THE BELLE JACKPOT ASSOCIATION (BJA)
RULES
BE SURE TO READ THIS ENTIRE RULES DOCUMENT CAREFULLY! BY
COMPETING IN EVENTS, YOU ARE DECLARING THAT YOU WILL ABIDE BY THE
BJA RULES AND DECISIONS OF THE BJA DIRECTORS.
GENERAL
1. Properly completed release waiver and entry form, and entry fees are required
BEFORE competing.
2. Cash and checks are accepted for fees except anyone who had a non-sufficient funds
check must pay cash only during the remainder of the year.
3. Forms are available at each jackpot or can be completed ahead of time by going
online at www.bellejackpot.com, www.facebook.com/bellejackpot, or from the
association secretary.
4. Membership is not required to compete. Non-members do not earn yearend award
points. A daily permit fee will be assessed to non-members. Exhibition-only
participants and youth are not required to buy permits.
5. Youth are classified as anyone 18 years or under, as of January 1st. The four youth
age divisions are:
 0-7 years
 11-14 years
 8-10 years
 15-18 years
6. A youth can only enter one age division in each event. However, youth are eligible to
enter the open division of the event, if offered.
7. A youth can move up one age division in any event. Once a member moves up, they
may not move back down. If a youth member moves up in the middle of the season,
they must notify the secretary of intentions to do so. Points will no longer count in
the division being left, and they will start with 0 points in new division.
8. A youth contestant can ride more than one horse in youth events. Each horse
requires a separate entry fee. Youth can win money on each horse. However, the
youth member must designate the one horse, by name, on which they will
accumulate points. Such designation must be declared the first time the youth
enters that event.
9. If an event needs to be cancelled for any reason, every effort will be made to reach
competitors through social media such as Facebook, email, etc. Such cancellations
will be announced by 1 p.m. the day of the event, except in extreme conditions.
10. Members agree to help out at jackpots. Refusal to do so may result in forfeiture of
awards.
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11. All members in good standing will have voting privileges at general membership
meetings, be eligible to serve on the board of directors and committees, and earn
points toward yearend awards.
12. Any BJA member may be subject to disciplinary action by the board of directors for
inappropriate behavior. Profanity, abuse, unnecessary roughness to animals, and
harassment of any BJA member, volunteer or staff will not be tolerated. A blacklist
will be enforced for severe rule infractions. A person on this list may not participate
in any BJA events until further notice by the board of directors. The board also has
the right to suspend all membership privileges for violations of major rules, and for
repeated or severe misconduct.
13. The decision of any judges, flagmen or timers will be final, and no protest is allowed
except as follows: Only contestants will be allowed to register complaints and these
must be placed first through the arena or event director before the end of the event
in which the question arose. (pulled from NHSRA rules)
14. If a situation arises that needs further interpretation, the National High School
Rodeo Association rules will be followed.
15. Appropriate attire is recommended and appreciated. Western boots must be worn
for safety purposes. Hats and long-sleeved shirts are not required.
16. No contestant will be flagged out until time is recorded.
17. If a tying or roping animal escapes from the arena, flag will be dropped and the
watch stopped. Contestant will get animal back with lap and tap start, and time
already spent will be added to time used plus any penalties.
18. If, in the opinion of an arena judge, a contestant is fouled by roping chute
equipment or barrier, contestant shall get the animal back, providing that the
contestant declared by pulling up before throwing a loop.
19. A dropped or fallen rope that must be recoiled and/or rebuilt shall be considered a
thrown rope.
MEMBERSHIP
1. Although membership is not required to complete, no yearend points will be
awarded until the yearly membership form is completed, signed and turned in to the
BJA secretary with complete payment.
2. There are separate memberships for youth and adult. Youth can compete in the
open events (such as 5D barrels, 4D poles, team roping, etc.), but to be eligible for
year-end awards for these open events, youth must purchase a youth/adult
membership.
3. In addition to the membership requirement, you must attend at least 50% of events
held after your membership is paid in full to be eligible for yearend prizes.
4. Memberships are accepted at each jackpot. However, we encourage early
enrollment to help streamline the on-site entry process. See the current
membership form for rates. Often a discount is offered if memberships are returned
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several days prior to the first jackpot of the year. Mail-in membership forms should
be sent to the BJA secretary:
RESULTS AND POINT SYSTEM
1. Point will be awarded as follows:
 1st place: 20 points
 2nd place: 19 points
 3rd place: 18 points, etc.
