Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Association 2022 Rodeo Rules

Rodeos conducted by the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Association (CWWRA) will be judged and governed by the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Rules. A copy of the CPRA rulebook will be located in the rodeo secretary’s office and each judge will posses a copy during the rodeo.

Local rules will govern events not covered in the CPRA rulebook: Dally Ribbon Roping, Cowhide Race, Ranch Broncs, Mutton Bustin', and Calf Scramble. Please consult the local rules for these events posted on the rodeo secretary’s office. CWWRA reserves the right to change the local rules based on their discretion and for the safety of contestants, judges, volunteers, spectators and livestock.

Mutton Bustin' Rule Change -- Effective June 27, 2019. Mutton Bustin' contestants must be 3 years and above and under 50 pounds.

Junior and Open Barrels Rule Change -- Effective July 23, 2015. Junior age barrel racers can enter the Open Barrels but cannot enter both the Junior and Open Barrels in the same rodeo.

General Rules:

1) During the performance; all questions, rule interpretations, and disputes will be decided by judges, rodeo secretary and arena director: NO EXCEPTIONS!

2) Rodeo is always under scrutiny from animal rights activists who are convinced we abuse our animals in spite of the facts. Additionally, CPRA Association Rule E is very specific in the proper management and treatment of animals. ANY VIOLATION OF CPRA ASSOCIATION RULE E WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE CURRENT RODEO AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR.

3) CONTESTANTS THAT ARE ABUSIVE AND DISRESPECTFUL TOWARD VOLUNTEERS WILL BE TURNED-OUT IF THEY HAVE YET TO RUN (ROPERS WILL BE TURNED-OUT FROM ALL OF THEIR PENDING RUNS), OR DISQUALIFIED FOR NEXT WEEK IF THEY HAVE ALREADY RUN. PHYSICAL VIOLENCE TOWARD A VOLUNTEER MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND A LIFETIME SUSPENSION FROM THE CARBONDALE WILD WEST RODEO.

4) DO NOT WALK OR RIDE YOUR HORSES AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE ARENA OR IN THE ROADWAY. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HORSES IN THE PARKING FIELD OR IN THE PRACTICE ARENA. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND INSURANCE MATTER; VIOLATORS WILL BE TURNED-OUT IF THEY HAVE YET TO RUN (ROPERS WILL BE TURNED-OUT FROM ALL OF THEIR PENDING RUNS), OR DISQUALIFIED FOR NEXT WEEK IF THEY HAVE ALREADY RUN.

5) ALL CONTESTANTS WITH HORSE TRAILERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENTER AND EXIT THE RODEO GROUNDS FROM THE WILLOW LANE ENTRANCE. This rule is for your safety and the safety of our spectators and volunteers.

6) ALL CONTESTANTS WILL BE ABLE TO BRING IN ONLY ONE FREE COMPANION (ie husband, wife, significant other, and friend). Other people riding in your vehicle will be asked to pay. As always, children 10 and under will be admitted FREE.

7) Cash or check will be accepted for entry fees. Winnings will be paid by check. Any contestant will be charged a $25 NSF fee for a returned check, and that contestant will not be allowed to compete until all fees are paid. The committee will only accept cash entry fees from Contestants who have had a check returned.

8) Any contestant who attempts to communicate directly with the timer will be disqualified.

9) A back-up timer will be used for all timed events.

10) Judges are not allowed to compete.

All Roping Events

Only three teams will be allowed in the arena at any one time: the team on deck, the team in the box, and the team that is stripping. When the alley gate opens, the team that has just finished stripping will leave the arena, the team that just ran will head for the stripping chute, the on-deck team will head for the box, and the in-the-hole team will enter the arena as on-deck. We are implementing this new system to assure that all teams have the same competitive advantage by way of a clear arena. We also feel that it will improve viewership for our guests and provide a safer environment for contestants.

Team Roping Rules

Team Roping entry fees must be paid by 5:30pm the night of the rodeo, regardless if you are in the performance or the slack. If you do not pay by 5:30 p.m. you will be turned out.

