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2009 Rulebook
Click to Download Rulebook
20 Years of Champions
Team roping is the only sport unique to rodeo in which two people compete together as a team. One member of the team known as the header ropes a steer around the horns and the other member, the heeler, moves in and ropes the steer by both hind feet. The sport came into inception from the competitive nature of ranch cowboys as they had to head and heel cattle on the ranch to doctor or brand the bovine creatures. Soon they began to drum up competitions to see which cowboys were the best ropers and the best were deemed champions. The United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC) was founded in 1989 with the guiding principle of creating a National Championship where ropers of every skill level would have a chance to compete for the title of United States Champion. After nineteen years of crowning hundreds of champions that very concept remains the focus of the USTRC. Now in its twentieth year, the USTRC continues to elevate the sport to a new level, allowing anyone from anywhere to become a champion team roper. With the TRIAD (Team Roping Information and Data) Classification System, team ropers are grouped together to compete against and with other ropers of the same skill set and ability level. Over the past nineteen years USTRC has classified more than 150,000 ropers and they literally come from all facets of life. They are children, parents and grandparents and they come from virtually every background and line of work in the world. These people all have one common ground however, and that is the sport of team roping. Each one of them wants to be a champion team roper and the USTRC provides the platform for each one of them to reach that very goal. Each year the USTRC sanctions some 90 events and affiliates an additional 400 ropings across the United States. To participate in these events you must be a member of the USTRC. These events allow team ropers to qualify and compete in the sport’s crown jewel, the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR). The NFTR is held each October and every year the National Champions of the Sport are determined at this event held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The USTRC invites you to embark on one of the greatest thrills known to western culture and that is to experience team roping at its best through the sports only national organization. The rewards are endless and the opportunity to take hold of your western roots is extremely fulfilling. Come along with USTRC as it celebrates Twenty Years of Champions.
USTRC ropers will be rated from a #1 to a #10 based on their ability level
using the TRIAD classification system. The following are the general classification definitions for each team roper ability level.
#1 TRUE BEGINNER - This person is learning to ride and swing a rope. Learning is priority over competition. #2 BEGINNER NOVICE - Inexperienced riders with little roping experience. Uncomfortable roping from a horse, this roper has difficulty controlling their horse and rope at the same time. This roper is new to competition. #3 MID LEVEL NOVICE - This roper is competing more and catch percentages have increased. Comfortable roping from a horse, but limited horsemanship skills prevents control over any aspect of the run. This instability prevents making necessary adjustments during the course of a run, which leads to inconsistency from one run to the next. #4 UPPER LEVEL NOVICE - Better rope handling mechanics allow for more catches. Better horsemanship skills afford control on slow moving steers but this roper still lacks the necessary rope skills and horsemanship to adjust to fast moving steers. Headers do not handle cattle very well and heelers lack ability to time feet. Both are inconsistent at putting runs together for the average. #5 LOW LEVEL AMATEUR - (HEADER)Catches more than misses and handles cattle with more consistency. This roper rides a conservative barrier so most of his/her catches are well down the arena. This roper stands out in novice class roping. (HEELER)This roper can sense being in time with the steer, which allows for a better catch to miss ratio. Reaction time is slow making it difficult to adjust to speed in the run. He/She has developed a pattern from one run to the next but struggles to catch many steers in succession.This roper stands out in novice class roping. #6 MID LEVEL AMATEUR - (HEADER) Catches the majority of steers around the horns. Better at riding the barrier, this roper is turning steers where the heart of the roping is taking place. Skilled at handling steers through the corner, allows heelers to catch more easily and more frequently behind them. Typically rides to the hip of the steer before taking a throw and therefore does not take time out of the run. (HEELER) This roper knows when they are in time with the steer. Better horsemanship and better rope handling skills allow them to make adjustments during the course of the run in order to time up with the steer. This roper rides a conservative corner and usually tracks the steer several jumps to find a throw. Timing is more automatic, so this roper will seldom completely miss a steer, however, he/she will frequently rope one leg. Focused more on catching than dictating the speed of the run. #7 SEMI PRO - (HEADER) This roper can dictate the speed of the run. Skilled at riding the barrier, he/she will catch most steers in the upper 1/3 of the arena. This group consists mostly of the better headers in the amateur ranks of rodeo. HIGH LEVEL AMATEUR - (HEELER)Sound horsemanship and sound rope skills allow this roper to catch most of their cattle by two feet. This roper sets the run up using a wide angle relative to the steer and rides aggressively through the corner. A solid catcher with intermittent ability to speed up the run. Typically this roper will hold slack overhead, thus allowing more rope to extend between them and the steer. The inability to quickly shut the run down on a consistent basis prevents a higher classification. Competitive jackpot heeler. #8 PROFESSIONAL - (HEADER)This roper rides a barrier extremely well regardless of the length of score. They consistently rope their steers on the gain (a stride back of the steer) and with excellent horsemanship skills they control both the steer and the speed of the run. Rodeos both amateur and professional. SEMI PRO - (HEELER)This roper rides higher and tighter horse position relative to the steer and consistently catches their steers on the third or fourth jump. Quicker at handling their slack, this roper can take time out of the run by dallying on a shorter rope. Competitive jackpot heeler with skills suited for the amateur ranks of rodeo. #9 ELITE - (HEADER)Regardless of the roping conditions, this header has the unique calculated ability to control the run. They ride superior horses, which allow them to make the most of any steer they draw. This is a NFR quality header. This header generally ropes for a living and /or is among the best in the world. PROFESSIONAL - (HEELER) This roper rides the corner looking for position that enables him to rope as the steer leaves the corner. This aggressive position allows him to rope most of his steers by two feet on the second or third jump. The skill set of this group is well suited for the professional and amateur ranks of rodeo. #10 ELITE- (HEELER) This roper rides corner looking to rope the steer on the first legal jump and has the calculated ability to make up time on any given run. Superior horsemanship and rope handling skills allow him to rope most of his steers by two feet on the first or second jump. Ropes for a living and /or is among the best in the world. NFR quality heeler. The purpose of the classification system is to provide for ropers a handicap system, which will allow them the opportunity to compete throughout the country against those of similar skills. The USTRC acknowledges that there is no such thing as a perfect classification system. 2.2 - Classification System A classification system is used to
limit the margin of error in setting roping categories. Each roper is classified
or rated with a number 1 through 10, according to his or her ability to rope.
No roper will be numbered higher than 10. Your classification number is
your ability rating as judged by your peers and/or performance based. If you
are a number 4, you can rope with number 5 or less in the number 9 roping.
The sum of your classification number and your partners’ classification
number, cannot exceed the number of the roping. This procedure closely
defines the caliber of each roping division.
2.2.1 - Classification Caps and Floors The use of a “Cap”, i.e., capping a roping in an effort to eliminate participation of higher
classified ropers, and a “Floor”, i.e., establishing a minimum handicap
requirement for ropers entering any specific division will be in use as a
means by which to further define the caliber of ropers that are eligible to
compete in a given roping.
National Finals - U.S. Open of Team Roping - At the USTRC National Finals, there will be a Floor instituted in the U.S. Open of Team Roping. No header with a classification number less than seven (7), or heeler with a classification number less than eight (8), will be eligible to enter the U.S. Open of Team Roping. The purpose of this is to insure the sanctity of the level of professionalism of the event. #9 Division - At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #9 division and the #9 Incentive in the #10 division, will be “Capped” at a #5. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than a #5 is eligible to compete in the #9 division. Those ropers who are classified higher than an #5 which compete in this division, will be disqualified, and forfeit their entry fees. #8 Pick/Draw Division - At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #8 Pick/Draw will be “Capped” at a #4. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than a #4 is eligible to compete in the #8 Pick/Draw. Those ropers who are classified higher than an #4 which compete in this division, will be disqualified, and forfeit their entry fees. 2.3 - BALLOTING Online (ustrc.com) ballots will be submitted to
USTRC members three times each year for voting purposes; November,
March and June. The results of the ballot voting will be announced and put
into effect following ballot submission, i.e. January, May and July, respectively.
Ropers will only be placed on a ballot as a result of one or more of
the following conditions. *(A) All ropers under the age of 25 will automatically
be placed on a ballot twice each year. *(B) All ropers over the age of
50 will automatically be placed on a ballot once each year. (C) Ropers who
have been the recipient of protests against their classification handicap will
be placed on the ballot. In addition, between these ballot cycles smaller
interim ballots may be submitted.
