EVENT RULES AND JUDGING GUIDELINES
OF THE
PROFESSIONAL ARMED FORCES RODEO ASSOCIATION
These are applicable at PAFRA only events. In co-sanctioned events, the hosting association’s rules take precedence over the rules listed herein.
I. RIDING EVENTS
A.Marking in riding events. To qualify, Bareback or Saddle Bronc rider must have his spurs over or above the break of the shoulders and touching the horse when the horse's front feet hit the ground on his initial move out of the chute. Some judges have been misinterpreting this rule. It is not necessary to have spurs over the break when the horse is still standing in the chute. Spurs can be well up the horses’ neck so long as they don't come out or behind the break. Spurs that are rolling above the break should not be disqualified
B.The spur out rule refers to the area above the breaks.
C.The spurs may be rolling in the bareback riding event, but must be touching the animal when the horse's front feet hit the ground on its initial move out of the chute. The initial move out of the chute may be the following:
D.Time starts when the animal's inside front shoulder crosses the plane of the chute.
E.Don't stand too close or behind the gate. Get a clear view of the rider and the horse at the same time. Don't be late in shouting "go on" if the rider gets fouled at the gate of the horse stalls. If the ride gets fouled at the gate, the judge yelling "go on" tells the contestant if he is in shape to try the animal and the mark out rule has been waived. If contestant tries his animal, he has accepted the animal, and has no re-ride coming because of the foul at the gate. Even if the contestant has missed spurring out on your side, continue to watch the ride because the other official may have waived the spur out rule.
F.Be aware of the contestant getting in a little trouble and jumping off when he is not fouled by the animal. He may be trying to take advantage of other contestants by getting a re-ride. This applies to a horse stumbling and falling or bucking into a fence. A contestant need not declare a rough stock animal that falls in order to receive a marking with an option of a re-ride. Treat all contestants alike.
G.Even though the ride and the animal are marked separately, marking for the ride is dependant on the degree of difficulty of the animal.
H.Use the full spread when at all possible and don't hesitate to mark the top of the spread when you see something outstanding, either rider or horse. Not using the full spread shows lack of confidence and expertise on the part of the judge. This means you should use low marks (from 5 to 10) for a poor ride or a sorry animal, and higher markings (from 20 to 25) for exceptional performance by animals and/or riders. Low markings on the winning rides defeat the purpose of the scoring system. Be consistent for the entire rodeo.
I.Don't pick out one thing on which to dock a ride. Watch for this and you will forget about the rest of the good or bad points. Train yourself on what to watch for, and mark the horse and ride accordingly.
J.Be sure to judge your foot and your foot alone, but if an animal moves to a point where you can't see your foot, you will have to mark from what you can see. If a bull or horse spins and the rider is buried in with your foot and spurring with the other foot, let the other judge mark him accordingly for an outstanding ride, even though your side was only fair.
K.Anytime one judge's view is blocked for very much of the ride, he should refer to the other judge's markings for the animal, and to see if the ride was consistent while his view was blocked. In some cases, if a judge doesn't get to see much of the ride he should disqualify himself and use the other judge's markings.
L.Judge the full (8) seconds of the ride. If an animal starts and the stalls for any length of time, mark the animal and rider for what they have done. If the animal stalls four (4) seconds and bucks four seconds, only mark him for four (4) seconds. Notify the rider of his markings with the option of a re-ride. Don't base your markings on the last part only; consider the full time of the ride.
M.Contestants do not necessarily compete in the same order as the judge's sheets, so make sure you have marked the correct contestant and animal.
N.Refer back to your books, especially at rodeos with several performances, to refresh your memory about the rides. Don't let the Saturday night crowd or last performance contestants win simply because of when they drew up.
O.Be sure to mark the animal and contestant only for their efforts. Don't be fooled by dramatic actions of contestants or by movement of chaps or other equipment used to make the ride or animal look good.
P.Don't let the announcer, stock contractor, spectators, contestants, or anyone else influence your decision. Animals, just like contestants, have good days and bad days, so score them both on how they perform today. When an unridden animal gets ridden it is no sign that the cowboy should automatically win or even place.
II. RE-RIDES
A.Re-rides will be given at the discretion of a judge. Reasons for possible re-rides are as follows: If animal stops, fouls rider, stock contractor's equipment fails, or performance of animal is inferior. Contestant may take same animal back, providing stock contractor is willing, or contestant may demand a re-ride animal be drawn. If contestant takes same animal back, he must take that marking. The only exception will be if contestant is fouled or there is an equipment failure.
B.If the pickup man or horse comes in contact with a bucking horse before qualified time has elapsed, contestant may be given a marking with an option of a re-ride providing contestant make a qualified ride.
C.If re-ride is given, judge shall inform contestant of his marking and an option of a re-ride. Contestant may refuse re-ride and take marking. Contestant must notify judge immediately of his decision to accept or reject the option.
D.If a horse stalls coming out of the chute, either judge may tell rider to take his feet out of the horse’s neck and the first jump qualification will be waived.
