formulas found in 1.D. and 1.E. below. Non-awarded Day Money from a rodeo will be held in escrow by IGRA for the Finals Rodeo Contestant Day Money. Host association advertises all entry fee Day Money to be paid back in each event up to the first eight (8) places per go-round depending on the number of entries per event as follows. 1 - 25 entries/teams pay four (4) places 26 - 50 entries/teams pay six (6) places 51 + entries/teams pay eight (8) places For Finals Rodeo, the entry fees and IGRA escrow account shall be paid back to six (6) places according to the table in paragraph D. Day Money will be divided as follows per placing per go-round in an event. Places 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1st 100% 60% 50% 40% 35% 30% 30% 29% 2nd 40% 30% 27% 25% 25% 24% 23% 3rd 20% 20% 19% 19% 18% 18% 4th 13% 13% 13% 12% 12% 5th 8% 8% 8% 8% 6th 5% 5% 5% 7th 3% 3% 8th 2% Totals 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% If at least one contestant/team places in an event the first (1st) day, and no one places the second (2nd) day, both go-round's Day Money goes to the contestant(s)/team(s) who placed once provided that the contestants/teams attempted to qualify on the second (2nd) day. If at least one contestant/team places the second (2nd) day, and no one placed the first (1st) day, both go-round's Day Money goes to the contestant(s)/team(s) who placed once provided that the contestant(s)/team(s) attempted to qualify on the first (1st) day. Prior to awarding both go-rounds Day Money to a contestant, the Rodeo Secretary shall confer with the Judges to verify that the contestant made a valid attempt to ride. In rough stock events, an "attempt" shall be defined as the contestant crossing the plane of the chute, i.e., no pulling of a contestant prior to animal leaving the chute. If, in fact, no one places after both days, the prize money from international sponsors and Day Money will be held in escrow by IGRA to be used as Day Money at the Finals Rodeo. Prize Money. Prize money is any money added either by an international sponsor, local sponsor, or the host association. All prize money may be distributed as determined by either the sponsor or the host association, but only in whole dollar amounts. Prize money can be awarded daily or for the combined days placing. Host association advertises minimum prize money from international sponsor(s) to be paid. If the international sponsor does not specify, the host association will determine how the international sponsor's prize money will be distributed (e.g. All-Around Cowboy, Cowgirl, and runners-up; buckle winners in certain events, etc.). Host association will publish minimum amount of added prize money prior to the open date of registration for their rodeo. Event Ribbons and Medallions. Host association will award ribbons to the first five (5) places per go-round per event and to the All-Around Champions and their four (4) runners-up. Medallions for IGRA-sanctioned rodeo events will be restricted to the World Gay Rodeo Finals. Event Buckles. Event buckles will be awarded to the contestants or teams achieving the best combined time or score of both go-rounds. In the event that a contestant or team does not place in both go-rounds, buckles will be awarded to the best time or best score for a single go-round. In the event of a tie based on combined times or scores, placement points (see Rodeo Rule VIII number 1 letter A above) will be used to determine the buckle winner. If a tie still exists, the contestant with the best single go-round time or score will be used to determine the buckle winner. If a tie then still exists, each contestant will receive a buckle. Cash awards in lieu of a buckle cannot be offered. Non-awarded buckles will be returned to the buckle sponsor. All-Around Cowboy & Cowgirl Buckles. To compete for All-Around Cowboy & Cowgirl, contestant must participate in three (3) of the four (4) categories of events and place first through eighth (1st through 8th) in two (2) of those categories. All-Around Cowboy and All-Around Cowgirl buckles will be based on total points earned. In the event a tie still exists at the end of the process defined in the next paragraph, each contestant will receive a buckle. In the event two (2) All-Around contestants should earn an equal cumulative point award, the tie will be broken by giving one (1) point to each contestant for each first (1st) place in their events. Contestant with the highest point value will be awarded the All-Around title. If a tie still exists, continue to award one (1) point to each contestant for each second (2nd) place in their events. Contestant with the highest point value will be awarded the All-Around title. If a need arises, continue this process in "placing" until the tie is broken. Finals Rodeo All-Around Champions Prize Money. Finals Rodeo All-Around Champion top five (5) qualifying cowboys and cowgirls will be awarded the following. Place Cowboy Cowgirl 1st $ 700 $ 700 2nd $ 500 $ 500 3rd $ 300 $ 300 4th $ 200 $ 200 5th $ 100 $ 100 Total $ 1,800 $ 1,800 World Gay Rodeo Champion Awards. The World Gay Rodeo Championship will be awarded to the contestant in each individual event that earns the highest cumulative points in that event for the rodeo year, inclusive of Finals Rodeo Day Money. The World Gay Rodeo Team Championship will be awarded to the contestants who earn the highest cumulative points in that team event and position for the rodeo year, inclusive of Finals Rodeo Day Money. Awards will be awarded to the top two (2) Team Ropers, top three (3) Wild Drag contestants, and the top two (2) contestants in Steer Decorating and Goat Dressing. The World Gay Rodeo All-Around Champion Cowboy and Cowgirl will be awarded to the contestants that earn the highest cumulative points in their combined events for the rodeo year inclusive of Finals Rodeo day money. To qualify for this category, the contestant must have competed in at least one (1) event from each category and placed in at least one (1) event from each category during the rodeo year. Payoff Checks. If the contestant is not present to receive their check and they have not completed an authorization form from the Rodeo Secretary, the Rodeo Auditor for that rodeo will mail the check on the next business day. Following the awards ceremony, the Rodeo Auditor for that rodeo will provide the Rodeo Director with a list of people to whom checks will be mailed. Scores do not become official until the results are certified to the Trustees by the Rodeo Auditor. Such certification to be completed within twenty-four (24) hours after the rodeo. In the event that a rodeo is suspended or cancelled because of an emergency, refer to Standing Rule VIX Section 14. Top     Home RULE X - RODEO PROTEST PROCEDURES The Rodeo Protest Procedures exist only to document questionable or controversial decisions or actions during a rodeo for inclusion with the Rodeo Review Board's records. Decisions by a Judge or any other Rodeo Official are final, and are subject to review or repeal only by the Judge or Rodeo Official himself/herself. When a protest is being reviewed, the Announcer will be advised and will make an announcement that the event is under protest. The Secretary will be advised and will post a notice on the posting board that the event is "Under Protest." If the protest is upheld, the Announcer will make the appropriate announcements. If overturned, the Rodeo Secretary/Staff will remove the "Under Protest" posting, and will post the new running order/contestant line up. The Trustees attending the rodeo shall select a Trustee to serve as Protest Chair for the rodeo. If possible, the Trustee should not be a contestant or working on the staff of that rodeo. Procedure. If a contestant has a protest, he/she will verbally register their complaint with the Protest Chair. A contestant may register a protest only in an event in which the contestant is competing. The Chair will contact affected areas for information, inform any/all contestants involved in or affected by the protest, and inform the contestant(s) of any result. If the contestant is still dissatisfied, then… The contestant will complete the official Protest Form and submit it to the Protest Chair. Protests for the events in the first go-round must be submitted before the start of the second go-round; protests for the final go-round of events must be complete before the start of the Rodeo Review Board's post-rodeo meeting. The Chair will document in writing their own actions under Paragraph B of these procedures and encourage any involved parties to do the same. Involved parties should make every effort to do so before the start of the Rodeo Review Board's post-rodeo meeting. Chair will collect any written reports and present them, along with the contestant's Protest Form, to the Rodeo Review Board at its post-rodeo meeting. The reports and the Protest Form will be forwarded to the IGRA Secretary after the Rodeo Review Board meeting. Protest forms (Exhibit J) will be made available at each rodeo. They will be located at a designated place at the rodeo, convenient to the contestants next to the event control sheets. Top     Home RULE XI - GENERAL RULES The IGRA rodeo Year will begin on January 1 and end on December 31. For the purposes of competition within IGRA, any transgender contestant is eligible to register and compete under the gender classification with which the individual identifies and lives on a daily basis. Transgender contestants must present to an IGRA Auditor evidence of changing from their gender at birth. This documentation will be kept on file at the IGRA Administrative Office and only needs to be evaluated one time. Evidence may be their legal driver's license or ID card if it indicates gender. The driver's license or ID card will be photocopied by the IGRA Auditor for the