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WEST COAST TEAM ROPING ASSOCIATION

INCORPORATED

West Coast Team Roping Association Incorporated (A1019948F); Rule Book V1: 2 February 2016

RULE BOOKVersion One: 6 February 2016

RULE BOOK

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CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION Page No.

1. DEFINITIONS 3

2. VISION 3

3. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM 3

4. RECOGNISED EVENTS 7

5. POINTS SYSTEM 8

6. MEMBERSHIP 8

7. GENERAL RULES 10

8. TEAM ROPING RULES 11

9. GENERAL BARREL RACING RULES 14

10. OPEN BARREL RACING RULES 15

11. DIVISIONAL BARREL RACING RULES 15

12. GENERAL BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES 16

13. JUNIOR BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES 17

14. LADIES BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES 17

15. MEN’S BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES 18

16. CALF ROPE & TIE 18

17. MACHINE ROPING RULES 19

18. STEER WRESTLING RULES 20

19. JUDGING 21

20. GROUND CONDITIONS 22

21. BARRIER 22

22. WELFARE OF LIVESTOCK 221.


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1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 “Award/s” means one or any combination of WCTRA end of year titles/trophies;

1.2 “classification committee” means a committee of at least 2 WCTRA members established for the sole purpose of allocating classifications to all members wishing to participate in team roping events held by the WCTRA;

1.3 “machine operator” means the driver of the motorbike or other vehicle towing the mechanical team roping steer in the machine team roping;

1.4 “mandatory events” are those outlined at clause 4 below;

1.5 “member” means a senior, junior, associate or, if the context dictates, day member of the WCTRA;

1.6 “non-mandatory events” are those outlined at clause 4 below;

1.7 “recognised events” are those outlined at clause 4;

1.8 “rules” or “WCTRA Rules” means the rules contained within this rule book, as the context dictates;

1.9 “vision” is defined in clause 2 below;

1.10 “WCTRA” means the West Coast Team Roping Association Incorporated; and

1.11 “WCTRA Committee” or “WCTRA Committee Member” means all or one of the committee members of the WCTRA elected pursuant to the Constitution of the WCTRA from time to time, and as the context dictates.

2. VISION

2.1 The WCTRA is a member based, not for profit association that brings together competitors and members who wish to compete in or learn about team roping, barrel racing and other sanctioned rodeo events.

2.2 The vision for the WCTRA is to improve the competitive potential of its members and promote family participation in team roping, which in turn promotes participation in other events such as barrel racing, breakaway roping and other sanctioned rodeo events.

3. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

3.1 The classifications apply to competitors competing in team roping events only.

3.2 The WCTRA uses a numbering system similar to that used in the USA and other team roping associations within Australia to ensure, consistent with the vision that competitors can compete throughout the state of Western Australia against those of similar skills.

3.3 Each member will be allotted a classification number to identify their particular skill level as a competitor. The classification number given to each member is judged by the classification committee.


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3.4 Members will be rated by the classification committee from a #1 to a #10 in accordance with the following general descriptions.

(a) #1 HEADER OR HEELER:

This person is learning to ride a horse and swing a rope. Learning is the priority, not competition. They are a true beginner.

(b) #2 HEADER OR HEELER:

This person is an inexperienced rider with little roping experience. They are uncomfortable roping from a horse and have difficulty controlling their horse and rope at the same time. They are a true beginner.

(c) #3 HEADER OR HEELER:

This competitor is comfortable roping from a horse, but their limited horsemanship skills prevent control over any aspect of their run. This instability prevents making necessary adjustments during the course of a run, which leads to inconsistency from one run to another. On average they catch less than 3 or 4 head or heels over 10 runs.

(d) #4 HEADER OR HEELER:

This person has better rope handling skills and this allows for a higher percentage of catches. This person also has better horsemanship skills. They can control slow moving steers but still lack the necessary rope and horsemanship skills to adjust to fast moving steers.

Headers do not handle cattle very well and heelers lack the ability to time feet. Both are inconsistent at putting runs together for the average.

(e) #5 HEADER:

This header catches more than they miss and handles cattle with more consistency. They ride a conservative barrier, so most of the catches are well down the arena. However this competitor stands out in the lower numbered ropings. A #5 header will catch and turn 7 to 8 head over 10 runs.

(f) #5 HEELER:

This heeler can sense being in time with the steer, which allows for a better catch rate. Their reaction time is still slow, making it difficult to adjust to speed changes in the run. A #5 heeler will catch a combination of single legs or doubles on 7 to 8 runs out of 10.