E.If in the opinion of the judges a rider is fouled at the gate, at the judge's discretion a re-ride may be given or the spurring out rule may be waived.
F.If the animal fouls the rider, he must declare himself immediately in order to receive a re-ride. If the rider does not declare himself he must accept score given.
G.If an animal that runs off is already drawn for another contestant, that contestant must take the animal already drawn.
H.All re-rides must be drawn for. Turn-outs may be substituted for a re-ride, at the discretion of the stock contractor.
I.If an animal that is drawn for a re-ride is already drawn for another contestant in the same performance, the contestant with the animal drawn will take it before the man who draws the animal for a re-ride. If an animal that is drawn for a re-ride is already drawn for another contestant is a later go-round, the contestant with the re-ride in the prior go-round will take the animal first.
J.If in the opinion of the judges a rider makes two (2) honest efforts to get out on a chute fighting animal and is unable to do so, he may have a re-ride.
K.When a final head is to be ridden in a riding event, at least two (2) additional head of stock will be available to re-rides.
L.If riding event animal stops after an initial start, and any outside help is used to start it again, contestant will not be required to qualify in order to be awarded a re-ride.
III. BAREBACK BRONC RIDING
A.Horses must be proven bucking horses and horses must be furnished by the stock contractor. Riding must be done with a one hand rigging, rigging shall not be more that two (2) inches in width at hand and not over a six (6) inch "D" ring, and not a freak. Latigos must be made of leather. Judges decide on all riggings.
B.To qualify, rider must have spurs over the break of the shoulders and touching horse when horse's front feet hit the ground.
C.Contestants will have the right to call judges to pass on whether riggings are objectionable.
D.Judge may require rider to take his hand out of the rigging after a horse is cinched. Stock contractor request the judge to take such action.
E.There will be no tape or any other adhesive material or substance other than dry resin used on rigging or on rider’s glove, which will be a plain glove with not flaps, rolls, wedges, welds, or gimmicks. Rider may have a single layer of sheepskin or leather under handhold and either one shall be glued down. Rider may not take any kind of finger tuck or finger wrap.
F.If contestant hangs-up in the bareback riding, judges have the discretion to fine the contestant: First offense -- $25.00; Second offense -- $100.00; Third offense - Board Action. Hang-up fine goes to the stock contractor.
G.Rigging must lie on horses back while rigging is being cinched. Stock contractor may call judge to pass on whether rigging is being set and/or cinched in a way that might hurt the horse's back. No fiberglass or metal in rigging or handholds. Flat-head rivets are allowed to secure handhold; only other metal allowed will be in the D rings. All riggings must have enough sheepskin 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 (1) inch thick, and if foam pad, at least one and one-quarter (1¼) inches thick. Pads will extend at least two (2) inches behind the riggings.
H.Judges shall disqualify bareback rider who has been advised he is next to go if he is not above the animal with his glove on when previous horse leaves the arena.
I.Horses will be ridden eight (8) seconds; time to start when horse's inside shoulder crosses the plane of the chute.
J.If rigging comes off horse without breaking, rider is disqualified.
K.The use of any type of hotshot for the purpose of getting an animal out of the chute is forbidden.
L.Any of the following offenses shall disqualify a rider:
- Touching animal with free hand
- Riding with locked rowels, or rowels that will lock on spurs
- Rider not using an approved protective vest
- Rider not using a mouth guard (rule infraction fines may apply).
IV. SADDLE BRONC RIDING
A.Horses must be proven bucking horse and horses must be furnished by the stock contractor. Riding to be done with plain halter, one rope-rein and saddle that complies with Association specifications listed below. If contractor does not approve of contestants halter he (contractor) must furnish one.
B.Contestant Saddle Specifications. Rigging: ¾ double front edge at "D" ring must not be pulled further back than directly below center of point of swell. Stranded E-Z or ring type saddle "D" must be used and cannot exceed 5¾ inch outside with measurements. Swell Undercut: Not more than two (2) inches one (1) on each side. Gullet: Not less than four (4) inches wide at center of fork of covered saddle. Tree: Saddles must be built on standard tree specifications: Fork 14” wide, Height 9”, maximum Gullet 5 ¾" wide, Cantle 5" maximum, height 14" maximum width. Stirrup leathers must be hand over bars. Latigos must be made of leather.
C.Standard halter must be used unless agreement is made by both contestant and stock contractor.
D.Riding rein and hand must be on same side. Horses to be saddled in chute, rider may cinch own saddle. Saddles shall not be set too far ahead on horse's withers, either stock contractor or contestant has the right to call the judges to pass on whether or not horse is properly saddled and flanked to buck its best. Middle flank belongs to rider, but contractor may have rider put flank behind curve of horse's belly. Flank cinch may be hobbled.
E.One arm must be free at all times.
F.Saddle bronc riding shall be timed for eight (8) seconds. Time to start when horses inside shoulder crosses plane of chute.