file. If the transgender contestant is in the process of changing their gender, they must provide the IGRA Auditor adequate documentation, such as recommended by the "Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association," showing they are in the process. The terms cowboy, cowgirl, male, female, and other gender identifying words used throughout these IGRA-sanctioned Rodeo Rules, IGRA Bylaws, and IGRA Standing Rules refer to the contestant's personal gender identification as indicated on the IGRA Event Entry Form (Exhibit N). A contestant may change his/her gender classification on the IGRA Event Entry Form one time within any rodeo year. When a contestant changes his/her gender classification on the IGRA Event Entry Form, he/she will forfeit any points previously earned towards qualification for Finals Rodeo, and may not reverse his/her decision regarding his/her gender classification for competition purposes more than once in their IGRA career. Members of Member or Recognized Associations, independent contractors, all other volunteers, and if necessary, their parents or legal guardians… Acknowledge that rodeo is a dangerous activity and that participation in a rodeo as a competitor, official, independent contractor, or volunteer exposes the participant to a substantial and serious risk of property damage, personal injury, or death. Acknowledge that participation in IGRA-sanctioned rodeos will expose a participant to such hazards. Release IGRA, Member, and Recognized Associations, sponsors, rodeo production entities, their affiliates, related or subsidiary companies, and the officers, directors, employees or agents from liability and punitive damages for any and all property or personal damages incurred while participating in an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo. Members of IGRA, Member and Recognized Associations, independent contractors, all other volunteers, and if necessary, their parents or legal guardians, shall not now or at any time in the future, directly or indirectly, commence or prosecute any action against the parties listed in 3.c above. This provision shall be binding upon each member of a Member or Recognized Association, independent contractors, volunteers, his/her lover, significant other, life partner, spouse, legal representative, heirs, successors, and/or assigns. Any participant in an IGRA rodeo as a rodeo contestant, stock contractor and personnel, arena/chute volunteer, rodeo official, or security personnel, may be asked by any acting rodeo official to leave the rodeo arena and secured working areas if under the influence or in possession of an open container of alcohol or any illegal drugs of any kind. Disciplinary action may be taken against any participant in an IGRA rodeo for the possession of an open container of alcohol or any illegal drug in the secured areas of the rodeo including the arena, chutes, barn, or contestant areas at any time from the start of the first rodeo event until the rodeo conclusion each day. Disciplinary action may include disqualification, and/or loss of certification. It is recommended that there will be no smoking in the arena, working chute areas, or secretarial area from the start of the first rodeo event until rodeo conclusion each day. It will be the decision of the host association whether smoking will be allowed in these areas. The host association will enforce their rule or any other local ordinances. At the option of the host association, events may be run prior to the Foot Parade and Grand Entry; however, the rodeo start time and event running order must be made known to all participants. A Member Association may declare its rodeo to be a "restricted rodeo." A "restricted rodeo" is a rodeo with a pre-determined number of contestants allowed to compete in each event. This announcement must be included in the contestant packet mailing done by the IGRA office. It shall be in a format of a letter stating the maximum number of contestants (a total of men, women, and teams) in each event. Registration for contestants must be received sixty (60) days prior to the date of the rodeo. Acceptance of contestants will be by government postmark or electronic date-time stamp for online registrations (first received, first entered). All first-time contestants will be allowed to compete. The host association must respond to the contestants forty-five (45) days prior to the rodeo of their acceptance to the rodeo. The Rodeo Director or any certified rodeo official may disqualify a contestant/team from an event for both go-rounds after observing excessive roughness or intentional harm to an animal, such as kicking, hitting, slapping, etc., before, during, or after the event. Appeals by the contestant/team may be made through the Rodeo Protest Procedures (refer to Rodeo Rule X). A meeting under the direction of the Rodeo Secretary will be held within thirty (30) minutes after the close of rodeo registration. The following rodeo personnel and their assistants will attend: Judges, Scorekeepers, Timers, Announcers, Arena Director, Chute Coordinator, Rodeo Director, and the Rodeo Checklist Trustee. Any of these officials unable to attend this meeting due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. flight delay, etc.) will be briefed by another Rodeo Official prior to the start of the first rodeo event on any discussions that took place. The purpose of this meeting will be to clearly inform and define each person's duties and responsibilities and to make known any special situations that may take place. It is mandatory that the Scorekeeper hold a training session with the Timers and Assistant Scorekeeper(s) before or immediately following the Secretary's officials meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be to inform and define each person's duties and responsibilities and to test the accuracy of the hand stopwatches. Running order for each go-round will be assigned by random drawing by the Rodeo Secretary, except for Bull Riding. Running order for all events should be posted at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the first event of each go-round. Chute assignments, where applicable, will be made by the Chute Coordinator following the running order established by the Rodeo Secretary. The first contestant in the running order will be assigned the first chute that needs to be emptied in order to speed the loading of additional livestock. The second contestant will be assigned the next chute and so on. In the case of split chutes, one side should be completed before beginning the opposite side. If a contestant "scratches" an event before their animal is loaded into the chutes, the contestant is out of the running order, and no animal will be turned out. If a contestant "scratches" an event after their animal has been loaded into the chutes, the animal will be turned out. Providing that the Scorekeeper and Announcer are notified prior to the change, actual exit order from the chutes may be changed by the Chute Coordinator or Arena Director in consideration of contestant/stock/staff safety, equipment failure, or overall flow of the rodeo. All official personnel, including the announcing staff, shall adhere to the same dress code and rules as rodeo contestants. All other arena volunteers are encouraged to wear the same type of attire but will not be prohibited from assisting because they are not wearing the required attire. Chute personnel - hat style optional. Personnel wearing headsets may alter hat style, i.e., baseball cap. The host association may require volunteers to follow a stricter dress code. If the Arena Director believes that inclement weather is affecting the contestants, staff, or performance, the Arena Director has the option of waiving attire requirements in rule numbers twenty-one (21) and twenty-two (22) above for either a particular event or all of them for that day. The checklist Trustee shall collect and submit to IGRA all injury reports of animals, contestants, volunteers, and spectators using the appropriate form. The Chute Coordinator shall report any and all problems encountered with the stock and/or stock contractor to the checklist Trustee completing the rodeo checklist. All times and scores shall be announced during rodeo competition to the best ability of the announcer. Announced times and scores are unofficial. Every effort will be made to announce contestants' sponsors. The Rodeo Secretary shall provide the announcer with a copy of the Saturday results on Sunday morning to assist with score comparisons. Contestant scratch. Only a contestant may scratch him/herself from any or all events. Secretarial staff must be notified of such scratch as soon as possible. If it is known that a contestant is missing because of a medical emergency (injury or illness) whether personal or related to a family member, close friend, or relationship, that contestant will be considered a scratch. In team events, another registered contestant not already entered in the affected event may replace a contestant scratched due to a medical emergency. If scratches affect two or more teams, members of different teams may be allowed to combine. In the case of the Wild Drag Race, teams may only combine so long as an original member of a team, who has not scratched for reasons mentioned above, is not displaced from competition. One or more teams not performing due to the combination of team members are then considered a scratch, but for the purpose of prize money and placements, the number of teams entered in any effected event remains the same as at the close of registration. If a contestant returns from the medical emergency, he/she may continue the rodeo as registered. Disqualified contestant. If any IGRA official determines a contestant is unfit to understand his or her own safety, the contestant may be