2.4 - ONLINE BALLOTING ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS Only current members who are 18 years of age and
older, classified as a #4 or higher and in good standing with the USTRC
will be allowed access to online balloting. USTRC members shall vote on
general ballots; appeals and double number ballots and first time classifications.
Any member may be excluded from voting by the USTRC if it is
determined the member has no concept of USTRC classification criteria, or
if the member conspires to help or do harm to any particular group of ropers
or individual roper.
2.4.1 - First Time Classification First time applicants are
encouraged to seek first time classification recommendations from references
such as producers, instructors or well-known ropers within their area
when applying. Upon receipt of applications from first-time applicants,
which are not accompanied with references, ropers will receive a temporary
classification card, which will allow them to be classified based on input from
his/her roping peers. Every effort will be made to prevent setting official
handicaps by phone.
First-time classifications are deemed to be temporary until the first full vote of the balloting process and/or until performance data is obtained. Any temporary classification number is subject to change or correction by the USTRC in the event of an inaccurate first time determination. 2.4.2 - Double Classification Number Application for
double number may be made in two different forms depending on the ropers’
level of membership. Gold Plus members may apply for double number
by phone with no additional cost.
Gold Spur members may request a double classification number application from the USTRC National Office and submit the application accompanied by a $40 Double Number fee. The application is then turned over to an administrator for further action through the balloting process and/or review of performance data. If the applicant had applied and received a double number in the previous year there is a $20 fee to renew a Double Number each year. 2.4.3 - Appeals To be eligible for an appeal, roper’s must meet one of the
following requirements: (a) Performance profile suggests the roper is struggling
to compete. (b) No current performance data on file. (c) Ropers with
medical conditions that affect their ability to compete (must provide medical
records and a doctor’s release).
If a roper meets the above requirements, he/she will be placed on an appeal ballot for peer review and performance information will be gathered by the Classification office to complete the process. If an appeal is granted to lower a roper’s classification and the result of doing so allows the roper to become dominant, the USTRC retains the right to immediately return the roper to the previous classification. The first appeal is free, however, a $20 appeal fee, must accompany each additional request for an appeal in a calendar year. 2.4.4 - Interim Changes Final judgment in all classification
disputes shall rest with the USTRC. USTRC reserves the right to
change the classifications of ropers anytime throughout the year, where
by performance data suggests the roper is miss-classified, or where by the
roper exhibits a dominance or clear advantage at the assigned classification
or for punitive reasons outlined to in Sections 8 and 9 of the
USTRC rules. A USTRC representative will notify by phone, certified
mail, regular mail service, or in person any roper who receives a classification
change during the term of their membership.
2.5 - Producers Use Of TRIAD CLASSIFICATION System (Non-USTRC Roping) Any roping producers may use the TRIAD classification system by advertising
that ropers must produce a current USTRC membership card to receive
their winnings. If they do not have a card or the sum of the team’s classifications
do not fit the division entered, the team forfeits winnings and entry
fees. If an unclassified roper enters a roping advertising TRIAD numbers,
then the producer has the prerogative to assign a temporary number, provided
the producer forwards the personal data on ropers to the National office
immediately following his roping. If for any reason a roper does not have a
CURRENT USTRC card, including those requesting temporary numbers,
the producer is requested to hold all winnings and verify classifications with
the USTRC, then if verified, mail winnings to ropers. (USTRC will verify
classification for non-members only once.) If the roping producer, who
advertises TRIAD classifications, takes it upon himself to lower a classification
number, USTRC will still hold the roper responsible for using
the wrong classification.Use of the system obliges the producer to advise
USTRC of any incorrectly classified ropers, high or low, that attend their
roping. In the event that a producer abuses the use of the system by advertising
its use then not using it correctly, or abusing it, they shall be notified to
cease and desist.
Membership cards will be
issued for the calendar year and expire on December 31, of the year purchased
with the exception of 15-month memberships. Issuance of the card
does not guarantee that a classification number shall remain the same for
the entire year. A USTRC representative will notify by phone, certified
mail, regular mail service, or in person any roper who receives a classification
change during the term of their membership. Membership cards are the
exclusive property of USTRC. USTRC has the right to take possession of
membership cards at any time.
3.2 - USTRC Memberships 3.2.1 - First-Time Membership A first time membership fee is
$80 and is valid from January or from the time of purchase, to December
31, of the year purchased with the exception of 15-month memberships.
All rights, privileges, conditions and terms are the same as the Gold Spur
Membership (see below).
3.2.2 - Gold Spur Membership The annual membership fee is
$80 and is valid from January 1, or from the time of purchase, to December
31, of the year purchased, with the exception of 15-month memberships.
Memberships accepted after August 31, of each season shall be good for the
remainder of the season and the next full season (15 months). Membership
privileges include; a classification card; subscription to SuperLooper
Magazine; NO office or grounds fees at USTRC ropings by contractors
(does not apply to facility owners and managers); check acceptance for
entry fees at Pre-Enter ropings; and many additional features.
3.2.3 - Gold Plus Membership The yearly Gold Plus membership
fee is $300 and is valid from January 1, or the time of purchase, to
December 31, of the year purchased. Memberships accepted after August
31, of each season shall be valid for the remainder of the season and the
next full season (15 months). This is the USTRC premier value added membership
level and the additional privileges will be outlined each year on the
membership brochure. Gold Plus memberships are only available to adults
18 years or older; however you must be 21 years or older to compete in any
Gold Plus roping. Any Gold Spur or first time member will be allowed to
upgrade at any time to a Gold Plus membership.
Gold Plus membership can be used as a family membership. Additional family members may include spouse and children. Eligible children must live at home and must be 20 years old or younger. Children are not eligible to compete in the Gold Plus ropings. Gold Plus Membership, all its privileges and renewal eligibility are forfeited by any Gold Plus member, which issues two “Insufficient Funds” checks within any one-year period. 3.2.4 - Lifetime Membership This one-time membership fee is
$100 and is available to ropers 70 years of age and older. The non-transferable
membership provides members with all the benefits of the standard
Gold Spur membership, for a one-time only fee.
3.2.5 - Junior Looper Membership This free-of-charge
membership is available to ropers 12 years of age and younger and is
automatically renewed until the child turns 13 years old. Junior Looper
members who turn 13 years old within the calendar year will be eligible
to compete at any event requiring USTRC memberships, under the Junior
Looper card; however, upon turning 13 years of age they are ineligible to
compete in Junior Looper ropings. This membership will entitle holders to
all the benefits of the standard Gold Spur membership except for receipt of
SuperLooper Magazine.
Junior Looper Program- The Junior Looper Program is for any child 12 years or younger. Children will receive a free Junior Looper Membership with copy of their birth certificate confirming age. The Junior Roping is one of the benefits of the Junior Looper Membership. Junior Looper Rules 1. Must bring Junior Looper Card or copy of birth certificate to receive prize. 2. Four Age Groups: 10-12, 8-9, 6-7, and 5 years and under. 3. Junior Loopers may not enter below their age division. 4. No Junior Looper may win more than 1 buckle in a USTRC season at sanctioned events (National Finals excluded). Season is defined as those events between November 1 and October 1 of any year. 5. Any Junior Looper that has ever won a USTRC Trophy saddle or Junior Looper Trophy saddle will not be eligible to compete at the USTRC Finals in the Junior Looper ropings. Remember the Junior Looper Program is a free program put together for the youth of the sport of team roping. The USTRC staff appointed conductor of the roping will ensure to the best of their ability that the event is conducted fairly. Please comply with the requests and suggestions of the conductor(s) of the event. Junior Looper parents are advised to watch, but not participate. Thanks for being involved in the growth and future of the sport of Team Roping. 3.3 - Membership Requirement Participation in a USTRC
event requires being a member of the USTRC to collect winnings. A roper
must have in their possession and be able to present a current USTRC membership
card when asked, or shall have submitted a First Time Membership
or Renewal Membership application, including appropriate fees, to the
National Office or the roping producer, prior to the event or division he or
she is entering. Ropers will be permitted to purchase their First-Time or
Renewal Memberships anytime during the year. Memberships can be purchased
at event offices.
