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Updates to the Rule Book for 2009:

The IJRA will assess a $10 fee per contestant for late entries.  Entries are due 2 weeks before the rodeo.  Late entries will be accepted for 1 week, with the $10 fee per contestant.  Entries received more than 1 week after the due date will not be accepted.

Boys 9-12 calf tie down will be changed to goat tying.  Rules will match the Idaho Wrangler Division. 

The following rules will be added for all rough stock events:

The contestant will be turned out if they are not on their animal before the announcer has called their name 3 times.

If the contestant shows reluctance once they are on their animal, the rough stock director will ask them 3 times whether they want to ride.  If they say no, they will be turned out. 

It will be the at the rough stock director’s discretion whether the animal is acceptable to be called for, and the contestant will have 3 chances to do so.  If the contestant refuses to call for the animal, they will be turned out.

 

Official rules and regulations of the Idaho Junior Rodeo Association, Inc., known hereafter as the IJRA.  Adopted in 1982 by the Board of Directors of and for the IJRA—last revision approved by the 2006 IJRA Board of Directors.  High School Rodeo rules will be followed unless otherwise specified herein.  

General Rules

Boundaries Dress Code Age Groups Points/Awards
All-Around Membership Fees Conduct w/Officials Other
Entries Position Draw Stock Draw Scoring Rough Stock Events
Barrier/Starting Line Re-Rides/Re-Runs Turn-Outs/Draw-Outs Responsibilities of Officials
      Glossary

   

Boundaries

The boundaries include the entire State of Idaho with a capped membership of 180 families.

Dress Code

Full western attire is required for all contestants (long pants, cuffed and collared long-sleeved shirts, cowboy boots, and cowboy hats).  Participating in an event without designated attire, will result in disqualification for that event.  Should the contestants hat come off prior to entering the arena for the event, a five (5) second penalty will be assessed to the events time.  As a courtesy to the arena help, contestants are highly encouraged to take steps necessary to ensure that their hat remain in their possession throughout the duration of their event.  This rule  section does not apply to the 0-8 age group.

Age Groups    top of page

Participants will include youth ranging from ages 0-16.  They will compete in age groups specified below at IJRA approved rodeos.  Age on January 1 of the current year will be the determining age of the member for the entire rodeo season.  However, contestants may elect to move up into a higher age group but must do so in all events for the remainder of the year.  It is the contestant’s responsibility to enter in the proper age group.

0-8            9-12          13-16

Points / Awards    top of page

Youth will compete for points at five (5) rodeos.  Points will also be accumulated for year end.

Points will be given by the Association Secretary as follows:

Place Points
1 10
2 9
3 8
4 7
5 6
6 5
7 4
8 3
9 2
10 1

In the event of a tie, both points given will be added together and split.  For example, points given to a tie for 4th and 5th places (7+6=13/2) would result in 6.5 points given to each contestant.

In the event of a first-place tie, a day show buckle will be awarded to each contestant with no second place award given.  In the event of a second place tie, a $20 Gift Certificate will be awarded to each contestant.  Events in excess of 30 contestants will be eligible for a third place $10 Gift Certificate and will be awarded to each contestant in the event of a tie.

In the event of a year-end tie for events, all scores and/or times for the year will be totaled to determine the final placing.  In the event of a year-end tie, each contestant will be given the same awards.

All-Around    top of page

Contestants qualifying for all-around points must compete in and earn points in two or more events.  Two All-Arounds will be chosen from each age group—one for boys and one for girls.

Membership Fees    top of page

Fees for the season will be $50 per participant or $75 per family.  In addition to the membership fee, members are required to have a $25 minimum sponsor or donation per member.  If the sponsor or donation amount does not accompany membership fee, members will not be eligible for any awards.  There will be no exceptions.  Due dates of membership fees will be determined and announced every year.  Past members only will be eligible for renewal until the designated date.  After that date, membership will be opened to new members until a designated date, at which time, membership will be closed for the season.  A $20 late fine will be added to each past member who pays after the initial members only closing date.

Conduct with Officials    top of page

At anytime an Association Official or designated rodeo official is harassed in ANY manner by a participant or by a participant’s family, said participant will be subject to disqualification from further activities at that rodeo and shall forfeit all entry fees.  A hearing may be requested with the Association’s Board of Directors for any clarification.