disqualified from any or all further events. The determining official shall inform the contestant when this determination has been made after consulting with the contestant, the Protest Chair, and one other IGRA official. No pets will be allowed in the rodeo arena, chutes, holding pens, or other areas specified by the rodeo facility or host association. Pets in authorized areas must be under the owner's control. If pets are not allowed anywhere at the facility, a contestant will not be allowed to compete until the pet is removed from the facility or kept in a vehicle or horse trailer. If the pet is seen anywhere on the facility after being warned of the "no pet rule", the contestant responsible for the pet being at the facility will be disqualified from the rodeo by the Rodeo Director. All timed events that have a time limit for the contestant to compete in must have a horn, whistle, or buzzer signaling the end of the time allowed for that event. No reruns or rerides will be given because of unexpected noise or movement that occurs outside of the arena. Examples are: livestock being loaded in the chutes and pens, bulls and horses kicking in the chutes, vehicle headlights flashing into the area, or someone is sitting on the fence. The Arena Director or their designee for speed events, and the Judge for all other events, will notify each contestant/team when the arena is set/clear for their competition. If the contestant/team performs their event before the arena is set/clear, they will be disqualified for that event. For all horse events, the arena should be cleared of animals, contestants and staff not immediately participating in the go of any particular event. The contestant is not offered the arena until all interference is removed. Arena Director or their designee will time the 60-second rule for contestant to enter the arena from the time the contestant is notified by either the Arena Director or their designee. If, in the opinion of the Judge, a contestant/team appears to stop competing because of exhaustion, frustration with a difficult animal, or other similar reason, the Judge can wave the contestants out of competition, and no reruns will be given. Any director or officer of IGRA shall have access to any part of the rodeo enclosure or arena when identification is presented. However, if an IGRA director or officer is a contestant, he/she is excluded from entering the secretarial area unless invited by the secretarial staff. All key personnel (Rodeo Director, Assistant Rodeo Director, Arena Director, Assistant Arena Director, Chute Coordinator, Assistant Chute Coordinator, Judges, Timers, Scorekeepers, Secretary and staff, stock contractor and staff, bullfighter, veterinarian, and ambulance crew) cannot compete as a contestant or exhibition performance of any type (except for Grand Entry), where there is a risk of injury, in an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo in which they are officiating or working. Video tapes may not be used as evidence in protests and/or judging decisions. All animals used in the bucking chutes must face the hinged end of the gate before exiting the chute in their respective event. If arena conditions are deemed at any time prior to the rodeo start time or during the running of the rodeo to be unsafe, competition may be stopped until the arena conditions are deemed satisfactory. The determination of unsafe arena condition will be decided by the Arena Director, Rodeo Director, and stock contractor. Contestant concerns should be considered. In these situations, refer to the Rodeo Resources guidelines. If a chute gate latch hangs up but the animal is still released, the contestant must immediately request a re-ride. If the contestant continues to compete, they have accepted the conditions and a re-ride will not be granted. Top     Home

RULE XII - RULES FOR EVENTS 1. ROUGH STOCK EVENTS. General Rules for Rough Stock Riding Events. Any animal that becomes excessively excited so that it gets down in the chute repeatedly, or tries to jump out of the chute, or in any way appears to be in danger of injuring itself or the contestant, should be released immediately and pulled from competition by the Chute Coordinator and Arena Director and the rider given a new animal. It is the contestant's responsibility to have all necessary equipment needed for their respective rough stock riding events and be fully prepared for their event when called on by the Chute Coordinator. Refer to the outline in rodeo resources titled Rough Stock Riding Requirements. At the Arena Director's and Chute Coordinator's discretion, any rough stock riding animal stalling in the chute may be pulled from competitive stock for the remainder of the rodeo and the contestant given a new animal. A qualified ride will be timed for six (6) seconds. Time begins when the animal's inside shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate. Judges shall start their stopwatches when the animal's inside shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate. One non-rookie Judge shall serve as the official timer, second Judge is backup timer. The backup stopwatch will only be used if the Judge with the official stopwatch time has had his/her vision obstructed at the end of the ride. Time will stop once the contestant touches the ground or has been disqualified. Judges shall stop their stopwatches when, in their opinion, the contestant has been disqualified for any reason or dismounts the animal. In either instance where time is six (6) seconds or more, contestant shall be entitled to a score. If the horn, whistle, or buzzer sounds earlier than the required six (6) seconds, the contestant will be scored if there are at least four (4) seconds on the official stopwatch. If there are less than four (4) seconds on the official stopwatch, the contestant will be offered a reride or no score. An audible horn will sound the completion of the required time (plus one second). Rider will be scored additional points for spurring, and fewer points for any loss of control. Rider will receive a score if he/she is in the air but has not hit the ground at the completion of the official time as determined by the Judge(s). It is recommended, but not required, that all contestants planning on participating in either Bull Riding or Bareback Bronc Riding, have successfully completed two (2) qualified rides at a previous IGRA-sanctioned rodeo in Steer Riding, attended an IGRA-approved rodeo school, or have previous experience in these events outside of IGRA. If a rider makes three (3) valid efforts to get out on a chute-fighting animal and is unable to do so, the contestant will be offered a new animal by the Chute Coordinator and/or Arena Director. A qualified ride shall be scored a maximum of fifty (50) points by each Judge; one (1) to twenty-five (25) points for the animal and one (1) to twenty-five (25) points for the rider. Judges may use .1 through .9 along with regular score (e.g. Bareback Bronc Riding, 17.2 for contestant, 17.4 for animal, for a total of 34.6). This will help eliminate ties in these events. A score of zero (0) will be used for a no ride, and a "DQ" for a disqualification. If one Judge gives a "DQ", then the contestant is disqualified. The reason for the disqualification shall be noted on the Judges' score sheet. Hooks, rings, or knots will not be used on bull ropes. No hot shots will be used on an animal once it is loaded in the chute. Hot shots may not be used to enhance the performance of an animal. The Chute Coordinator must disqualify a contestant who has been assigned an animal and cannot provide rigging (unless registered shared rigging is used) or who has been advised he/she is next to go and he/she is not over their assigned animal with glove on when the previous animal and/or contestant leaves the arena. No more than two (2) contestants may share a single rigging in any event. Contestants competing in rough stock riding events are allowed one person to pull their rigging and another person to act as "safety" behind the chute. It is the contestant's sole responsibility to provide these individuals. No one will be allowed to "ride the gate" as it is being opened. Rough stock events require two (2) Judges. Rerides. If the Judge declares that a contestant is eligible for a reride, the Judge shall inform the contestant of their score and an option of a reride prior to the next contestant competing. Contestant may refuse the reride and take the score. Contestant must notify the Judge immediately of their decision to accept or reject the option. Rerides must be completed during that go of that event and contestant should be moved to the end of the running order for that event. Possible rerides. Stock contractor's equipment fails (e.g. flank strap breaks or comes off animal) or flanker admits that animal was not properly flanked. Rider must make a qualified ride and be in control of the ride while attempting to make the animal perform. Performance of the animal is inferior (e.g. animal stops for an excessive time). A reride will be offered if the contestant makes a qualified ride while in control. Performance of the animal is hindered (e.g. animal stumbles to it's knees or falls, animal's head or horn(s) caught in gate or fence, rider is told by a Judge to get off the animal due to an injury of the animal). Rider must make a qualified ride up to the point of animals' hindered performance. Once the animal has stumbled to it's knees or fallen, or caught it's head or horn(s), the rider may continue to ride with the possibility of a score, a disqualification, or a score of zero (0) (e.g. bucked off). In all cases, the rider has the option of a reride as long as they had a qualified ride up to the point of animal's hindered performance. In case of interference, arena equipment failure, a rodeo official's or other