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2010 Rules
Click to Download Rulebook
The United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC) is the
official home of America’s Cowboy Sport. Team ropers from all walks of life
can participate in quality events from coast to coast and border to border. It
does not matter if you work construction, teach the Nation’s youth, or run
a Fortune 500 company the USTRC has a place for you. Team Roping
is growing everyday as more and more equine enthusiast realize the true
Cowboy potential that lies within them.
The USTRC allows each individual to experience the thrill of competition and the opportunity to win extreme amounts of cash and prizes. Ropers compete across the Nation for a chance to be a part of the world’s largest and richest team roping event … the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR). The NFTR takes place each October and is truly the “Crown Jewel” of the sport. Ropers from all over the world converge on Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for an opportunity to win life-changing amounts of money along with the coveted and prestigious title of a United States Team Roping Champion. These ropers are folks just like you. They are ropers that rope for the enjoyment of the sport and the passion for competition. USTRC members are classified by the sports only performance based classification system. The TRIAD (Team Roping Information and Data) Classification system has leveled the playing field so that each and every roper regardless of age, race, gender or ability can experience fair competition. Climb aboard the USTRC platform and unleash your potential for greatness. The stage is set as America’s Cowboy Sport awaits you!!!
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 World Class - (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 World Class - (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 - ELITE TRIAD Classification System A classification system is used to limit the margin of error in setting roping divisions.
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. In order to fine-tune the TRIAD Classification System,
USTRC has implemented the “Elite” system. By definition an Elite roper is
someone who has proven by performance to have a competitive advantage
(or disadvantage) among his or her classification group but is not a full
classification number off.
Headers classified as a TRIAD #4 through TRIAD #6 will be eligible to receive an Elite classification. For example, a #5 header who has proven to have a competitive advantage will be reclassified as an Elite #5. Moreover, a #5 header who has proven to struggle, but would be too dominant as a #4, would be reclassified as an Elite #4. Therefore ropers can move up to an Elite status or down to an Elite status. The classification categories for Headers will be as follows: #1, #2, #3, #4, Elite #4, #5, Elite #5, #6, Elite #6, #7, #8, and #9. Heelers classified as a TRIAD #4 through TRIAD #9 will be eligible to receive an Elite classification. For example, a #6 heeler who has proven to have a competitive advantage will be reclassified as an Elite #6. Moreover a #6 heeler who has proven to struggle, but would be too dominant as a #5, would be reclassified as an Elite #5. Therefore ropers can move up to an Elite status or down to an Elite status. The classification categories for Heelers will be as follows: #1, #2, #3, #4, Elite #4, #5, Elite #5, #6, Elite #6, #7, Elite #7, #8, Elite #8, #9, Elite #9 and #10. The effect of the Elite system will further level the playing field by preventing two Elite ropers from partnering together unless they give up a division. For example, an Elite #5 header won’t be allowed to enter the #10 division with an Elite #5 heeler. Instead, they will have to enter the #11 division. However, an Elite #5 header will be allowed to enter the #10 division with a #5 heeler. In other words, the sum of your classification and your partner’s classification determines the division you are eligible to enter unless BOTH ropers are classified as “Elite”. This procedure will more closely define 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.
#10 Division – At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #10 division will always be “Capped” at an Elite #6. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than an Elite #6 is eligible to compete in the #10 division. Those ropers who are classified higher than an Elite #6, which compete in this division, will be disqualified, and forfeit their entry fees. #9 Division - At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #9 division will always be “Capped” at an Elite #5. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than an Elite #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 $100 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. 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 $100 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 nontransferable
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. Three Age Groups: 6 and under, 7- 9 and 10-12. 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 ofropings 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/Flex Earnings 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 preenter
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.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
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. 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 the same as
sanctioned USTRC events. 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 in a 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 - NFTR Roping Format A Preliminary roping will be
provided in each division for USTRC members, offering one final
opportunity to earn National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings.
Any USTRC member is eligible to compete in the National Finals
Preliminary divisions. 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 events, and through applied earnings. Winners of the
Shoot-Out divisions at the NFTR will be crowned United States Champions.
Complete description of the formats, payouts and distribution of added monies at the NFTR will be announced prior to the event in SuperLooper Magazine, or in publications prior to the occurrence of the NFTR. In no instance does the description of a Format #1 event apply to the NFTR format. 5.1.2 - NFTR- U.S. Open of Team Roping Restrictions At the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping, 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 qualify for 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 - Shoot-Out Positions / Flex Earnings Awarded at the NFTR All teams that qualify to the short round of
the Preliminary divisions (Open division excluded) will earn a paid National
Shoot-Out position. Shoot-Out positions earned through the Preliminary
divisions ARE considered “generic”. In other words, the paid Shoot-Out
position/Flex Earnings can be used in any Shoot-Out division with any
eligible partner of choice. To be eligible to participate in a Shoot-Out division
ropers must have participated in a USTRC Sanctioned or Affiliate event
during the current season.