Participation in a USTRC event by a roper who does not have a current membership classification card or has not submitted a First Time Membership or Renewal Membership application as specified, will result in disqualification of the roper and ropers’ teammate. The member of a disqualified team, who has a current membership, shall be entitled to receive a refund of his or her entry fees. The disqualified roper that is not current shall not receive a refund of entry fees and neither member of a disqualified “Pick” team is eligible for any prize or prize money. However, should a current member by “computer draw” be teamed with a non current partner, the current member is entitled to receive his or her share of the prizes and prize money. The non current member is disqualified and therefore forfeits entry fees, prizes and prize money. By entering a USTRC event, the roper is representing that he or she is in compliance with the membership requirements. Acceptance of an entry at an event by USTRC or its producers shall not constitute a waiver of the requirement set forth in this rule. Membership fees will not be refunded as a result of classification or rule disagreements.
USTRC sanctions two types of
ropings nationwide with regards to entry procedures, On-Site entry and
Pre-Entry. On-Site entry ropings are those ropings where ropers may enter
at the event, prior to the start of the roping they wish to enter. Contractors
may require “Cash Only” at On-Site entry ropings, however, checks will be
accepted from Gold Plus members. All Pre-Entry ropings require entries be
mailed directly to USTRC Central Entry prior to the event.
All sanctioned ropings guarantee Regional and National Finals Shoot-Out positions and minimum prize lines determined by the size of the previous year’s event. Sanctioned ropings will follow Format 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, guidelines, and will reflect the USTRC philosophy of limited entry and leveraged payouts. 4.2 - Entries - Central Entry All entries for Pre-Entry ropings
will be taken through the USTRC Central Entry office. Entries with combined
classification totals that exceed the maximum rating of the division
entered will not be entered. Open, or to-be-announced “TBA” entries will
not be accepted unless both sides are paid.
To participate in a USTRC sanctioned event, each roper (1) must have, and be able to present, a current USTRC membership card, or (2) must have submitted prior to the event an application with membership fee or application with membership fee for renewal of a membership card that has expired. Ropers will be permitted to purchase their membership anytime prior to the start of the roping in which they are entered. Participation in the event by a roper who does not have a current USTRC membership card or has not submitted an application for a new card or for renewal of a card that has expired prior to an event, will result in disqualification of roper and the roper’s teammate. No member of a disqualified team shall be entitled to receive any prize or winnings, however, the member of the disqualified team that has a current membership shall be entitled to a refund of entry fee. The member of the disqualified team without a current membership shall not be entitled to receive a refund of his/her entry fee. By submitting an entry for an event, the roper is representing that he/she is in compliance with this rule. Acceptance of entry form for this event by USTRC shall not constitute a waiver of the requirement set forth in this rule. 4.2.1 - Payment of Fees Team Ropers may pay with a personal
check for Pre-Entry ropings, however, with the exception of Gold Plus
members, contractors may require “cash only” from ropers at On-Site entry
events. Checks will not be accepted from ropers that have previously written
bad checks. After the postmark deadline (late entry), payments must be
made with cashiers check or money order. Absolutely no two party checks
will be accepted. Entry fees should be payable to USTRC, and mailed to:
USTRC Central Entry, PO Box 1198, Stephenville, TX 76401. Express
deliveries: USTRC Central Entry, 148 County Rd. 437, Stephenville, TX
76401. USTRC reserves the right to obtain payment electronically for any
check or other instrument that you send us by initiating an ACH (Electronic)
debit in the amount of your check or instrument to your account. Your check or
instrument will not be returned to you by us or your bank. Your bank account
may be debited as early as the same day we receive your payment.
4.2.2 - Late Entry A late entry is any entry postmarked for a pre-enter
roping after the postmark deadline (Friday two weeks prior to the roping).
Central Entry may, at its discretion, accept an entry within a few days following
the postmark deadline, provided the entry is complete and accompanied
by a $40 per team ($20/roper) late fee for each entry. A late fee is
also due for the portion of any entry that is incomplete when the books are
mailed from Central Entry to the respective producers.
Postmark deadline is interpreted to mean as postmarked by the United States Postal Service and not as indicated by a private postal meter. Contractors will be allowed to take late entries at any qualification roping provided: 1) each team pays a $40 late fee, for each time a team enters late; 2) The producer has discretion in placing incomplete entries at the end to avoid creating a special rotation; 3) the entry information and associated late fees be must turned over to the USTRC representative or National Office within 7 days following the roping. 4.2.3 - Late Fees Any team entering late will be required to pay a $40
late fee ($20/roper). Late fees are non-refundable, even in the event of a
draw-out.
4.2.4 - Incomplete Entries and Late Fees Any team
that is deemed to be incomplete at the date Central Entry sends the books
to the respective qualification roping will be withdrawn from the roping
roster. Their names will be placed on an incomplete list. In dealing with
incomplete entries the producer may either: 1) allow the incomplete entry
to become complete at the roping, which will require the team to pay the
appropriate late fee due for the completed entry, or; 2) Refund the roper the
incomplete entry fee.
Ropers who have paid on time but have an incomplete entry as a result of an unpaid partner or a partner that drew out, will pay NO late fees for pairing with another partner that has the same situation. 4.2.5 - Entering Open or TBA To-Be-Announced
entries will not be accepted unless both sides are paid. Any entry activity at
the roping that requires a money transaction and subsequent book keeping to
take place, will be required to pay a late fee. Any roper filling an incomplete
entry will be required to pay the $20.00 late fee if a money transaction takes
place.
4.2.6 - Re-Entry of Incomplete Teams If the producer
decides to let teams that were placed on the incomplete list re-enter at the
roping, those teams must be re-entered no later than 1 hour before the roping
in question begins. These teams will be placed in the roping at the producers
discretion.
4.2.7 - Entry Closing Date Entries must be postmarked no
later than the Friday two weeks prior to the event. Entries from Gold Plus
members must be received by phone or mail no later than 5:00 pm CST, the
Friday before the start of the event. Entries for Regional and National Finals,
may be required more than two weeks prior to the event. If this is to be the
case, the entry deadline will be announced in the SuperLooper Magazine.
4.2.8 - Up and Back Entry In ropings where ropers are allowed to enter
more than once, ropers are NOT permitted to enter “Up and Back” -
(switching ends with same partner). This applies to incentive teams as well.
4.2.9 - Entering with Same Partner Ropers cannot
enter the same division at an event with the same partner more than once.
Exception to this rule are the Regional and National Shoot-Out divisions.
4.3 - Draw-outs and Replacement Any team may draw-out
of any event with notice prior to the start of that event with no draw out
charge. A draw-out message may be left on the answering machine at the
National Office (254) 968-0002. If no notice is provided then entry fees are
forfeited to the roping pot. If an individual team roper draws out, the roper
entered with him may draw out or replace the partner. If a team roper’s
partner fails to notify USTRC or the roping producer of a draw-out, and
does not appear prior to first go-round of a competition, the roper entered
with him may get a substitute partner or draw out of the competition. In no
instance may a roper use another ropers entry fee.
If a substitute team roper is replacing a roper who has a doctor or vet’s release or has been officially drawn out, that replacement will be required to pay entry fees, but no late fees. In no instance will the team be moved to a later draw position while the roper locates another partner. 4.3.1 - Draw-Out - Overpayment Refunds Ropers must
notify Central Entry of draw-out of an event or overpayment of an event,
and request a refund of fees. All refund requests must be made within 10
days following an event or the fees become non-refundable. Refunds owed
are the obligation of the Event producer, however, refunds will be issued
from the USTRC office until the event producer has been issued all event
monies. If roper does not request a refund from USTRC prior to final event
money distribution, roper waives any and all claims against the USTRC.
Claims and requests should then be addressed directly to the event contractor.
4.3.2 - Emergency Draw-out In the event of an emergency
involving a competing roper, his family or his horse, the contractor may
draw that team out and refund their money, even though they may have
already competed and taken some of their runs.
4.4 - Affiliate Ropings These ropings are not sanctioned USTRC
ropings. Affiliate ropings are local ropings where contractors have made a
commitment to members of the USTRC to use the TRIAD handicap system
and make a contribution to the Regional Finals and National Finals Shoot-
Out Fund. The USTRC, for its part, is providing an avenue for ropers to
participate at the USTRC Regional and National Shoot-Out program by way
of the accumulation of applied earnings at these ropings, which can be used
to acquire Shoot-Out positions.