G.Any of the following offenses shall disqualify a rider:
- Wrapping rein around hand
- Touching animal, saddle or rein with free hand
- Riding with locked rowels, or rowels that will lock on spurs
- Rider not using an approved protective vest
- Rider not using a mouth guard (rule infraction fines may apply).
H.Dry resin may be used on chaps and saddle. Anyone using any other foreign substance shall be disqualified and declared ineligible for thirty (30) days, also subject to fine.
I.Judges may disqualify bronc rider who has been advised he is next to go if he is not above the animal with his rein in hand when previous horse leaves the arena.
J.The use of any type of hotshot for the purpose of getting an animal out of the chute is forbidden.
V. BULL RIDING
A.Animals must be proven bucking bulls, animals must be furnished by stock contractor.
B.Riding to be done with one hand and loose rope, with or without handhold: NO KNOTS OR HITCHES to prevent the rope from falling off bull or steer when rider leaves him. Rope musts have a bell, NO BELL, NO SCORE. Bell must be under the belly of the bull. Bull is to be ridden eight (8) seconds: time to start when animal’s inside shoulder crosses the plane of the chute.
C.If rider makes a qualified ride with any part of the rope in his riding hand, he is to be marked.
D.The contestant will have the right to call on judges to rule on whether or not his bull is properly flanked to buck to the best of the bull's ability.
E.No more than two (2) men may be on chute to pull contestant's rope.
F.Tipped hooks, rings and/or posts shall not be used on bull ropes.
G.Head fighting bulls having bad horns must be tipped or kept out of draw. No bull may be put in the draw until his horns have been cut back a reasonable distance. Bull riders have the option to ask for a re-ride animal if bull’s horns are not tipped or he is not a proven animal.
H.Rider will be disqualified for any of the following offenses:
- Touching the animal with free hand
- Placing spurs or chaps under rope when rope is being tightened
- Rider not using an approved protective vest.
- Rider not using a mouth guard. (rules infraction fines may apply).
- Rider not dismounting bull after the upper torso passes the parallel of the bulls back. ( riding down the side of a bull in an attempt to make a qualified ride).
- Rider will be disqualified and fined for activating a quick release mechanism on the bull rope to conduct a standard dismount; this safety device will only be used in the event of a hang up.
I.Judges may disqualify a bull rider who has been advised that he is next to go if he is not above the animal with his glove on when previous bull leaves the arena.
J.The use of any type of hotshot for the purpose of getting an animal out of the chute is forbidden.
VI. TIMED EVENT FIELD FLAGGER
A.In any timed event if an animal escapes from the arena, flag will be stopped and watch stopped. Contestants will get animal back with lap and tap start, and time already spent will be added to time when used in qualifying. If time is not recorded, the decision of the flag judge shall be final.
1.If barrier equipment hangs on animal, contestant must declare himself to receive a rerun.
2.If rope is on animal, roper will get animal lap and tap with rope on it in chute.
3.A field flag judge must ask contestants if they want a second loop or jump.
B.During any performance if an animal in timed events escapes the chutes or pens before it is called for by contestant, or if automatic barrier fails to work and stock is brought back, that animal will be returned by the arena director and the labor crew during, or at the end of that performance in the same manner he was originally worked or brought to the pens for contesting, at least several head of animals will be brought back together. No animal may be re-penned by himself. Decision will be made by arena director about when stock is re-penned.
C.Barrier judge and one (1) man will line the timed event stock at the option of the contestant. The position of the hazer will be determined by the line judge.
D.Flag judge shall position himself for calf roping at the end of the arena allowing him to come toward the roper. In steer wrestling, and team roping field judge shall place himself against the fence on the left-hand side of the timed event box. In breakaway roping, judge shall position himself on the side the contestant is handed.
E.During both a performance and a slack, no contestant or teams are to be in the arena while a timed event is in progress.
F.There shall be two or more timers, a field judge, and a barrier judge. Time to be taken between two flags. Arena conditions will determine score, length or score to be set by arena director and timed event spokesman or director, if present. Animal used for this event should be inspected and objectionable ones eliminated.
G.Line judge stands same side as contestant.
VII. BARRIERS AND SCORELINES
A.A ten-foot tape must be on hand for the barrier judge. Height of barrier in timed events shall be from 32" to 37" measured at the center of the box. Barrier judge is responsible to change barrier string whenever it may have been weakened, or on request of next contestant. Barrier judge shall keep a record of the length of the barrier trip rope each performance to assure the same start for each contestant’s performance. Adjusting length of barrier trip rope will be accomplished only by tying knots in the rope on either end. A ten (10) second penalty will be added for breaking or beating the barrier. In all timed events, a barrier will not be considered broken unless ring drops within ten (10) feet of the post. Barrier equipment must be inspected by the judge before each timed event. If equipment is faulty it must be replace. Should barrier break at any point other than designated breaking point, decision is up to the barrier judge. If contestant obviously beats barrier, but the staples are pulled of barrier rope is broken and string unbroken, barrier judge may assess a ten (10) second fine. Otherwise this will not be considered a broken barrier. Automatic Barrier shall be defined as a neck rope and a rope stretched across the front of the box. No metal catches shall be used. Judges discretion.