(g) #6 HEADER:

This header catches the majority of steers around the horns and is better at judging the barrier. Their catch rate is 8 to 10 out of 10 runs. They are turning steers at about half way down the arena (or a respectable distance from the barrier depending on arena size and barrier length). Their handling of steers through the corner is consistent, allowing their heeler to catch more easily and more frequently.


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(h) #6 HEELER:

This heeler knows when they are in time with the steer. Their horsemanship and rope handling skills allow them to make adjustments during the run in order to keep time with the steer. Their timing is more automatic, so this competitor will rarely miss a steer, however the competitor will occasionally rope one leg.

(i) #7 HEADER:

This competitor can dictate the speed of the run. They are skilled at riding the barrier and will catch most steers in the upper 1/3 of the arena. They have an extremely high catch rate.

(j) #7 HEELER:

This competitor possesses sound horsemanship and rope skills, which allow them to catch most of the steers by two feet. This competitor sets up the run by using a wide angle (relative to the steer) and rides aggressively through the corner. Typically this competitor will hold slack overhead, thus allowing more rope to extend between them and the steer.

(k) #8 HEADER:

This competitor rides the barrier extremely well, regardless of length. They consistently rope their steer on the gain (a stride back from the steer) and, with excellent horsemanship skills, they control both the steer and the speed of the run.

(l) #8 HEELER:

This competitor rides higher and tighter relative to the steer and consistently catches their steers on their third jump. They are quicker at handling their slack and can take time of the run by dallying on a shorter rope.

(m) #9 HEADER:

Regardless of the roping conditions this header has the unique ability to control the run. They ride superior horses, which allows them to make the most of any steer they draw. This competitor normally ropes for a living and/or is among the best in the world.

(n) #9 HEELER:

This competitor 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.

(o) #10 HEADER:

In any roping conditions this header is able to control the entire run. They possess superior horsemanship and rope handling skills which aid them in their ability to control the run. This header ropes for a living and/or is amongst the best in the world.


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(p) #10 HEELER:

This competitor rides the corner looking to rope the steer on the first legal jump and has the calculated ability to make up time on any given run. They possess superior horsemanship and rope handling skills which allows them to rope most of their steers by two feet on the first or second jump. This person ropes for a living and/or is amongst the best in the world.

3.5 CLASSIFICATION CAPS

3.6 The use of a “cap” in an effort to eliminate participation of higher classified competitors will be in use as a means by which to further define the calibre of competitors that are eligible to compete in a given roping.

3.7 The sum of a competitor’s classification number and their partners’ classification number cannot exceed the number of the particular classified roping they wish to enter. This procedure closely defines the calibre of each roping division. For example if you are a number 4 classified competitor you can only rope with a number 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 classified competitor in the number 9 classified roping.

3.8 CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE

3.9 The WCTRA may form a classification committee consisting of at least 2 WCTRA members.

3.10 First time applicants are encouraged to seek written first time classification recommendations (effectively references) from well-known competitor (in team roping events) when applying. Upon receipt of applications from first-time applicants, which are not accompanied with references, competitors will receive a temporary classification, which will allow them to be classified based on input from his/her roping peers.

3.11 First-time classifications are deemed to be temporary until the first meeting of the classification committee and/or until the classification committee has had a reasonable opportunity to assess the competitor’s roping ability.

3.12 APPEALS

3.13 To be eligible for an appeal, competitors must meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Performance profile suggests the competitor is struggling to compete.

(b) No current performance data on file.

(c) Competitors with medical conditions that affect their ability to compete (must provide medical records and a doctor’s release).

3.14 If a competitor meets one or more of the above requirements, he/she will be considered for peer review. Peer review group will consist of senior competitors as appointed by the association president or vice president. If an appeal is granted to lower a competitor’s classification and the result of doing so allows the competitor to become dominant, the WCTRA retains the right to immediately return the competitor to the previous classification.


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3.15 INTERIM CHANGES

3.16 Final judgment in all classification disputes shall rest with the Classification Committee or the WCTRA.

3.17 The Classification Committee or the WCTRA reserves the right to change the classifications of any competitor at any time when:

(a) the performance data suggests the competitor is miss-classified, or

(b) the competitor exhibits a dominance or clear advantage at the assigned classification.

3.18 A WCTRA representative will notify any competitor of their classification change as soon as reasonably practicable after making the change.

