Event Rules

We try to follow NHSRA Rules as close as possible.

I. General Rules: BARREL RACING

1. Starting lines in clover-leaf barrel racing will be subject to ground
   rules.
2. A clearly visible starting line shall be provided.
3. There shall be a minimum of 75’ allowed for stopping, from starting
   line in barrels back to arena fence as arena conditions allow.
4. The barrels and the starting line will be permanently marked for the
   entire go-round.
5. The horse’s nose will be timed as it crosses the starting line.
6. A barrel horse shall not be ridden by more than one contestant in
   this event at any one rodeo.
7. During barrel racing events, the arena will be dragged at regular
   intervals, to be determined by the management. Turnouts and
   releases must be included in the count.
8. Following barrel racing events, the pattern will be dragged or leveled.
9. A contestant may enter the arena at the speed of her choice.
10. Arena gate must be closed immediately after she enters the arena
    and kept closed until pattern is completed and her horse is under
    control.
11. Contestant may change horses in this event.
    II. Time Limit:
    Contestant will be allowed legitimate time from the time she enters
    arena gate until her time starts by Field Flagger or electric eye.
    III. Event Rules:
12. This event is open to girls only.
13. The barrels must be twenty (20) feet, at least, from the arena fence.
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14. The arena conditions will enable you to determine the distance that
    the barrels can be apart, provided they are at least 20 feet from the
    fence.
15. The clover-leaf pattern is the only approved pattern in this event.
16. Touching barrel is permitted by horse or contestant.
17. The front two barrels shall be twenty (20) yards (60 feet) from the
    starting line as required by arena conditions.
    a. The maximum distance between the two front barrels shall be
    thirty (30) yards (90 feet) arena conditions permitting. The maximum distance be-tween the two front barrels and the back barrel
    shall be 35 yards (105 feet) arena conditions permitting.
    b. The contestant may start on either the right or left barrel.
    (1)When starting on the right barrel there will be one right turn
    and two left around the barrels.
    (2)When starting on the left side, there will be one left and two
    right turns around the barrels.
18. Diagram of pattern (See diagram in the back of this rulebook).
    IV. Scoring and Penalties:
19. Timed event judge will not flag contestant out until time is recorded.
20. Judge is to flag time, then flag contestant out if run is not legal.
21. Knocking over a barrel is a five (5) second penalty, per barrel.
    Should barrel be knocked over and it sets up on opposite end, the
    five (5) second penalty will be assessed.
22. Not following the clover-leaf pattern will receive a no time. A broken
    pattern shall be defined as breaking their forward motion to retrace
    their tracks to finish the pattern and/or passing the plane of the
    barrel on the off side. Example: Should a contestant run by a barrel
    and have to back up or turn around and retrace their tracks, this
    would be considered a broken pattern.
23. Contestant will be allowed legitimate time from the time she enters
    arena gate until her time starts by Field Flagger or electric eye.
24. Judge will determine legitimate problem for prestart time.
25. If horse re-crosses starting line at any time before the pattern is
    completed, pattern will be considered broken and run will receive
    no time.
26. If contestant’s horse breaks timer light, by backing through before
    starting pattern, time will be considered started.
27. If the arena requires an alleyway to meet the 75’ requirement to
    start and stop, it is considered part of the arena and all rules apply
    to that alleyway.
28. A five (5) second penalty will be assessed if the contestant enters
    the arena without her hat on her head.
29. When the electric eye fails to work for one or more contestants
