BYLAWS

OF

TEXAS SENIOR PRO RODEO ASSOCIATION, INC.

A NONPROFIT CORPORATION

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Principal Office

The principal office of the corporation in the state of Texas shall be located in the City of Waco, McLennan County. The corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Texas, as the Board of Directors may determine or as the affairs of the corporation may require from time to time.

Registered Office and Registered Agent

The corporation shall have and continuously maintain in the State of Texas a registered office and a registered agent whose office is identical with such registered office as required by the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act. The registered office may be but need not be identical with the principal office of the corporation in the State of Texas, and the address of the registered office may be changed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II
MEMBERS

Classes of Members

The corporation shall have four classes of members. The first three classes will renew their membership on a year to year basis. The designation of such classes and the qualifications and rights of the members of such classes shall be as follows:

1. Participating Members—those members whose age meets the requirements in events at rodeos as listed (See Membership, Page 3).
2. Charter Members—participating members whose 1978 dues were paid on or before January 31, 1978.
3. Non-Participating Members—those members who do not participate in rodeo events.
4. Life Members—those members elected for life membership by the Board of Directors. Those members have contributed greatly to the sport of rodeo and to the Association. Life members may also be known as “Gold Card Members.”

Membership

Membership is open to any person 40 years of age and older for all events except rough stock riders who qualify once age is 35 years or older. Age will be determined as the oldest age reached during a calendar year. For example, if a person turns 40 on September 15th of a given year, that person may join and will be considered to be 40 all during the calendar year.  In addition, for purposes of competition in age group events, the age of a member will be determined as the oldest age reached anytime during a calendar year.  For example, if a member turns 60 in July, the member will be considered to be a 60’s contestant during the complete calendar year from January 1st through December 31st.

Dues are $95 per year for a participating member and $35 for a nonparticipating member.

All contestants are required to read the rules carefully, particularly those relating to the contest or events which they enter. Failure to understand rules will not be accepted as an excuse.

Voting Rights

Each member, except non-participating members, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the entire membership, provided that the bylaws may provide for voting by certain classes of members only on specific issues.

Termination of Membership

The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the members of the Board, may suspend or expel a member for cause after an appropriate hearing and may, by a majority vote of those present at regularly constituted meeting, terminate the membership of any member who becomes ineligible for membership, or suspend or expel any member who shall be in default in the payment of dues for the period fixed in Article DC of these bylaws.

Resignation

Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary, but such resignation shall not relieve the member so resigning of the obligation to pay any dues, assessments, or other charges theretofore accrued or unpaid.

Reinstatement

Upon written request signed by a former member and filed with the Secretary/Treasurer, the Board of Directors may, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board, reinstate such former member to membership on such terms as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. Before the Board can consider reinstatement, all unpaid dues or other money owed by the former member must be paid in full.

Transfer of Membership

Membership in this corporation is not transferable or assignable.

Membership Cards

Each member, upon the payment of dues, shall receive a membership card signed by the Secretary/Treasurer.  This card should show the member's name and membership number and should be retained by the member. Every member should have a membership card available at all times as it may be required for admittance to meetings, rodeos, etc.

ARTICLE III
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

Annual Meeting

An annual meeting of the members can be held if called by the President or majority of the Board of Directors at the end of the fiscal year or at the beginning of the new year for the nomination of officers and directors or the transaction of other business.

Special Meeting

Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President and/or the Board of Directors.

Place of Meeting

The Board of Directors may designate any place, either within or without the State of Texas, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting called by the Board. If no designation is made or if a special meeting be otherwise called, the place of the meeting shall be the registered office of the corporation in the State of Texas; but if all the members shall meet at any time and place, either within or without the state, and consent to the holding of the meeting, such meeting shall be valid without call or notice, and at such meeting, any corporate action may be taken.

Notice of Meeting

Written notice stating the place, day, and hour of any meeting of members shall be delivered, either personally or by mail, to each member entitled to vote at such meeting, not less than ten nor more than fifty days before the date of such meeting, by or at the direction of the President, or the Secretary/Treasurer, or the officers or persons calling the meeting. In case of a special meeting or when required by statute of these bylaws, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be stated in the notice. If mailed, the notice of a meeting shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the member at his address as it appears on the records of the corporation with postage thereon prepaid.

Quorum

Ten members shall constitute a quorum at any general meeting.

Proxies

At any meeting of members, a member entitled to vote may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Voting by Mail

Where the directors, officers or other officials are to be elected by members, such election must be conducted by mail in such manner as the Board of Directors shall determine.