4.4.1 - Affiliate Disclaimer These team roping events will be
awarded to reputable and professional contractors on a case by case basis.
Although Affiliate contractors are selected based on their reputations
and schedule availability, Affiliates are not required to completely follow
USTRC standards. USTRC will sign agreements with contractors that make
an effort to run above average operations, but assumes NO responsibility for
quality of affiliate operations. Affiliate status may be withdrawn if USTRC
members point out specific ethical or other violations.
Shall be held the last week of October each
year.
5.1.1 - NF Roping Format A Preliminary roping will be provided
in each division for USTRC members, offering one final opportunity to earn
National Finals Shoot-Outs. Any USTRC member is eligible to compete in
the National Finals Preliminary. After completion of the Preliminary, all eligible
teams qualified to the short round will advance to the Shoot-Out Finals
to join the teams who have earned National Finals Shoot-Out positions from
regular season sanctioned ropings, and through applied earnings. Entry fees
of ropers advancing from the Preliminaries to the National Finals Shoot-Out
will have their entry paid as a part of their winnings in the Preliminaries.
Winners of the Shoot-Outs at the Finals will be crowned United States
Champions.
Complete description of the formats, payouts and distribution of added monies at the National Finals will be announced prior to the event in SuperLooper Magazine, or in publications prior to the occurrence of the USTRC National Finals. In no instance does the description of a Format #1 roping apply to the National Finals format. 5.1.2 - NF- U.S. Open of Team Roping Restrictions At the USTRC National Finals, there will be a Floor instituted in the U.S.
Open of Team Roping. No header with a classification number less than
seven (7), or heeler with a classification number less than eight (8), will be
eligible to enter the U.S. Open of Team Roping. The purpose of this is to
insure the sanctity of the level of professionalism of the event.
5.1.3 - Roper With multiple NF Shoot-Out Positions National Shoot-Outs - No roper may earn more than two
National Finals Shoot-Out positions in any one division. Once a roper has
earned two NF Shoot-Outs in a division, he may continue to compete in
the division, but will only be competing for cash and prizes. A roper who
enters with a partner who has already won two NF Shoot-Out positions in
the division entered, will receive a NF Shoot-Out position and be allowed to
bring a substitute partner. The substitute partner must be a current USTRC
member and have attended a USTRC sanctioned or affiliate event during the
current season. NF Shoot-Out positions must be used in the order won. In
other words, if you win multiple NF Shoot-Out positions, only the first two
are valid.
5.2 - Regional Finals Regional Finals shall consist of Lonestar,
Eastern Finals, Southwestern Finals, Southeastern Finals, West Coast Finals,
High Plains Finals and Northwestern Finals, with the potential for the addition
of other events. Regional Finals formats will be nearly identical to NF
formats with Preliminaries and Shoot-Outs.
Any USTRC member is eligible to compete in the Regional Finals Preliminary. Ropers may compete in the Preliminaries at a Regional Finals event, even if they have already filled their National Finals Shoot-Out positions in the division entered. If either member of a team has two NF Shoot- Outs in the division, the team will be competing for money and prizes only. Ropers may compete in Regional Shoot-Out ropings even if they have already filled their National Finals Shoot-Out positions in the division. However, they will be competing for cash and prizes only. 5.2.1 - Regional payout structure As a result of the payout
structure at the Regional Finals, extended payout will not be instituted at
these events.
5.3 - National & Regional Shoot-Out Distribution The following is a breakdown of how National and
Regional Shoot-Out positions will be awarded at regular season sanctioned
events. When a team earns three Regional Shoot-Outs, those three Regionals
may be converted into one National Finals Shoot-Out position.
OPEN DIVISION - NO SHOOT-OUTS AWARDED, STANDINGS ONLY - US Open Tour Points awarded 1st thru 10th place in the average. NF Shoot-Outs/ RF Shoot-Outs Format 1 #15 Handicap, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Divisions Guaranteed 1st Avg 2nd-3rd Avg 201-300 tms 1st-2nd Avg 3rd-4th Avg 301-400 tms 1st-3rd Avg 4th-6th Avg 401+ tms 1st-4th Avg 5th-8th Avg Incentive - Open, #13, #12 #11 & #10 Divisions Guaranteed none 1st Avg Incentive - #9 Division Guaranteed 1st Avg none Format 2 & 3 #15 Handicap, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Divisions Guaranteed 1st Avg 2nd-3rd Avg 201-400 tms 1st-2nd Avg 3rd-4th Avg 401+ tms 1st-3rd Avg 4th-6th Avg Incentive - Open, #13, #12, #11 & #10 Divisions Guaranteed none 1st Avg Incentive - #9 Division Guaranteed 1st Avg none Format 4 & 5 #15 Handicap, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Divisions 1-400 tms 1st Avg 2nd-3rd Avg 400+ tms 1st-2nd Avg 3rd- 4th Avg Incentive - Open, #13, #12, #11 & #10 Divisions Guaranteed none 1st Avg Incentive - #9 Division Guaranteed 1st Avg none #8 Pick/Draw 1st- 5th Avg none #12 Gold Plus 1st-3rd Avg - Gold Plus Shoot-Out #10 GP Incentive 1st-3rd Avg - Gold Plus Shoot-Out 5.3.1 - Shoot-Out Distribution - Regional Finals All eligible teams placing in the top 5% of the overall Average of a Regional
Preliminary roping, will automatically be awarded Regional Shoot-Out
positions. Entry fees of ropers advancing from the Regional Preliminaries
to the Regional Finals Shoot-Out will have their entry paid as a part of their
winnings in the Preliminaries. Under no circumstances shall the number of
teams progressing to the Regional Shoot-Outs be less than the number of
paid Average positions in a Regional Preliminary.
Every Regional Finals Preliminary shall award five (5) National Finals Shoot-Out spots per division. In the Regional Shoot-Out, the top ten teams will receive National Finals Shoot-Out spots. 5.3.2 - Roper With Multiple Regional Finals Shoot-Out Positions A roper may win multiple Regional Shoot-Outs. However,
a roper may not use more than two Regional Shoot-Outs per division,
per each Regional Finals. For example: two #10 at Southwest, two #10 at
Northwest, etc.
5.3.3 - Applied Earnings Earnings a roper aquires as a result
of placing at approved USTRC sanctioned and/or affiliate events. Every
$2000 in applied earnings results in a Regional Finals Shoot-Out position
and every $6000 in applied earnings results in a National Finals Shoot-
Out position. Applied earnings may be used toward any Shoot-Out division
including Gold Plus Shoot-Outs (membership rules apply) and may be
taken with a partner of choice. The chosen partner does not need to have
applied earnings to compete but must be a current USTRC member in
good standing and have competed at a USTRC SANCTIONED event
during the current season.
Excluding the National Finals of Team Roping, all earnings from USTRC sanctioned and affiliate ropings count toward applied earnings provided the earnings did not come as a result of the outright awarding of a Regional or National Finals Shoot-Out position. (Exception: All earnings from USTRC sanctioned Gold Plus ropings are eligible for applied earnings regardless of the awarding of a Gold Plus Shoot-Out position.) Earnings are tabulated by request only and ropers may be asked to provide proof of winnings in some instances. ROPERS MAY CARRY OVER UNUSED APPLIED EARNINGS FROM YEAR TO YEAR. 5.3.4 - Shoot-Outs When Classification Increases When
Classification Increases - In the event that either member of a Shoot-Out
teams’ classification increases during the year, that team must compete in a
higher division if the new combination of their number adds up to exactly
the number of an existing division. If they move to a higher division, the
position they vacate shall not be filled by any other team. If the combination
of both handicaps including the number increase does not add up to
the number of an existing division, then the USTRC may grant the right to
bring a substitute partner to the Regional or National Finals. If a substitution
is made, the team must rope in the same division in which the Shoot-Out
was won, or any other higher division. In the event that a member of a #15
Shoot-Out team receives a handicap change, they may be permitted to split.
In the event that a member of a #13 Shoot-Out team receives a single handicap
increase that raises the team combination to #15, and they do not desire
to compete in the #15, they may be permitted to split.