Other    top of page

The committee, Association, and the stock producer reserve the right to remove any contestant from the arena at any time the contestant may be in danger, especially precarious rough stock events.

At any time there is drinking in the arena, that person shall be asked to leave for the safety of others.  Alcoholic Beverages are Not Allowed.

All protests are to be made before leaving the arena following the contestant’s performance.  If contestant leaves the arena, the decision is final.  All protests shall be made to that event’s Event Director.

Entries    top of page

The pre-paid entry system is used to enter each rodeo.  This consists of a completed entry form and entry fee being received by the secretary on or before the specified due date in which the contestant wants to compete.  Postmarks will not be honored.  Entries will be accepted up to one week after the specified due date, with a $10 late fee per contestant.  No entries will be accepted more than one week late.

Any person who is willing to take responsibility for entry fees may enter any contestant in the timed events; by doing so, this person is responsible to guarantee the entry fee of that contestant.  All rough stock will be limited to entering only by immediate family members.

Any insufficient funds check received by the Association will be charged a $25 check charge.  The total amount must be paid in cash or certified funds before or with the next rodeo’s entry fees.  Entry form and fees for any other rodeo will not be accepted until insufficient funds and charges have been paid.  If a second insufficient funds check is received, member may be put on a cash-only basis.

Position Draw    top of page

Positions must be drawn in every event—there will be no placing of contestants, however, rough stock events may compete at performance in the order of readiness per section according to the chute boss’ discretion.

There will be no trading of position .  Contestants who share horses or equipment must notify the secretary on the entry form of the applicable rodeo prior to the entry closing date.

If a contestant is unable to compete at a rodeo due to a sickness or injury, he may be held until later in the go-around with the consent of the secretary and the committee.  In all rodeo events, sick or injured contestants shall NOT be held past the end of the go.  Entry fees will not be refunded or forwarded unless a doctor/veterinary note is presented to the secretary prior to the event.

Stock Draw    top of page

The stock for the following timed events will be “chute run”:  Calf Roping, Team Roping, and Breakaway Roping , Steer Wrestling and Chute Dogging.

The stock for the following rough stock events will be “chute run”:  Steer Riding, Calf Riding, and Sheep Riding.

The staking order for the following events will be drawn and posted before the performance begins:  Calf Tie Down, Goat Tying, and Goat Tie Down.

The only events that the stock is individually drawn is Bull Riding.  The stock draw must be completed and posted before that Section begins.

Scoring Rough Stock Events    top of page

The ride and the animal shall be judged and marked separately.

Marking of the riding events shall range from one (1) to twenty-five (25) on both the bucking animal and the rider and use the full spread.

The ride will be marked according to how much the rider spurs the animal, performance of the stock and position of the rider.

Barrier / Starting Line    top of page

Parents and/or helpers shall not be allowed to cross the starting line* in the timed events or to leave the chutes in the rough stock events.  Intent of assistance from parent or helper past the starting line will result in disqualification of the contestant and the contestant will be asked to leave the arena.  Only two adults shall be allowed at the bucking chutes to assist the contestant. 

*Clarification of Starting Line

                Barrels, Poles, Goats                                                 Score Line or Flag Line

                Roping Events                                                                End of Chute

                Rough Stock Events                                                        Gate Opening

 

Re-Rides / Re– Runs    top of page

All re-rides are given at the discretion of the judges. 

If a re-ride is given, judge shall inform the contestant immediately of his first marking and an option of a re-ride.  Contestants may a) refuse the re-ride and take his marking; or b) take the re-ride.  Contestant must make his decision immediately.  If the rider takes a re-ride, he must take the marking given on the re-ride.

If an animal loses the flank, the contestant will have the option of a re-ride providing he completes a “qualified ride”.  No re-ride or re-run will be given if a cowboy’s own equipment fails or breaks.  If the stock contractor’s equipment fails, the contestant may be given an option at the discretion of the judge.

If an animal fails to break or stops, a re-ride may be given at the judge’s discretion. 

If a contestant is “fouled at the chute”, they must “declare themselves”, and will be given a re-ride at the discretion of the judge.

If the barrier fails to work in the roping events, contestant must take the same animal over during or immediately following the same performance if the animal is capable.  A calf or steer must be re-run before it is used by another contestant.