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

Officers

The officers of the corporation shall be a President, one or more Vice Presidents (the number thereof to be determined by the Board of Directors), a Secretary/Treasurer and such other officers as may be elected in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

Election and Terms of Office

The officers of the corporation shall be elected for two year terms by voting members of the corporation. The president, vice president and secretary/treasurer will be elected in even number years while the event directors will be elected on odd number years.

Removal

Any officer elected may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in their judgment the best interest of the corporation would be served thereby. A majority of the above named officials must vote for removal.

Vacancies

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, disqualification, or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors until the next election, at which time a successor shall be elected for a new two-year term. 

President

The President shall be the principal officer of the corporation. The President shall in general, supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the corporation as well as preside at all meetings of the members and the Board of Directors. If necessary, the President may contact Board members by electronic means for business decisions. The President may sign, with the Secretary or any other proper officer of the corporation authorized by the Board, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board of Directors have authorized to be executed, except in cases where signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or by these bylaws or by statute to some other officer or agent of the corporation. In general the President shall perform all duties incident to the office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. The President must be a Charter or Participating Member of the corporation. The outgoing president will remain on the Board of Directors as an ex-officio non-voting member until the next outgoing president would assume the position.

Vice President

In the absence of the President, or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, the Vice President (or in the event there be more than one Vice President, the Vice Presidents in order of their election) shall perform the duties of the President. Any Vice President shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the President or the Board of Directors, The Vice President(s) must be a Charter or Participating Member of the corporation.

SECRETARY/TREASURER

The position of Secretary/Treasurer shall be an elected position and elected in the same years as the President and Vice-President. In the event the person elected cannot complete the term, the President will have the right to appoint a member to complete the term.

Primary duties of the Secretary/Treasurer will be as follows:

Maintaining, reviewing and reporting of various monetary funds of the association.

Primary signer on all checking and savings accounts as well as savings or certificate of deposits.

May designate the Rodeo Secretary position to receive, deposit and write rodeo winnings and rodeo expense checks.

Responsible for developing an annual budget and keeping the board of directors abreast of budgetary changes as needed.

Responsible for disbursing funds for awards, raffle items or any expenses or disbursements not designated to the Rodeo Secretary position.

Be in charge of the minutes for all board of directors meetings and maintain a file of all such meetings.

Responsible for the custodial seal of the association along with the original charter.

With concurrence from the board, hire all accountants as needed for tax preparation and other accounting needs as seen fit. 

Have direct responsibility over the Rodeo Secretary position. The Rodeo Secretary position will be selected and hired by the board of directors and paid a monthly salary and/or per rodeo rate. The Rodeo secretary position responsibilities will be but not limited to the following:

·         Receive membership applications and dues and maintain a membership role.

·         Take entries for each rodeo at a pre-determined time and location, set up event order and draw contestants out as needed.

·         Draw livestock or run draws or team draws as needed per rodeo.

·         Receive entry fees and pay all winnings, contractor fees, arena expenses and other expenses associated with a particular rodeo.

·         Maintain and update official record of event points for year.

·         Collect fines and other funds not associated with entry fees.

·         Prepare financial reports as needed by the Secretary/Treasurer.

·         Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the board or listed in the TSPRA Rule Book.

ARTICLE V
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Members of the Board of directors

The Board of directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary/ Treasurer and event directors.

Events

There shall be one director for the events of Steer Wrestling and Ribbon Roping and two directors for the events of Rough Stock, Calf Roping, Barrel Racing, and Team Roping. These directors must have participated at least once during the year immediately preceding their election in the event for which they are seeking the directorship. Only those members who likewise participated in an event, for which they wish to choose a director, may vote in the election for director of that particular event.

 An event must have had entry fees paid and competitions held a minimum of 5 times the previous year to have an elected director for that event.

                                                                    Term of Office

Each event director shall serve a two year term and be elected in odd number years.

Vacancies

A vacancy on the Board of Directors shall cause the President of the organization to appoint a member to fill that vacancy until the next directors' election at which time a permanent event director will be elected. Anyone appointed to a director's position must have participated in that event.

Quorum

A majority of the event Directors shall constitute a quorum of the TSPRA Board of Directors. If a quorum is present, any act of a majority of the members present at such meeting shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

Committees

Each committee shall adopt rules for its own government not inconsistent with these bylaws or with rules adopted by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI
CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS

Contracts

The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Checks and Drafts

All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such office or officers, agent or agents of the corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board, such instruments shall be signed by the Secretary/Treasurer.

