USTRC Online : USTRC and Animal Welfare

The following are specific rules that pertain to animal care that we hope will answer any reservations concerning the USTRC treatment of animal. Please note that all of these rules are tied to the motivation of non-ability to win a competition, or loss of entry fees.
All bridle catches are considered illegal.
	In describing the legal catches permitted in roping a steer, we state "All bridle catches are considered illegal." This means that any steer roped where the rope is even remotely near the mouth of the animal is an automatic no-time.
7.3 Time Taken- Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels.
	We want to convey to the roper immediately that there is no need to throw an animal to the ground, and the opposite is true, if they knock an animal down or yank the animal down, they will not be allowed to throw their rope until he is back on his feet.
7.6 Heeler Ropes Front Foot- If the heeler ropes a front foot or feet in the heel loop, this is a foul catch. Should the front foot or feet come out of the heel loop within one second of the team calling for time, time will be counted. Judge will not allow any extra time for a front leg to come free.
	With recreational ropers there is sometimes a tendency for beginner ropers to not know what they are roping and accidentally rope front legs instead of rear legs. Please notice that flagger does not allow the heeler to apply pressure when this occurs.
7.7 Header Ropes Any Leg- Should a header rope a front leg, he is not allowed to fish it out, this is an automatic no time.
	This is one of the biggest USTRC innovations in the team roping industry. When a header accidentally gets a front foot in the loop, we do not feel it is reasonably safe at 25 or 30 MPH, for the contestant to turn the steer and try to get the misplaced foot or leg to come free. Any attempt to do so may result in an animal cruelty violation and the contestant will be expelled from the competition.
9.2 Contestant Disqualifications
	A. Being under the influence of liquor and/or illicit drugs in the arena; consuming alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs in the arena. B. Rowdyism or quarreling within the arena. C. Mistreatment of stock. D. Not being ready to compete when called upon.
	We make mention of mistreatment of animals in the most general term in our Section of Major Offenses
Section 10 of our rule book concerning our judging, ropers are instructed as to what the judge will be looking for.
10.8 Visibly Injured Steer- If the steer is visibly injured as the run begins, including broken horn, the team must declare themselves by pulling up immediately.
10.9 Broken Horn- If in the opinion of the judge a non-visible broken horn existed prior to the beginning of a run, he has the option to declare a rerun. However, no rerun shall be a awarded where clearly the broken horn was caused by the run itself, or if the judge suspects the broken horn occurred during the run. If run is completed and time taken, even though a broken horn is clearly visible, time shall stand and field judge will remove that animal from the draw.
	Broken horns occasionally occur during normal handling of livestock. Although it is considered a major injury by ropers since they are expected to rope the horns, in actuality horns are made of cartilage type material similar to very hard fingernails in humans. In normal agricultural practice, cattle are routinely dehorned for ease of handling. It is well stated by the veterinarian community that in 95% of the cases, breaking or cutting of horns does not involve a nerve stimulation or infection potential.
12.1 Sportsmanship- USTRC reserves the right to disqualify any roper who does not act in a sportsmanlike, reasonable, or professional manner. Disqualified ropers forfeit all fees.
	This rule is very general in nature and designed to give our officials broad discretion in handling mistreatment of cattle an horses as sportsmanship. This rule and 9.2.4 are the two rules that are primarily used to deal with individuals that might think it necessary to strike their horses.
12.2 Go-Round No Time- As a result of the USTRC full round format, any team that is out of the average will receive an automatic no-time as a result of a broken barrier.
	A broken barrier carries with it a 10 second penalty. Since obviously the team has no chance to win fast time money, we do not want our animals exposed to any handling.
MORE ON USTRC'S DEVOTION TO ANIMAL WELFARE
USTRC and Animal Welfare USTRC Rulebook Section 11: Treatment of Livestock