Turn-Outs / Draw-Outs    top of page

Draw-outs for personal injuries or illness may do so by notifying the Association or the Secretary by telephone at least 12 hours prior to the rodeo performance.  They may then draw out without a fine, but fees will not be refunded.  Contestant has only until the books close to change entry or draw-out without paying entry fee.

Contestants will be called three times for their event.  After the third call, they will be disqualified from that event and will forfeit entry fees.

Responsibilities of Officials    top of page

Rodeo Secretary

No one but the Rodeo Secretary or designated assistant will be allowed to accept entries.

Contestants will be allowed to see the records of all contestants in any event in which he/she takes part at the end of said event and at a time when the Rodeo Secretary and judge can both be present.

The stock draw shall be posted where the contestants can examine it.

Rodeos that have a slack shall post the order of the contestant’s draw and the order of events in a place available to all contestants.

Judges’ sheets will be turned into the Rodeo Secretary and posted after each performance.  Markings must be totaled by the judges and checked by the Rodeo Secretary in the presence of the judges.  Scores will not be changed once they have been turned in, except for an obvious math error.

Master sheets will not leave the possession of the Secretary.

Event Directors

Rodeo Committees will be assigned by and comprised of the Board of Directors.  Event Directors will be assigned by the Board of Directors at the beginning of each rodeo season.  Event Directors will be responsible to see that all equipment required for their event are available and accessible to ensure that the events will run smoothly.  Event Directors will monitor competing members for appropriate clothing, equipment, and completed patterns.  Event Directors will communicate directly with judges for event penalties and violations.  Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Event Directors for that event.  Event Directors will communicate with judges and Association Officers as needed.  Event disputes will be settled by the Event Director.

 

 

Event Director

Responsible For. . .

Officials

Judges, Timers, Oversee Rodeo

Rough Stock

Bulls, Steers

Jr. Rough Stock

Calves, Sheep

Goat Tying

Goat Tying, Goat Tie-Down, Goat Ribbon Pull

Roping Box

Team Roping, Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping

Barrels

Barrels

Poles

Poles

Steer Wrestling

Steer Wrestling, Chute Dogging

Calf Tying

Calf Tie Down

Grounds

Prepare Arena , Grounds, Admissions and Ambulance

Contestants

Rodeo Trailer, Entries, Day Awards, Logo Attire

 

Timers

Two timers will time each event—one official timer and one backup timer.  Association will supply at least three (3) official times to alternate between events as needed.  All timers must have prior experience.

Timed events (except for barrels and poles) will be hand-timed with two (2) digital watches timed to the 100ths.  The official time shall take precedence with the backup time to be used if necessary.

Barrels and poles shall be timed with an electric eye to the 1000ths.  If the electric eye fails to work, the backup hand time will be recorded.  The backup hand-time will be started and stopped with a flag by the judge at the starting line.

Association will provide a place for the timers, scorekeepers, and the announcer to work, without obstruction or interference, in a place that will allow good communications with event directors, judges, and other officials.

Timers must work in the same position during the entire event from start to finish, except in the event of sickness or injury.

Events that have a time limit may have penalties that will exceed that time limit.

Judges

Judges will be obtained by the association president and must include one “A” judge and one “B” judge or novice judge as classified by the Intermountain Professional Rodeo Association.  Judges must read thoroughly and be knowledgeable of all the rules of the Association.  Judges will remain available at all times.

Judge’s sheets will be checked and turned in after each performance and will not be changed except for obvious math errors, and then only by the responsible judge.

Any problems encountered during any event will be discussed and resolved by the Association’s Event Directors and the Judges.

Timed event judges will flag the time for recording purposes and then flag contestants out if the run is not legal.

The judge on the latch side of the chute gate shall serve as the official time in rough stock events.  The judge's stop watch reading shall be used as a means of verification when the length of the qualified ride is in question.  The judge shall stop the watch when, in his/her opinion, the contestant has been disqualified for any reason, or when the judge hears the whistle or horn, whichever comes first.  In either instance, the judge will refer to his watch for a time verification on each ride.  In any instance where the time is 8 seconds* or more on the judge’s watch, the contestant shall be entitled to a marking without penalty.  In the instance the whistle blows before the 8 seconds*, the judge must go with the whistle.