Deposits

All funds of the corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

Gifts

The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the corporation any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purpose or for any special purpose of the corporation. These gifts are encouraged and will be submitted through the TSPRA Charitable Fund Account.

ARTICLE VII
BOOKS AND RECORDS

The corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of amounts and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, and Board of Directors and shall keep at the registered principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the members entitled to vote. All books and records of the corporation may be inspected by any member or his agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

 ARTICLE VIII
FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December of each year.

                                                             ARTICLE IX
                                                                               DUES

                                                            Annual Dues

The Board of Directors may determine from time to time the amount of initiation fee, if any, and the annual dues payable to the corporation by members of each class.

        Payment of Dues

Dues are payable at the beginning of each new year and must be paid by the conclusion of a days final event for the points of that rodeo to count.

ARTICLE X
SEAL

The Board of Directors shall provide a corporate seal which shall be in the form of a circle and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation and the words "Corporate Seal of TSPRA, Inc.".

ARTICLE XI
WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, or under the provisions of the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, a waiver in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by a majority of the directors present at any regular meeting or any special meeting, if at least two days written notice is given of an intention to alter, amend, or repeal these bylaws or to adopt new bylaws at such meeting.

GENERAL RULES

1.    Any person becoming a member of this association shall comply with all of its rules, bylaws and decisions and shall be bound by the same.

2.    Any member may be fined, suspended or both from the association for any of the following offenses:

a.    Bad checks.

b.    Non-payment of entry fees.

c.    Fighting, quarreling or using profanity in the arena.

d.    Attempting to fix, threaten, bribe, influence, or harass the officials at any time between the opening and closing date of a rodeo.

3.    Members must pay current dues and all outstanding debts to TSPRA before being allowed to participate in any rodeo approved by the association.  Entry fee will be paid by cash, check or money order.  Cash or money order will be required if Association receives two Insufficient Fund Checks.

4.    The decision of the judges, flagmen, and timers who have been accepted by the association shall be final and no protest by the contestants will be permitted unless incompetence is proved.

5.    No contestant may talk to a judge or timer in any way while an event is going on and this includes asking about re-rides. Such questions may be addressed to the judge no sooner than at the end of the event for that performance. Event directors may call a problem to the attention of the flagger or judge.

6.    No rodeo shall be responsible for the return of a contestant's entry fee if the contestant has contested in any event once during a rodeo. If he/she is entered in other events and decides not to participate, the entry fee(s) will not be refunded. If he/she is unable to continue due to contestant or mount injury, the entry fee will be refunded.  Draw outs after the Rodeo starts will have to be approved by the Executive Board.

7.    Contestant must be on hand and ready to compete when their name is called. If contestant is not ready after being called three times, stock will be turned out and entry fee will not be refunded. No stock shall be brought back after turning out. Stock so turned out can be used for re-rides.

8.    No cancellation of a performance will be permitted unless in the opinion of the committee chairman, stock contractor, or association officials it is a physical impossibility to hold the performance.

9.    Each TSPRA member will be responsible for his or her entry fees regardless of who issues the check.

10. Rodeo stock will be approved by an officer or event director or someone designated by them.

11. Injury or illness to a contestant or mount are the only reasons a member can turn out a run and not be held to the payment of his/her turn-out fine.

12.  All positions will be drawn with trade-outs being permissible and the responsibility of the contestant at all rodeos.

13. No rerun will be given for equipment failure or other related responsibilities of the contestant.

14. Neck ropes on timed event stock must be tied with string or rubber bands. No metal snaps or hardware shall be used on neck ropes in the timed events.

15. There shall be two or more timers, a field flag judge and a barrier judge. Time to be taken between two flags. Arena conditions will determine score. Length of score to be set by arena director and timed event spokesman or director.

16.  A current TSPRA card will serve as a pass to any rodeo for members.

17.   Except for barrel racing, members may contest in a lower age group as well as the age group set by their birth date. (Members from a lower age group may not contest in any older age group.) Points will be received and contestant will be eligible for year-end awards.  Barrel racers compete in a 3-D format which includes all ages, but may only receive points and be eligible for year-end awards in a single age group determined by their age for the year (40-49, 50-59 or 60+).

18.  Permits may be purchased by non-members to compete at sanctioned TSPRA rodeos. The cost is $15 per rodeo plus entry fees and office charge.

19. Permit contestant must meet all other criteria established for participating members.

ARENA RULES

1.    Contestant may be fined (amount of fine to be determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors) and/or disqualified for any of the following offenses during a paid performance or slack:

a.    Being under the influence of alcohol in the arena,

b.    Being rowdy or quarreling in the arena,

c.    Not wearing western hat (ribbon runners being an exception) and long sleeve shirt with collar in the arena,

d.    Mistreatment of stock in or out of the arena.

e.    Not being ready to compete when called.

