TLAFA GENERAL RODEO RULES
THE CUT OFF TIME TO ENTER AND PAY IS 6PM ON THE DAY OF THE RODEO
(OR 1 PM ON MATINEE RODEOS).
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Contestant’s ages are determined as of January 1st of the current year. Proof of age will be required by copy of birth certificate.
Western attire is required: Western hat, boots, and long-sleeved shirt.
Contestants must check-in, pay entry fees, obtain wrist band and sign waiver before competing. Failing do so will result in disqualification.
Contestants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their waiver, no exceptions. Failing to do so will result in
disqualification.
The decision of any judge, flagman or timers will be final.
If timer misses time, contestants will receive a re-run on a new animal, plus any barrier penalty from first run.
All rough stock will be drawn for.
Re-rides will be given at the rodeo judges’ discretion. Re-ride may be given when stock fails to break, stops or fouls the rider.
If re-ride is given, judge shall inform the contestant immediately of his/her marking and an option of the re-ride.
All rough stock contestants must wear an athletic protective mouthpiece while competing.
A contestant may be disqualified for not being ready to compete after three calls.
A contestant may be disqualified for mistreatment of rodeo stock or contestant’s horse.
If a contestant or parent/guardian helper is abusive to a judge, the judge may disqualify the contestant.
Hats must be on contestant’s head when he/she enters the arena. Failing to do so will result in a disqualification.
Cowboys and Cowgirls may compete in any and all events
Only judges, adult helpers on horses, and contestants in arena during an event. Exceptions for bull fighters during rough stock events, and
adults helping contestants. No kids other than the contestant(s) on horses during events.
A contestant that is being assisted/helped cannot receive points above or placed above another contestant that is competing on their
own. The contestant receiving assistance will descend to the bottom of the placing and will receive the remaining points.
All dogs must be leashed at all times during rodeo.
Contestants must pay entry fees prior to event (rodeo), no exceptions.
Spacing out contestants for events must be taken care of at the entry table and must be noted on the entry form.
Once draw is completed entry fees are not refundable, unless it it’s a medical emergency.
No contestants may put horses in pens until all stock is taken care of first. Stock contractor has priority to stock pens first.
Runs are as you are entered.
If contestant is not competing or directly assisting someone who is, they should not be in the arena and may be disqualified.
Eligibility of contestants is at the sole discretion of the Rodeo Chairperson.
Only one experienced person or parent is allowed to assist any rider inside chutes and arena.
BULL RIDING
(Senior – 18 and over; Junior 17 and under)
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Bull will be ridden 8 seconds.
Time to start when the animal’s inside front shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate.
Riding is to be done with one hand with loose rope, with or without handhold.
Touching animal with free hand will disqualify contestant.
Flank ropes will be used.
Contestant must wear protective vest and mouthpiece.
SCORING
Marking the ride according to how much the contestant is in control.
Score is 1-25 on both bucking animal and contestant.
STEER RIDING
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(15 and under)
Steer will be ridden 6 seconds
Time to start when the animals inside front shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate.
Riding is to be done with one hand with loose rope, with or without handhold.
Time will stop if contestant touches him/herself or animal with free hand.
Contestant must wear protective vest and mouthpiece.
SCORING
Mark the ride according to how much the contestant is in control.
Score is 1-25 on both bucking animal and contestant.
If no qualified ride is made, contestant making the longest ride is to be declared the winner of money, no points.
CALF RIDING
(9 years and under)
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Calf will be ridden for 6 seconds
Time to start when animals inside front shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate.
Riding is to be done with one or two hands with a loose rope, with or without handhold.
Contestant must declare one or two hands.
If one hand is used, time will stop if contestant touches him/herself or animal
with free hand
If two hands are used, rope must remain in both hands for full 6-seconds ride.
Protective helmet and mouthpiece are optional but strongly recommended.
SCORING
Mark the ride according to how much the contestant is in control.
Score 1-25 on both bucking animal and contestant
If no qualified ride is made, contestant making the longest ride is to be declared the winner of money, no points.