arena personnel's error during the ride, the contestant will receive a reride at the Judges' discretion. The contestant has the option of keeping their original score, if a qualified ride was made, or accepting the reride. However, if the contestant has no way of knowing that something did not happen or function correctly and they continue to compete, the contestant must make a qualified ride in order to get another chance. If a contestant believes that he/she has been fouled by the animal in the chute or on the chute gate, the contestant may continue to attempt to make a successful ride. The Judges will then decide if the contestant was actually fouled (e.g. injured or knocked off balance so as to lose control of the ride). If a Judge observed a foul, then the contestant will be notified of their current score and their option for a reride. If, in the opinion of a Judge, any arena personnel interfere with a rough stock ride before the qualified time has elapsed, contestant will be given a score with an option of a reride, providing the contestant made a qualifying ride up to the point of the interference. Bull & Steer Riding. Rider will be disqualified if he/she does not have the animal rigged and ready to go when called by the official. Quick release buckle is optional on bull rope on the off-side. If the rider chooses the use of spurs, locked rowel spurs must be used. The rider is not to use sharp spurs. Contestants must ride one handed. Contestants will have the right to ask the Judge to check on whether or not the animal is properly flanked to buck to the best of its ability. A soft metal collapsible bell must be attached to the contestant's bull rope and be positioned under the belly of the animal. No steel bells will be allowed. No more than two (2) people may be on chute to pull contestant's rope. Rider will receive a score of zero (0) for being bucked off prior to six (6) second and will be disqualified for any of the following offenses. Touching the animal, equipment, hat, ground, or person with the free hand or arm. The Judges will give consideration to a rider who is sitting up and in control if they touch the head or horns of a bull or steer (that slings or throws its head) in a manner not to regain balance or aid their ride. Grabbing hold of the fence or chute gate or pushing on the fence or chute gate to regain balance and assist the ride after crossing plane of the chute gate. Using sharp spurs. Placing spurs or chaps under the rope when the rope is tightened. Using suicide wraps. Not having a bell on bull/steer rope for the full six (6) second ride. Top     Home Bull Draw. A joint "poker draw' will be performed for men and women by Secretarial Staff and Chute Coordinator for Bull Riding. All bulls will be "branded" with chalk or paint or other means acceptable to the stock contractor. Prior to the "poker draw," the secretarial staff shall do a random draw for running order of the contestants. Bull riders are invited to observe the "poker draw." Secretarial staff shall draw numbers or names corresponding to the bulls from a receptacle held above the head of the drawing official. The first number drawn is the bull for the first contestant and so on. If there are more contestants than bulls, all of the bull numbers will be placed back in the receptacle after the first cycle has been completed. This will be done as often as necessary to match bulls with contestants. If there are more bulls than bull riders, at the discretion of the stock contractor and Chute Coordinator, the bulls that were not used in the first performance will be drawn for the second performance prior to the availability of the other bulls. After all contestants have had a bull drawn for them; the contestants will be required to leave while the secretarial staff conducts a draw for possible rerides. The running order for reride animals will be kept secret until after the contestant has made his/her decision regarding a possible reride. Bareback Bronc Riding Rider will be disqualified if he/she does not have the animal rigged and ready to go when called by the official. Quick release buckle is optional on bareback rigging. There will be no tape or any other adhesive material or substance other than dry rosin used on rigging handhold(s) or on a rider's glove(s), which will be a plain glove with no flaps, rolls, wedges, or gimmicks. Rider may have a single layer of sheepskin or leather under the handhold(s), which will extend at least one inch (1") on both sides of the center of the handhold(s) not to be shaved and either one end shall be glued down. Only two-inch (2") nylon latigo will be used, no leather latigos attached to the "D" ring will be permitted. Violators will be disqualified. Rigging must lie flat on the animal's back while it is being cinched; only two-inch nylon latigo will be permitted. Stock contractor may request that a Judge check on whether rigging is being set or cinched in a way that might hurt the animal's back. There will be no fiberglass or metal in the rigging or the handholds. Only leather or rawhide is allowed for handholds; the only other metal allowed will be in the "D" rings. All riggings must have enough sheepskins or sponge rubber, underneath to cover the bars. Pads used under riggings must be leather-covered on both sides. If they are hair pads, they must be at least one inch (1") thick; and if they are foam pads, they must be at least one and one-quarter inch (1¼") thick. Pads will extend at least two inches (2") behind the riggings. If rider chooses the use of spurs, loose rowel spurs must be used. Rider is not to use sharp spurs. Cinches on bareback rigging shall be at least five inches (5") wide. A bareback contestant may elect to ride with one (1) or two (2) hands. If the rider starts with one hand, the rider will be disqualified for using the second hand. If the rider starts with two hands, the rider will be disqualified if one hand releases the grip for any amount of time. Riding with one or two hands is judged the same way with five (5) points deducted by each Judge for riding with two hands. If a bareback contestant chooses to ride with two hands, the contestant must use a two-handed rigging. Judges may require rider to take his/her hand out of rigging after a horse is cinched. If handhold is too tight, rigging will be declared illegal. Stock contractor may request such action to be taken. Judges may disqualify riders for the following reasons. If rigging comes off the horse. Touching the animal, equipment, hat, ground, or person with free hand or arm. Grabbing hold of the fence or chute gate or pushing on the fence or chute gate to regain balance and assist the ride after crossing plane of the chute gate. Riding with locked rowels. If, in the Judge's opinion, the rider's rowels are too sharp. Not following the Judges instruction to take feet from the neck of the horse stalled in chute. Spurring behind the break of the horse's shoulders. The rider should have the spurs or boot heels over the break of the horses' shoulders and touching horse when horses' front hooves hit the ground on the first move out of the chute. A five (5) point penalty shall be assessed on each side for which the rider does not have the correct foot position. Contestants have the right to ask Judges to decide whether the horse is properly flanked. Chute Dogging. Event requires two (2) Judges and three (3) Timers. Arena buzzer or horn will "sound" to indicate the end of the sixty (60) second time limit. Contestant is responsible for obtaining Judges' clearance before signaling for their "go" - then contestant signals for the start. As the gate begins to open, the Start/Finish Judge will simultaneously flag and whistle the start of the event. Contestant must bring steer across the ten-foot (10') line. The Line Judge will whistle once all four (4) hooves of the steer have crossed the ten-foot (10') line. Contestant must then use their strength and skill in a manner to twist/pull steer down by applying hold to head and/or horns. Steer will be considered legally down only when lying flat on its side with all four legs clear from underneath him. Contestant must maintain control of steer when flagged. Once the steer is legally down, the Start/Finish Judge will flag the end of the event. Judges will then rule on the legality of the actions leading up to and including the finish flag ending the event for possible disqualification. Rerides. Judge determines the event is completed within the maximum time limit, but no time was recorded, will have the option of taking the maximum time or a reride. Judge may award a reride for the following occurrences. Interference. Injured animal. Animal escaping arena under contestant's control. Arena equipment failure. Rodeo official or arena personnel's error during the event. c. If a qualified dog was completed, the contestant has the option of keeping their original time, or accepting the reride. However; if the contestant is unaware, and continues to compete, contestant must make a qualified dog in order to get a reride. Disqualification. Contestant signals for start of the event and Judge(s) have not given clearance. Steer is knocked down, tripped, or thrown, by putting head/horns into ground, by contestant crossing steers path, or any other unskilled or illegal fall. Contestant loses physical contact with steer. Contestant places their finger(s) in the steer's eye(s). Top     Home ROPING EVENTS. General Rules for Roping Events. Lap and tap timing will be used. Two (2) Judges will be used to start and stop time. One (1) Judge will flag the barrier line at the chute. Time starts when calf or steers' nose clears the chute gate. The second Judge will be mounted on horseback and positioned in the arena to flag the finish of the event for mounted roping events. In Calf Roping on Foot, the finish flag