2.    Barrier equipment must be inspected before each timed event. If equipment is faulty, it must be replaced. If barrier does not work and time is recorded, no penalty will be assessed and no re­runs will be given. If contestant is fouled by the neck rope from the stock and contestant pulls up immediately, he will be given a re-run. If contestant is fouled by any piece of equipment from the pin over on his side, it will be considered no foul. If equipment is not working properly, in case of missed loop, no re-run will be given in any case.

3.    It is the contestant's responsibility to contest the animal drawn. Should the wrong animal be contested, the contestant shall contest animal drawn for him carrying any penalties incurred.

4.    In rough stock events, when the animal's front feet cross the plane of the chute gate,

time  will start.

RODEO SECRETARY RULES

1.    The association will furnish the rodeo secretary at all TSPRA rodeos.  

2.    Timers must work from the same location for the duration of the rodeo. If determined by the event directors that different location would ensure more accurate time keeping then timers should change to that location. 

3.    Timekeepers must time an entire event.

DRAWING RULES

1.    Contestant positions must be drawn in all events before the stock draw. There will be no placing of contestants      

2.    No contestant may compete on the same head of stock twice at any one rodeo in the  same event without the judge's permission.

3.    If a contestant is injured and unable to compete, his stock may be held until later in the go-round with consent of BOTH judges.

DRAWING OUT AND ENTRY FEE REFUND

1.    Draw-out time for a contestant is 24-hours prior to rodeo. If a contestant does not draw-out 24-hours prior to rodeo, their stock will be drawn. The contestant will be fined the $15 office charge plus $10 for each event turned-out. The first time a contestant fails to draw-out, they will be allowed to enter the next rodeo and pay the fine at the rodeo. After the first offense, all fines will be paid before a contestant may enter another rodeo. An appeal may be filed within ten (10) working days of the infraction.

2.    After stock is drawn, the secretary may not refund any entry fees or draw out a contestant without the approval of the Executive Board. 

3.    If a contestant is injured while competing, contestant's entry fees will be refunded in any events in which the contestant has not competed up to that time and in which contestant cannot compete because of injury.

1.    If in the opinion of the judges and Executive Board a contestant is unable to compete in a particular event because of injury, the contestant may withdraw, but this does not prevent the contestant from competing in other events in which he/she is entered

DRAWING STOCK

1.    All stock in contest events must be drawn by number by a judge, event director or rodeo secretary.

2.    In all riding events, a complete performance must be drawn at one time.

3.    Timed-event cattle will not be posted any sooner than two-hours before each performance.

4.    In case rough stock is sick, crippled, or hurt in any way, replacements will be drawn from re-ride animals. In timed events, no drawn stock can be held over from one performance to the next or overnight.

5.    All cattle in the draw will be run one time before any cattle will be run twice.

6.    Once an animal is taken out of the draw, he may not be returned to the draw for the duration of the rodeo. If any stock is misdrawn in the timed events, then that event can be redrawn at the judge's discretion with the redraw beginning at the point of the incorrect draw.

7.    Cattle used for the short round will come from the fastest times in the prior go rounds and deemed healthy by the stock contractor.

JUDGES AND JUDGING

1.    Judges, timers and flagmen must be experienced.

2.    Rough stock markings must be totaled by the judges and checked by the secretary. No changes may be made after the books have been turned in to the secretary.

3.    All rough stock judges should carry a stop watch.

4.    In any timed event, if an animal escapes from the arena, the flag will be dropped and watches stopped. Contestants will get the animal back with lap and tap and time already spent added to the time used in qualifying.

5.    All contestants are required to make an honest effort. Failure to do so shall result in a fine to be imposed by the judge or judges. No judge(s) may rope, steer wrestle or haze in a timed event and also flag the event. The person appointed to flag is the judge regardless of who judges the riding events and is the only person qualified to deliver a decision in the timed events.

6.    A barrier judge is allowed to compete in the timed events if he finds some responsible member to watch the line in that event on the day he is competing.

7.    The decisions of the judges, flagmen or timers will be final, and no protest by contestants will be permitted.

8.    In the breakaway roping events the flag judge must use an assistant to watch for illegal catches on the side away from the flag judge. The assistant must be approved by one of the directors or may be a director.