B.If barrier flagman is used, animal to be flagged when crossing starting, or deadline, in front of flagman. Barrier judge shall be sure that nobody can stand close enough to barrier or barrier equipment to tamper with same.
C.Once scored line has been set in timed events it will not be changed at that rodeo, nor can length of box be changed.
D.In order for timed to be considered official, barrier flag must operate.
E.If automatic barrier does not work but time is recorded, contestant or team will get time, but there will be no penalty for broken barrier.
F.If automatic barrier fails to work and official time has not started, contestant or team will get stock back if stock is qualified on the field.
G.If automatic barrier fails to work, and stock is brought back, contestant must take same animal over during or immediately after the same performance if stock is drawn.
H.If in the opinion of the line judge, contestant or horse is fouled by barrier, ropers shall get their calf or steer back providing contestant declares himself by pulling up immediately.
I.If in the opinion of the barrier judge, the contestant obviously broke the barrier, the contestant may be assessed a ten (10) second penalty on the rerun.
J.If stock is chute-run, and animal escapes chute before contestant calls for the animal, the roper or team will move to the end of that run of cattle.
K.Side Pull Barrier: All barriers must be side pull barrier with the pulley and the neck rope pulling form the side of the chute.
L.The stock contractor, for each rodeo shall be responsible for providing adequate barrier equipment.
M.Chute Clearance: The timed event chute must have at least 28 inches clearance inside the chute, and at the gate when in an open position for steer wrestling and team roping.
N.Lining for Timed Event Boxes: In order to protect the contestants horse, the back and the side opposite the timed event chute shall either have a lower rail, which is no less than 3 ft. above ground level and with no obstruction in the area from ground level up to the lower rail or be lined from ground level up to a minimum of 3ft. high with a solid panel (either metal or ¾" plywood).
O.Box pads are likewise required for each timed event box.
P.If contestant is fouled by the gateman, he must declare himself by pulling up. Example of this would include, but not limited to: Failing to open the gate on nod, taking more than one attempt to open gate, an exceptionally slow opening of the gate. It would not include hanging of horns or legs, etc., by the animal. If contestant attempts to compete on animal, he will not receive a rerun or have a broken barrier penalty removed. Judges discretion.
VIII. CALF ROPING
* A member when completing member application must declare (in Europe as example) that he/she desires their accumulated points to apply to Calf Roping at the finals or Breakaway at the finals.
A.Rope may be dallied or tied hard and fast, either is permissible. Contestant must rope calf, dismount, go down rope and throw calf by hand and cross and tie any three (3) feet. To qualify as legal tie there shall be one (1) or more wraps, and a half hitch. If calf is down when roper reaches it, the calf must have three (3) legs straight under him and be thrown by hand. If roper's hand is on the calf when calf falls, calf is considered thrown by hand. Rope must hold calf until roper gets hand on calf. Tie must hold, and three (3) legs remain crossed until passed on by the judge, and roper must not touch calf after giving finish signal until after judge has completed his examination. If tie comes loose or calf gets to his feet before the tie has been ruled a fair one, the roper will be marked no time. Animal belongs to contestant when he calls for him, regardless of what happens, except cases of mechanical failure. Contestant must declare himself by pulling up immediately.
B.Two (2) loops will be permitted catch as catch can and should the roper miss with both, he must retire and no time will be allowed. Roping calf without releasing loop from hand is not permitted.
C.There will be a 35 second limit in elapsed time in the calf roping. A whistle indicating no time shall be blown by the timer at the end of the 35 second span.
D.After tying the calf, the roper will refrain from an unnecessary tuning or training on his horse which would cause the horse to drag the calf. Contestant must receive no assistant of any kind from outside. If the horse drags the calf, the field judge may stop the horse. Once mounted the contestant shall adjust the rope and reins in a manner that will prevent the horse from dragging the calf. It will be left to the discretion of the judge as to whether a roper has caused a calf to be unnecessarily abused by dragging and if so determined, a $50.00 fine will be assessed.
E.The field flag judge will pass on the tie of steers through use of a stop watch, timing six (6) seconds from the time the rope horse takes his first step forward after the roper has remounted. Rope will not be removed from calf and rope must remain slack until field judge has passed on tie.
F.Judge must watch calf during the six (6) second period and will stop watch when a calf kicks free using the time shown on the watch to determine whether calf was tied long enough to qualify.
G.Roper will be disqualified for removing rope from calf after signaling for time, until the tie has been passed on by the field judge.
H.If roper intends to use two (2) loops, he must carry two (2) ropes and must use second rope for second loop.
I.Roping calves shall weigh at least 200 pounds and a maximum of 275 pounds each.
J.Automatic barrier must be used at all rodeos for calf and breakaway roping. The score line may be no longer than the length of the box, minus four (4) feet, unless other arrangements are approved by the calf or breakaway roping directors or a person of his or her choice. (Indoor or outdoor arena length of the box is to be measured from center of back end of box to center of barrier).