4. RECOGNISED EVENTS

4.1 The WCTRA recognises the following events that may be held at a WCTRA event in accordance with these rules:

(a) open team roping;

(b) open or divisional barrel race;

(c) machine team roping;

(d) #11 classified team roping;

(e) #9 classified team roping;

(f) #7 classified team roping – the #7 team roping must be run on live steers;

(g) junior breakaway roping;

(h) ladies’ breakaway roping;

(i) men’s breakaway roping;

(j) calf rope & tie; and

(k) steer wrestling.

4.2 MANDATORY EVENTS

4.3 Events that must be run at each WCTRA event throughout the year include:

(a) open team roping;

(b) open or divisional barrel race;

(c) machine team roping; and

(d) At least 2 of the following classified ropings:

(i) #11 classified team roping; or


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(ii) #9 classified team roping; or

(iii) #7 classified team roping.

4.4 All classified roping events except for the machine team roping are to be conducted on live cattle.

4.5 NON-MANDATORY EVENTS

4.6 At the discretion of the WCTRA, and in addition to the mandatory events, any other recognised event may be held at any WCTRA event.

4.7 As breakaway roping and calf rope & tie are not mandatory events, and consistent with the vision, the WCTRA may choose to hold breakaway roping and calf rope & tie events at a separate event/venue, without the need to also run the mandatory events. Should that occur, the members competing in the breakaway roping and the calf rope & tie events will be eligible for points in those events.

4.8 VARIATION OF RECOGNISED EVENTS

4.9 Any other variation of recognised events that do not strictly fit the descriptions contained in these rules may, at the discretion of the WCTRA and in addition to the mandatory events, be held at any WCTRA event.

5. POINTS SYSTEM

5.1 Points at WCTRA events are allocated in each recognised event as follows:

PLACE POINTS PLACE POINTS

1st 10 6th 5

2nd 9 7th 4

3rd 8 8th 3

4th 7 9th 2

5th 6 10th 1

5.2 If a tie occurs for an Award, a count back will be conducted to ascertain which competitor gained the most 1st placings in the respective event; if there is still a tie, a count back will be conducted to ascertain which competitor gained the most 2nd

placings in the respective event; and so on.

6. MEMBERSHIP

6.1 Participation in a WCTRA event requires the competitor to be a senior, junior or day member of the WCTRA.

6.2 By entering a WCTRA event, the competitor is representing that he or she is in compliance with the membership requirements set out in these rules and will compete under these rules.


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6.3 Acceptance of an entry by the WCTRA shall not constitute a waiver of the requirements as to membership.

6.4 Competitors will be permitted to purchase their first time or renewal memberships any time during the year. Membership can be purchased at events or via any other payment facilities the WCTRA set up via social media or otherwise.

6.5 Each membership year runs from the 1st January to the 31st December.

6.6 Participation in a WCTRA event by a competitor who is not a WCTRA member in accordance with these rules will result in disqualification of the competitor. The disqualified competitor shall not receive a refund of entry fees and is not eligible for any Awards or prize money.

6.7 SENIOR MEMBERSHIP

6.8 Senior membership is $100.00 effective from payment and expiring on the 31st of December each year.

6.9 Senior membership provides eligibility for:

(a) Awards; and

(b) State Finals qualification.

6.10 JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

6.11 Junior membership (up to and including 16 years old) is $40.00. You must not turn 16 in the membership year.

6.12 Junior membership provides eligibility for:

(a) Awards.

(b) State Finals qualification.

6.13 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

6.14 Family membership is set at $220.00 per year and comprises 2 senior and 3 junior memberships. To be eligible for a family membership all members must have a legally recognised family relationship.

6.15 DAY MEMBERSHIP

6.16 Day membership is set at $25.00 per event.

6.17 Day members are not eligible to win Awards.

6.18 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

6.19 Associate membership is set at $10.00 per year and allows the member to assist with running WCTRA events.

6.20 Associate members are unable to compete at WCTRA events.


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7. GENERAL RULES

7.1 STATE FINALS

7.2 Members must compete at 75% of all WCTRA events held throughout the membership year as a senior or junior member to be eligible to compete at the State Finals.

7.3 The WCTRA may establish a finals committee consisting of not less than 2 members.

7.4 The finals committee will be responsible for managing all arrangements necessary for the WCTRA to conduct the State Finals and will report to the WCTRA at a committee meeting for approval of such arrangements at least 2 months in advance of the State Finals.

7.5 AWARDS

7.6 The type and number of Awards for each recognised event is at the sole discretion of the WCTRA committee and dependent upon the commercial viability of the WCTRA in the relevant membership year.