2. If a non-member places, the next member will receive points.
3. Only the points from your top 60% of all eligible BJA events held will count for
yearend awards.
4. Each event division is figured separately.
5. If a tie occurs from 60% of the jackpots, it will be resolved by determining the
second highest placing in the event division. If still tied after all jackpots, the prize
money will be divided evenly between all contestants in question.
6. For youth members to be eligible for all-around points, they must compete in two or
more events. Total points of the best 60% of the BJA events will go towards the allaround. The following events count towards all-around in each youth age division:
Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, and Goat Tying or
Goat Tail Untying.
7. If a youth member moves up in the middle of the season, they must notify the
secretary of intentions to do so. Points will no longer count in the division being left,
and they will start with 0 points in new division.
8. A youth member may only compete in one age division per event. For example, a
member who is 6 years old as of Jan. 1 cannot compete in both the 0-7 and 8-10
barrels. However, the member can compete in the 0-7 barrels and the 8-10 poles,
provided that the secretary has been notified of the move-up.
9. Youth members are only eligible for the all-around in their actual age division. In
other words, those youth members who choose to move up an age division are not
eligible for that older division’s all-around.
10. If a youth member rides more than one horse in youth events, the member must
designate the one horse, by name, on which they will accumulate points. Such
designation must be declared the first time the youth enters that event on the entry
form. Only a vet-verified injury will allow a designated horse substitution.
11. In the Open 5D barrels and 4D poles, points are awarded to the horse. Does this
mean if there is a rider change part way through the year, that the horse will still
earn points? I think maybe that this should be changed to say points are awarded
to each horse and rider combination. In other words a rider may accumulate
points on more than one horse, but the points stay with the horse. We could also
put in a provision that might allow someone else to ride the horse in the case of a
medical or temporary situation and still accumulate the points.
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12. Points are awarded to both header and heeler. For those members who earn points
on the same end more than once, only the highest points from each jackpot count
towards yearend awards.
13. Official results for each jackpot will be posted as soon as possible, with payout and
points. It may take several days for the official results to be compiled, audited and
posted. They will be posted online, such as on social media. Members can also
contact the secretary/treasurer or publicist for a copy.
14. Any contestant must bring a challenge to jackpot results within seven days of the
results being posted.
15. The yearend results will be released at least 2 weeks prior to the awards event.
16. Any contestant must bring a challenge to yearend results within seven days of the
results being posted.
EVENTS
1. The order of events and starting times will be determined by the board of directors.
The order of events may be adjusted from time to time to increase efficiency,
accommodate arena conditions, etc.
2. The location, dates and time for the jackpots is determined by the board of
directors. The standard location is at the Belle Fourche Roundup Grounds on
selected Wednesday evenings during the summer. If conditions allow, two arenas
are used.
3. The events are as follows:
Goat Tail Untying - no horses used
 Ages 0-5 - no entry fee, no
 Ages 0-7
payback, just for fun!
Goat Tail Untying – horses used
 Ages 8-10
Goat Tying – horses used
 Ages 11-14
 Ages 15-Open
Barrel Racing
 Exhibitions
 Ages 11-14
 Ages 0-7
 Ages 15-18
 Ages 8-10
 Open 5D (splits: ½, ½, ½, 1 sec.)
Pole Bending
 Exhibitions
 Ages 11-14
 Ages 0-7
 Ages 15-18
 Ages 8-10
 4D (splits: 1, 1, 1 sec.)
Breakaway Roping
 Ages 0-15
 Open
Calf Roping
 Open
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Team Roping
 Youth

Open Drawpot
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ENTRY FEES
EVENT
ENTRY FEE
Barrel Racing
0-7
$7
8-10
$10
11-14
$10
15-18
$10
Open 5D
$26
Pole Bending
0-7
$7
8-10
$10
11-14
$10
15-18
$10
Open 5D
$20
*Northwest Barrel Racing Assn.