SHEEP RIDING
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(7 years and under)
Sheep to be ridden for 4 seconds
Contestant must wear western attire, cowboy hat or helmet, long-sleeve shirt and boots.
Time to start when animal inside front shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate.
One or two hands may be used at any time during ride.
Must be in full western attire
Contestant may ride one handed with rope or two hands with or without rope. Contestants using one hand with a rope will be scored higher
than contestants using two hands or no rope.
Being held on by anyone will result in a no time or no score.
No re-rides for falling, stopping or fouling the rider will be given once the sheep has moved at least the length of its body.
SCORING
The ride will be scored according to how much the contestant is in control.
Latch side judge (or back judge) will record ground time to be used in case of not enough qualified scores in order to fill placing. Score 1-25 on both
bucking animal and contestant. If no qualified ride is made, the contestant making the longest ride is to be declared the winner
POLE BENDING
(Open Event)
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Starting line will be subject to ground rules.
The pole-bending pattern is to be run around six poles
Poles shall be 21 feet apart
Poles shall be set on top of ground, five to seven feet in height.
Poles must be in straight line.
The horse’s nose will be timed as it crosses the starting line.
Touching poles is permitted by horse or contestant.
A horse may start either to the right or left of the first pole and then run the remainder of the pattern accordingly.
Knocking over a pole is a five second penalty, per pole.
Not following the pole-bending pattern will receive a no time.
If horse re-crosses starting line at any time before the pattern is completed, pattern will be considered broken and run will receive no time.
If automatic timer fails to record time, back-up stopwatch time will be used.
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(Senior – 18 and over; Youth – 17 and younger)
Arena conditions and ground rules will determine starting line and distance between barrels.
The horse’s nose will be timed as it crosses the starting line.
The contestant may start on either the right or left barrel.
Touching barrel is permitted by horse or contestant.
Knocking over the barrel is a 5-second penalty, per barrel.
Not following the cloverleaf pattern will receive a no time.
If horse re-crosses starting line at any time before the pattern is completed, pattern will be considered broken and run will receive no time.
If automatic timer fails to record time, the back-up stop watch time will be used.
Contestants competing in youth and open barrels cannot use the same horse for each event.
BARRELL RACING
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GOAT TYING
Starting line will be 100 feet from stake.
The goat should be tied to a stake with a rope 10 feet in length.
The contestant must be mounted on a horse and must ride from the starting line to the goat, dismount, throw the goat by hand, then cross
and tie any three legs tighter with a leather thong, piggin string or rope, and stand clear of goat.
Time will start when the contestant crosses the starting line.
Time will stop when contestant signals the completion of the tie by throwing his/her hands in the air.
Legs must remain crossed and secure for 6 seconds after completion of tie.
The timing of the tie will begin when the contestant stands clear of the goat.
Contestant will receive a no time for touching the goat or tie string after completion of the tie.
If the contestant or horse runs over the goat or rope with horse while mounted or un-mounted, they will get at 10 second penalty.
Contestant is still mounted until both feet are on the ground.
To qualify as a legal tie there will be one or more wraps and a half hitch or knot.
If the goat is down when the contestant reaches it, goat must be raised high enough to regain its feet and be re-thrown. If goat falls after
being touched by contestant, goat will be considered thrown.
ROPING EVENTS
Lap and tap: No barrier to be used, flagger to flag time when animal’s nose clears the gate.
 Animal belongs to contestant when he/she calls for it, regardless of what happens, with the following exceptions:
A. If the animal gets out of the arena, flag will be dropped and the contestant gets the animal back lap and tap with the time added
which was taken when the animal left the arena plus any barrier penalty.
B. In case of mechanical failure.
C. In the opinion of the line judge, contestant is fouled by the barrier, providing contestant declares himself by pulling up.
 There will be a ten second penalty assessed for breaking the barrier.
 No re-run or re-ride will be given due to faulty or broken equipment furnished by the contestant.
 Roping box shall be part of the arena in the roping events. Should the barrier break at any point other than the designated breaking point,
the decision is up to the barrier judge. If contestant obviously beats the barrier, but the staples are pulled or barrier rope is broken and
string unbroken, barrier judge may asses a ten second penalty. Otherwise, this will not be considered a broken barrier.