7.7 PAYOUTS

7.8 Consistent with the vision, there will be no prize money at WCTRA events.

7.9 Each entry fee will be comprised of:

(a) A stock levy payable by WCTRA to the stock contractor, to be negotiated with the stock contractor from time to time; and

(b) A general levy payable to the WCTRA to cover all WCTRA expenses including but not limited to:

(i) cattle cartage;

(ii) arena hire;

(iii) public liability insurance; and

(iv) Awards.

7.10 The stock and general levy will be set by the WCTRA in advance of each roping and may affect the entry fees for each recognised event. However the setting of the general levy must be consistent with the vision.

7.11 No stock levy will be charged on barrel racing entries.

7.12 At the discretion of the WCTRA, the open team roping event may include an add-back component.

7.13 DRESS CODE

7.14 Competitors must wear full western attire.

7.15 HELMETS


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7.16 All competitors under 18 years of age must wear a helmet while horseback at a WCTRA event.

7.17 Failure to comply with the helmet rule will result in disqualification from the event. It is the responsibility of the competitor to adhere to the rules.

7.18 SERIOUS MISCONDUCT

7.19 Serious misconduct of a competitor or member includes:

(a) Cheating;

(b) Arguing, abusive language or fighting in the arena;

(c) Being under the influence of liquor and/or illicit drugs in the arena;

(d) Smoking in the arena;

(e) Consuming alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs in the arena;

(f) Cruelty or Mistreatment of livestock, including horses, cattle or calves;

(g) Misrepresenting or falsifying a classification number;

(h) Attempting to fix, threaten, bribe, influence or harass any WCTRA official at any time, in or out of the arena, or talking with a judge at a time when an event is in progress;

(i) 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 WCTRA or any WCTRA member.

7.20 Competitors or members engaging in serious misconduct, or failing to act in a sportsmanlike, reasonable and professional manner, may be disqualified by any WCTRA committee member. The disqualification results in the disqualified member forfeiting entry fees. Further disciplinary action against that member is at the discretion of the WCTRA committee.

7.21 EMERGENCY DRAW-OUT

7.22 In the event of an emergency involving a competitor, his family or his horse, the WCTRA may draw that team out and refund their money, even though they may have already competed and taken some of their runs.

7.23 DOGS

7.24 No dogs are allowed in the spectator area or arena. Dogs on the premises must be leashed and remain away from the arena and stock yards.

8. TEAM ROPING RULES

8.1 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ENTRIES

8.2 Each member will only be able to enter each classified team roping event at maximum of three times.


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8.3 Each member may enter the open team roping event as many times as they wish, at the discretion of the WCTRA on the day.

8.4 ENTERING WITH SAME PARTNER

8.5 Competitors cannot enter the same division at an event with the same partner more than once however they are permitted to swap ends (that is, swap heading or heeling position) with the same partner.

8.6 LOOPS

8.7 Only two loops per team shall be allowed. Roping steers without turning loose the loop will be considered no catch. Competitor must dally to stop steer. If steer is roped by one horn, competitor is not allowed to ride up and remove loop or put loop over other horn or head with his hands.

8.8 LEGAL CATCHES

8.9 There are only three legal head catches:

(a) Around both horns;

(b) Half a head;

(c) Around the neck.

8.10 If Honda 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.

8.11 QUESTIONED CATCH

8.12 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.

8.13 TIME TAKEN

8.14 Time will be taken when the steer is roped, secure between both partners, both horses are facing steer with ropes dallied and tight. Horse’s front feet must be on the ground and competitors must be mounted when time is taken. Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels.

8.15 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.

8.16 TIE ON RULE

8.17 Any heeler 50 years or older or any heeler at or below a #3 classification may tie on.


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8.18 Any heeler tying on must use an “easy now shock absorber – humane device” or an identical tie-down component of any other brand name, in association with their quick-release tie-on device.

8.19 Under no circumstances will any header be permitted to tie on.

8.20 Children 12 years or younger competing as a heeler need only hold their heel rope above their shoulder in order for time to be taken in that event.

8.21 It is illegal to dally over the top of a tied on rope or tie on device. The result is an automatic disqualification.

8.22 CROSSFIRE

8.23 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 competitor, the heel loop can be thrown at any time once the header has control of the steer.

8.24 HEELER ROPES FRONT FOOT

8.25 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.

8.26 HEADER ROPES ANY LEG

8.27 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.

8.28 DROPPED ROPE

8.29 A dropped rope that must be recoiled is considered a thrown rope.

8.30 ARENA CLEAR

8.31 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 recognised as interference and they shall NOT receive a rerun.