POINT AWARDS AND PAYOFF

The association point award system is a ten point system. Points in each event will be awarded to the top ten (10) places if qualified.  In a two head roping points will be awarded to top ten in each go round if qualified.  Points will be given in the average to the top ten.  Average points could be given on one qualified time.  Points will be awarded as follows in all events:

100/90/80/70/60/50/40/30/20/l0.

The following payoff will be used in all events except the Rough Stock and Steer Wrestling. In a two head tiedown roping, no more than four monies will be paid.

1 to 3 contestants --1 money - 100%

4 to 6 contestants - 2 monies - 60/40%

7 to 10 contestants - 3 monies - 50/30/20%

11 to 15 contestants - 4 monies - 40/30/20/10%

16 to 20 contestants 5 monies - 36/27/18/11/8%

21&over contestants-6 monies - 34/25/18/12/7/4%

The Rough Stock and Steer Wrestling payoff is as follows:

1 to 4 contestants - 1 money -100%

5 to 8 contestants - 2 monies - 60/40%

9 to 12 contestants - 3 monies - 50/30/20%

13 to 16 contestants - 4 monies - 40/30/20/10%

17 to 20 contestants - 5 monies - 30/25/20/15/10%

21 & over contestants-6 monies- 29/24/19/14/9/5%

LADIES' BARREL RACING RULES

1.         Barrel race is open to any TSPRA female member who is 40 years of age or older.

2.         Barrel race is to be run as a cloverleaf pattern.

3.    Barrels must be staked if a go-round cannot be completed in one performance or if two or more go-rounds are held.

4.    Barrels should be set at least 15 feet from fence. If arena permits, there should be 60 feet from the score line to the first barrel, 90 feet between the first and second barrels, and 105 feet to the end barrel.

5.    A five-second penalty will be given for each barrel knocked over and a time recorded.

6.    Positions or order of riders will be drawn.

7.    A go-round shall be completed before another begins.

8.    All members are responsible for setting or helping set up barrel markers at any approved TSPRA barrel race.

9.    A member is responsible for reporting any violation that is witnessed to the event director or rodeo secretary.

10. Re-runs can be given if the field judge thinks it is warranted due to some fault for which the contestant is not responsible, such as barrels found on the wrong mark or loose livestock in the arena during a run.

11. No re-run will be given for equipment failure or other contestant related responsibilities in arena during timed run. 

12. Horse falling during run will not constitute a re-run.

13. Contestant must wear long sleeved shirt with a collar, cowboy hat and boots for any runs made at TSPRA approved barrel race or be subject to a fine, disqualification or both.  The hat must be on when the runner comes out of the alley gate and into the arena.  If it comes off in the alleyway, the contestant will be fined $5 for each occurrence.

14. When possible, two electric eyes will be used simultaneously to ensure electric timer back-up.  If electric timer malfunctions when hand-flag and stopwatch are used as back-up, runner has choice of taking back-up time (without knowledge of time) or a rerun will be provided at end of event.

15. A drag will occur after every five actual runs.

16. Circling a barrel twice during a run is not allowed.

17. Barrel races will be run in a 3D Format, with all age groups running in the same go-round.

18. 3D format is based on fastest time (1D); fastest time + ½ second (2D); fastest time + 1 second (3D).

19. Barrel racers may enter 2 horses but must designate when entering which run (1st or 2nd) to count for points. Both runs will be eligible for jackpot money.

20. Points for year-end standings and awards will be based upon points acquired on designated run at each rodeo.

21.      Designated run can be different at each rodeo.

22.      Barrel racers are responsible for verifying run designated for points when paying fees.

23. 3-D pay-off will not be affected by designated run process; all horses will be eligible for 3-D pay-off process.

24.      Multiple runs on the same horse per go-round are not permitted. 

25. The barrel racing point award system will be a ten point system in each age group (40-49, 50-59, 60 & over).  Points in each rodeo will be awarded to contestants with the top ten (10) fastest times, if qualified, in each age group.  Points will be determined by the fastest times according to ranking of fastest to slowest times in each age group.  Only the designated run for each rider will be eligible to earn points if a rider competes on more than one horse.