K.Barrier ropes on calves must be tied with rubber bands (#184). No metal snaps or hardware shall be used on neck ropes in the timed events. Adjustable slide shall be used on all neck ropes for cattle used in the timed events.
L.All roping calves must be of the same general type and approximately the same weight.
M. If an animal exits/breaks the plane of the arena during competition, the individual will rerun that same steer/calf and a 30 second penalty will be added to the new time.
IX. BREAKAWAY ROPING
* A member when completing member application must declare (in Europe as example) that he/she desires their accumulated points to apply to Calf Roping at the finals or Breakaway at the finals.
A.Contestant may use two (2) loops if a second loop is carried. Roping calf without releasing loop from hand is not permitted.
B.Ropes must be tied to the saddle horn with string and have a handkerchief or other colorful cloth attached.
C.The flag must be attached at the horn and not farther down the rope. Penalty for misplacement of flag or handkerchief will be disqualification by the judge.
D.Contestant will receive a no-time should they break the rope from the saddle horn themselves. Judgment will be left to judge's discretion.
E.The calf's/steers head must pass through the loop. The loop may draw up on any part of the animal’s body as catch as catch can.
F.The contestant must pass through the barrier before throwing the loop.
G.Breakaway calves shall weigh at least 200 pounds each
H.Barrier times as set in the Calf Roping will apply; a 25 second time limit is set for the entire run.
I.If an animal exits/breaks the plane of the arena during competition, the individual will rerun that same steer/calf and a 30 second penalty will be added to the new time.
X. STEER WRESTLING
A.If steer gets loose, dogger may take one (1) step to catch steer. After catching steer, wrestler must change direction or bring steer to a stop and twist down. If steer is accidentally knocked down or thrown down before being brought to a stop, or is thrown by wrestler putting animals horns into ground, it must be let up on all four (4) feet and then thrown. Steer will be considered down only when it is lying flat on its side, or on its back with all four (4) feet and head straight. Wrestler must have hand on steer when flagged. The fairness to catch and throw will be left to the judges, and their decision will be final.
B.Hazer must not render any assistance to contestant while contestant is working with steer. Failure to observe this rule will disqualify contestant. Contestant and hazer must use the same two (2) horses they leave chute with. Hazer will be disqualified for jumping steer.
C.When a barrier is used in the steer wrestling an automatic barrier must be used and there must be at least a twelve (12) foot box. If box is shorter, steer wrestling must be lap and tap.
D.Any cattle that have been used cannot be held over from one (1) year to the next for use in steer wrestling except by Board approval.
E.Fresh steers added to bunch that has been used must be bull dogged from horseback and thrown down.
F.It is the responsibility of steer wrestlers to throw the cattle, at a time mutually agreed upon with the stock contractor.
G. A weight limit shall be placed on dogging cattle- minimum of 450 pounds and maximum of 700 pounds per head. At televised rodeos, steers in contests events will weigh at least 500 pounds.
H.The horns on steer wrestling cattle must be tipped to the size of a dime.
I.A ten (10) second penalty shall be assessed in any case in which a flag judge rules that the dogger's feet touch the ground before flag line is crossed.
J.If dogger misses or loses steer, flagman must ask dogger if he wishes another jump. Dogger must reply at once.
K.Cattle used for steer roping, team roping, cutting or other events shall not be used for steer wrestling.
L.When fresh steers are used, any fresh steers not thrown down during competition will be thrown down after completion of go-round. Contestant will be responsible to throw down such steers under the supervision of the arena directors and stock contractor.
M.Neck ropes on steers must be tied with #184 rubber band. No metal snaps or hardware shall be used on neck ropes in timed events. Adjustable slide shall be used on all neck ropes for cattle used in the timed events.
N.The steer wrestling chute must have at least (28) twenty-eight inches clearance inside the chute and at the gate when in an open position.
O.Arena conditions will determine score, length of score to be set by arena director and time event director or spokesman, if present, subject to the conditions set forth herein.
P.In steer wrestling the score may be no longer than the length of the steer wrestling box minus six (6) feet unless other arrangements are approved by the steer wrestling director or a man of his choice.
Q.Length of box to be measured from center of back end of box to center of barrier.
R.There shall be two (2) or more timers, a field flag judge and a barrier judge. Time to be taken between two (2) flags.
S.Animals used for this contestant should be closely inspected and objectionable ones eliminated. Contestant will not be required to compete on a crippled steer or a steer with a broken horn. If contestant jumps at steer, he accepts him. Contestant will be disqualified if he attempts in any way to tamper with steers or chutes.
T.Steer wrestlers must leave from the left box and the hazer must leave from the right box.
U.Field judge is required to watch contestant and steer until animal is turned loose. Contestant is required to turn steers head so he can get up. Arena director may report infractions.
V.Hazer should be Association members in good standing.