5.3.5 - Replacement Shoot-Out Partners Replacement
partners in a Regional or National Shoot-Out must be a current member in
good standing and have competed in a USTRC sanctioned event during the
season.
Roping divisions for the 2009 season will be a #8 Pick/
Draw, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #15 Handicap and Open. USTRC reserves the
right to sanction events with limited parts of these formats or make changes
in these divisions during the course of the year. Any event held in conjunction
with a USTRC sanctioned event must be approved by the USTRC.
Approval or denial of such events will be determined on a case by case
basis. Open ropings will be scheduled at the option of any roping contractor
at all USTRC qualification events.
6.1.1 - Open Option 1: The following are the parameters for
all Open Ropings regardless of the specified format of the event. Five-steer
Average (Incentive will be determined on 4-steer Average), progressive after
two. Entry fee: $150/roper. May enter 2 times any combination of Incentive
and/or Non-Incentive.
Option 2: Open Pick / Draw $250 per roper or $200 per roper (producer’s preference), Enter with one partner and one will be computer drawn. No Header with a classification number less than 6 or no heeler with a classification number less than 8 may enter. Depending on draw, ropers may have 2 open runs, 2 incentive runs or one each. Ropers may enter as open team or incentive team for a maximum of one entry. Five head average with the Incentive determined on 4-head. Always progressive after 2-head. Open Tour points to Average winners in open ropings awarded for 1st thru 10th place in the Average. Must qualify to short round to be eligible for points. Points will be awarded to #7 headers and above and #8 heelers and above.
Must qualify to short round to be eligible for points. Regional Shoot-Out position awarded to 1st in the average of the #15 Incentive in the Open. 6.1.2 - #15 Handicap Fees and entry parameters will be determined
by the selected format of the roping (see Formats).
This division will be determined on a 5-head average. #14 team will receive a 2 second handicap; #13 and under team will receive a 4 second handicap These “seconds off ” will be subtracted after the fourth run. 6.1.3 - Gold Plus #12 Only Gold Plus members are
eligible to compete. At Format One and Regional Finals events, ropings will
be a four steer average (Incentive will be determined on 3-steers) progressive
after one. Entry fee will be $150/roper, enter two times any combination
of Incentive and/or Non Incentive teams. Incentive will be a #10. At
Format 2, 3, 4, and 5 events, ropers may enter three times any combination
of Incentive and/or Non-Incentive for $100/roper. Gold Plus Shoot-Outs will
be awarded to teams placing 1st through 3rd in the average and 1st through
3rd of the Incentive average. All winnings in the Gold Plus Divisions count
towards Applied Earnings for Shoot-outs.
6.1.4 - #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 Fees and entry parameters
will be determined by the selected format of the roping (see Formats).
These divisions will be determined on a four-head Average. There will
be Incentives in these divisions at all regular season USTRC events. The
Incentive in the #13 will be a #12, Incentive in the #12 will be a #11, the
Incentive in the #11 will be a #10, the Incentive in the #10 will be a #9, the
Incentive in the #9 will be a #8,(the #9 division and the #9 incentive of the
#10 are capped at a #5). Incentive winners will be determined on a threehead
Average.
6.1.5 - #8 Pick/Draw The following are the parameters
for all #8 Pick/Draw ropings regardless of the specified format of the event:
This roping will be a three-head Average, progressive after one. Entry fee
for this roping will be the producers discretion. Option 1: $150 per roper.
Ropers enter with one partner, and two more will be computer drawn or
draw all three for a total of three runs in the roping. Option 2: $100 per
roper. Ropers enter with one partner, and one more will be computer drawn
or draw two for a total of two runs in the roping. This roping will be capped
at a #4. No roper with a classification higher than a #4 is eligible to enter.
The computer draw will insure that no team higher than a #8 or lower than a
#6 will be drawn together. A #7 team will receive 2 seconds off and a #6 and
under team will receive 3 seconds off. These “seconds off ” will be subtracted
after the second round. There is no incentive in this division. 1st - 5th in the
Average will receive National Shoot-Outs.
6.2 - Formats The following format types will be available during the
2009 season: Format 1, Format 2, Format 3, Format 4, Format 5. Format
type is selected by the producer of the event. Ropers cannot enter the same
division at an event with the same partner more than once. During the 2009
season, the number of teams that progress to the short round shall be thirty
in #10, #9, #8 or five (5) more teams than the total number of places paid in
the Average, whichever is greater. Based on this, the maximum number of
teams that will ever progress to the short round is thirty-five (35) teams. No
team shall compete in the short round based on two steers except in the #8
Pick/Draw division.
6.2.1 - Format #1 A producers option to go progressive after 2 or progressive after 1 Producers
will be allowed to go progressive after one in ropings that exceed 250 teams.
Open, See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC
Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC
format of the event.
#15 Handicap- Entry fee $150 per roper - Enter 2 times - 5-head average - Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to teams placing 2nd and 3rd in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 2-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. A #13 and under team will receive a 4-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. Entry fee: $150/roper. Enter 2 times any combination of Incentive and/or Non- Incentive (Maximum of 2 Entries) 4-head average with the Incentive determined on 3-head, #12 Incentive in the #13 -- #11 Incentive in the #12 -- #10 Incentive in the #11 - #9 Incentive in the #10 - #8 incentive in the #9. (#9 and #9 incentive in the #10 are capped at a #5) Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to 1st place Average winners and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #9. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to teams placing 2nd and 3rd in the Average and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #13, #12, #11 and #10. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.2 - Format #2 Open, See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC
Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC
format of the event.
#15 Handicap - Entry fee $100 per roper, Enter 3 times, 5-head average, Progressive after 1. 1st in Average – National Shoot-Out positions. 2nd – 3rd in Average – Regional Shoot-Out positions. A #14 team will receive a 2-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. A #13 and under team will receive a 4-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. Entry fee: $100/roper. May enter any combination as Incentive team or as Non- Incentive team for a maximum of three entries in each roping. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to 1st place Average winners and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #9 Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to teams placing 2nd and 3rd in the Average and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #13, #12, #11 and #10. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.3 - Format #3 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC
Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC
format of the event.
#15 Handicap - Entry fee $80 per roper, Enter 3 times, 5-head average, Progressive after 1. 1st in Average – National Shoot-Out positions. 2nd – 3rd in Average – Regional Shoot-Out positions. A #14 team will receive a 2 second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. A #13 and under team will receive a 4-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. Entry fee: $80/roper. May enter any combination of Incentive or Non-Incentive for a maximum of three entries in each roping. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot- Out positions will be awarded to 1st place Average winners and to Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #9. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to teams placing 2nd and 3rd in the Average and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #13, #12, #11 and #10. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw- See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.4 - Format #4 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC
Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC
format of the event.
#15 Handicap - Entry fee $60 per roper, Enter 3 times, 5-head average, Progressive after 1. 1st in Average – National Shoot-Out positions. 2nd – 3rd in Average – Regional Shoot-Out positions. A #14 team will receive a 2-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. A #13 and under team will receive a 4-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 : 4-steer Average, progressive after one. Entry fee: $60/roper. May enter as Non-Incentive teams, as Incentive teams or any combination of Incentive/Non-Incentive teams, for a maximum of three entries in each roping. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to all Average winners and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #9. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to teams placing 2nd and 3rd in the Average and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #13, #12, #11 and #10. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.5 - Format #5 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC
Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC
format of the event.
#15 Handicap - Entry fee $60 per roper, Enter 4 times, 5-head average, Progressive after 1. 1st in Average – National Shoot-Out positions. 2nd – 3rd in Average – Regional Shoot-Out positions. A #14 team will receive a 2-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. A #13 and under team will receive a 4-second handicap to be deducted after the 4th run. #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. Entry fee: $60/roper. May enter 4 times any combination of Incentive and/or Non-Incentive (Maximum of 4 Entries). Guaranteed National Finals Shoot- Out positions will be awarded to all 1st place Average winners and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #9. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions will be awarded to teams placing 2nd and 3rd in the Average and to the Incentive 1st place Average winners of the #13, #12, #11 and #10. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5.
Extended payout structure (any payout in the Average equal to 2X the entry
fee) will not be implemented in the #10, #11, #12, #13, #15 Handicap, and
Open Roping. Only regular Average checks will be issued, i.e., no checks
will be issued for positions that pay double entry fees in the Average.