26.      Fastest run in each age group:

1st                                           100 points

2nd                                            90 points

3rd                                             80 points

4th                                             70 points

5th                                             60 points

6th                                             50 points

7th                                             40 points

8th                                            30 points

9th                                             20 points

10th                                           10 points

27.The 3D jackpot prize money will be split as follows:

                                    1D Jackpot    40%

                                    2D Jackpot    35%

                                    3D Jackpot    25%

28. Barrel race prize money will be paid for 3 divisions or levels of competition.  The fastest times are in the first division (1D); the second division (2D) begins with the time equal to or closest following the fastest time plus ½ second; the third division (3D) begins with the time equal to or closest after the fastest time plus 1 second.  The fastest times in each division will earn prize money.  The number of prize moneys paid by division will be determined by the total number of entries in each barrel race jackpot, as indicated below:

                                    # of Entries                                    Places Paid                              

29.      After determining the number of prize moneys to be paid per division, the jackpot funds in each division will be distributed as follows:

BARREL RACING RULES FOR TSPRA FINALS

1.            First and Second Go-Rounds will be run in the 3D format.

2.            Go-round and average points will be awarded by the fastest times according to where contestant’s times placed in relevant age group.

3.            Only the designated run for each rider will be eligible to earn points if a rider competes on more than one horse.

4.            Multiple runs on the same horse per go-round are not permitted.

5.            Contestants using horse substitution in second go-round remain eligible for go-round and average money, as well as points.

6.              Added money collected per age group during the year will be distributed as follows:                                                                             
            10% to 1st go-round of finals 3D jackpot

10% to 2nd go-round of finals 3D jackpot

                        20% to average of finals 3D jackpot

                        60% to finals short-go (per age group)

TSPRA BARRELS FINALS AVERAGE:

1. Average time is determined by the combined times from round 1 and round 2 corresponding with same running order position (if running two horses).
2. Average times will be ranked by the 3D format (Fastest Time = 1D, fastest time + ½ second per run = 2D; fastest time + 1 second per run = 3D).  A special formula will be used to pay more moneys in the finals average:
   
   Average pay out:                 1-10    Contestants = 1 money       Per D

                                                            11-20 Contestants = 2 monies      Per D

                                                            21-30 Contestants = 3 monies      Per D

                                                            31-40 Contestants = 4 monies      Per D
 

TSPRA BARREL FINALS SHORT GO ROUND: 

1.    The top ten places in the TSPRA cumulative point standings for the year in each age group (40’s; 50’s; 60’s) who are entered and present will be eligible for the Finals Short Go-Round.  

2.    One run - One horse.

3.    The three (3) fastest times in each age group of the Finals Short Go-Round will earn prize money distributed 50%, 30% and 20%.

CALF ROPING RULES

1.            Tiedown calf roping is divided into five age groups:

                                                40-49; 50-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over

2.            Breakaway roping is divided into four age groups:

40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over

3.            Ribbon Roping is one age group: 40 and over.

 

4.            Rope must be tied hard and fast. Contestant must rope calf, dismount, go down rope and throw calf by hand and cross and tie any three feet To qualify as a legal tie, there shall be one or more wraps around three (3) legs and a half-hitch around two (2) or more legs. If calf is down when roper reaches it, the calf must be let up to his feet and thrown by hand (except in the 65 or 70 tiedown events). If roper's hand is on the calf when calf falls, calf is considered thrown by hand. Rope must hold calf until roper gets hand on calf. Tie must hold and three legs remain crossed until passed on by judge, and roper must not go back to string after giving a finished signal until after judge has completed his examination. Legs must be a three (3) bone cross. The field judge will pass on the tie of calf through use of a stop watch, timing six seconds from the time the rope horse takes his first step forward after the roper has mounted. Rope will not be removed from calf and rope must remain slack until field judge has passed on the tie. In the event a contestant's catch rope is off a calf after completion of tie, the six second time period is to start when the roper clears the calf. Flagger must watch calf during the six second period and will stop watch when a calf kicks free using the time shown on the watch to determine whether the calf was tied long enough to qualify. Roper will be disqualified for removing rope from calf after signaling for a time, until the tie has been passed on by the field judge. If tie comes loose or calf gets to his feet before the tie has been ruled a fair one, the roper will be marked no time. Animal belongs to contestant when he calls for him regardless of what happens, except in cases of mechanical failure at the judge's discretion, and his decision is final.

 

5.            In the tiedown calf roping events, one loop will be permitted and catch as catch can. Contestants must adjust rope and reins in a manner that will prevent horse from dragging calf. Contestant must receive no assistance of any kind from outside. If horse drags calf excessively, field judge may stop horse and a penalty fine may be assessed by field judge and/or any TSPRA director.

 

6.            Length of score will be determined by calf roping event directors. In the event the directors are not available and have not appointed someone to represent them, the President may act on the directors' behalf.

7.            Animals used for this event should be inspected and objectionable ones eliminated.

8.            If there must be a re-run of calves to complete a go-round, all calves must be tied down before any stock is drawn. If after one go-round has been completed a fresh calf has to be used, the calf must be roped and tied before the drawing, but if extra calves have been tied at the rodeo, they will not be considered fresh.