W.Steer wrestling should precede barrel racing or arena must be worked to fill barrel holes.
X. If the steer stops before crossing the score line completely and the contestant has not broken the barrier and has not competed on the steer, the contestant will automatically be awarded a rerun, using the steer drawn for the extra, if that steer has not already been awarded, another steer will be drawn, the steer that stopped will be removed from the draw for the rest of the rodeo. If that steer stops at another PAFRA rodeo, he must be removed from the herd and not be used at any other PAFRA rodeo. Judges discretion.
XI. Chute Dogging (On the Ground Steer Wrestling)
A.Contestant must catch the steer from the ground. The use of hazer(s) is allowed. Time starts when the steer’s nose crosses the ten (10) foot barrier mark. This arc is a semi circle 10' out from the center of the chute.
B.The steer can be grabbed with either one or both hands while still in the chute. The chute gate can be operated by the dogger or a hazer can assist with the chute. The horns cannot be touched until the steer breaks the ten (10) foot arc. Grabbing the horn prior to crossing the ten (10) foot barrier mark will result in 10 second penalty added to the final time. If coming out of a roping chute, one horn can be held before crossing the (10) foot barrier mark. Once the steer is touched by the contestant, the steer is his.
C.Any part of the steer's body must cross the ten (10) foot barrier mark before the steer can be stopped, slowed, or turned. Failure to do so will result in a ten (10) second penalty.
D.Once the steer breaks the ten (10) foot barrier mark, the direction of travel of the steer must be changed or the steer must be stopped. Once the steer has been turned or stopped, the steer must be thrown. All four hooves must be off the ground facing the same direction, (meaning the steer cannot be kneeling on two knees or have it's legs tucked under it), no dog falls.
E. If the steer falls or is knocked down, the steer must be put back up on its feet and an attempt to re-throw must be made. If the steer is twisted or knocked down by putting its horns on the ground (Hoolihan) it must be let up on its feet and an attempt to re-throw must be made. If an attempt to re-throw is not done, a "no-time" will be awarded.
F.Field judge is required to watch the animal until the animal is turned loose. Contestant is required to turn steers head so he can get up. Fastest time wins. The time starts when any portion of the steer breaks the 10' arc, time stops when the steer is on its side or back with all 4 legs pointed in the same direction.
G.Judges have the final say with all decisions.
H.Primary method of Chute Dogging will be from the bucking chute.
I.If a contestant is fouled by the gate he has the option for a re-run. Re-run must be declared immediately and the contestant must release the steer, if a throw is attempted no re-run will be allowed.
XII. TEAM ROPING
A.Contestants will start from behind an automatic barrier. Header must leave from the left box and the heeler from the right box. Team roper behind barrier must throw first loop at head, each contestant will be allowed to carry only one (1) rope. Each team is allowed three (3) loops. Roping without turning loose of the rope will be considered no catch.
B.Requirements for Roping: Field judges shall drop flag when steer is roped by its head and heels, and both horses are facing steer in line with ropes dallied and tight. Horse’s front feet must be on the ground and ropers must be mounted for the flag to drop. Steer must be standing up when roped by head and heels.
C.Barrier ropes on steers must be tied with rubber bands. No metal snaps or hardware shall be used on neck ropes in the timed events. An adjustable slide shall be used on neck ropes for cattle used in the timed events.
D.All roping steers must be of the same general type and approximately the same weight.
E.Any cattle that have been used cannot be held over from one year to the next for use in team roping except by board approval.
F.Fresh steers added to bunch that has been used must be roped form horseback prior to use.
G.It is the responsibility of the team roper to rope the fresh steers at a time mutually agreed upon with the stock contractor.
H.When fresh steer are used, any fresh steers not roped during competition will be roped after completion of go-round. Contestant will be responsible to rope such steers under the supervision of the arena directors and stock contractor.
I.A weight limit shall be placed on the steers: a minimum of 450 pounds and a maximum of 700 pounds per head. At televised rodeos, steers in contest events will weigh at least 500 pounds.
J.The horns on the steers must be tipped to the size of a dime.
K.There shall be two judges, a field flag judge and a barrier judge.
L.A ten second penalty shall be assessed in any case in which the barrier judge rules that the barrier is broken.
M.If the team misses their first loop, the header may rebuild or the heeler may rope by switching ends. Only three loops are allowed. Cattle used for steer roping, team roping, cutting or other events shall not be used for steer wrestling.
N.Neck ropes on steers must be tied with rubber bands. No metal snaps or hardware shall be used on neck ropes for cattle used in the timed events.
O.The roping chute must have at least 28 inches of clearance inside the chute and the gate when in the open position.
P.Arena conditions will determine score; length of score to be set by arena director and timed event director or spokesman, if present, subject to the conditions set forth herein.
Q.The length of the heading box will be measured from the center of the back end of the box to the center of the barrier.
R.Animal used for roping should be closely inspected and objectionable ones eliminated. Contestants will not be required to compete on a crippled steer or a steer with a broken horn. If contestant throws his rope at the steer, he accepts him.