EVENT
Goats
0-5 untying
0-7 untying
8-10
11-14
15-Open
Breakaway Roping
0-15
Open
Open Calf Roping
Team Roping (per team)
Youth
Open Drawpot
NWBRA*
$1
$1
$1
$1
$1
BJA
PAYBACK
$2
$2
$2
$2
$5
$4
$7
$7
$7
$20
$3
$3
$3
$3
$5
$4
$7
$7
$7
$15
ENTRY FEE
STOCK CHARGE
BJA
PAYBACK
$0
$7
$10
$10
$10
$0
$2
$2
$2
$2
$0
$1
$1
$1
$1
$0
$4
$7
$7
$7
$12
$16
$20
$5
$5
$8
$1
$1
$1
$6
$10
$11
$20
$20
$5
$5
$2
$2
$13
$13
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PAY-OUT
PAYOFFS ARE GENERALLY AVAILABLE AT NEXT SCHEDULED JACKPOT, OR CAN
BE REQUESTED TO BE MAILED. THIS IS DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF
EVENTS AND CONTESTANTS WHICH MUST BE HANDLED BY THE SECRETARY.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
PAY-OUT FOR ALL EVENTS EXCEPT OPEN 5D BARRELS AND 4D POLES
1- 5 entries – 1 money – 100 %
6-10 entries – 2 monies – 60 % - 40 %
11-15 entries – 3 monies – 50 % - 30 % - 20 %
16-20 entries – 4 monies – 40 % - 30 % - 20 % - 10 %
21+ entries – 5 monies – 30 % - 25 % - 20 % - 15 % - 10 %
Last place will be paid at least the total entry fee amount paid in the event. Ground
money will be paid to the BJA.
1D
2D
3D
4D
5D
OPEN 5D BARRELS PERCENTAGE
PAYOFF
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
1D
2D
3D
4D
OPEN 4D POLES PERCENTAGE
PAYOFF
35%
30%
20%
15%
EVENT RULES
GOAT TAIL UNTYING
1. For ages 0-5, no horses will be used. This age division has no entry fee and no
payback. However, points will be kept for yearend awards. This event can be held in
an area without a fence.
2. For the ages 0-7 division, no horses will be used. This event can be held in an area
without a fence.
3. For those age divisions when no horse is used, the contestant crosses a designated
start line on foot and pulls ribbon off goat’s tail. Goat will be held by holder for child.
Time ends when hand is in the air with the ribbon.
4. For ages 8-10, horses will be used and will be held in a fenced-in location.
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5. For those age division(s) when a horse is used, contestant rides his/her horse across
the start line to the staked goat, dismounts horse, and removes ribbon from tail.
Raised hand with ribbon signifies flagger to end time.
6. Holder will hold goat by collar at end of rope vertically toward start line until time
begins.
7. A 10 second penalty is assessed if a horse runs over the plane of the rope or makes
contact with either the rope or goat.
8. If goat breaks away due to horse’s fault, a no-time is assessed. If goat breaks away
for other reasons, the judge will determine if there is a re-run.
GOAT TYING
1. All goats will be tied to a stake with ropes of the same length – 10 feet is
recommended.
2. The contestant must be mounted on a horse when entering the arena and must ride
from the starting line to the goat, dismount from her horse, throw the goat by hand,
cross, wrap and tie by hand, at least three feet together with a leather string, pigging
string or rope. No wire is to be used in the goat string.
3. If the goat is down when the contestant reaches it, the goat must be elevated high
enough that it has the opportunity to regain its feet.
4. Legs must remain crossed and secure for 6 seconds after completion of tie. While
the judge is performing the 6-second procedure, the contestant will make no
gestures, motions or noises to distract the goat, and remain at least three feet away
from goat.
5. If goat is down when contestant reaches it, the goat must be re-thrown to tie it.
6. If contestant’s hand is on goat when it falls, it’s considered thrown by hand.
7. Goats will not be tied more than 5 times in row.
8. The tie will be passed on by a field judge and if it is not secure for six seconds, the
contestant will receive no time.
9. Contestant will receive a no time for touching the goat or tie string after signaling
he/she is finished.
10. If the contestant’s horse crosses over the rope or goat, or if the contestant’s horse
comes in contact with the goat or rope prior to the contestant signaling for time, a
10 second penalty will be assessed.
11. If the goat should break away because of the fault of the horse, the contestant will
receive no time.
BARREL RACING
1. An electric eye will be used whenever possible. If the electric eye fails, a re-run will
be given. No flagger or back up timer will be used if an electric eye is used.
2. Hand times will be used if electric eye fails for remainder of event.
3. A horse can only be used by one contestant in each age division.
4. A youth contestant can ride more than one horse in youth events. Each horse
requires a separate entry fee. Youth can win money on each horse. However, the
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youth member must designate the one horse, by name, on which they will
accumulate points. Such designation must be declared the first time the youth
enters that event. Only a vet-verified injury will allow a designated horse
substitution.
5. If youth enters both a youth division and the open 5D barrels, he/she will declare on
their entry form if they elect to carry the time from their first run (regardless of
division) to the other division. If not declared, the youth will run in both the youth
and open divisions. In the case of a tipped barrel during the first run, the youth will
rerun despite prior declaration, but at the end of the draw.