BREAKAWAY
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(Open)
Time line – 30 seconds.
An automatic barrier must be used.
Horse must clear box before a loop is thrown
Time to be taken between two flags
A working neck rope must be used. A rope keeper on tie down or headstall must be used. Contestant must adjust rope and reins in a
manner that will prevent the horse from dragging calf.
Two loops will be permitted.
If roper intends to use two loops, he must carry two loops.
No loops can be rebuilt.
If second rope falls from saddle before it is used, it cannot be rebuilt.
Any catch is legal, catch-as-catch-can as long as the rope goes over the head.
Roping calf without releasing loop from hand will disqualify catch.
TIE-DOWN CALF ROPING
Time limit – 30 seconds.
An automatic barrier must be used.
Horse must clear box before a loop is thrown.
Time is to be taken between two flags.
A working neck rope must be used. A rope keeper or tie down or headstall must be used. Contestant must adjust rope and reins in a
manner that will prevent the horse from dragging calf.
Two loops will be permitted.
If roper intends to use two loops, he must carry two loops.
No loops can be rebuilt.
If second rope falls from saddle before it is used, it cannot be rebuilt.
Contestant must rope calf, dismount, go down rope and throw the calf by hand. Cross and tie any three legs.
Any catch is legal, catch-as-catch-can.
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If calf is down when roper reaches it, calf must be stood on at least three feet (calf must be elevated high enough that he could regain his
feet) and calf must be re-thrown.
If roper’s hand is on calf when calf falls, calf is considered thrown by hand.
To qualify as a legal tie, there shall be one or more wraps, and a half hitch or hooey.
Three legs must stay crossed and tied for 6 seconds.
A six second time will start when roper has remounted and his horse has taken one step forward.
Roping calf without releasing loop from hand will disqualify catch.
Roper will be flagged no time for touching calf, string or rope (before remounting) after giving finish signal.
When roper gets on horse roper cannot drag calf at all.
TEAM ROPING
Time limit 45 seconds.
Automatic barrier must be used.
Horse must clear box before a loop is thrown.
Time will be taken between two flags.
Header will start behind barrier and must throw the first loop.
Heeler must start behind barrier line.
Time will be stopped when steer is roped, both horses facing steer in line with ropes dallied and tight.
Roping steer without turning loose of the loop will be considered a no catch.
Ropers must be mounted when time is taken.
Steer must be standing up when time is taken.
There will be only 3 legal catches.
both horns.
half a head.
around the neck.
Hondo over horn or figure eight anywhere on head is no time.
Any heel catch behind both shoulders is legal if rope goes up both heels.
It will be considered crossfire and flagged as a no time if heeler throws rope before the steer is in tow by the header.
If the heeler ropes a front foot or feet in the heel loop as foul catch, however, should the front foot or feet come out of the heel loop by the
time the field flag judge drops its flag, time will be counted.
No foul catches can be removed by hand.
In case the field flag judge flags out a time that still legally has one or more loops coming the judge will give the same steer back lap and
tap, plus time already lapsed and any barrier penalty.
Saddle Bronc
Horse will be ridden 8 seconds.
Time to start when the animals inside front shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate.
Touching animal with free hand will disqualify contestant.
Flank straps will be used.
Contestant must wear protective vest and mouthpiece.
Riding is done with halter, one rope rein and committee saddle.
Standard halter must be used unless both contestant and stock contractor make agreement.
Committee saddle specifications: Three-quarter rigging, this is determined by one-fourth the measurement from the center of the base of
the horn to the inside of the top of the cantle.
Each contestant is responsible for obtaining necessary rodeo equipment in order to be ready to contest when called.
Riding rein and hand must be on same side.
Horses will be saddled in the chute.
Rider may cinch own saddle or examine same to determine if satisfactory. Either stock contractor or contestant shall have the right to call
the judges to pass on whether or not horse is properly saddled and flanked to buck its best.
Middle flank belongs to the bronc ride, but contractor may have rider put flank behind curve of horses’ belly.