Judge must be on foot and positioned in the arena to flag the finish of the event. If a roping contestant is interfered with in the arena during a run, or if the calf or steer is injured or gets out of the arena, Field Flag Judge will drop flag stopping time, and the roper will get an animal back in the chute. Contestant will have the remaining loops not used (i.e., in Break-Away Roping, if one loop has been thrown, the contestant will have one loop to throw. If no loops have been thrown, the contestant will have two loops. Lap and tap time will start again and be added to the time taken when the Field Flag Judge dropped the flag on the first run. If the contestant is interfered with before throwing his/her first loop, he/she must "declare" interference immediately before throwing the first loop. If contestant is interfered with while throwing the first loop or before throwing the second loop, he/she must "declare" interference immediately and before throwing the second loop. If contestant is interfered with while throwing the second loop, he/she must "declare" interference immediately. It is the privilege of a contestant to allow other people within the confines of the timed event box to assist with contestant's horse or lining out calf or steer. It is the roper's responsibility to tell the gate person their signal for release of the animal and to make certain the Judges are ready before signaling for release of the stock. Animal belongs to the contestant when he/she calls for it regardless of what happens except in cases of mechanical failure. If the gate malfunctions, but the animal is still released, the contestant can cross the barrier line without penalty. However, the contestant MUST NOT throw the loop. Once the contestant throws the first loop, he/she has accepted the conditions and a rerun will not be granted for the malfunctioning gate. If the Judge determines that the catch is legal and no time is recorded, the contestant has the option of taking the maximum time allowed or having a rerun. If the Judge determines that the catch is legal and only one time is recorded, the contestant has the option of accepting that time or taking a reride. The decision must be made immediately. If, for any reason, a lap and tap time is not recorded when there is interference, or an animal is injured or escapes from the arena, the contestant will get a complete rerun of the event. In case of interference, arena equipment failure, a rodeo official's or other arena personnel's error during the event, the contestant/team will receive a rerun at the Judges' discretion. The contestant/team has the option of keeping their original time (if a qualified catch was made) or accepting the rerun. However, if the contestant/team has no way of knowing that something did not happen or function correctly and they continue to compete, the contestant/team MUST make a qualified catch in order to get another chance. If the Field Finish Flag Judge flags out a contestant/team that still legally have one or more loops coming, the contestant/team will receive a complete rerun on an animal. All animals are randomly loaded and given to contestants per the running order of secretarial event sheets at the start of the go-round. Providing that the Scorekeeper and Announcer are notified in advance of the change, actual exit order of contestants or teams from the roping box may be changed by the Chute Coordinator or Arena Director only in consideration of equipment failure or injured horse. Calf Roping on Foot. Back gate will remain open during this event. Contestant has a maximum twenty (20) second time limit, not including possible penalties to complete their go. Each roper is allowed to throw one (1) loop. Contestants will be positioned behind a clearly-marked barrier line, which will be approximately parallel with and located one foot (1') behind the chute gate hinge posts, and another line perpendicular to the main line located two feet (2') from the side of the chute. Contestant must verify the Judges are ready, and notify the chute gate puller on their signal for the release of the calf. When ready, contestant signals for the calf. As calf's nose clears chute gate, Judge will drop flag to start time. Contestant must throw their loop so that the loop goes completely over the calf's head, and then catch leg(s), belly, or combination of these body parts. Once calf is roped, slack has been pulled out of the rope, and the rope has left the hand(s) of the contestant, Judge will drop flag to stop time. Following the stop of time, Judges will determine the validity of the throw and catch and assess penalties or disqualifications. When a visually-impaired contestant competes, contestant may have assistance within the confines of the timed event box to assist the contestant in setting up for his/her go. Any contestant may request a bell be placed around the neck of the calf, but contestant is required to provide this equipment. Penalties. Ten (10) second penalty assessed if roper's foot steps on or crosses over the barrier line before the calf's nose clears the chute gate. Disqualification. Signaling for release of calf when Judges are not ready. Snaring, defined as holding, placing, or lobbing loop in calf's path in an attempt to have calf run into the loop, rather than skillfully throwing the loop to rope the calf. Loop has not been released from the roper's hand prior to having any portion of the calf's head within the loop. Mounted Break-Away Roping. Contestant has a maximum forty-five (45) second time limit, not including possible penalties. Time starts when contestant signals for release of calf and when calf's' nose clears the chute gate. Once the legally-roped calf pulls rope and breaks the string attached to the saddle horn, Judge drops flag to stop time. Contestant must remain mounted on horse during their go. Two (2) loops are permitted. If a contestant intends to use two loops, contestant must carry two ropes and must use the second rope for the second loop. A loop that touches the ground is considered to be an expended loop. Ropes must be secured to the saddle horn with string with no excess slack in string. If the string securing either rope breaks or comes untied from the saddle horn prior to being thrown by the contestant, that rope may not be used in the event. Calf must break rope from saddle horn to be a legal catch. An easily visible piece of cloth or plastic flagging must be attached within three feet (3') of the end of the rope to enable the Field Flag Judge to flag the breakaway more accurately. If the second rope falls from the saddle before it is used, the first rope may not be used to build a second loop. Catch as catch can. Clean catch. The loop must go completely over the calf's head and then catch around the neck, leg(s), belly, or any combination of these body parts. Calf must break rope from the saddle horn. If calf steps out of loop before rope is broken from the saddle horn, the roper may use the second loop. Loop must be thrown. Roping the calf without releasing the loop is not permitted. Roper cannot ride up and snare or put the loop around the calf. The loop must be released from the roper's hand prior to having any portion of the calf's head within the loop. Penalties. Ten (10) second penalty assessed if crossing the barrier line before the calf's nose clears the chute gate. Disqualification. If the string securing rope breaks or comes untied from the saddle horn prior to being thrown by the contestant, that rope may not be used in the event. Abusive treatment of any animal during the event. Roping the calf without releasing rope after the catch. Accidental or intentional dally or hang up of rope. Not having an easily visible piece of cloth or plastic flagging attached within three feet (3') of the end of the rope. Roping the calf before the horse's tail has cleared the barrier line. Dismounting or falling off horse before time is stopped with a legal catch. Running the calf into the fence or return gate while demonstrating blatant disregard for safety of the calf as ruled by the Judge. Roper breaks rope away from the saddle horn. Roping calf without throwing or releasing the rope in a manner to snare or "place" loop around calf's head. Not releasing loop from roper's hand prior to having any portion of the calf's head within the loop. Signaling for release of calf when Judges are not ready. Top     Home Team Roping. Team has a maximum sixty (60) second time limit, not including possible penalties. Contestant can rope twice in this event per day, once as a header and once as a heeler. Contestant's highest placing will only be used for points towards all-around, Finals Rodeo, and World Champion calculations. All changes in lists of roping order due to sharing horses must be made before any stock for that event is loaded in the chute. After stock is loaded, ropers must rope in order listed. Each contestant will be allowed to carry only one (1) rope. Each team is allowed three (3) throws in all. "Dally" is defined to mean at least one complete turn around the saddle horn. There are only three (3) legal head catches. Both horns. Half a head. Around the neck. A loop dropped to the ground is considered to be an expended loop. Team will start behind the barrier with one roper in each box. Header will signal for steer in order to begin the event. Time starts when steer's nose clears the chute gate, and is flagged by the start Judge. Header must throw the first loop at the steer's head. If first loop is a miss, header may rebuild loop and throw a second attempt or heeler may move into header position and throw team's second loop at steer's head. After one contestant has made a legal head catch, dally is required to secure the steer and then header must turn the animal left across the arena. Heeler may then throw their loop, but