9.            Breakaway roping must be a bell collar catch when the rope breaks from the horn. Rope is attached to the saddle with a string; string must be broken by the calf.  Field judge has the last say on qualified catch.

10.         Contestants will start from behind a barrier in all roping events (Tiedown, Breakaway, and Ribbon Roping). There will be a ten second penalty for breaking or beating the barrier (i.e. horse jumping barrier).

11.         In all breakaway events, the TSPRA will furnish nylon string to be used in all age groups except the 70 age group.

TEAM ROPING RULES

1.    Team Roping events are divided into two age groups: 40-59; and 60 and over. Contestants will start from behind a barrier. There will be a ten second penalty for breaking or beating the barrier. The team roper behind the barrier must throw loop at head.

2.    Only two loops per team shall be allowed. The team will be allowed one loop at the head and one loop at the heels.

3.    Roping the steer without releasing the loop will be considered no catch.

4.    Steer must be up when roped by head or heels. Flag for time should be dropped when both horses face steer and ropes are tight. Header should face steer's head, heeler should face steer's tail.

5.    Horse's front feet should be on ground and roper mounted when time is taken.

6.    Legal catches are as follows: half-head, both horns, or around neck. One hind foot adds a five (5) second penalty. Hondo over one horn and loop over the other is an illegal catch. Figure eight in a head catch will be an illegal catch (does not apply to heels). Any heel catch with rope going up the heels will be a legal catch.

7.    If in the opinion of the flag judge, the roper has been too rough on the steer, the team can be disqualified.

8.    Steer's horn spread must not exceed 22 inches. Steers used should be inspected and any objectionable ones cut before the contest begins. If any are crippled or for some reason become unfit, they will be cut out.

9.    Contestants may tie hard and fast on one end.

10. The heel loop may be legally delivered when the header has changed the direction of the   steer. Any heel loop delivered before the steer's direction has changed will be considered crossfire and is illegal.

11. Broken rope or loss of rope will be considered no time.

12. If steer is roped by one horn, roper is not allowed to ride up and put rope over other horn with his hand. If the heeler ropes a front foot or feet in the heel loop, this is a foul catch. However, should the front foot or feet come out the heel loop by the time the field judge drops his flag, the time will be counted.

13. Any questions as to catches in this contest will be decided by the judges.

STEER WRESTLING RULES

1.    Steer Wrestling is for members 40 years of age or older.

2.    Contestants must furnish own hazer and horses. Steer must be caught from horse. Only one hazer allowed. Animal belongs to contestant when he calls for him regardless of what happens, except in cases of mechanical failure.

3.    If steer gets loose, steer wrestler may take no more than one step to catch steer. After catching steer, wrestler must change direction or bring steer to a stop and twist down. If steer is accidentally knocked down or thrown down by the steer wrestler putting animals' horn in the ground, it must be let up on all four feet and thrown. Steer will be considered down only when it is lying flat on its side, or on its back, with all four feet and head straight.  Wrestler must have hand on steer when flagged.  The fairness of catch and throw will be left to the judges and their decision shall be final.

4.    Hazer must not render any assistance to contestant while contestant is working with steer.  Failure to observe this rule will disqualify contestant.  Contestant and hazer must use the same two horses they leave chute with.  Hazer will be disqualified for jumping a steer.

5.    The barrier is set by the director or his spokesman.  The setting of the barrier will be done using sound judgment and will not be detrimental to the steer in any way.

6.    A steer wrestler will be allowed to choose a hazer of any age.  Hazer does not have to be 40 years of age.  Hazer does not have to 40 years of age or over or a member of TSPRA.

7.    Any cattle that have been used cannot be held over from one year to the next for use in steer wrestling, except by Board approval.

8.    Fresh steers added to bunch that have not been used must be dogged from horseback and thrown down.  It is the responsibility of steer wrestlers to throw the cattle at a time mutually agreed upon with the stock contractor.

9.    A weight limit shall be placed on dogging cattle, a minimum of 450 pounds and a maximum of 750 pounds per head.

10. A ten second penalty will be assessed in any case in which a flag judge rules that wrestler’s feet touched the ground before the flag line is crossed.

11. If wrestler misses or loses steer, flag judge must ask wrestler if he wishes another jump.  wrestler must reply at once.

12. Cattle used for steer roping, cutting or other events shall not be used for steer wrestling.

13. The steer wrestling chute must have at least 30 inches clearance inside the chute at the gate when in an open position.

14. Arena conditions will determine the score. Length of score to be set by arena director and steer wrestling director or his spokesman.