    during a performance, the manual back-up time will be used for
    those electronically missed. The electric eye-controlled times will
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    remain unaltered.
30. Assistant helping barrel racers will not be allowed to go past the
    plane of the main arena gate when they are entering the arena or
    the contestant will receive a no time. Optional at state/province
    qualifying rodeos only, not state or national finals: When using the
    alleyway and closing the back gate on alleyway for stopping, assistant can offer assistance to riders up to the main arena gate, at the
    discretion of the arena director.
31. The contestant is allowed a running start. If the gate is centrally located, contestant must keep forward motion toward the first barrel.
    If a side or corner gate is used, a single spin or pivot is acceptable in
    either direction or by the Arena Director’s approval. Failure to comply will be a no time. Contestant must be mounted when entering
    the arena.
32. Contestant must run in the order drawn. Failure to do so may result
    in a no time at the discretion of the judges and arena director.
    V. Reruns:
33. No rerun will be given due to faulty or broken equipment furnished
    by contestant.
34. The battery digital clock will be the first backup time and digital
    hand-held watches to be second backup time. When both the digital
    clocks malfunction and no time was recorded from digital watches,
    contestant will be given a rerun at a time designated by the Judges
    and Arena Director, plus any penalties.
35. Contestants will carry any penalties with them if they are granted a
    rerun. If the barrel racing is moved, postponed or rerun for safety
    reasons due to ground conditions, reruns will be penalty free.
    VI. Optional Rules:
    Equipment necessary: Twin units of battery power electric eyes with
    one electric power digital clock and one battery power digital clock and
    two (2) hand held battery power digital watches in hundredths shall be
    used, with the time indicated by the electric eye timers, or, if necessary,
    the average of the watches used by the official timers to be the official
    time. (Optional at State/Province level).
    VII. Equipment:
36. Western type equipment, including saddle, must be used.
37. Use of a hackamore or other types of bridles is the optional choice
    of the contestant.
38. Judge may prohibit the use of bits or equipment that he may consider severe.
39. Equipment necessary: Twin units of battery power electric eyes
    with one electric power digital clock and one battery power digital
    clock and two (2) hand held battery power digital watches in hun-
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    dredths shall be used, with the time indicated by the electric eye
    timers, or, if necessary, the average of the watches used by the official
    timers to be the official time. (Optional at State/Province level).
40. Complete electric timer must be backed up by a flagman. One timer
    will record the times that appear on the electric eye-controlled
    readout. Two timers will operate the digital watches and record the
    average time which is shown thereon. These two timers will operate
    from the flagman’s signals.
41. Permanent markers should be put in the ground for the electric
    eyes. Electric eyes should be placed on the starting line no closer
    together than the width of the first two barrels and for the electric
    eyes to be centered on pattern for each performance.
42. Position on fence for flagman should be well marked. These markers
    should be checked every performance along with the barrel markers and re-staked if pulled out. A record of these measurements
    shall be kept.
43. Set timer beforehand in the same height and position and lock the
    legs.
44. Barrels are not to be used as stands for the electric timer devices.
45. Barrels to be 55 U.S. gallon light steel drum with both ends intact.
    (JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION)
    I. Refer to the NHSRA Clover-leaf Barrel Racing Rules.