6. For each division, the starting line, finish line, and the position of the barrels must be
marked permanently for the entire event unless ground conditions call for a change
in position to ensure safety of competitors.
7. It is allowable to adjust the pattern size for different divisions. For example, the
pattern can be made smaller for the 0-7 age division. However, the pattern size
cannot be changed once the first run in each division is started. Do we need to add
a statement that says the pattern cannot be changed in any division in which
youth plan to carry times to the 5D?
8. For the Open 5D, a standard pattern will be used when possible. Measurements: 90
feet between barrel #1 and #2; 105 feet between #1 and #3 and #2 and #3. 60 feet
from start/ finish line to barrels #1 and #2.
9. Time begins and ends when horse’s nose crosses the line. The left or right barrel
may be turned first.
10. 5 second penalty given for each knocked barrel in youth events. If barrel tips over
but sets back up, it will be assessed 5 second penalty.
11. In the 5D barrels, any tipped barrel results in a no time.
12. Broken patterns result in no time.
13. Touching the barrel is legal, as long as it does not tip.
14. The ground will be worked at standard intervals, from five to 10 draw positions.
Turnouts and releases must be included in the count.
15. No re-runs will be given in the event a horse falls while in the arena.
16. The time splits for the Open 5D are ½ second, ½ second, ½ second and 1 second)
POLE BENDING
1. An electric eye will be used whenever possible. If the electric eye fails, a re-run will
be given. No flagger or back up timer will be used if an electric eye is used.
2. A horse can only be used by one contestant in each age division.
3. A youth contestant can ride more than one horse in youth events. Each horse
requires a separate entry fee. Youth can win money on each horse. However, the
youth member must designate the one horse, by name, on which they will
accumulate points. Such designation must be declared the first time the youth
enters that event. Only a vet-verified injury will allow a designated horse
substitution.
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4. If youth enters both a youth division and the open 5D barrels, he/she will declare on
their entry form if they elect to carry the time from their first run (regardless of
division) to the other division, and will not draw for position. If not declared, the
youth must run in both. In the case of a tipped barrel pole during the first run, the
youth will rerun despite prior declaration, but at the end of the draw.
5. For the Open 4D, the splits are 1 second, 1 second and 1 second.
6. The pattern will consist of 6 poles set in a straight line 21 feet apart, with the first
pole being 21 feet from the start/ finish line.
7. Time starts and ends when horse’s nose crosses the line.
8. Rider can begin on the left or right side of the poles.
9. Each knocked pole is assessed 5 second penalty in youth events.
10. A knocked pole in 4D results in a no time.
11. All broken patterns result in a no-time. Crossing finish line before completing the
pattern is considered a broken pattern.
12. Once the rider has started the pattern, he/she may back the horse up, but turning
the horse around will result in no time.
13. It is legal for a rider to touch a pole.
14. If a pole falls but is not touched by the horse or rider (wind, etc.), no penalty is
assessed.
15. No re-runs will be given in the event a horse falls while in the arena.
16. The ground will be worked at standard intervals, from five to 10 draw positions.
Turnouts and releases must be included in the count.
BREAKAWAY ROPING
1. Only one loop allowed.
2. Ropes are to be tied to the saddle horn with nylon string. A knot must be at the end
of the rope with the string tied at the knot. There will be no tail. A white flag that is
visible to the flagman or judge must be attached at the knot end of the rope.
3. Rope must be tied to the horn with a nylon string and may not be run through
bridle, tie down, neck rope or any other device.
4. The calf’s head must pass through the loop. The loop must draw up on any part of
the calf’s body behind the head.
5. A broken barrier results in a 10 second penalty.
6. Flagger’s decision is final.
7. If barrier judge is used to flag the start, he shall flag the animal when animal’s nose
crosses the starting line.
CALF ROPING
1. If a barrier is not used, time will start with flag at a barrel placed an appropriate
distance from the chute gate.
2. This event is open to boys only. Do we need to specify age?
3. A neck rope must be used. Contestants must adjust rope and reins in a manner that
will prevent the horse from dragging the calf.
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4. Two loops are permitted. If roper intends to use two loops, he must carry two ropes.
5. Contestant must rope calf, dismount, go down the rope and throw the calf by hand.
A legal tie means that least three legs are crossed and tied, and at least one
complete wrap is around at least three legs, and a half hitch or hooey (a hooey is a
half hitch with a loop, the tail of the string may be partly or all the way pulled
through).