the steer must be moving when the heel loop is thrown. For a clean legal catch, the heeler must rope both hind feet of the steer. Any heel catch behind both shoulders is legal if rope goes up both heels. Heeler must then dally and straighten the line between the header and heeler. Option: Heeler Tie-on Rule - A heeler may "tie on" but must use a quick release device. Roper may not dally over tie on. Tie on roper must finish the run as started. Time is stopped when header and heeler have made legal catches, dallied (heeler option for tie-on), horses are faced with all four feet on the ground, are in a relatively straight line with the steer in the middle, and ropes are tight. Finish Judge will then flag the stop of time. Any question as to catches in this contest will be decided by the Judge. Rerides. If the header's loop is on the steer and the steer is injured or escapes the arena, the team will get lap and tap time with another steer with the rope on it in the chute. The rope will be placed on the steer in a similar manner as it was on the first-roped steer. Judge shall make sure that the rope will not catch on the roping box upon release of the steer. Time will resume when the steer makes its initial move out of the chute. The header has the option of restarting in the roping box or within the arena. The heeler will restart in the roping box. Penalties. Ten (10) second penalty assessed by the Barrier Judge if either horse breaks the box before the steer starts. Ten (10) second penalty assessed by the Barrier Judge if the header horse's tail does not clear the box before the loop is thrown. Five (5) second penalty assessed by the Finish Judge if only one heel is caught when run is completed. Disqualification. Hondo passes over one horn and the loop goes over the other horn. Loop crosses itself in head catch. Cross fire catches. If, in the opinion of the Finish Flag Judge, a heel loop is thrown before the header has dallied and changed the direction of the steer. Header catches one or both front feet or legs in the loop and the header dallies. Dismounting or falling off horse before time is stopped. Abusive treatment of any animal during the event. Ropers must throw the loop. The loop must be released from the roper's hand prior to having any portion of the animal within the loop. Tied ropes (exception of Heeler Tie-on Option). Header accidentally jerks steer off its feet or steer trips or falls, header may not drag over eight feet (8') before steer regains its feet. A broken rope. Header's loop hangs up on a horn or the horn wrap, catches a front hoof or hooves, shoulder, or body of the steer. Heeler catches a front hoof or hooves in the heel loop. Top     Home SPEED EVENTS. General Rules for Speed Events. Prior to the start of rodeo events, the Arena Director will designate any portion of the runway that will be included as part of the arena. If any part of the alleyway or runway is designated as "part of the arena", then the Arena Director will inform the Secretarial Staff so that information can be posted on the events results board. All rodeos shall be required to use an electronic timing light for all speed events. Three (3) hand stopwatches will be used as backup. The Scorekeeper will record only the electronic timing light time. If the electronic timing light malfunctions for a contestant, the Scorekeeper will record the hand stopwatch times and ensure that the contestant is advised immediately of the situation. The contestant will have the option of accepting the hand stopwatch time or rerunning the event. The contestant will be advised of the hand time before making a decision and must make that decision immediately. If the contestant opts to accept the stopwatch time instead of taking a rerun, all stopwatch times will be recorded. If three stopwatch times are available, the high and low hand stopwatch times are not used, and the hand stopwatch time in the middle will be used. If only two hand stopwatch times are available, the average time will be used with no round offs. If only one hand stopwatch time is available, that time will be used. If the electronic timing light permanently fails as determined by the Arena Director, hand stopwatch times will be used for all remaining contestants in the event for that go-round (refer to Rule IV, Timers, paragraph 3). Speed events are timed events. Stopwatch times start and stop when the Judge drops the flag. Timing shall begin and end when any part of the rider or horse breaks the plane of the start/finish line according to the prescribed pattern. Starting markers or electronic timing light shall be placed, where at all possible, against the fence. The timing light does not have to be in the same location for all three speed events. A contestant is allowed a running start. At the discretion of the contestant, he/she may have the choice of open or closed gate at the start and end of the run, if in the opinion of the Arena Director, the gate position will not create a dangerous situation for the horse and/or rider. After a maximum of ten (10) riders, the travel area around all barrels and end poles must be machine-raked. If it is discovered that the arena has not been raked after ten (10) contestants, then any contestants affected by this non-compliance will be allowed to request a rerun. In case of interference, arena equipment failure, a rodeo official's or other arena personnel's error during the event, the contestant will receive a rerun at the Judges' discretion. The contestant has the option of keeping their original time (if a qualified run was made) or accepting the rerun. The Arena Director or his/her designee may declare a contestant a "no show" after that contestant has been called three (3) times and they are not present, mounted and ready to go (unless registered shared horses are used) in the arena line-up area. Providing that the Scorekeeper and Announcer are notified in advance of the change, actual running order of contestants may be changed by the Arena Director or the Arena Director's designee only in consideration of equipment failure or injured horse. Barrel pattern and flag pattern must be moved so as to not have barrel #3 and the end pole in Flag Race in the same place. Disqualification. Dismounting or falling off the horse during the timing of the event. Broken pattern or crossing traveled path. Any part of the rider or horse breaks the lane of the start/finish line other than according to the prescribed pattern. Excessive use of a bat, crops, whip, rope, or spurs, at the Judge's discretion. Taking more than 60 seconds to cross the electronic start line after being signaled from the Arena Director that the arena was set. Arena Director may waive this rule due to unusual circumstances for that particular arena and/or event. This waiver, if accepted, will be posted on the contestant line-up board. Barrel Racing (refer to Exhibit P, Barrel Racing diagram). Fifty-five (55) gallon closed metal barrels must be used. The barrels must be brightly colored or covered with barrel wraps. The course must be measured exactly. If the course is too large for the available space, the pattern should be reduced, depending on the arena size. Minimum distance of fifteen feet (15') between the side walls and barrels one and two. Minimum distance of thirty feet (30') between barrel three and the back wall. Minimum distance of thirty feet (30') between barrel one and the start/finish line. Recommended minimum stopping distance of at least forty feet (40'). When measuring the arena for the barrel course, ample room must be left for horses to complete their turns and stop at the finish. The barrels shall be placed consistently in relation to the marker and made as level as possible. At a signal from the starter, the contestant will run one of the prescribed patterns in Exhibit P. Knocking over a barrel shall carry a five (5) second penalty. A contestant may touch the barrel with his/her hands in Barrel Racing. Pole Bending (refer to Exhibit Q, Pole Bending diagram). The Pole Bending pattern is to be run around six (6) poles. Each pole is to be twenty-one feet (21') apart, and the first pole is to be twenty-one feet (21') from the starting line. Poles shall be set on top of the ground six feet (6') in height, with no base more than fourteen inches (14") and no less than twelve inches (12") in diameter. The poles shall fit firmly into the bases so that if the pole is bumped it will tend to move the base as well. Minimum distance of thirty feet (30') from the back wall. Recommended minimum stopping distance of at least forty feet (40'). A horse may start either to the left or to the right of the poles and then run the rest of the pattern accordingly. Knocking over a pole shall carry a five (5) second penalty. A contestant may touch a pole with his/her hand. However, if the pole is picked up and moved from the set pattern, the contestant will receive a five (5) second penalty. A knocked down pole does not alter the pattern of the course. Flag Race (refer to Exhibit R, Flag Race diagram). Fifty-five (55) gallon closed metal barrels must be used. The barrels must be brightly colored or covered with barrel wraps. The Flag Race pattern is to be laid out in the same manner as the regular barrel pattern with the substitution of a pole in place of barrel three (see Section B, Barrel Racing, above for pattern details). A five (5) gallon pail measuring fourteen and one-quarter inches (14¼") +/- (plus or minus) one-half inch (½") tall inside dimension and eleven and one-quarter inches (11¼") +/- (plus or minus) one-half inch (½") across inside dimension with fill mark on the exterior and/or interior of the pail filled three-quarters (¾) full with any pellet feed measuring three-sixteenths inches (3/16") in diameter (e.g. cattle or horse pellet feed) will be placed on top of barrels