I. General Rules: POLE BENDING

1. Starting lines in pole bending will be subject to ground rules.
2. A clearly visible starting line shall be provided.
3. No two girls may ride the same horse.
4. The horse’s nose will be timed as it crosses the starting line.
5. A pole horse shall not be ridden by more than one contestant in this
   event at any one rodeo.
6. There shall be a minimum of 75 feet allowed for stopping, from
   starting line in poles back to arena fence as arena conditions allow.
7. The poles and the starting line will be permanently marked for the
   entire go-round.
8. During pole bending events, the arena will be dragged at regular
   intervals, to be determined by the management. Turnouts and
   releases must be included in the count.
9. Following pole bending events, the pattern will be dragged or
   leveled.
10. A contestant may enter the Arena at the speed of her choice.
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11. Arena gate must be closed immediately after she enters the arena and
    kept closed until pattern is completed and her horse is under control.
12. Contestant may change horses in this event.
    II. Time Limit:
    Contestant will be allowed legitimate time from the time she enters
    arena gate until her time starts by Field Flagger or electric eye.
    III. Event Rules:
13. This event is open to girls only.
14. The pole bending pattern is to be run around six poles.
15. No flags to be used on poles.
16. Poles to be colored red, white and blue by six-inch strips as these
    are the colors of the National High School Rodeo Association.
17. The distance from the starting line to the first pole shall be 21 feet
    and spacing between poles shall be twenty-one (21) feet apart. End
    pole must be twenty (20) feet, at least, from fence.
18. Poles shall be set on top of the ground, six (6) feet in height, and
    with no base larger than fourteen (14) or less than twelve (12)
    inches in diameter.
19. Poles must be straight in line.
20. Touching poles is permitted by horse or contestant.
21. A horse may start either to the right or left of the first pole and then
    run the remainder of the pattern accordingly.
22. Diagram of pattern (See pattern diagram in the back of this rulebook).
    IV. Scoring and Penalties:
23. Timed event judge will not flag contestant out until time is recorded.
24. Judge is to flag time, then flag contestant out if run is not legal.
25. Knocking over a pole is a five (5) second penalty, per pole.
26. Not following the pole bending pattern will receive a no time. A
    broken pat-tern shall be defined as breaking their forward motion
    to retrace their tracks to finish the pattern and/or passing the plane
    of the pole on the off side. Example: Should a contestant run by a
    pole and have to back up or turn around and retrace their tracks,
    this would be considered a broken pattern. Also, if a pole is knocked
    down and the contestant does not follow the weave pattern around
    the original base position of the fallen pole, it is considered a broken pattern.
27. Contestant will be allowed legitimate time from the time she enters
    the arena gate until her time starts by Field Flagger or electric eye.
    Judge will determine legitimate problem for prestart time.
28. If horse re-crosses starting line at any time before the pattern is
    completed, pattern will be considered broken and run will receive
    no time.
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29. If contestant’s horse breaks timer light, by backing through before
    starting time, time will be considered started.
30. A five (5) second penalty will be assessed if the contestant enters
    the arena without her hat on her head.
31. When the electric eye fails to work for one or more contestants
    during a performance, the manual back-up time will be used for
    those electronically missed. The electric eye-controlled times will
    remain unaltered.
32. Assistant helping pole benders will not be allowed to go past the
    plane of the main arena gate when they are entering the arena or
    the contestant will receive a no time. Optional at state/province
    qualifying rodeos only, not state or national finals: When using the
    alleyway and closing the back gate on alleyway for stopping, assistant can offer assistance to riders up to the main arena gate, at the
    discretion of the arena director.
33. The contestant is allowed a running start. If the gate is centrally
    located, contestant must keep forward motion toward the first
    barrel/pole. If a side or corner gate is used, a single spin or pivot is
    acceptable in either direction or by the Arena Director’s approval.
    Failure to comply will be a no time. Contestant must be mounted
    when entering the arena.
34. Contestant must run in the order drawn. Failure to do so may result
    in a no time at the discretion of the judges and arena director.
    V. Re-Runs:
35. No rerun will be given due to faulty or broken equipment furnished
    by contestant.
36. The battery digital clock will be the first backup time and digital
    hand-held watches to be second back up time. When both the
    digital clocks malfunction and no time was recorded from digital
    watches, contestant will be given a rerun at a time designated by
    the Judges and Arena Director, plus any penalties.
37. Contestants will carry any penalties with them if they are granted a
    rerun. If the pole bending is moved, postponed or rerun for safety
    reasons due to ground conditions, reruns will be penalty free.
    VI. Optional Rules:
    Equipment necessary: Twin units of battery power electric eyes with
    one electric power digital clock and one battery power digital clock and
    two (2) hand held battery power digital watches in hundredths shall be
    used, with the time indicated by the electric eye timers, or, if necessary,
    the average of the watches used by the official timers to be the official
    time. (Optional at State/Province level).
    VII. Equipment:
38. Western type equipment, including saddle, must be used.
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39. Use of a hackamore or other types of bridles is the optional choice
    of the contestant.
40. The judge may prohibit the use of bits or equipment that he may
    consider severe.
41. Equipment Necessary: Twin units of battery power electric eyes
    with one electric power digital clock and one battery power digital
    clock and two (2) hand held battery power digital watches in
    hundredths shall be used, with the time indicated by the electric
    eye timers, or, if necessary, the average of the watches used by the
    official timers to be the official time. (Optional at State/Province
    level).
42. Complete electric timer must be backed up by flagman. One timer
    will record the times that appear on the electric eye-controlled
    readout. Two timers will operate the digital watches and record the
    average time which is shown thereon. These two timers will operate
    from the flagman’s signals.
43. Permanent markers should be put in the ground for the electric eyes.
44. Position on fence for flagman should be well marked. These
    markers should be checked every performance along with the pole
    markers and re-staked if pulled out. A record of these measurements shall be kept.
45. Set timer beforehand in the same height and position and lock the
    legs.
46. Barrels are not to be used as stands for the electric eye