*8 seconds for Bull Riding, and Steer Riding; 6 Seconds for Calf Riding; 4 Seconds for Sheep Riding.

Judges will be asked to meet prior to the performance with an Association representative for clarification of any rules.

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Rough Stock Terms

Calling for the Animal

The contestant nods their head, indicating to the gate person that they are ready for the animal to be released from the chute.

Declare Yourself

If the rider is fouled on the chute gate, he must immediately declare himself by grabbing the rope or rigging with both hands and getting off the animal as soon as safety allows.  The contestant must immediately go talk with the judge (before the next ride begins) to get a decision from the judge as to whether a re-ride will be given.

Fouled on the Chute; Fouls the Rider

When a rider comes in contact with any part of the chute or gate as the animal breaks the plane of the chute gate, a re-ride may be given at the discretion of the judge, if the rider declares himself.

Free-Hand disqualification; Grabbing Leather; Touch the animal or himself

Disqualification will be given if you touch the animal or yourself with your free hand before the completed ride whistle sounds.  (This includes touching the hat, the rope, changing hands on the rope, saddle, or rigging with the free hand)

Qualified 8 (6 or 4) second ride

Time will stop when, in the judge’s opinion; a) the rider touches the animal, himself, or his equipment (including hat and rope) with the free hand, b) is no longer in contact with the animal.  9-13 age groups and 14-16 age groups compete for 8 seconds, Calf Riding is for 6 seconds, and Sheep Riding is for 4 seconds.

Stock Contractor’s Equipment Failure

If the stock contractors equipment fails, (e.g. the flank strap falls off) the rider will receive a re-ride at the discretion of the judge, provided the rider makes a qualified ride.

Roping Terms

 

Barrier; Breaking the Barrier; Score; Score-line

The animal is given a predetermined head start (usually 10’ to 30’ depending on the arena size) called the “score” and marked by the “score-line”.  A rope, called a “barrier” is stretched across the front of the roping box.  A neck rope is placed around the animal’s neck that trips (releases) the barrier when the animal crosses the designated score-line, allowing the contestant to start after the animal.  If a contestant “breaks the barrier”, he/she has started out of the box too soon, giving the roper an unfair advantage, and a 10-second penalty will be added to the total time.

Calling for the Animal

The contestant nods their head, indicating to the gate person that they are ready for the animal to be released from the chute.

Catch-as-catch-can

When a roper (calf roping or breakaway) is allowed to rope the animal anyway possible, including a head catch, leg catch, around the body, and even a tail catch.  In breakaway, the loop must first pass over the calf’s head, but may then settle on any part of the calf and still be legal.

Chute Run

When stock for an event is not drawn for individuals but are loaded into the chute in the order they arrive in the gate.

Cross-fire

In team roping, when a heel loop is thrown before the header has dallied and changed the pull direction of the steer-will result in a no-time for the team.

Dally

A full turn of the end of the rope around the saddle horn after the steer has been caught for the purpose of retraining and towing the animal.

Daylight the Animal

If an animal (calf or goat) is laying down when the contestant reaches the animal to throw it for tying, the contestant must stand the animal back up, high enough that the animal could regain his feet, and re-throw the animal.  However, if the contestant’s hand is on the animal when the animal falls, it is considered a legal throw.

Declare Yourself

When a contestant is fouled at the timed-event chute, the contestant must immediately pull up the horse and discuss the situation with the judge as to if a re-run will be given.

Half-Hitch or Hooey

A half-hitch is a qualified tie of three of the animal’s legs on one or more wraps finished with the tail of the string pulled through the final loop.  A hooey is a half hitch with a loop in the tail.  (The tail may be pulled through the loop completely or partially to qualify)

Lap and Tap

When the start for the animal and the contestant are even (no barrier).  Lap and Tap is used in small arenas or if a contestant has to restart the animal due to the animal escaping the arena or other uncontrolled circumstances.  The animal is usually given back to the contestant starting even.  Total time will include the already lapsed time of the first run.

Piggin String; Goat Tying Thong

A piggin string is a small soft rope six feet long used by calf ropers to tie the calf’s feet.

A goat thong is a small rope, usually made of leather, cotton, or nylon, usually 3’-4’ in length used by goat tyers to tie the goat’s feet.

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