15. Animals used for this contest should be closely inspected and objectionable ones eliminated.  Contestant will not be required to complete on a crippled steer or a steer with a broken horn.  If contestant jumps at steer, he accepts him as sound.  Contestant will be disqualified if he attempts in any way to tamper with steers or chute.

16. Field  flagger is required to watch contestant and steer until animal is turned loose.  Contestant is required to turn steer’s head so he can get up.  Arena director may report infractions.

17. Contestant will start from behind a barrier.  There will be a ten-second penalty for breaking or beating the barrier.

18. There will be a 35 second time limit to throw the steer.

19. There must be at least four (4) steer wrestler to enter the event before it is put in the show

BULL RIDING RULES

1.  The Bull Riding event is divided into two (2) age groups: 35-40; and 40 and over.
2. Riding is to be done with one hand and loose rope, with or without handhold, no knots or hitches to prevent rope from falling off bull when rider leaves him.  Rope must have bell.  Bull will be ridden seven seconds, time to start when animal’s front feet cross the plane of the chute gate.
3.  Riders who are knocked off or fouled at chute or animal falls will be entitled to a re-ride at the discretion of judges.
4. A bull rider may have the option of a re-ride or of accepting a marking if the flank comes off the animal, providing the contestant has completed a qualified ride.  The re-ride may be given on the same animal if the stock contractor is willing or on a re-ride animal if requested by the contestant.
5. If rider makes a qualified ride with any part of rope in the riding hand, he is to be marked.  Contestant will have the right to call judges to pass on whether or not bull is properly flanked.
6. No more than two men may be on chute to pull contestant’s rope.
7. Hooks, rings or post shall not be used on bull ropes.
8. No bull may be put in the draw until his horns have been cut back a reasonable distance; tips having at least the diameter of a quarter.
9. Rider shall be disqualified for any of the following offenses:

a.    Being bucked off,

b.    Touching animal, equipment or person with free hand,

c.    Using sharp spurs or placing spurs or chaps under the rope when rope is being tightened.

10. Judges may disqualify a bull rider who has been advised he is next to go, and he is not above the animal with his glove on when the previous bull leaves the arena.
11.  If a director sees any reason for taking a certain animal out of the draw, he will be eligible to do so.
12.  If in the opinion of the judges, a rider makes two honest efforts to get out on a chute fighting animal and is unable to do so, he may have a re-ride drawn for him.
13. If a bull rider stops after an initial start, and any outside help is used to start the animal again, the contestant will be required to qualify in order to be awarded a re-ride, provided the contestant has qualified up until the animal stops.
14. If a bull rider accepts a re-ride, he must get on the re-ride bull or receive a no score.
15. Bull riders must attend the finals to receive awards.

RIBBON ROPING RULES

    1.  Ribbon Roping will be one age group, 40 and over.

2. Roper and runner must enter as team (can be different at each rodeo), but points will be counted individually for roper and runners end of year awards.  Entry fees will be $35 for roper and $35 for runner which totals $70 per team.
    
3. Women can be ribbon ropers but runner must be male. 
4. One loop is permitted and catch as catch can.
5. Rope must be on calf when runner takes ribbon.
6. Runner must cross line and show ribbon to judge. If calf is caught inside the line, runner must cross line in opposite direction.
7. If a calf has no ribbon on tail and is a fair catch, roper and runner get another calf, adding any penalties from first run.
8. If a roper pulls ribbon off the tail with his hands, a no time will be given.
9. If the rope causes the ribbon to fall from the tail, a no time will be awarded.
10. Lady runner must be a TSPRA member.

YEAR END AWARDS AND FINALS

1.     Year end awards will be determined by Directors and Officers each year.

2.     In case of ties, awards will be determined by amount of money won.

3.     Awards for Finals Rodeo will be determined in the same way as the year end awards.

4.     To be able to compete at the Finals, there are two choices:

a.    A TSPRA member may compete at ten (10) rodeos and be eligible to enter any event they are eligible to enter during the year.

b.    A TSPRA member may compete at five (5) rodeos but fewer than ten (10) rodeos and be eligible to enter any event they are eligible to enter during the year by paying a fee.  The fee is as stated:

Attend 5 Rodeos - $100.00 fee

Attend 6 Rodeos - $80.00 fee

Attend 7 Rodeos - $60.00 fee

Attend 8 Rodeos - $40.00 fee

Attend 9 Rodeos - $20.00 fee

5.     A member must compete at the Finals to earn and receive a year-end award, unless unable to compete due to personal injury or illness.