To qualify: rider must have spurs over the break of the shoulders and touching horse when horse’s front feet hit the ground first just out of
the chute.
One arm must be free at all times.
If in the opinion of the judges, a saddle bronc deliberately throws himself, the rider shall have the choice of that horse again or he may have
a horse drawn for him from the re-ride horses.
If the contractor’s flank comes off or breaks during the ride, the rider may take score or get a re-ride. If flank comes off the horse, rider
may have a re-ride, provided rider completes a qualified ride.
Any of the following offenses shall disqualify a rider: Being bucked off; changing hands or rein; wrapping rein around hand; pulling
leather; losing stirrup; or touching animal or saddle or rein with free hand; riding with locked rowels or rowels that will lock on spurs (the
judges will examine clothing, saddle rein, and spurs and exception will be made if local rules make it necessary for the covering of spur
rowels).
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BAREBACK
Horse will be ridden 8 seconds.
Time to start when the animals inside front shoulder passes the plane of the chute gate.
Touching animal with free hand will disqualify contestant.
Flank strap will be used.
Contestant must wear protective vest and mouthpiece.
One hand rigging is used. Riders may use their own rigging, if rigging is not over ten inches in width with loose hand hold, and “D” ring is
not over six inches and not a freak.
Contestants must be able to freely insert a hand into and out of the handhold.
No wedge, gimmicks or finger tucks allowed.
Judges are permitted to inspect the riggings.
Riders who are knocked off at chute or when horse falls out of chute will be entitled to a re-ride at discretion of judges.
A rider will be given a re-ride or he may take his score if the flank comes off or breaks, provided the rider completed a qualified ride. The
matter of re-ride shall be decided by the judge.
If rigging comes off horse without breaking, rider is disqualified.
To qualify, rider must have spurs over the break of the shoulders and touching horse when horse’s front feet hit the ground first jump out of
the chute.
Contestants will have the right to call judges to pass on whether or not horse is properly flanked and cinched.
Any of the following offenses will disqualify a rider: being bucked off; riding with rowels too sharp in the opinion of the judges; touching
animal with free hand; riding with locked rowels. Judge may require rider to take his hand out of the rigging after a horse is
cinched. Stock contractor may request judge to take such action
There will be no tape or any other adhesive material or substance other than dry resin used on rigging or on rider’s glove, which will be
plain glove with no flaps, rolls, wedges, welds or gimmicks. Rider may have a single layer of sheepskin or leather under handhold. Rider
may not take any kind of finger tuck or finger wrap. Violator shall be disqualified.
Rigging must lie flat on horse back while rigging is being cinched. Stock contractor may call judge to pass on whether rigging is being set
and/or cinched in a day that might hurt horse’s back.
No fiberglass or metal will be used in riggings or hand holds. Only leather or rawhide is allowed for hand holds. Flathead rivets are
allowed to secure handhold; only other metal allowed will be in the “D” ring. All riggings must have enough sheepskin or sponge rubber
or one inch thick pad underneath to cover the bars. Judges shall disqualify bareback rider, who has been advised he is next to go, if he is
not above the animal with his glove on when previous horse leaves the arena. Cinches on bareback riggings shall be made of Mohair and
shall be at least five inches wide.
NOTE:
***** PRCA rules used as basic outline when applicable****
Point System:
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TLAFA point system is set up to determine the Associations champions for each event at the end of the series. A 10 point system will be
used with the 1st place winner receiving 10 points, 2nd place 9 point, 3rd place 8 points, and on down to the tenth place finisher receiving 1
points, if there are 10 or more contestants. If less than 10 contestants in an event, points will be issued according to the number of
contestants. Example: 7 contestants, 1st place receive 7 points, 2nd place 6 points, etc.
In the event of a tie for the end of the series. The contestant who competed in the most rodeos will prevail. If they have the same number
of rodeos, the contestant in rough stock with the highest total score will prevail. In timed events, the contestant with the lowest combined
time will prevail. If there is still a tie, then a “run off” or toss of a coin will determine outcome of the tie.