I. General Rules: GOAT TYING

1. Starting lines in goat tying will be subject to ground rules.
2. A clearly visible starting line shall be provided.
3. The stake and the starting line will be permanently marked for the
   entire go-round.
4. A contestant may change horses in this event.
5. A contestant may enter the arena at the speed of her choice.
6. Arena permitting, the gate will be in the center between the two
   goats allowing each contestant the same length run at the goat.
7. Arena gate must be closed immediately after she enters the arena
   and kept closed.
8. Time to be taken between two flags.
9. Time will start when the horse’s nose crosses the starting line. Goat
   Holder must release the goat when the flag starts the time.
10. Have collars the same and snug. Ropes the same length. Goats the
    same size and weight.
11. Flagmen stand in identical places each performance.
12. One goat to be tied in the center of the arena. (This will be posted
    on the stock draw). This will be reversed on next go. All goats used
    in the draw to be tied a maximum of five (5) runs before another run
    on the goats can begin.
13. During Goat Tying, the arena will be dragged at regular intervals, to
    be determined by the Arena Director.
14. Goat handlers must stand directly behind goat. Judges and directors will position themselves, so they are able to have a clear view
    of the goat rope and horse.
    II. Time Limit:
    There will be a thirty (30) second time limit with optional one (1) minute
    time limit at state/province rodeos. There will be a mandatory thirty (30)
    75
    second time limit at the National High School Finals Rodeo.
    III. Event Rules:
15. This event is open to girls only.
16. There should be at least a 15-yard starting line.
17. Starting line will be 100 feet from stake.
18. The goat should be tied to a stake with a rope ten (10’) foot in
    length.
19. Stake should be completely under the ground so that no part of it is
    visible or above ground.
20. The contestant must be mounted on a horse when entering the arena and must ride from the starting line to the goat, dismount from
    her horse, throw the goat by hand, cross, wrap and tie by hand, at
    least three (3) feet together with a leather string, pigging string or
    rope. No wire is to be used in the goat string.
21. If the goat is down when the contestant reaches it, goat must be
    elevated high enough that it has the opportunity to regain its feet
    and then stand clear of the goat when the tie is finished.
22. Legs must remain crossed and secure for 6 seconds after completion of tie. While the judge is performing the 6-second procedure,
    the contestant will make no gestures, motions or noises to distract
    the goat. This will be considered trying to take an unfair advantage
    and will result in a disqualification. Contestant must clear the goat
    immediately after the tie had been flagged.
23. To qualify as a legal tie, there will be at least one complete wrap
    around at least three legs, and a half hitch, hooey or knot. The
    contestant must tie the goat by hand with no pre-made wraps, coils,
    knots, hooeys or half hitch.
24. Time will start when the horse’s nose crosses the starting line.
25. Time will stop when she signals the completion of the tie.
26. The contestant must move back three (3) feet from the goat before
    the judge will start the six (6) second time limit on the tie – for the
    goat’s legs to remain crossed and tied. If contestant gets rope that is
    holding goat wrapped around her leg, she may ask the judge if she
    can remove it. After getting permission from judge, removing rope
    and moving back three (3) feet her six (6) second time limit will start.
27. Qualified persons other than goat tying contestants will be used as
    goat holders.
28. If a goat is injured, the contestants involved with the injured goat
    will automatically be assigned the extra goat regardless of the possible difference in runs or ties on the goat.
    IV. Scoring and Penalties:
29. Timed event judge will not flag contestant out until time is recorded.
30. Judge is to flag time, then flag contestant out if run is not legal.
31. The tie will be passed on by a field judge and if it is not secure for
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    six seconds, the contestant will receive no time.
32. Contestant will receive a no time for touching the goat or tie string
    after signaling she is finished.
33. If the contestant’s horse crosses over the rope or goat, or if the contestant’s horse comes in contact with the goat or rope prior to the contestant signaling for time, a ten (10) second penalty will be assessed.
34. If the goat should break away because of the fault of the horse, the
    contestant will receive no time between flags.
35. A five (5) second penalty will be assessed if the contestant enters
    the arena without her hat on her head.
36. Time should be taken with the average of two (2) times at all Rodeos.
37. Assistant helping the goat tying contestant will not be allowed to
    go past the plane of the main arena gate when they are entering the
    arena or the contestant will receive a no time.
38. The contestant is allowed a running start. If the gate is centrally
    located, contestant must keep forward motion to the goat. If a side
    or corner gate is used, or two goats, a single spin or pivot is acceptable in either direction or by the Arena Director’s approval. Failure
    to comply will be a not time. Contestant must be mounted when
    entering the arena.
    V. Reruns:
39. No run will be given due to faulty or broken equipment furnished by
    contestant in any event.
40. If the goat should break away, it will be left to the judges’ discretion
    whether she will get a rerun.
41. When both the digital clocks malfunction and no time was recorded
    from digital watches, if stock was qualified on in the field, contestant will be given a rerun at a time designated by the Judges and the
    Arena Director, plus any penalties.
42. If the judge sees he has made an error in flagging, he must declare a
    rerun before the contestant leaves the arena.
    VI. Optional Rules:
    Electric timer and at least two (2) digital watches shall be used, with the
    time indicated by the electric timer, or, if necessary, the average of the
    watches used by the official timers to be the official time. Optional at
    State/Province Level.
    VII. Equipment:
43. Leather thong, pigging string or rope. (Pigging string – a piece of
    rope used for securing animals).
44. Western type equipment must be used.
    VIII. Livestock Requirements:
45. Goats shall be uniform in size and breed with a weight limit of 40 to
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    60 pounds per goat. Pigmy goats are not allowed to be used in the
    goat tying event.
46. Sharp horns shall be tipped.
47. If you are holding a single performance rodeo and the entire goat
    tying contestants are run at one time, you must have an extra goat in
    case one of the other goats get injured. Extra goat must be drawn for