Note: All Average and Incentive payoffs will be paid in progression backward
if necessary (best 4, best 3, best 2). If an Average is to be paid on one
head, progression dictates that the one head will be paid in the first round.
7.1 - Short Round Qualifications The number of teams that
qualify to the short round shall be a minimum of twenty (thirty in the #10,
#9, and #8). However, if a roping has a 301-400 teams, 25 will advance and
401- plus teams, 30 will advance to the short round. No team shall compete
in the short round based on two steers except in the #8 division.
7.2 - Open Payout 7.2.1 - Go-Round The number of Fast Time Overall checks paid will
be based on a maximum of 10% of the ropers pot not to exceed four places.
Under no circumstances will the Go-Round payout exceed 10% of the ropers
pot. A Fast Time Overall will be paid at a minimum of 3X the entry fee
for first place. All additional places paid for Fast Time Overall (2nd, 3rd,
etc.) will be a minimum of 2X the entry fee based on the 10% of the pot
allocated for Go-Round payout. Left over funds from the 10% Go-Round
allocation will be added back to the Average Payout.
1 place 1st 3X Entry Fee 2 places 1st 3X Entry Fee, 2nd 2X Entry Fee 3 places 1st 3X Entry Fee, 2nd, 3rd 2X Entry Fee 4 places 1st 3X Entry Fee, 2nd, 3rd, 4th 2X Entry Fee 7.2.2 - Average A maximum of six places will be paid in the Average.
The number of places paid in the Average will be based on the amount of
money in the ropers pot, providing that no less than 3x entry fees will be
paid to the last place paid in the Average. The following is a breakdown of
the number of places paid.
1-10 Teams 1 Place 11-25 Teams 2 Places 26-50 Teams 3 Places 51-100 Teams 4 Places 101-150 Teams 5 Places 151+ Teams 6 Places Under no circumstances will the number of places paid in the Average of an Open roping, exceed six (6) places. 7.3 - General Payout all other formats (All USTRC formats)
Payoffs for go-rounds fall into two separate categories; With Rotations and
Without Rotations.
Payoffs for Regional and National Finals may vary from these formats.
7.3.1 - Without Rotations Without Rotations (under 151 tms)
Fast Time Payoff: Fast time payout is based on the number of teams entered
in the roping.
1-75 Teams Pay 1 fast time overall (short round included) 3x Entry Fee (not to exceed 10% of roper pot) 76-150 Teams Pay 2 fast times overall (short round included) 3x Entry Fee, 2x Entry fee (not to exceed 10% of roper pot) Average Payoff: Average payout is based on the number of teams entered in the roping. 1-10 Teams 1 place 11-25 Teams 2 places 26-50 Teams 3 places 51-100 Teams 4 places 101-125 Teams 5 places (5th not less than 2X entry fee) 126-150 Teams 7 places (6th & 7th, 2X entry fees) 7.3.2 - With Rotations With Rotations (more than 151 tms)
Go-Round Payoff: In each rotation, payout will be made to the team with
the fastest time.
1st place 3X Entry Fee Short-Round Payoff: the team with the fastest time in the short round will receive a payout equal to 2X the entry fee. Average Payoff: Average payout is based on the number of teams entered in the roping. 151-200 Teams 5 places; 6-10 place-triple entry fees; 11-15 place-extended, double entry fees 201-250 Teams 6 places; 7-10 place-triple entry fees; 11-18 place-extended, double entry fees 251-300 Teams 8 places; 9-10 place-triple entry fees; 11-20 place-extended, double entry fees 301-400 Teams 10 places; 11-15 place-triple entry fees; 16-25 place-extended, double entry fees 401+ Teams 12 places; 13-15 place-triple entry fees; 16-30 place-extended, double entry fees 7.4 - Incentive Payout Incentive payoff is a guaranteed payoff.
Places paid in the Incentive will be based on the number of Incentive teams
entered. If there is less than 50 teams entered in the roping, and the number
of Incentives is greater than the number of non-Incentive teams, Incentive
winners will receive a payout equal to double the entry fee. Incentive winners
will receive guaranteed Regional Shoot Out positions, and advertised
Incentive prizes.
Incentive payout is based on the number of teams entered in the roping. Failure to declare an entry as incentive until after the roping is over will result in an ineligible incentive team. Ropers must declare incentive teams in order to be considered for the incentive payoff. 1-10 Teams 1 place 1X Entry Fees 11-25 Teams 1 places 3X Entry Fees 26-50 Teams 2 places 5x, 4x, Entry Fees 51-75 Teams 3 places 5x, 4x, 3x, Entry Fees 76-100 Teams 4 places 5x, 4x, 3x, 2x, Entry Fees 101+ Teams 5 places 5x, 4x, 3x, 2x, 1x Entry Fees 7.4.1 - Gold Plus Roping Incentive Purse Only! The percentage of the incentive purse paid to the incentive teams will be
equal to percentage of incentive teams entered, not to exceed 50%. The
percentage is on the total purse less go-round money. The number of places
paid in the incentive purse is based on the number of incentive teams
entered.
1-10: 1 Place 11-25: 2 Places 26-50: 3 Places 51-100: 4 Places 101+: 5 Places 7.5 - Payoff Percentages The following percentages will be used
for USTRC payoffs in 2009:
Note: Exception to these percentages will be the Shoot-Outs and the U.S. Open at the National Finals of Team Roping. 7.6 - Breaking of Ties All ties for money will result in an equal
split. Ties that involve prizes and money will result in an equal split in
money, and at the producers discretion a rope off for prizes. Any rope off
will be a four-steer Average with four full rounds. Failure to bring any run
to completion will result in a sixty second penalty on that run. The winner
will be determined by the team, which has the lowest cumulative time on all
four head.
7.7 - Rotational (Anti-Marathon) Draw The rotational
draw or anti-marathon draw will be implemented in any roping that exceeds
150 teams. Normally fifty teams equals one rotation, however, the size of
rotations may vary based on the size of ropings and availability of multiple
arenas. Ropers in one rotation shall rope all three, or both (depending on
format), of their steers before the next rotation begins. Estimated times for
each rotation will be posted at the event.
7.8 - Estimated Rotation Times The estimated rotation times
are approximate and do not release the roper from the obligation of being
at the event and prepared one hour before the scheduled rotation time. Any
team making the short round will have to wait until the end of the roping for
their fourth or short round steer.
7.9 - Added Money The USTRC National Finals Shoot-Out added
money shall be made up of the 5% of the purses from all sanctioned events,
plus 1.7% contributed from producers commission, in addition to Affiliate
contributions and sponsorship monies where applicable.
7.10 - Commission and Prizes Producers may charge a commission
to ropers (to be withheld from entry fees), which shall not exceed
33.3% of the total entry fees. Prizes such as trailers, saddles, buckles, etc.,
shall be paid for by the producer. Ropers should understand that although
initial commission is no more than 33.3%, actual net cash and prize pool to
team ropers should be in the range of 79% to 87%, based on prizes added
back into the roping.
Only two loops per team shall be allowed. Roping steers
without turning loose the loop will be considered no catch. Roper must dally
to stop steer. If steer is roped by one horn, roper is not allowed to ride up
and remove loop or put loop over other horn or head with his hands.
8.2 - Legal Catches There are only three legal head catches: 1)
Around both horns; 2) Half a head; 3) Around the neck. If hondo passes
over one horn and the loop over the other, catch is illegal. If a loop crosses
itself in a head catch, it is illegal. This does not include heel catches. Any
heel catch behind both shoulders is legal if rope goes up heels. All bridle
catches are considered illegal.
8.2.1 - Questioned Catch Any questioned catches will be decided
by the judges. If a field judge tells the header to hold the steer so the
flagger may inspect the head catch, and the header does not do so, the team
may receive a no-time.
8.3 - Time Taken Time will be taken when the steer is roped, secure
between both partners, both horses are facing steer with ropes dallied and
tight. Horses front feet must be on the ground and ropers must be mounted
when time is taken. Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels.
Time is taken when flag is dropped, however, that time is not official until
indication is given by flagger or field judge to the timer or secretary. Flagger
may flag a team out after time is taken on a run, based on an illegal head
catch or illegal heel catch, steer was not secure or any other factor that was
not clear when time was taken.