S.Contestants will be disqualified if he attempts in any way to tamper with steers or chutes.
T.Once the steer is released, the team accepts arena conditions.
U.If the steer stops before crossing the score line completely and contestant has not broken the barrier and has not competed on the steer, the contestant will automatically be awarded a rerun, using the steer drawn for the extra, if that steer has not already been roped, if the extra steer had already been roped, another steer will be drawn. The steer that stopped will be removed from the draw for the rest of the rodeo. If that steer stops at another PAFRA rodeo, he must be removed from the herd and not be used at any other PAFRA rodeo. This is at the judge’s discretion.
V.If an animal exits/breaks the plane of the arena during competition, the individual will rerun that same steer/calf and a 30 second penalty will be added to the new time.
W.Steer must not be handled too roughly at any time. Ropers may be disqualified if in the opinion of the field judge they have intentionally done so.
X.Broken rope or dropped rope will be considered no time or if contestant intentionally dismounts during the contestant run, team will be disqualified.
Y.Contestants may only enter one (1) time at each end.
Z.Ropers that are dallying must have a full wrap. Contestant trying to get time without dally may get flag then be flagged out for trying to cheat.
AA.Neither contestant my remove illegal catch by hand. Should head or heel loop become legal, by the time the field flag judge drops his flag time will be counted.
BB.All heelers over the age of fifty (50) may tie on.
CC.Legal Catches: There will be only three (3) legal head catches:
If Hondo passes over one (1) horn then the catch is illegal. If loop crosses itself in a head catch it is illegal. Any heel catch behind both shoulders is legal if rope goes up heels. One (1) hind foot receives five (5) second fine. Failure to head and change directions of steer before heeling (cross firing) is illegal. A front foot in heel catch is illegal.
DD.Throwing Heel Loop: The steer’s body must be changed and moving forward before the heel can be thrown. However, if the steer stops it must be moving forward for the heel loop to be legal. Any heel loop thrown in the switch will be considered crossfire and no time will be recorded.
EE. Teams for Finals: It is understood that members will rope with numerous partners throughout the year and this is encouraged to promote the spirit of the association. However, it is the responsibility of the individual roper to identify a qualified and eligible partner prior to the WFR. It is in the best interest of the individual, team and association to identify partners for the WFR as early as possible. Teams will be identified at the time of entry for the WFR.
XIII. WOMEN'S BARREL RACING
A.Barrel racing is a timed event. The start and finish line and position of the barrels must be marked permanently for the entire rodeo. If an electric timer is used, it shall be permanently marked for the entire rodeo as well.
B.There shall be two judges, one (1) to act as a line flag judge and one (1) to act as a field judge to determine any irregularities that may occur in the arena. Prior to the first performance, judges will check and measure existing stakes. Permanent stakes will be placed at this time to be used for the entire rodeo.
C.Members up in the first performance are asked to assist judges in setting markers and giving the measurements to the rodeo Secretary. If there is no more than one performance, contestants in other performances are asked to check markers before rodeo.
D.Each contestant will begin from a running start; time shall begin as soon as the horse's nose reaches the starting line and will be stopped when the horse's nose reaches the finish line. The starting and finish lime must be the same.
E.The barrel course may be run with one (1) right turn and two (2) left turns or one (1) left turn and two (2) right turns.
F.Contestant will be assessed a five (5) second penalty for knocking over a barrel. Touching a barrel is permitted.
G.Should a barrel be knocked over and it sets up on opposite end, the five (5) second penalty will be assessed.
H.If the barrel is still standing when you go across finish line and then falls down, you will have a time. Flagman's decision will be final.
I.Contestants will be disqualified for not following pattern, or not being ready to compete when name is called 3 times.
J.Should barrels not be place on markers or flagman not is in correct place, things must be put in the correct order and all contestants who ran on the incorrect course must be rerun with no penalties assessed.
K.Should the markers be gone and a tape measure be used to set the barrels, that is sufficient, and no reruns will be allowed.
L.Brightly colored 55 gallon steel drums must be used. There shall be no rubber barrels or barrel pads used. Both ends of the barrel shall be closed in.
M.No reruns shall be given at a rodeo when a horse falls, unless it is posted in the rodeo office as a special ground rule at that rodeo.
N.No reruns will be given for broken equipment. Rerun will be given should a default occur due to management.
1.If a rerun is allowed, contestant may be allowed to make the rerun after the performance.
2.The decision to rerun must be made immediately following the rodeo, and all contestants notified, if possible.
3.If the timer does not work and a rerun is given, a contestant has the option of keeping her original back up time, except for an average paid out rodeo, the contestant must run again with the electric eye, after the performance.
O.Barrels must not be set on the markers when practicing or working horse on pattern. When markers are set for practicing or working horse they must be set at least ten (10 ) feet off the markers. Violation of this rule is a $10.00 fine, paid before the contestant can compete.
XIV. GROUND PREPARATION
A.Committee is asked to prepare ground in the arena to be consistent throughout the event. Committee is asked when possible to have a drag for the Barrel race.