one and two. A proper level must be maintained throughout the event. Should a pail be knocked over by a contestant, it shall be refilled as described, not scooped up from the arena floor. Flag poles shall be set seven inches (7") into the pellets, and pole shall be marked from the bottom accordingly. A two and one-half-foot long (2½'), round one inch (1") diameter pole with one end sharpened to a point and an eight and one-half by eleven inch (8½" X 11") solid red flag attached to the other end will be used. Pattern may be run either left or right and contestant must call placement of flag before entering the arena. Contestant crosses start/finish line, proceeds to first barrel, passes on the outside picking up the flag, passes around the pole and on to next barrel where he/she puts the flag into the five (5) gallon pail with sharpened end down and returns to the start/finish line. Flag pole may pierce the bucket after going in and still be considered a good time. Knocking over the first barrel/pail will result in a five (5) second penalty. Knocking over the pole or picking up and moving the pole from the set pattern will also result in a five (5) second penalty. Knocking over the second barrel or pail will result in disqualification. Contestant will be disqualified for striking horse with flag. Flag not staying in the last pail results in no time. Top     Home Camp Events. General Rules for Camp Events. All camp events will be started by flag and whistle by the Judge. Teams must be complete before the close of registration. It is not the responsibility of the Rodeo Secretary to provide team members. Roughing of Timers and/or Judges will result in disqualification. All camp events to have a one (1) or two (2) minute time limit at the discretion of the host association. Each Goat Dressing and Steer Decorating team will have one (1) Timer and a certified Scorekeeper/Secretary. Each Wild Drag Race team will have two (2) Timers. The second Timer in Wild Drag Race can be a Scorekeeper/Secretary. For Steer Decorating and Goat Dressing, if the Timer realizes that the stopwatch was stopped late, for whatever reason, (e.g. malfunctioning watch, Timer watching wrong Judge), but the time is within the time limit, the team has the option of taking the recorded time or having a complete rerun. If the Judge determines that the event was completed within the time limit but no time is recorded, the team has the option of taking the maximum time allowed or having a complete rerun. The decision must be made immediately. In Wild Drag Race, the official time will be from the primary Timer with the back-up stopwatch used only if no time is recorded by the primary Timer. If either Timer realizes that the stopwatch was stopped late for their stopwatch for whatever reason (e.g. malfunctioning watch, Timer watching wrong Judge), then that stopwatch time will be dropped and the other stopwatch will be used. If both Timers realize that their stopwatches were stopped late but the time is within the time limit, the team has the option of taking the primary stopwatch recorded time or having a complete rerun. If neither of the Timers records a time and the Judge determines that the event was completed within the time limit, then the team has the option of taking the maximum time allowed or having a complete rerun. The decision must be made immediately. A team will be disqualified if any of the team members' feet step on or cross the start line before the start of the event by the Judge. In case of interference, arena equipment failure, a rodeo official's or other arena personnel's error during the event, the team will receive a rerun. The team has the option of keeping their original time (if a qualified run was made) or accepting the rerun. However, if the team has no way of knowing that something did not happen or function correctly and they continue to compete, the team MUST make a qualified run in order to get another chance. The Arena Director or his/her designee may declare a team a "No Show" after that team has been called three (3) times and they are not present and ready in the arena line-up area. All camp event animals are considered to be luck-of-the-draw. There shall be no reruns or lap and tap because of an animal lying down and not getting back up unless it is proven that the animal was injured. Steer Decorating. Steers are to be positioned in alternating (every other) chutes, if possible, and always facing the hinged end of the chute. Host association must supply a soft, cotton twenty-five-foot (25') +/- (plus or minus) one foot (1') long by three-quarters inch (¾") up to one and one-half inch (1½") diameter rope to include a metal ring with an inside diameter of two and one-half inch (2½") to three-inch (3") metal ring is to be used for the event. No knots in rope are allowed. The end of the rope with the ring is to be attached on the horns of a horned steer such that the ring end of the rope is behind the steer's horns and the ring end of the rope points away from the arena side of the chute. The rope is not to be tightened around the horns of the steer before the start of the event. Numbering error, #4 missing Event requires horned steers that meet the stock specifications. Ribbon must be a minimum of seven-eighths inch (7/8") to a maximum of one and one-quarter inch (1¼") in width and twenty-four inches (24") in length minimum and must be made of prefab cloth ribbon with a finished edge. Ribbon will be made available to all teams at the beginning of the event. The team. Team is comprised of two (2) contestants. One team member stands ten feet (10') from the chutes holding the rope. Second team member stands at least forty feet (40') from the chutes holding the ribbon. The event. Time begins and steer belongs to the team as the Judge blows the whistle and drops the flag. When the chute gate opens, contestants must haze steer across ten-foot (10') line. Chute gate will remain open until completion of each heat. Once all four (4) feet have crossed the ten-foot line, the following must occur. Contestant with ribbon must tie ribbon on steer's tail, and Contestant with rope must remove the loop from the steer's head. Once both of the above have been completed, the contestant with the ribbon must tag the timer in the chute they started in. Time ends when the contestant with the ribbon has tagged their respective timer's hand. If a team loses their steer, they must recapture their own steer. If chute gate "hangs up" but the steer is still released, the team must immediately drop the rope and request a reride. If the team continues to compete, they have accepted the conditions and a reride will not be granted for the gate "hanging up." Disqualification. Contestant crosses their start line prior to the Judges signal to start. Contestant tags Timer before the loop of the rope is completely removed from the steer's head. Ribbon is not tied to steer's tail when Timer is touched. Ribbon is not tied by the contestant who started at the forty-foot (40') line. Capturing another team's steer. Attempting to decorate the steer or remove rope from horns before all four (4) feet of the steer clear the ten-foot (10') line. Contestant touches unassigned Timer. Any action deemed as abusive to the animal (kicking, slapping, whipping). Wild Drag Race. Team event with three (3) contestants on each team. A maximum of two (2) teams will be allowed to compete at the same time. Steer is positioned in bucking chute facing the hinged end of the gate. Host association will provide a minimum of six (6) halters and 6 cotton ropes with the following dimensions. Twenty-five feet (25') long +/- (plus or minus) one foot (1'). From three-quarters inch (¾") to one and one-half inch (1½") diameter. Knots are not allowed in rope. Rope must be securely attached to halter. No spring snaps other than large "bull clips" permitted. The finish line shall be seventy feet (70') from the chutes. The team. Shall be composed of three (3) contestants of the following: one male, one female, and the third of either gender referred to as the "drag." The "drag" must wear female-type clothing (minimum of a one-piece dress, pantsuit, or skirt and top) and a wig. Start positions. Female contestant stands ten feet (10') from chute holding the rope attached to the steer. Male contestant stands forty feet (40') from chute. "Drag" contestant stands seventy feet (70') from chute. Start Judge starts the event in a position where he can observe all contestants at the start and will drop his flag and blow his whistle to signal the start. The event. When the chute gate opens, the male and the drag may run to assist the female in bringing the steer across the seventy-foot (70') line. Once all four (4) hooves cross the seventy-foot line the first time, the drag may then mount the steer. The drag must then be legally mounted before the steer has any hoof on or across the finish line. Time stops when all four (4) hooves of the steer, with legally-mounted drag, cross the finish line in the direction toward the chute. Steer belongs to the team at the whistle/flag start. If the gate "hangs up", but the steer is still released, the team must immediately request a rerun. If team continues to compete, they have accepted the conditions, and a rerun will not be granted for the gate "hanging up." Male and female may assist to help get the steer with mounted drag across the finish line. If team loses their steer, they may recapture their own steer. Capturing another teams' steer will result in disqualification. There is one way for the drag to be legally mounted on the steer, and that is straddling the steer's backbone with one leg (which is at least that portion of the leg extending from the knee down) on each side of the steer and below the ridge of the backbone. The drag may be facing forward or to the back