6. The tie must hold 6 seconds, and three legs must remain crossed until passed on by
the judge. Six second time will start when roper has remounted and his horse has
taken one step forward. If roper’s rope comes off calf as roper starts to work with
tie, the six (6) second time will start when roper clears the calf.
7. Any catch is legal (catch as catch can rule).
8. If calf is down when roper reaches it, calf must be stood on at least three feet. Calf
must be elevated high enough that it has the opportunity to regain its feet. Then calf
must be re-thrown.
9. If roper’s hand is on calf when calf falls, calf is considered thrown by hand.
10. Rope must hold calf until roper gets hand on calf.
11. There will be a 10-second penalty assessed for breaking the barrier.
TEAM ROPING
1. Header will start behind barrier using either box, and must throw the first loop at
head.
2. Heeler must start from behind barrier line.
3. Time will be taken when steer is roped, both horses facing steer in line with ropes
dallied and tight, horse’s front feet must be on the ground. However, the event
director has the option of suspending the facing rule in each division but must make
this announcement before the first roper enters the box.
4. Each contestant will be allowed to carry only one rope.
5. In the youth division, each team is allowed three throws.
6. In the open drawpot, each team is allowed two throws.
7. Roping the steer without turning loose of the loop will be considered a no catch.
8. Ropers must “dally” – meaning one complete turn around the horn.
9. No tied ropes allowed.
10. Ropers must be mounted when time is taken.
11. Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels.
12. No foul catches can be removed by hand. If steer is roped by one horn, roper is not
allowed to ride up and put rope over other horn or head with his hands.
13. If the heeler ropes a front foot or feet in the heel loop, this is not a legal catch.
Should the front foot or feet come out of the heel loop by the time the field judge
drops his flag, time will be counted.
14. In case the field judge flags out a team that still legally has one or more loops
coming, the judge may give the same steer back lap and tap, plus time already
lapsed and any penalty.
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15. There are only three legal head catches: both horns, half-head and around neck. A
hondo over one horn is not legal.
16. A broken or dropped rope by header or healer results in a no-time.
17. There will be a ten-second penalty assessed for breaking the barrier.
12. Any heel catch behind both shoulders is legal if rope goes up heels.
13. One hind foot receives five-second penalty.
14. The direction of the steer’s body must be changed before the heel loop can be
thrown. Any loop thrown before the completion of the initial switch will be
considered a crossfire and no time will be recorded. However, if the steer stops or
sets up before the switch, it must only be moving forward for the heel loop to be
legal.
15. If a barrier is not used, time will start with a flag at a barrel placed an appropriate
distance from the chute gate.
16. Each team in the youth division gets one steer.
17. The open drawpot is 2-steer but progressive after 1.
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
1.
2.
3.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The board of directors is the governing body of the BJA, set in place to make and
enforce the rules, and conduct all the business.
All business of the BJA may be transacted at any general membership meeting,
providing that notice has been given to members.
Officers and Duties
President
 Elected by majority vote of board of directors.
 Will cast the tie-breaking vote when necessary.
 Is responsible for:
 Decision to cancel or postpone jackpots due to inclement weather.
 Liaison with the facilities owner and scheduler (such as city of Belle
Fourche when it comes to the Roundup Grounds).
 Having signature authority for banking account(s).
 Working closely with the secretary/treasurer on financials of BJA.
Vice President
 Presides in absence of president
 Responsible for:
o Logistics for awards event
o Catering concessions at jackpots (if any are offered).
Secretary /Treasurer
 Responsible for:
o Keeping track of all points, membership dues, waivers, entries and fees
o Paying out winnings
o Paying bills due for BJA
Publicist
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
Responsible for sending out information related to meetings, events, event
results, and other related news. This can include email, mail, social media or
other methods.
 Provide information to media.
 Responsible for securing photographer for yearend awards event.
E. An Arena Director shall be appointed for each arena being used. Each arena
director is specifically responsible for:
 Securing an announcer, and preparing that person. Every effort will be made to
have consistency in announcers. A stipend can be offered for the persons
doing this job.
 Securing a timer for each arena, who must work from the same location for all
contestants entered in an event.
 Securing a results recorder to officially track results for each event and transfer
them to the secretary/treasurer at the conclusion of each jackpot.
 Appointing other event directors, as needed, who are responsible for
preparation and running of event. If an event director will be absent, they must
appoint someone to be there and inform the arena director.
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