The USTRC classification system has worked extremely well and efficiently since its inception in 1990. However, the current system was designed with far fewer ropers in mind and has been operated using tools over a decade old. The result has been what is now commonly referred to in USTRC classification circles as ‘compression’. Compression is a whole bunch of ropers sharing a small range within each level of the classification system, particularly among the lower classification levels.

Within each classification number there is a range of ability, high to low. In a perfect world, every roper sharing the same classification would rope with the same ability but let’s face it, all #3s do not rope alike. The concept has always been to offer ropers within a classification the “opportunity to fairly compete.” However, due to the huge influx of ropers over the last few years, the problem is the discrepancy between the highs and lows of each classification has become far too great.

Look at the “Current Ropers” line on the “USTRC Ropers by Classification Number” chart at right. It shows, in general, how unevenly ropers are distributed along the current classification number scale. Ropers rated as a #3 or less comprise 83 percent. The goal of the new system is to achieve the more balanced distribution of the projected TRIAD Members’ line on the same chart. These numbers are by no means exact but meant to show an approximation of the goal of the new system. To accomplish this goal, the old system must be ‘squeezed’ from the bottom as if it were a tube of toothpaste with most of its contents concentrated at one end. Ropers will be pushed up the ‘tube’ to smooth out the distribution to where it approximates the “TRIAD Members” line. Naturally, one can see what this means—on the new scale, your handicap classification will be higher. It’s important to realize at this point that this is merely an adjustment on the scale to be applied to all ropers. In other words, it is simply a shift up the scale.

To adequately address the issue of over-compression, there must be room on the scale for decompression. For that reason, this can only occur after the scale is first shifted so that there is room for decompression both up and down the ‘tube’.

Decompression is a simple concept. All ropers will agree that within a current given classification, there is a high and low with regards to ability. There are ‘high’ #3s and ‘low’ #3’s; ‘high’ #2s and ‘low’ #2s. Currently, two thirds of all ropers are either 2s or 3s. The TRIAD system will stretch these ropers out over a wider handicap range; thus the difference between the ability levels within a given classification will now be greatly decreased.

How will the classification scale change?

A New Scale

The system is changing from the current nine-number scale to a ten-number scale. Headers will now be numbered from one to nine and heelers from one to ten. When the change comes, nearly everybody’s number will go up. Ropers at the very top of each classification level could realize a three number adjustment on the TRIAD scale. Ropers who are statistically in the middle to upper end of their current classification will likely see a two-number adjustment. These are the ropers that generally have no problems finding partners and are competitive in their divisions. Ropers statistically in the lower half of their classification will see a single number adjustment. By contrast these ropers are typically not competitive and have a hard time finding partners. In addition, ropers that have been rated as #1s because they truly possess beginner level ability will remain as #1s.

When Will the TRIAD Classifications be effective?

2005

The changeover will occur on January 3, 2005 when the new 2005 USTRC Membership cards take effect.

The TRIAD System

Team Roping Information and Data

Rather than tinker with the existing system, the USTRC has chosen to establish a brand new system, one that addresses the compression phenomenon as well as refining and extending the entire process. What the USTRC does want team ropers to understand is this is a new system. The understanding of this is critical because any comparison of the new system to the old will be invalid and only serve to confuse those who try to make a side-by-side analysis. The two major components of the TRIAD System are On-Line Balloting and Roper Performance Profiles.

On-Line Balloting

With the Internet now universally available to every single American, a simple and easy process has been implemented to allow all USTRC members to go on line and vote in each ballot election. This universal balloting ability is an integral part of the new TRIAD system in achieving an ever more accurate classification system. The USTRC will have the best of both worlds––an objective system with TRIAD and an all-inclusive subjective system with universal balloting.

On-Line Balloting allows all eligible USTRC members, not just directors, to rate ropers. Current members will have the ability to cast their votes for ropers during each ballot. They will be able to rate their fellow roper’s abilities and give the USTRC a better perspective on every roper and where he or she rates on the classification scale.

In order to be eligible to use On-Line Balloting, a roper must be a current member of the USTRC in good standing. Secondly, ropers must be over the age of 18 and classified as a #4 or higher. Ropers will have the opportunity to rate their fellow competitors only from within their own area. Who knows better the ability of a roper than those that rope with him or her every week? 

The USTRC needs current e-mail addresses from members who wish to participate. The USTRC can then e-mail a notification of the ballot and instructions before each ballot begins. To make sure that the USTRC has your e-mail address, go to the USTRC website (www.ustrc.com). On the USTRC home page, click on “Members Services,” sign in and then click on “Update my USTRC personal info.” There is a place on that page to add your e-mail address. Each member will be notified before each ballot begins.

Roper Performance Profiles

It has always been easy to keep track of money won, but never has the USTRC or anyone else been able to monitor how much ropers put up in entry fees. Nor has the USTRC or any other system been able to track any of the components that now will be included in your Roper Performance Profile (RPP). This is the reason RPPs are so important to the TRIAD system and to the roper. Every roper is analyzed in the same way and with more information comes more fair and balanced classifications.

How Will Formats Change?

Following is a comparison of the current divisions and the new divisions under the TRIAD system to give you an idea of what a typical three-day USTRC-sanctioned event will look like in 2005. The days you have normally competed at USTRC events will most likely be the same days you will compete with the new system in place. It is also important to note that there will not be any additional divisions at USTRC events. Despite the changes in classifications of ropers due to the implementation of the TRIAD system, ropers will notice little resulting change at his or her favorite USTRC event.

When Will I know What My New Number Is?

Your new classification number is available to you at www.ustrc.com, or call (254) 968-0002 and select option 5 and follow the instructions.

I need more information

If you have any questions whatsoever about the new and improved TRIAD system, please feel free to call the USTRC National Office at 254-968-0002 ext. 3 and we will be glad to answer any of your questions or concerns.