8.32 ELECTRONIC TIMER MALFUNCTION

8.33 In the team roping there will be no back up timer. If there is a malfunction of timers:

(a) Clean run will be 9 seconds.

(b) One leg will be 14 seconds.

(c) The competitors have the option of a re-run (which must be confirmed with the judge prior to leaving the arena).

8.34 TIME LIMIT

8.35 There will be a 30-second plus penalties time limit.


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9. GENERAL BARREL RACING RULES

9.1 The course is measured and pre-marked in a clover leaf pattern consisting of three barrels with an additional start/finish line where the official time keepers are stationed.

9.2 The barrels must be 200 litre metal drums with both ends enclosed and be brightly coloured.

9.3 The course must be set to the size appropriate to the arena conditions.

9.4 The starting and finishing line and the position for the barrels must be marked permanently for the entire event if it is run over more than one run. The horse’s nose will be marked as it passed the score line both ways.

9.5 The starting and finishing line must be in line with and parallel to the first and second drums.

9.6 Each barrel must be at least 5 metres from the nearest fence.

9.7 When setting barrels on the marker, the centre of barrel should be positioned over the point where the marker comes out of the ground. If the marker is lost and a tape measure is used to set up the barrel, then that is sufficient to mark the course, and no rerun will be allowed.

9.8 When an electric timer is used, failure of the timer will result in a re-run.

9.9 Competitors must start and finish their run inside the arena unless an approved and appropriately manned start/finish alleyway is provided.

9.10 Competitors may go either to the right or left barrel first, but must take one right and two left turns or one left and two right turns.

9.11 A five (5) second penalty will apply for knocking over a barrel.

9.12 Once entering the arena/ alleyway /box, two (2) contacts or whips with an under and over action are allowed going to the first barrel, two (2) contacts or whips between the barrels and four (4) contacts or whips coming home are allowed. Exceeding any of these limits will be classed as "excessive" and will result in disqualification. This will be ruled on by a judge.

9.13 Barrel racing whips are to be no longer than 75cm in overall length including the flap. The leather flap is to be at least 50mm long and 18mm wide.

9.14 There is no restriction to the number of horses a competitor can enter. A horse can only have one run in an event.

9.15 There will be no circling around the markers once the course is marked. Any competitor abusing this privilege may be removed from the arena by WCTRA committee.


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9.16 Once the barrels are set up in the arena, no competitor can ride in the arena until a judge calls them for their run.

9.17 If the competitors' equipment fails during the run, and restricts the competitor from completing their run, no re-run will be awarded. If the competitor is able to complete the run with broken equipment, then their time will be recorded.

9.18 If a barrel is knocked over and stands up again on its opposite end, a five second penalty will apply.

9.19 Split rounds may be used provided the course has been pre-marked with pegs, and a diagram showing the exact barrel course measurements is available (e.g. in case

a peg has been pulled out during harrowing). This diagram shall also be posted or

made available for competitors, when split rounds are used.

9.20 The previous competitor must leave the arena before the next competitor enters. There must, without exception, be only one competitor horse in the arena at any time.

9.21 Competitors will be disqualified for not following the pattern or not being ready when name is called.

9.22 Touching a barrel with the hand to prevent it from falling is permitted as long as the top rim of the drum has not hit the ground. The barrel must be reset on the correct marker before the next competitor enters the arena.

9.23 If a competitor desires to withdraw for any reason e.g. veterinary certificate the decision will be left to the discretion of the judges.

9.24 All hats must be cleared from arena before the next run.

9.25 Hitting a horse around head or excessive use of whip and/or over and under in barrel race competition will result in disqualification for the duration of the competition. Ruled by judges. There will be no refund of entry fees. Further disciplinary action may be taken by the WCTRA committee in the form of a fine.

9.26 One revolution, one roll back, tail turn is permitted to start a pattern. The time event box is not part of the arena in the barrel race.

10. OPEN BARREL RACING RULES

10.1 There will be one run per competitor and the fastest time recorded will win the event.

11. DIVISIONAL BARREL RACING RULES

11.1 In the divisional barrel race the fastest average time minus penalties will be used to set divisions.

11.2 Runs with time penalties cannot place in final placing in a divisional barrel race.

11.3 If there are no placings in any one division, the prize money is divided equally between the remaining divisions.


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11.4 ONE RUN

11.5 2 second splits with the fastest time of the race to be used to set time brackets to set divisions i.e. 1D will be set by the fastest time of the barrel race with 2D divisions being 2.0 seconds off the fastest time.