8.4 - Tie On Rule Any heeler 60 years or older may tie on regardless
of classification number. Any heeler with a classification of TRIAD 6 or less
will be permitted to tie on as of their 55th birthday. Ladies who heel may tie
on. Under no circumstances will any header be permitted to tie on. Children
12 years or younger may NOT tie on. It is illegal to dally over the top of
a tied on rope or tie on device, the result is an automatic disqualification.
Furthermore, should a tied on rope inadvertently come loose from the
saddle horn or otherwise become detached during the course of a run,
the team will be disqualified. In other words, the roper may not reattach
his/her rope or dally with a loose tied on rope. USTRC encourages tie on
ropers to use a quick release for tied on ropes. USTRC reserves the right to
grant special tie on permission.
8.5 - Crossfire The header must have control of the steers head and
the steers head must be bent before the heeler can legally deliver his or her
rope. In other words, the heeler may rope the steer in the switch, but not
before. Any heel loop delivered before the switch is considered a crossfire
and illegal. In the instance where a steer sets up, at no fault of the roper, the
heel loop can be thrown at any time once the header has control of the steer.
8.6 - 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 prior to the team calling for time, the time will be
counted. Judge will not allow any extra time for a front leg to come free.
8.7 - Header Ropes Any Leg Should a header rope any leg, it’s an
automatic no time. Under no circumstance will the header be allowed to fishout
the leg.
8.8 - Dropped Rope A dropped rope that must be recoiled is considered
a thrown rope.
8.9 - Arena Clear Should a team call for a steer before the arena is
clear, and are subsequently interfered with by the steer or team still in the
arena, this will not be recognized as interference and they shall NOT receive
a rerun.
Bad checks made payable or declined credit card to
the USTRC, USTRC vendors, SuperLooper Magazine or USTRC producer
holding an official USTRC sanctioned or affiliate event will result in immediate
ineligibility. A state allowed collection fee and state tax will be charged
for each returned check. After all collection efforts are exhausted, the
returned check(s) will be turned over to the county attorney for collection.
Non-payment shall result in punitive action, which may include classification
number increase, and/or legal action.
Ropers that have competed on entry fees paid with a bad check or declined
credit card are responsible for the debt, regardless of who made payment.
9.2 - Dress Code Ropers must wear a cowboy hat or no hat. Caps will
not be permitted, nor are they permitted to be tied on, or attached in any way
during the course of a run. Cowboy attire required, which includes shirts
with a sewn on collar, full buttoned front styling, with short or long sleeves
(sleeveless shirts not permitted) and cowboy boots, or approved laced cowboy
shoe with a heel. Unless a medical exemption is made, heeled or any
type tennis shoes will not be permitted. Failure to observe dress code will
result in a no-time on any steer qualified.
Quarreling or fighting in the arena.
Mistreatment of livestock. Misrepresenting or falsifying a classification
number. Attempting to fix, threaten, bribe, influence or harass any USTRC
official at any time, in or out of the arena, or talking with a judge at a time
when an event is in progress. Engaging in, or attempting to engage in, any
action threatening, berating, harassing, intimidating, assaulting or striking a
roping official, a roping spectator, any official representative or employee of
the USTRC or any USTRC Contestant.
10.1.1 - Penalty for Major Offenses Ropers attempting to
fix, threaten, bribe, influence or harass any USTRC official at any time,
in or out of the arena, or talking with a judge or timer while an event is
in progress will automatically be disqualified, forfeit entry fees, and face
potential disqualification from future events at the discretion of the USTRC
internal board.
If a roper uses any excuse to enter a roping advertising USTRC numbers, at a number lower than his official USTRC classification, and this dishonesty results in winning a check, upon verification, the USTRC will immediately add one number to that individual’s official classification for a period of not less than one year. This also applies to any roper falsifying information on another ropers behalf. 10.2 - 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; E. Horse becomes excessively uncontrollable in roping box.
10.2.1 - Failure to compete in a Short Round A team
which fails to compete in any short round is automatically disqualified from
the average and thereby forfeits all money, prizes, points and shoot-out positions
related to the average.
10.2.2 - Roping out of order in Short Round A team that ropes out of order in a short round will automatically
receive a no time.
10.2.3 - Roper touches the ground A team will be disqualified if at any time during the course of a
run a roper touches the ground.
Flag passing is not permitted.
Producer shall not permit flaggers to rope in a roping event he/she is flagging,
unless the event is using rotations and more than one flagger is in
use. The Producer shall provide each flagger with a USTRC rule book and
shall require that each flagger conduct the event in accordance with USTRC
rules.
11.2 - Judges Decision The decision of the judge will be final.
However, USTRC officials or contractor may appeal to the judge on behalf
of the team for review of the call in question. A judge has the authority
to request that any person be excused from the arena if that person, in the
judge’s opinion, is interfering with the contest event.
11.2.1 - Questioning a Call Questions may be addressed to the
event producer immediately. No roper may question a judge while an event
is going on. Questions may be addressed to a judge not sooner than at the
end of the event.
Contestant does have the right to explain his side of the story or to clarify a situation to the judge at the proper time and place. However, if the contestant is using abusive language or does not use good judgment in the time and place, the judge should, at that time, inform said contestant that any further action will lead to disqualification and forfeiture of fees. 11.2.2 - Exceptions To Questioning a Call Should communications
concerning the issuance of a penalty or lack of penalty between
the judge and time keeper be incorrect, either team roper may immediately
point out the mistake to the judge. In addition, if the ability of the team to
compete was impaired by physical conditions in the arena or physical condition
of the steer, they may appeal to the judge immediately. Upon making
this appeal, the judges’ decision concerning the matter is final at that point.
Should the appeal not be upheld, the team is required to leave the arena
immediately following the decision, and may make an additional appeal to
the sanctioned producer. If the sanctioned producer overrides the decision
of the field judge, at any time for any reason, the producer is required to
inform the USTRC National Office of that decision and the circumstances
surrounding that decision.
11.3 - Judge Parameter The field flagger or judge has an obligation
to control the domain within the boundaries of the arena.
11.3.1 - Surrendering a Run If in the opinion of the field judge one
or both members of a team stops competing during the course of a run, the
judge has the right to stop the run and disqualify the team.
11.3.2 - Problem Horses/ 3 Strike Notice If a roper has
had the opportunity to enter the box and can neither get his horse in the box,
nor bring his horse under control while in the box, and in the opinion of the
judge this situation has become excessive a 3 strike notice will be given and
if the roper does not call for the steer on the 3rd attempt the judge has the
option of calling for the steer and declaring a no time on the run. Should
this occur on the first steer, the team will receive their entry fees back. If
this occurs on the second or third steer (or on the fourth steer in a five-steer
Average), the team may receive their fees back, only if they qualified the
previous steer or steers. The refund rule is not valid for any short-round.
11.3.3 - Ground Conditions If the arena conditions are deemed
by the field judge to be unsafe, competition can be stopped until the unsafe
conditions are remedied.
11.4 - Calling for a Steer Steer belongs to the ropers when
called for by the header. Except for mechanical failure the team accepts the
situation “as is” regardless of what happens.
11.5 - Declaring A Steer If the contestant is visibly fouled or he
can visibly see that he is, or will be fouled, he must declare by pulling up
or attempting to pull up and not try to go on with the contest. If he does not
declare, he accepts the situation the way it is.
11.6 - Barrier 11.6.1 - Barrier Fouls Roper Steer belongs to the ropers when
they call for it regardless of what happens, except for mechanical failure
and if, in the opinion of the judge, the roper is fouled by a rope barrier. If,
in the opinion of the judge, contestant is fouled by a rope barrier, ropers
shall get the steer back providing contestant declares himself by pulling up
immediately.
11.6.2 - Barrier Malfunction
Should a barrier malfunction
during the natural course of a competition either for the roper or against the
roper, the field judge may offer the option of awarding a rerun or removing
the barrier penalty. (The steer need not be qualified on to receive a rerun.)
However, there shall be no question or disagreement that this situation
occurred.
11.6.3 - Height of Barrier Height of barrier shall be from 32 to
36 inches, measured at the center of the box.
11.6.4 - Length of Barrier All scoreline lengths are to be set by
the Producer in accordance with arena conditions. Every effort should be
made to avoid 5 second runs, and at the same time every effort should be
made to avoid allowing any team to be outrun.