Pre-entered Shoot-Out positions at the NFTR may NOT be drawn out and replaced by a position earned through the Preliminary divisions. A pre-entered Shoot-Out position is considered secure, nontransferable and nonreplacable. Any unused Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings earned through the Preliminary divisions at the NFTR will be carried over to the following season; however, not as a paid entry. 5.2 - Regional Finals Regional Finals shall consist of Lonestar
Finals, Eastern Finals, Southwest Finals, Southeast Finals, West Coast Finals,
High Plains Finals and Northwest Finals, with the potential for additional
Regional Finals events. Regional Finals formats will be nearly identical
to NFTR formats with Preliminary divisions and Shoot-Outs divisions.
Complete description of the formats will be announced in SuperLooper Magazine, or in publications prior to the occurrence of the Regional Finals events. In no instance does the description of a Format #1 event apply to the Regional Finals format. 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.
Open Division - no Shoot-outs awarded or flex earnings, Point standings only US Open Tour Points awarded 1st thru 10th place in the average, to ropers that qualified in the short round. Format 1-5, #15, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Divisions NF Shoot-Outs/$6000 Flex Earnings / RF Shoot-Outs/$2000 Flex Earnings Guaranteed 1st Avg 2nd-5th Avg 151-250 tms 1st-2nd Avg 3rd-6th Avg 251-300 tms 1st-3rd Avg 4th-8th Avg 301-400 tms 1st-4th Avg 5th-10th Avg 401 + tms 1st-5th Avg 6th-12th Avg #15, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Divisions-Bonus Flex Earnings $250/Roper 151-250 tms 7th-10th Avg 251-300 tms 9th-12th Avg 301-400 tms 11th-15th Avg 401 + tms 13th-20th Avg Incentive - Open NF Shoot-Outs/$6000 Flex Earning / RF Shoot-Outs/$2000 Flex Earnings Guaranteed none 1st Avg Incentive #8 Pick/Draw 1st-5th Avg none #8 Pick/Draw-bonus flex earnings $250/Roper 151-200 tms 6th-10th Avg 201-250 tms 7th-12th Avg 251-300 tms 9th-12th Avg 301-400 tms 11th-15th Avg 401 + tms 13th-20th Avg #12 Gold PLus 1st-3rd Avg - Gold Plus Shoot-Out/$6000 Flex Earnings. #10 Gp incentive 1st-3rd Avg - Gold Plus Shoot-Out/$6000 Flex Earnings. Gold Plus-Bonus Flex Earnings $250/Roper 151-200 tms 6th-10th Avg 201-251 tms 7th-12th Avg 251-300 tms 9th-12th Avg 301-400 tms 11th-15th Avg 401 + tms 13th-20th Avg 5.3.1 - Shoot-Out/Flex Earnings 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-Outs/$2000 Flex Earnings. 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/$6000 Flex Earnings per division. In the Regional Shoot-
Out division and Gold Plus Division all teams in the short round will receive
National Finals Shoot-Outs/$6000 Flex Earnings.
5.3.2 - 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. When using applied earnings to enter a National Finals Shoot-Out
division, you must be a current member and have competed at a USTRC
Sanctioned or Affiliate event during the current season. 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 or Affiliate 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/Flex Earnings. (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. 5.3.3 - Flex Earnings Earnings that are allocated as a direct result
of winning a Regional or National Shoot-Out position. Flex Earnings can be
used at the roper’s discretion either at the Regional Finals or the National
Finals and with a partner of choice. Flex Earnings do not carry over from
season to season and therefore expire at the end of each season.
• USTRC will allocate $6000 for a National Shoot-Out - $3000 per partner • USTRC will allocate $2000 for a Regional Shoot-Out - $1000 per partner 5.3.4 - Shoot-Out Eligiblity Ropers must be a current
member in good standing and have competed in a USTRC Sanctioned
or Affiliate event during the season to be eligible to compete in a Regional
or National Shoot-Out.
Roping divisions for the 2010 season will be an Open,
#15, #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 & #8. 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 Division Option 1: The following are the parameters for all Open Ropings regardless of the specified format of the event. Four-steer Average (Incentive will be determined on Three-steer Average), progressive after one head. Entry fee: $150/roper. May enter 2 times any combination of Incentive and/or Non-Incentive. Option 2: Open Pick / Draw $200 per roper. 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. Four-head average with the Incentive determined on Three-head. Always progressive after one 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. Places US National Regional Sanction  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 Division Fees and entry parameters will be determined
by the selected format of the roping (see Formats).