11.6 TWO RUNS

11.7 Divisions set on the average time of the two runs. With the fastest average time setting the 1D with 2D division being 2.0 seconds off the fastest average time respectively.

11.8 NO DIVISIONS (OPEN) BARREL RACE

11.9 If the WCTRA chooses to have a simple ‘open’ barrel race, then it is run as an open event, with points still being given to the horses only and will be counted as first division points only. Any open points sent in will be counted as First Division points for End of Year awards.

11.10 POINTS

11.11 2D – Points will be awarded to the horse. The horse’s name must be provided at every WCTRA event.

11.12 DIVISIONAL GUIDELINES

11.13 1st Division:

Fastest time in the class and those who place in this division

11.14 2nd Division:

Fastest time in the class plus two seconds

11.15 AVERAGE

11.16 All rounds added together minus penalties and divided by the number of rounds, then add penalties (if any).

12. GENERAL BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES

12.1 These rules apply to all breakaway roping events held by the WCTRA.

12.2 STOCK

12.3 Stock must weigh at least 100kgs but not exceed 150kg.

12.4 No mixed stock can be used. All breakaway roping cattle must have horns less than 75mm or horns greater than 75mm, not a pen combining both. The horn is measured from underneath the horn to the tip of the horn.

12.5 The judge/s is/are to determine the length of the horns and the legal catches (described below) prior to the commencement of the event.

12.6 ROPE


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12.7 One rope is to be used.

12.8 Ropes to be tied firmly to saddle horn with three pieces of heavy duty string or one piece of heavy duty builder’s string.

12.9 A bright piece of cloth at least 30cm long and 2.5cm wide must be attached to the end of the rope where it is tied to the saddle horn.

12.10 LEGAL CATCH

12.11 Roping the stock without releasing loop from hand is not permitted. The competitor’s rope must pass over the head of stock and draw up clean around the neck, hump or brisket of the stock. The competitor must rope the stock from horseback.

12.12 Stock with horns measuring 75mm or more can be roped:

(a) around the neck,

(b) around both horns, or

(c) as a half-head.

12.13 Any other catch is illegal including if:

(a) the loop crosses itself in the head catch;

(b) the hondo passes over one horn and the loop over the other;

(c) a leg is in the loop;

(d) a figure of eight goes around the tail of the stock.

12.14 The flag judge will flag the competitor when competitor has roped the stock and stopped horse and rope has broken away from the horn of the saddle.

12.15 Competitors will receive no time should she break the rope from the saddle horn by hand or by touching the rope or string after the catch is completed and the slack is pulled tight.

12.16 BARRIER & TIME LIMIT

12.17 Competitors will incur a five second penalty for breaking the barrier.

12.18 If there is a malfunction of timers and the flag judge flags a clean neck catch the rider may elect to take:

(a) a clean run of 5.0 seconds; or

(b) a re-run.

12.19 This must be confirmed by the competitor, with the flag judge, prior to leaving the arena.

12.20 There will be a 30 second time limit.


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12.21 Competitors are only permitted to enter the event once.

13. JUNIOR BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES

13.1 Competitors must be 16 years of age and under.

13.2 Both male and female competitors may enter this event.

14. LADIES BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES

14.1 Competitors must be 16 years of age and over.

15. MENS BREAKAWAY ROPING RULES

15.1 Competitors must be 16 years of age and over.

16. CALF ROPE & TIE RULES

16.1 STOCK

16.2 Stock must weigh between 100kg and 130kg and must all be weaned.

16.3 ROPE

16.4 One rope is to be used.

16.5 The rope must be attached to the saddle horn using a “flood” or “darmody” device, with 150mm of rope outside of the device.

16.6 A neck rope must be used on the horse’s neck, no more than half way down the horse’s neck.

16.7 The jerk line must be set at a maximum of 1.5m shorter than the rope from horn to honda.

16.8 LEGAL CATCH

16.9 Roping the stock without releasing loop from hand is not permitted.

16.10 The competitor must rope the stock from horseback, dismount from the horse, throw the stock to the ground and tie three legs together. The tie must hold for 3 seconds after the competitor has remounted his horse.

16.11 If the stock is on the ground when the competitor reaches it they must stand the stock back up.

16.12 The rope must still be attached to the stock when the competitor reaches it.

16.13 The flag judge will flag the competitor when competitor has roped the stock’s three legs together and raised their hands in the air. The competitor must not touch the stock, string or rope after signalling the time has stopped, or if the horse drags the calf.