11.6.5 - Broken Barrier A 5-second penalty will be added for beating
the barrier. However, when a rope barrier is used (US Open) a 10-second
penalty will be added for beating the barrier. In any case, the penalty for beating
the heel barrier will always be the same as the penalty for beating the head
barrier.
11.6.6 - Barrier Pigtail If a pull barrier is in use and the pigtail is
carried more than 10 feet from the pin, the barrier may be waived, providing
the contestant did not obviously beat the barrier. However, if the contestant
has obviously broken the barrier the judge may still impose the penalty.
11.6.7 - Qualifying a Steer When a pull barrier is used and a
contestant is fouled and has no visible way of knowing if chutes or barriers
functioned correctly, he must qualify in order to get a rerun.
11.6.8 - Line Judge If a pull barrier is in use, there shall be a line
Judge. The Line Judge shall have a USTRC rule book and understand the
rules.
11.6.9 - Heeler Barrier A heeler barrier shall be encouraged at all
USTRC ropings. The heeling barrier shall not exceed the heading barrier by
more than five feet.
11.7 - Animal Escapes If any animal escapes from the arena, flag
will be dropped and time stopped. Contestants will get animal back for a
lap-and-tap start (no-barrier), and time already spent will be added to time
used in qualifying. If time is not recorded, the decision of the flag judge
shall be final.
11.7.1 - Animal Escapes Headgate IIf the gate fails to open
in the first attempt, gateman must stop and wait for another nod from the
roper. Whatever happens prior to his nod is not to be considered, (horse
cannot break a barrier before the roper calls for the animal). If a chute hand
inadvertently spills a steer, the header has the option of taking the next steer
into the chute, or burning that steer and taking the next.
11.8 - Visibly Injured Roping Stock If the roping stock is
visibly injured as the run begins, including a broken horn, the team must
declare themselves by pulling up immediately.
11.9 - 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.
All roping stock shall be either native, longhorn,
or Mexican corriente. Weight for cattle shall be a minimum of 350
pounds, maximum of 500 pounds. Due to rising concerns of cattle availability
heifers will be allowed to be used, so long as, they are held to the same quality
standards.
12.1.1 - Number of Cattle Stock contractors are required to have
a minimum number of cattle equal to one-third the number of teams in the
largest day of the competition.
12.1.2 - Removal from Draw USTRC, or USTRC official(s),
reserve the right to withdraw any steer from the herd at any time. Head
duckers, draggers, stoppers, eliminators, unusually slow cattle and cattle that
turn back into the corners shall be pulled from the herd immediately as they
surface during the USTRC qualification roping.
Removal from draw does not result in a rerun for the team roping a steer removed from the herd. However, a rerun may be awarded if in the opinion of the producer, supported by the opinion of the field judge and/or officials working the roping, that a steer in question did not afford a team the opportunity to compete. 12.1.3 - Inspection Roping Stock will be inspected by the producer
prior to the first event. No sore, lame, sick or injured animal, or animal with
defective eye sight shall be permitted in the draw at any time. Should an
animal become sick or crippled during the course of the roping, that animal
shall be removed from the competition immediately. Animals removed from
the arena pursuant to this section shall be placed in a situation as isolated
and comfortable as possible to reduce stress.
12.2 - Humane Treatment of Livestock If a USTRC
roper excessively abuses an animal by any unnecessary non-competitive or
competitive action, he shall be disqualified and forfeit all entry fees. The
judge shall immediately inform the announcer that the contestant has been
disqualified and announcer will immediately announce the disqualification
due to unnecessary roughness of livestock.
12.2.1 - Hornwraps All Roping Stock will have horn wraps, which
offer protection for both the ears, and the base of the horns.
12.2.2 - Ropes - 3/8 scant USTRC strongly discourages the use of 3/8 scant ropes.
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12.2.4 - Failure to Heed Warning Any contestant who fails
to heed an initial warning from a field flagger that he is mistreating an animal
will forfeit his entry fees in all divisions for the remainder of that event.
12.2.5 - Run Stopped By The Judge Judge may stop a run at
anytime he observes an injured animal, to remove that animal from competition.
This action will result in a rerun for contestants.
USTRC reserves the right to disqualify any
roper who does not act in a sportsmanlike, reasonable, or professional manner.
Disqualified ropers forfeit all fees.
13.2 - 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.
13.3 - Home Videos Recording for personal use will be permitted,
however, unauthorized reproductions, or commercial sales of home videos is
strictly prohibited.
13.4 - Calcuttas The USTRC prohibits any Calcutta’s or any other
organized gambling with USTRC ropings without prior written consent.
13.5 - Dogs
No dogs allowed in spectator area or arena. Dogs on premises must be leashed.
13.6 - Peddlers There will be no unauthorized sales conducted on the
roping grounds.
13.7 - Back Up Clock Any Roping using automatic electronic timers
shall be required to use a minimum of one hand stopwatch as a backup.
Back up clock is used to catch timing problems of automatic timing systems,
failures to start correctly, and failures to stop correctly. Use of back up
clock shall not override barrier malfunction rules.
Added Money - Money added to the purse that was not derived from
entry fees.
Affiliate - Refers to USTRC approved ropings around the country, where USTRC members can compete, and acquire applied earnings that can be used towards the acquisition of Regional and National Finals Shoot-Out positions. Applied Earnings (Personal Earnings) - Earnings acquired as a result of competing at approved USTRC sanctioned and/or affiliate events. Bridle Catch - Is a catch where the rope hangs in the steers’ mouth. Cap - Refers to the maximum handicap classification number that a roper can have in a particular roping. Example: If a roping is capped at a #5, no roper with a handicap greater than #5 is eligible to compete in the roping. Corriente - Breed of cattle originating in Mexico especially suited for team roping. Dally - Rope crossed on saddle horn – 1 full turn. Double Numbers - A classification where a roper has a different classification for heading and heeling. Dragger - Steer that drag their hind legs and will not hop. Eliminator - Steer that is nearly impossible to rope and eliminates a roper from the Average of a roping. Floor - Refers to the minimum classification number a roper must have in order to participate in a specific roping. Example: If a roping has a #6 floor, no roper who has a classification less than a #6 is eligible to compete. Full Go-rounds - A full go-round is a round where every roper entered gets the opportunity to rope. Ground Money - Is a term that originally meant competitors received their entry fees back as a prize consideration. Has in recent years been interpreted to mean multiples of the entry fee. Incentive - As it relates to team roping, an Incentive is a roping within a roping. A separate pool of money is set aside from the regular payout pool of money in a roping. This money can only be won by those ropers, which meet the stated Incentive criteria of a roping. A typical “Incentive” would be a case where a #10 roping is stated to have a #9 Incentive. In this case, a portion of the fees from all the #9 teams entered is set aside, and can only be won by those teams which are classified as #9 or less. While these teams (#9) are the only ones eligible to win the Incentive pool of money, they are eligible to win money in the overall #10 payout as well. LAP-AND TAP START - The term means roping without a barrier. LIMITED ENTRY - Refers to enter one time and enter twice ropings as opposed too more traditional multiple entry ropings where ropers have numerous partners. PIGTAIL - Is the short part of a rope barrier that breaks away when the barrier is broken. PROGRESSIVE AFTER - Is another term for sudden death that means, when you miss you are eliminated. Progressive after one means that from the very beginning of the roping, when you miss you are eliminated. Another example would be progressive after two, which means that a roper is guaranteed to rope two steers, however, anything beyond two steers is sudden death. PULL BARRIER - Refers to a rope barrier that must be “pulled” or stretched across the opening of the box. Rotation - Is another term for “heat”. This would be a set number of ropers that rope all rounds prior to the short round, before the next “rotation/ heat” has the opportunity to compete. Scoreline Lengths - This term refers to how much of head start the steer is given before the roper is allowed to the leave the box. TBA - Is an abbreviation for the term “To Be Announced”. Many ropers who do not have partners before the draw have the option to pay for both sides and put “TBA”, in the vacant position. Tie On - Refers to practice of tying the heeling rope to the saddle horn, versus dallying. Turnout - Refers to a steer being released from the chute at the request of a judge when a team is not present to compete. Up and Back - This is the practice of two ropers entering with “A” heading and “B” heeling, then entering again in the same roping with “B” heading and “A” heeling. USTRC Contacts
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