If anyone has any questions about the event they are about to participate in, please see the Rodeo Secretaries upstairs in the announcers
stand.
All contestants are required to sign a release form before they compete in a rodeo event. Youth contestants must have a parent or legal
guardian sign a release form (ages 17 & under as of Jan. 1 st) before they compete. A Birth Certificate or valid form of ID may be required
for proof of age.
No re-runs or re-rides will be given due to contestant’s faulty equipment.
IN ANY SITUATION WHERE THER IS NO RULE TO GOVERN, THE RODEO CHAIRMAN, RODEO SECRETARY AND JUDGE
WILL GIVE THEIR FINAL DECISION.
Judges decisions are final. No changes will be made after a decision has been made. Tapes from video cameras will no be reviewed by
TLAFA board members or by judges in order to dispute a decision by a judge.
In all cases of dispute, the rodeo will proceed under existing TLAFA rules without delay and the matter of said dispute will be settled by
the Board of Directors.
Rodeo Books:
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TIMED EVENTS: Call in dates and times will be determined by the rodeo chairman. Draw for Rodeo Performance in timed events will
be made the following day. You may call back for information on the draw on between the hours of 7:00pm and 10:00pm. There will be
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10 contestants drawn in the performance. All requests for slack will be honored. Request for performance will be drawn on Monday night.
Contestants in timed events can still enter an event up until that events starts for Slack.
ROUGH STOCK: Call in will be Monday night before the Rodeo between the hours of 7:00pm and 10:00pm. Contestants may enter at
the Rodeo before events starts. In some cases, an event may be LIMITED to the number of contestants accepted. You may be placed on
an alternate list. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CALL IN, IN ADVANCE.
Pay Off Scale
All stock events will have a charge determined by the stock contractor. The normal charge for stock is $10/stock. This fee is normally taken from the
entry monies collected. There may also be an additional award fee of $5 added to the entry fee. This fee helps cover costs of series awards.
1. The payoff will be figured, and then divided as per event.
2. Contestants must check monies and sign receipt for monies won at rodeo.
3. Payoff at rodeos will be based on number of contestants.
4. Same payoff will be used for all events.
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1 placing
2 places
3 places
4 places
5 places
6 places
5.
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
26 or more
100%
60%
50%
42%
38%
36%
40%
30%
29%
28%
26%
20%
19%
18%
16%
10%
10%
10%
6%
7%
5%
Ground Money will be divided between qualified rides. If no qualified rides are made, then ground money will be carried over to
the next TLAFA open rodeo in that event as added money. (ask for details)
Drawing Out
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3.
No drawing out after paying entry fees. Entry fees will be forfeited.
If a contestant called in to enter a rodeo event and won’t be able to attend for any reason, please call the rodeo secretary as soon
as possible. Knowing before hand may give another contestant a chance to compete in performance. There are no fines to pay.
Under no circumstances will entry fees be refunded.
Conduct at Rodeo
1. No person shall be allowed in the arena during a rodeo performance unless entered in that event or as a bona fide assistant to a
participant or unless he/she has signed a waiver releasing the management, stock contractor and/or producer, Terrebonne Parish,
the Men’s Carnival Club, and TLAFA of all liability. This rule shall be enforced by rodeo officials. There are no exceptions to
this rule.
2. Non-members are not allowed in arena during the rodeo, slack or at any time unless they are employed by the management. No
one will be allowed in the rodeo stock holding pens or chutes without permission from the rodeo management or stock contractor.
Contestant Disqualification
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5.
6.
A contestant will be disqualified if he/she is under the influence of liquor or illegal drugs in the arena or
rodeo grounds.
Rowdyism or quarreling in the actual domain of the arena or on rodeo grounds.
Any contestant or person connected with a contestant arguing, boycotting, or threatening the judges, any
director, officer or stock contractor/producer in the arena or on rodeo grounds will be disqualified from the go
round an barred from competing in any TLAFA approved rodeo until further notice. Any barred person must
present himself/herself in front of the board of directors with an appeal in order to compete again.
Mistreatment of stock
Not being ready to compete when called upon to do so.
Cheating or attempting to cheat.