16.14 If the horse drags the stock more than 3 metres from where it has been thrown to the ground (measured from where the rump of the stock lay), or more than 2 metres from when the three legs are tied together, the competitor will be disqualified.


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16.15 BARRIER & TIME LIMIT

16.16 Competitors will incur a five second penalty for breaking the barrier.

16.17 If there is a malfunction of timers and the flag judge flags a clean run the competitor may elect to take:

(a) a clean run of 18 seconds; or

(b) a re-run.

16.18 This must be confirmed by the competitor, with the flag judge, prior to leaving the arena.

16.19 There will be a 30 second time limit.

16.20 The tie must be removed from the stock’s legs as soon as possible.

16.21 Competitors are only permitted to enter the event once.

17. MACHINE ROPING RULES

17.1 The machine team roping shall be introduced as the ONLY numbered roping to be conducted with a team roping machine.

17.2 The team can consist of either:

(a) Header and heeler capped at no higher than #2.

(b) One higher capped team member can compete with a #2 or below partner, however the higher capped competitor will not be eligible for any award or prize money.

(c) The higher number competitor does not need to pay any entry fee if they accompany a #2 or lower competitor.

17.3 The event will be run as follows:

(a) The run will commence when both header and heeler are standing in the correct time event boxes.

(b) The machine operator shall start dragging the machine upon the nod of the header.

(c) Time will commence at the discretion of the timer/judge but must be consistent for each competitor.

(d) The header will rope the head and pull the slack out of the head loop.

(e) The header is not required to dally.

(f) The machine will be turned off when the slack is pulled out of the head loop and the header holds their rope above their shoulder.

(g) The heeler will rope the heels and pull their slack.


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(h) Time will be stopped when the heeler has pulled their rope slack out of their loop, the rope is held high above his shoulder and the heeler has stopped their horse.

(i) Legal head and heel catches are as per team roping rules above.

(j) Illegal Catches: Head Catch: A catch when the rope is not in contact with any part of the dummy head is considered an illegal head catch e.g. roping the entire dummy.

(k) Ties will be broken by the team with the most points. Any ties remaining after the points are considered, there will be a rope off.

(l) A record will be kept on each catch. No timing involved in this event.

(i) Horn Catch: 2 points;

(ii) Half head catch: 2 point;

(iii) Neck catch: 2 point;

(iv) Double heel catch: 2 point; and

(v) Single heel catch: 1 point.

(m) Points to be accumulated Awards.

18. STEER WRESTLING RULES

18.1 The competitor must catch the stock from horseback, dismount his horse, change direction or bring the steer to a stop and then turns its head to wrestle it to the ground.

18.2 Time will be taken when the stock is on its side or back with all feet and its head facing in the same direction, with the wrestler still in contact with the stock.

18.3 Once the time has been taken the competitor must turn the stock’s head back in the right direction so that the stock can stand up as soon as possible.

18.4 If a steer is knocked down or wrestled to the ground as a result of the stock’s horse being put into the ground the stock must be stood back up and wrestled cleanly in accordance with the above rules.

18.5 If the stock manages to get loose from the wrestler, the wrestler may not take more than one step to re-catch stock.

18.6 STOCK

18.7 Stock must weigh between 200kg and 300kg with a target weight of 250kg.

18.8 Stock horn length must be at least 23cm and tipped at the end so that the diameter of the horn is at least the diameter of a 50 cent coin.

18.9 HAZER

18.10 Competitors must arrange for their own hazer.


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18.11 Hazers must hold a senior membership and be over the age of 18 years.

18.12 The hazer must not assist the competitor in any way other than by keeping the stock running in as straight a line as possible down the arena.

18.13 TIME LIMIT

18.14 There will be a 30 second time limit excluding any barrier penalty.

19. JUDGING

19.1 JUDGES PARTICIPATION

19.2 All judges must be members and mounted on a horse whilst flag judging.

19.3 All judges must exercise a quality level of examination when checking head, heel and calf loops.

19.4 JUDGES DECISION

19.5 The decision of the judge will be final, however, WCTRA officials 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. Unaffiliated additional events (e.g. steer wrestling, rope & tie) shall be subject to flag judge and competitor negotiation.

19.6 QUESTIONING A CALL

19.7 Questions may be addressed to the flag judge at the end of the event. Competitor will 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 competitor is using abusive language or does not use good judgment, the judge should, at that time, inform said competitor that any continuance of that action will lead to disqualification and forfeit of fees.

19.8 EXCEPTIONS TO QUESTIONING A CALL

19.9 Should communication concerning the issuance of a penalty or lack of penalty between the judge and timekeeper is incorrect, either competitor can 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 their 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 a WCTRA Committee member.