Crossfire Rule Effective 7/4/13. The direction of the steer’s entire body must be changed and in forward motion before the heel loop can be thrown. If the steer stops, it must be only moving forward for the heel loop to be legal. Any heel loop thrown before the completion of the switch will be considered a crossfire by the judges and no time will be recorded.

An electronic eye and a heel barrier will be used instead of a string barrier.

Should the judge decide the electronic eye is unreliable; a string barrier will be employed.

The minimum length of the score line shall be the length of the box minus 2 ft.

Hazing devices are prohibited.

The “chute draw” method will determine stock selection.

Time will stop when the heel catch stretches tight; the rule requiring a face is not in force.

10 second penalty for broken barrier.

5 second penalty for single leg.

The #8 team roping is capped at a #4 heeler.

Entry fee is $30 per person, $60 per team.

Dally Ribbon Roping Rules

Teams must consist of 1 male and 1 female or an adult and a youth under 16 years.

One mounted roper and one runner.

10 second penalty for broken barrier.

Run is finished when runner crosses finish line back at roping box.

Entry fee is $25 per person, $50 per team.

Ladies Breakaway Roping Rules

A twenty-five (25) second time limit is in effect.

Contestant will draw nylon string for the judges.

One loop will be permitted; a dropped loop is considered a thrown loop.

10 second penalty for broken barrier.

The age limit for ladies breakaway roping is 17 years old or older.

Entry fee is $40.

Open Barrel Racing Rules

Contestants will be allowed to run from the alleyway though an open gate, but will run back to a closed gate.

Standard cloverleaf pattern.

Each barrel knocked over adds five seconds to the total time.

Each contestant may enter only once and no horse may run more than once in Open Barrels, per rodeo.

The pattern will be raked after 10 runs.

Limited to not more than 30 contestants. 20 in slack. 10 in performance.

Entry fee is $40.

Junior Barrel Racing Rules

Junior and Open Barrels Rule Change -- Effective July 23, 2015. Junior age barrel racers can enter the Open Barrels but cannot enter both the Junior and Open Barrels in the same rodeo.

Contestants will be allowed to run from the alleyway though an open gate, but will run back to a closed gate.

Standard cloverleaf pattern.

Each barrel knocked over adds five seconds to the total time.

The pattern will be raked after 10 runs.

Limited to not more than 10 contestants.

Limited to contestants 13 years or under. Contestants whose 14th birthday falls after June 3, 2021 will be allowed to finish out the series.

Entry fee is $20.

Bull Riding Rules

At least one judge must be present during the draw for rough stock.

The areas behind the chutes and the staging areas are for contestants only.

Free hand cannot touch the bull.

Rider and Bull given score between 0-50.

Entry fee is $50.

Junior Breakaway Roping Rules

A twenty-five (25) second time limit is in effect.

Contestant will draw nylon string for the judges.

One loop will be permitted; a dropped loop is considered a thrown loop.

The age limit for breakaway roping is 8 to 15 years old for both boys and girls.

Entry fee is $20.

Ranch Bronc Riding Rules

8 second ride.

Standard working ranch saddle and bronc halter.

Rider holds onto the 'bronc rein' or 'hack rein'.

Riders are allowed to hold onto the saddle horn, cantle, or a night latch (a rope or strap tied through the gullet of the saddle) with their free hand (the one not holding the hack rein.).

No mark out rule and loss of stirrup does not disqualify.

Two judges score both the rider and the bronc for a total of 100 points.

Entry fee is $50.

Cowhide Racing Rules -- Age has been lowered to 14, effective July 9, 2015 Carbondale Wild West Rodeo.

Entry fee is $20 per team. $150 added money for scheduled nights. Alternates with Ranch Broncs.

Junior Bull Riding Rules

Contestants must be 13 to 17 years old.

Limited to 6 contestants plus 3 alternates.

Eight second ride qualifies.

Junior Bull Rider contestants must provide their own helmets and vests. Helmets and vests are mandatory.

Entry fee is $35.

Steer Riding Rules

Contestants must be 12 years old or younger as of June 3, 2021. Contestants whose 13th birthday falls after June 3, 2021 will be allowed to finish out the series.(Note: New age limit beginning 2014.)