B.PAFRA would like to use the following guidelines, whenever possible maximum (14) fourteen runners per performance. Drag will be used after (1/2) half of the runners.
C.In the slack, ground around the barrels must be worked with a tractor if one is available, before the barrel race and after the equivalent number of contestants for a performance has competed. If a drag is used, it should be dragged the same.
D.If slack is run before first performance of the rodeo, it is mandatory to work and water the ground the same as it will be done for the performance during the rodeo.
XV. BARREL PATTERN
A.Standard course should be used whenever possible:
1.90 feet between barrels one and two.
2.105 feet between barrels one and three, and between barrels two and three.
3.60 feet from barrels one and two to score line.
4.Maximum distance of 105 feet between barrels one and two: 120 feet between two and three, and one and three. Score line must never be more than 90 feet. Above rule is for unusually large arenas. The following shall be used in smaller arenas:
a. Score line should be 45 feet away from end of arena.
b. Barrels one and two must be 18 feet from sides of the arena.
c. Barrels must be 36 feet from end of arena, but may not be over 105 feet between barrels one and three and two and three.
B.The barrels must be marked using a 100 foot measuring tape. Add five (5) feet on the tape in order for correct measurement between one and three and two and three. The person measuring the barrel pattern must make an arc on the ground from barrel one to barrel three and from barrel two to barrel three. Where the arcs cross is where the third barrel marker must be place. This will insure equal distance for barrel racers who run to either the right or left barrel first. The starting line must also be correctly measured back from barrel one and two, so that the distance is the same to insure equal distance for score line to either barrel. Permanent markers shall be placed on both sides to indicate the starting line.
C.Markers should be buried so they will remain in the same place during the entire rodeo. If an electric eye is used, markers must be buried to mark the tripod locations. All three (3) barrels will be placed so the marker is on the outside of the base of the barrel as it is placed on the ground. Judges should check all three (3) barrels to make sure barrels have correctly been placed before race begins, and after barrel or barrels that have been knocked over have been reset.
D.Electric timers should be used if provided. If electric timer fails, regardless if it is the first performance every effort should be made to have a timer for the remaining performance.
1.Judges, secretaries, and barrel racers shall be held responsible for the electric timer’s performance prior to its use. Stock contractors should be willing to assist judges, secretaries, and barrel racers in their attempts to use the electric timer.
2.The electric timer will always be backed up by the official flag judges on the starting line. The flagman should never leave his position.
3.The flag time or back-up time will always be clocked by two manual timers, and these two times will be averaged and recorded. Electric timer readout will be recorded by the Secretary.
4.All times, including electric timer and back-up times, will be recorded by the hundredths only.
E.In the event of electric eye failure: If the electric eye fails to work for more than one-half (51%) of the contestants in an entire rodeo (or go-round in the case of more than one go0round), the back-up recorded times will be the official times for all contestants in that rodeo (or go-round). If the eye works for more than half of the contestants those with eye times will retain them for their official times and the remainder of contestants will be back-up times for their official times.
F.Any barrel racing contestant who runs out of order will be assessed a $10.00 fine.
XVI. Mutton Busting
A.The purpose of this event is to give the children of the members an event to compete in. Children, between the ages of 4 and 11 not to exceed 90 pounds, of PAFRA card holders will be allowed to participate for points toward the world finals rodeo. The local rodeo committee will allow children of spectators to participate in the event for entertainment but not for PAFRA points.
B.Two methods of conducting mutton busting will be allowed.
1.The preferred method is one rider on one sheep at a time. This contest will be scored like all rough stock events. 2 judges will award 25 pts for the stock and 25 for the rider, with the combined score being the total score for the ride. The point system for standings will be the same as the all other events. This method will help the children learn how judging and draws are done so they will be more prepared when they move on to steer riding or bronc riding.
2.The second method is the mass turn out of riders and stock from as many chutes as needed.
C.All competitors regardless of method will receive 10 points for attempting to ride.
D. No fees will be collected for stock or secretaries. This is to allow as many children the opportunity to participate in the event. "Passing the Hat" thru the crowd and other competitors is highly encouraged.
E.In either method the rider can use both arms and legs to ride the stock. No spurs allowed and helmets are highly recommended.
F.The local rodeo committee will decide how many children may participate at each rodeo. All PAFRA children will be allowed to participate. And as many spectators as possible should be allowed to participate. The intent here is to provide fun and entertainment, not a 2 hour mutton busting event.
XVII. DEFINITION OF UNSATIFSFACTORY ANIMALS IN THE TIMED EVENTS
An animal that: (1) is considered by the Event Director to be unhealthy or not suitable for competition, (2) has in the past caused safety concerns for a contestant or his horse, (3) would cause an uneven competition, if used, (4) has in the past demonstrated a disposition to act in a manner which may cause by-laws or rules violations or humane problems if used in a timed event, or (5) if use of such animal would result in a PAFRA rule violation.