19.10 PROBLEM HORSES

19.11 If a competitor has had the opportunity to enter the box and can neither get his horse in the box, nor bring this horse under control while in the box, and in the opinion of the judge this situation has become excessive, the judge has the option of declaring a no time on that steer. In the instance of a horse that will not stay in a


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box, a “three strikes you’re out” rule is in effect. In other words if the horse exits the box three times, the team will be declared disqualified.

19.12 QUALIFYING A STEER

19.13 If the competitor is fouled and has no visible way of knowing if chutes or barriers functioned correctly, he must qualify in order to get another chance. If the competitor is visibly fouled or he can visibly see that he is, or will not 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.

20. GROUND CONDITIONS

20.1 If the arena conditions are deemed by the field judge to be unsafe, competition can be stopped until the unsafe conditions are remedied.

21. BARRIER

21.1 BARRIER FOULS COMPETITOR

21.2 Steer belongs to the competitors when they call for it regardless of what happens, except for mechanical failure and if, in the opinion of the judge, the competitor is fouled by a rope barrier, If, in the opinion of the judge, the competitor is fouled by a rope barrier, competitors shall get the steer back providing competitor declares himself by pulling up immediately.

21.3 BARRIER MALFUNCTION

21.4 Should a barrier malfunction during the natural course of a competition, either for the competitor or against the competitor, the field judge may offer the option of awarding a rerun. If there is no question a barrier sounded prior to competitors leaving the box, or if there is no question a barrier sounded well after the competitor and steer have cleared their respective chutes and lanes, and the steer has been qualified in the field, the field judge may offer the option of awarding a rerun at the end of the round or removing the five (5) second penalty. However, there shall be no question or disagreement that this situation occurred.

21.5 LENGTH OF BARRIER

21.6 All score line lengths are to be set by the WCTRA in accordance with arena conditions. Every effort should be made to avoid allowing any team to be outrun.

21.7 BROKEN BARRIER

21.8 A five (5) second penalty will be added for beating the barrier.

21.9 BARRIER JUDGE

21.10 If a pull barrier is in use, there shall be a barrier judge. The barrier judge shall have a WCTRA rulebook and understand the rules.

22. WELFARE OF LIVESTOCK

22.1 NUMBER OF STEERS


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22.2 Stock contractors are to adhere to the WA Animal Welfare Act: Guidelines for rodeo stock.

22.3 HORN LENGTH

22.4 Team roping cattle horn length to be a minimum of 17.5cm. Pen should be even and uniform.

22.5 REMOVAL FROM DRAW

22.6 WCTRA, or WCTRA official(s) or representatives, 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 are identified during the roping.

22.7 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 judges that a steer in question did not afford a team the opportunity to compete.

22.8 INSPECTION

22.9 No sore, lame, sick or injured animal, or animal with defective eyesight 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.

22.10 HUMANE TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK

22.11 If a WCTRA competitor 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 competitor has been disqualified due to the unnecessary roughness on livestock.

22.12 If a competitor unduly stretches a steer by taking too long to face up their heading horse then that competitor may be considered to be excessively abusing the steer in accordance with the above rule.

22.13 HORNWRAPS

22.14 All Steers will have horn wraps, which offer protection for both the steer’s ears, and the base of the horns. WCTRA strongly discourage the use of 3/8 scant ropes.

22.15 PRODDING

22.16 No animal shall be treated inhumanly or prodded excessively. Standard electric prods shall be used as little as possible. Animals shall be touched only on the hip and shoulder area with prod. Only prods that run on cell batteries only should be used.

22.17 FAILURE TO HEED WARNING

22.18 Any competitor 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 reminder of that event.


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22.19 RUN STOPPED BY THE JUDGE

22.20 Judge may stop a run at any time he observes an injured animal, to remove that animal from competition, this action will result in a rerun for competitors.

22.21 ANIMAL ESCAPES

22.22 If any animal escapes from the arena, flag will be dropped and watches stopped. Competitors will get animal back from 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.

22.23 ANIMAL ESCAPES HEADGATE

22.24 If the gate fails to open in the first attempt, gateman must stop and wait for another nod from the competitor. Whatever happens prior to his nod is not to be considered, (horse cannot break a barrier before the competitor 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 turnout that steer and take the next.

22.25 VISIBLY INJURED STEER

22.26 If the steer is visibly injured as the run begins, including broken horn, the team must declare themselves by pulling up immediately.

22.27 BROKEN HORN

22.28 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 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.


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