of the animal. If the drag is sliding off the steer, the drag must still maintain the minimum mounted position described in this section. If the drag touches the ground before the steer has completely crossed the finish line, the team must bring the steer back across the finish line in order to make another attempt. Each team in the Wild Drag Race shall have a Finish Judge and the Finish Judge shall be placed in a position at the finish line that would allow an unrestricted view of the finish line. A rerun will be given if the Judge drops the flag because of an injured animal, animal escaping the arena, or equipment failure. Goat Dressing. Event requires two (2) Judges. Event is run in heats. Team event with two (2) contestants on each team. Timer will straddle the start/finish line approximately ten feet (10') to the side of the starting point. All shorts shall be the same size, style, and breed. Goats must be adequately spaced to avoid interference. Goats shall be tethered with a ten-foot (10') +/- (plus or minus) three inches (3") soft cotton rope to a weighted object, which the goats cannot drag. Dog harnesses will be used to tether the goats. Goats must be held stationary at the point furthest away from the start line. Contestants competing in subsequent heats shall remain in back of a line that is fifteen feet (15') behind and off to the side of the start/finish line. Contestants will stand at starting line fifty feet (50') from the point at which the goat is tethered. Time begins when the start Judge drops the flag and blows the whistle. Team runs to their goat and as one member of the team holds the goat, the other team member puts shorts on both back legs with one leg of the goat in each leg hole of the shorts. Time stops when all four (4) feet of the contestants have crossed the start/finish line. Each Timer must give a hand signal to the Judge when they stop the time. Arena Director has sole discretion to change the goat(s) at any time up to a maximum of eight (8) heats. Disqualification. Either contestant "jumps the start" or false starts. Throwing the goat or unnecessary roughness. Both legs of the goat are in one leg of the shorts. The shorts are not over the tailbone of the goat when contestants cross the finish line. Crossing the finish line behind the Timer. Top     Home Optional Demonstration Events. Ribbon Roping. Ribbon Roping is a roping event involving a team consisting of a roper and runner. The roper tosses a loop on the calf while his partner, the ribbon runner, waits in the arena. As soon as the roper dallies off, the runner runs to the calf and snatches the ribbon tied to the calf's tail. The ribbon runner then races back to the finish line. The event. A roper and a runner will work together in the event. The roper will be on horseback and the runner will be on foot. A short length of ribbon one-half inch wide (½") and ten inches (10") in length must be fastened with a rubber band to the tailhead of the calf's tail. Team has a maximum sixty (60) second time limit, not including possible penalties. Time starts when roper signals for release of calf and as calf's nose clears the chute gate. Legal catch will be defined in the same manner as that within the Mounted Break-Away Roping rules. The roper must dally and maintain control of the calf until the runner removes the ribbon from the calf. The roper must release the calf as soon as the ribbon is removed from the calf. Runners may choose where they wish to stand in the arena. After the calf is roped, the runner removes ribbon from calf's tail and runs back across into either roping box. Flag Judge will be positioned three feet (3') from the front of roping box. Officials. Two (2) or more timekeepers. One (1) Field judge at flag line and a second Field Flag Judge in the arena at the opposite end of the arena from runner flagman and roping box to witness and pass judgment on any questionable catches. One (1) Barrier Judge. Time will be taken between Barrier Flag Judge and Field Judge flag at flag line. Disqualification or No Time. If roper does not rope calf. If roper loses control of calf before the ribbon is removed. If runner throws ribbon on ground. Lost or broken rope. Top     Home RULE XIII - PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL ISSUES Ethical Practices and Review Board (EPRB). All participants involved in IGRA-sanctioned events are to uphold the IGRA Code of Conduct including conduct in the highest regard for professionalism, respect, and support of IGRA's intents and purposes. Any conduct that is viewed as controversial, disrespectful, or unprofessional can lead to suspension of IGRA privileges and can be initiated by any IGRA participant - official, contestant, volunteer, etc. The EPRB is a separate and distinct process from the Rodeo Protest Procedures. The EPRB shall consist of the Trustees, as stated in the Code of Ethics, and shall have complete and final authority in decisions concerning the Code of Ethics. The EPRB may take disciplinary action against any IGRA participant including suspension of IGRA privileges for any activity deemed to be detrimental to the image, sportsmanship, or welfare of IGRA (refer to Standing Rule VI). Professional Conduct and Disqualification. The Rodeo Director or any certified official may disqualify a contestant and/or team from an event after observing excessive roughness or intentional harm to an animal such as kicking, hitting, slapping, etc., before, during, or after an event. Appeals by the contestant and/or team may be made through the Rodeo Protest Procedures (refer to Rodeo Rule X). Contestant may be disqualified by a joint decision of the Rodeo Director and another certified official for any of the reasons listed below. A disqualified contestant will forfeit all entry fees and will be ineligible to receive rodeo monies, awards, or points. Written documentation must be filed with the Trustees at the Rodeo Review Board meeting. The following shall be considered reasons for disqualification. Fighting. Attempting to fix an event or bribe a Judge and/or rodeo official. Entering the arena or contestant area under the influence or in possession of alcohol, narcotics, or illegal drugs of any kind. Inhumane treatment of animals. Illegal or unauthorized drugging of animals. Intentionally subjecting the rodeo or IGRA to bad publicity. Contestants working rodeo livestock other than participating in the event or without authorization from the local rodeo officials. Any intentional attempt to change the order of livestock. Sharing of contestant numbers and/or passes. Unauthorized entry into secretarial area. Excessive abusive language, gestures, or intimidation of any kind towards any rodeo official, contestant, volunteer, or spectator at registration, during the rodeo, or at the awards ceremony, subject to review by the Rodeo Director. Appeals by the contestant and/or team may be made through the Rodeo Protest Procedures (refer to Rodeo Rule X). Placements, which may have occurred prior to the disqualification, will be recalculated based upon the remaining eligible contestants. In the event of a disqualification, points accrued and money awarded in team events will stand for the non-disqualified partner(s) in those events earned prior to the disqualification. Those team members may select replacement partner(s) but the replacement partner(s) must be contestants already competing in the rodeo. Points accrued and money awarded in events prior to the disqualification will be recalculated accordingly. A contestant who is disqualified three (3) times within five (5) consecutive IGRA rodeo years under rule XIV, B, 1 and 2 above will be suspended from IGRA-sanctioned rodeos for one (1) calendar year from date of third (3rd) disqualification. Each IGRA-sanctioned rodeo shall provide IGRA a list of contestants disqualified under rule XIV, B, 1 and 2. Multiple infractions may result in the Board of Trustees determining that the contestant will be ineligible to compete in IGRA-sanctioned rodeos or referring the matter to the EPRB for further action. Notice shall be sent to the IGRA Secretary by Wednesday following the rodeo where the disqualification occurred. The IGRA Secretary shall then send notification within seven (7) days to the contestant and notify the Rodeo Auditor to make proper notations in the computer files. Any contestant will be disqualified by any rodeo official and will forfeit all monies earned, awards received, and points for any of the following. Bad checks. A returned rodeo-related check (entry fees, stable fees, fines) received by the host association will mean immediate ineligibility for IGRA-sanctioned rodeos and/or events. To regain eligibility, the face value of the check, bank charges, and any collection fee must be paid in full. Should the check later be determined to be uncollectible, suspension from IGRA may result (refer to Article IV, Section 4, and Paragraph D). Non-payment of entry fees, stable fees, or any other rodeo fees and/or fines. Each IGRA-sanctioned rodeo shall provide IGRA a list of contestants disqualified under Rodeo Rule XIV letter B number 5. Notice shall be sent to the IGRA Secretary by the Wednesday following the rodeo or within five (5) days of the host association being notified where the disqualification occurred. Notification shall also be sent to those Member Associations that are hosting an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo within the next four (4) weeks. The IGRA Secretary shall send notification, within seven (7) days, to the contestant and will notify the Rodeo Auditor to make proper notations in the computer files. Removal of the contestant's name from the disqualified list is the responsibility of the association issuing the disqualification. Top     Home

 

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