This division will be determined on a Four-head average. #14 team will receive a 1.5 second handicap; #13 and under team will receive a 3 second handicap. These “seconds off ” will be subtracted after the third round. 6.1.3 - Gold Plus #12 Division Only Gold Plus members 21 years of age and older 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
steer. 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 Handicap Divisions #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap DivisioNS - 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,
progressive after one steer. All divisions are handicapped and regardless of the
specified Format of the event the following “seconds off” will apply: #12 and
under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and
under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and
under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and
under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8
and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These
“seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is
always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8
is always capped at a #4.
6.1.5 - #8 Pick/Draw Division 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 steer. Entry
fee for this roping will be the producers discretion. Option 1: $180 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: $120 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 an #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 2010 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
(NO EXCEPTIONS).
6.2.1 - Format #1 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 - four-head average - Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the third round. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the third round. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $150 per roper – Enter 2 times - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. 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 - 4-head average- Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions/ Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $100 per roper – Enter 3 times- Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. 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 - 4-head average- Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earningswill be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $80 per roper – Enter 3 times- Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. 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 $80 per roper - Enter 4 times - 4-head average- Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $80 per roper – Enter 4 times- Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. 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 - 4-head average- Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd round. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $60 per roper – Enter 4 times- Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5.
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
#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 - Open Overall Fast Time Based on a maximum 5% of the ropers pot. The number of overall fast time places paid, which includes through the
short round, is based on the number of teams entered.
1-125 1 place 126-250 2 places 251+ 3 places 7.2.2 - Open Average 95% of the ropers pot will be paid in the Average
and Incentive 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 number of
teams entered.
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. 7.2.3 - Open Incentive Payout The Incentive Average payout
will be equal to the percentage of Incentive teams entered, not to exceed 30%
of the total purse. This will be based on the total purse less go round money.
The number of places paid in the Incentive Average 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 7.3 - General Payout all other formats (All USTRC formats #15, #13, #12, #11, #10,
#9, #8) 95% of the roper’s pot will be paid in the average and 5% of the
ropers pot will be paid to the fast time overall, which includes through the
short round. Payoffs for Regional and National Finals may vary from this
payout structure.
7.3.1 - Overall Fast Time Payout The number of fast time
places paid is based on the number of teams entered.
1-125 1 place 126-250 2 places 251-375 3 places 376-500 4 places 501-625 5 places 626+ 6 places 7.3.2 - Average Payout The number of places paid in the Average is
based on the number of teams entered.
1-10 1 Place 11-25 2 Places 26-50 3 Places 51-100 4 Places 101-200 5 Places 201-250 6 Places 251-300 8 Places 301-400 10 Places 401+ 12 Places 7.4 - Gold Plus Division Payout 95% of the ropers pot will be paid in the
Average and Incentive Average and 5% of the ropers pot will be paid to the
fast time overall, which includes through the short round.
The number of places paid in the Average will be based on the number of
teams entered. Payoffs for Regional and National Finals may vary from this
payout structure.
Overall Fast Time Payout - The number of fast time places paid is based on the number of teams entered. 1-125 1 place 126-250 2 places 251-375 3 places 376-500 4 places 501-625 5 places 626+ 6 places Average Payout - The number of places paid in the Average is base on the number of teams entered. 1-10 1 place 11-25 2 places 26-50 3 places 51-100 4 places 101-200 5 places 201-250 6 places 251-300 8 places 301-400 10 places 401+ 12 places 7.4.1 - Gold Plus Incentive Payout The Incentive Average payout will be equal to the percentage of Incentive
teams entered, not to exceed 30% of the total purse. This will be based on the
total purse less go round money. The number of places paid in the Incentive
Average 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 - Payout Percentages The following percentages will be used for USTRC payouts in 2010:
 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
100 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 75% to 85%, 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 Elite 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
fish-out 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 TRIAD numbers, at a number lower than his official USTRC TRIAD 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 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 / Timer Malfunction Should a barrier/
timer 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 - Heeling 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 Arena 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 If 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.
12.2.3 - Prodding No animal shall be treated inhumanely or prodded
excessively. Standard electric prods shall be used as little as possible.
Animal shall be touched only on the hip and shoulder area with prod.
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.
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. Flex Earnings - Earnings that are allocated as a direct result of winning a Regional or National Shoot-Out position. Flex Earnings can be used at the roper’s discretion either at the Regional Finals or the National Finals and with a partner of choice. Flex Earnings do not carry over from season to season and therefore expire at the end of each season. • USTRC will allocate $6,000 for a National Shoot-Out - $3,000 per partner • USTRC will allocate $2,000 for a Regional Shoot-Out - $1,000 per partner 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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