Limited to 6 contestants plus 3 alternates.

Six second ride qualifies.

Steer rider contestants must provide their own helmets and vests. Helmets and vests are mandatory.

Entry fee is $25.

Calf Scramble Rules

• Children must be 3-10 years old.
• No parents will be allowed to enter the arena.
• Sign-up will start at 5:30pm and end at 8:00pm at the rodeo secretary shed/registration booth.
• The parents of children that are signing up must be present when registering.
• All parents must sign the Entry Application and Release Form along with the Consent of Parent or Legal Guardian.
• Only children that have been given a wristband at the registration booth will be allowed to enter the arena.

Mutton Bustin' Rules--

IMPORTANT UPDATE as of June 27, 2019

• Children MUST be ***older than 3 years of age and under 50 pounds.
• Change -- July 29, 2021 ---Due to the high demand for kiddos to participate in Mutton Bustin', it will now be a First Come First Entered by making your way to the Secretary Shed at the rodeo on rodeo night beginning at 5. There is a limit to participants each rodeo night. Please do not call in any longer as the phones are so busy with the other events. We hope this will make it more accommodating for more of our eager kiddos to get to participate.
• Mutton busters will not be allowed to ride on consecutive weeks unless we do not have enough participants signed up.
• Only the first ten plus three alternates will be allowed to participate each week.
• All parents must sign the Entry Application and Release Form along with the Consent of Parent or Legal Guardian.

Prize Money

The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Association Board reserves the right prior to payout, to deduct any applicable expenses for stock contractor, rodeo secretary, announcer, timer, judges, pickup men and other specific event related costs. Along with the buckles for the specified events, we will again present the “Trent Goscha Sportsmanship Award”, given to a deserving rodeo and/or Gymkhana participant. Watch for details on the web site regarding how to nominate someone that you feel deserves this award. We will also be presenting a new saddle at the end of the season to the top money winner in two events or more (All-Around Winner). The All Around Winner must compete in one event 9 times or more and in a second event at least 4 times during the season and win money in each event and be the top money winner of all events at the end.

The following is the payout system for 2021

• Bull Riding – 1-8 Riders 2 places paid 60%/40%, 9 and over 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%. $300 added money.
• Ranch Bronc Riding – 1-3 Contestants 2 places paid 60%/40%, 4-5 Contestants 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%,
  6-10 Contestants 4 places paid 40%/30%/20%/10%. $300 added money.
• Junior Bull Riding – 1-4 Riders 2 places paid 60%/40%, 5-6 Riders 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%.
• Team Roping - Maximum 100 Teams between #8 & #11 -- Pays 4 holes each of #8 & #11 -- 40%/30%/20%/10%
  (stock fee applies)
• Dally Ribbon Roping - 1-15 50%/30%/20% (stock fee applies)
• Open Barrel Racing – 1-6 Contestants 2 places paid 60%/40%, 7-12 Contestants 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%, 13-20 Contestants 4 places paid 40%/30%/20%/10%.
• Ladies Breakaway Roping – 1-6 Contestants 2 places paid 60%/40%, 7-12 Contestants 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%,
  13-15 Contestants 4 places paid 40%/30%/20%/10%. (stock fee applies)
• Junior Breakaway Roping – 1-5 Contestants 2 places paid 60%/40%, 6-10 Contestants 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%.
• Steer Riding - 1-4 Riders 2 places paid 60%/40%, 5-6 Riders 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%.
• Junior Barrel Racing - 1-2 Contestants 1 place paid 100%, 3-4 Contestants 2 places paid 60%/40%, 5-7 Contestants 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%, 8-10 Contestants 4 places paid 40%/30%/20%/10%.
• Cowhide Race - 1-10 teams 3 places paid 50%/30%/20%. $150 added money.

Amount of winnings will be used to determine the series buckle winners. New in 2015: Buckles for both the horse rider and hide rider in the Cowhide Race. All buckle winners must participate a minimum of 9 weeks in specific event. Exception is Ranch Bronc Riding which only has seven showings and Cowhide Race.