BOYS GOAT TYING
I. Refer to NHSRA Goat Tying Rules with the following addition:
a. Boys will be required to tie goats with a piggin’ string only.
b. Contestant must string front leg first and then cross and tie any
three legs with a piggin’ string. There must be at least one wrap
around all three legs and finished with a half hitch or hooey. A
hooey is a half hitch with a loop, the tail of the string may be
partly, or all the way pulled through.

I. General Rules: KEYHOLE

This event tests the ability of the rider to go in a 4′ opening,
turn around within a 16′ diameter circle and run out again
through the 4′ opening. The lines should be 100′ from the
timing line. Lime or flour can be used to lay out the pattern.
There should be a small mound of dirt, at the end of each
line, covered with lime or flour to mark the entrance. The
area surrounding the line should be raked after each run.

Disqualifications:
The contestant is disqualified for stepping on or outside the
markings of the circle or the opening and separation of
rider and horse/pony during the timing period.

Dummy Breakaway Roping

1. There is only one (1) rope permitted and one (1) cast of that rope
   permitted.
2. Ropes are to be tied to the saddle horn with four (4) pieces of heavy
   duty string, or one (1) piece of builders string line, and a bright cloth of
   dimensions 15cm x15cm must be attached to the end of the rope.
3. Taping of ropes is permitted. Portion of rope folded must be fully
   taped with no coils to be permitted to be taped.
   a. The only legal catch is when the rope passes over the head
   and draws up around neck (head catch).
   b. The Flag Judge will flag the contestant when the flag breaks
   away from the saddle horn.
4. Re-run rules as per “General Time Event Rules.” (Refer Page 369 Item
   16).
   
5. Breakaway Roping Disqualifications
   General Rules for Time Events
   The Judge’s Decision Is Final
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6. Illegal catch.
7. Contestant will receive no time should she break the rope from the
   saddle horn by hand.
8. Roping calf without releasing the rope from the contestant’s hand.
9. All Standard Disqualification for “Time Events” apply (Refer Page 41).

There are only three (3) legal head catches)
• around the horns
• around the neck
• half head catch

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