Introduction

Objectives & Goals

- To promote the sport of team roping

- To bond together the Approved Team Roping Arena’s in the Midwest while allowing those Approved Arena’s as much autonomy as possible

- To set standard regulations governing how ropers qualify to attend the Midwest Roping Finals

- To set and encourage the use if standard arena rules for the Sport of Team Roping in the Midwest Area.

- To share information and development of the Sport and Members with other Team Roping Associations.

- To encourage youth roping by having a Youth High Point Division

- To encourage family units, businessmen, young people and other interested parties to engage in Team Roping for business or pleasure.

- To be responsible for the planning and production of the Midwest Team Roping Association Finals

- To organize Roping contestants for their mutual benefit and protection

Classification

Memberships

- Purchase of a membership entitles you to member rights(see below)

- Yearly Membership to be purchased at the start of the year – before annual meeting if in attendance or at the first roping you may attend. Memberships expire December 31 of current year.

- Points for year-end only count after a yearly membership is purchased. Points attained prior to yearly membership DO NOT count.

- Family Membership - $100.00/yr – Husband/Wife & children under 17 yrs old

- Individual Adult Membership - $50.00/yr

- Individual Youth Membership - $25.00/yr - 17 and under

- Dummy Ropers – Free

- Barrel Racers - Free

- Daily Membership Youth or Adult - $15.00/day

Insurance

- Midwest insurance is purchased through the Saskatchewan Horse Federation.

- Cost is a one-time $3.00 charge per individual competing.

- Everyone must purchase the insurance before competing, including Barrel Racing Youths.

- Midwest purchases insurance as a club and also for each sanctioned roping.

Number System

That the Midwest adapted the triad system based on the Triad Classification system listed below. Numbers are chosen based on ability level with no consideration of age or sex. The purpose of the classification system is to provide for ropers a handicap system, which will allow them the opportunity to compete throughout the country against those of similar skills. The USTRC acknowledges that there is no such thing as a perfect classification system.

Numbers shall be reviewed prior to the first roping of the year and at the year’s halfway point. If the halfway point falls on a Saturday, the Committee will meet Saturday evening to review numbers, where numbers will be in effect at the next host arena’s roping (granting the Sunday roping as a grace period).

Dummy Ropers – Children under the age of 15 can be eligible for Dummy roping, but can not rope off a horse

# 1 True Beginner --- This person is learning to ride and swing a rope. Learning is priority over competition.

# 2 Beginner Novice --- Inexperienced riders with little roping experience. Uncomfortable roping from a horse, this roper has difficulty controlling their horse and rope at the same time. This roper is new to competition.

# 3 Mid Level Novice --- This roper is competing more and catch percentages have increased. Comfortable roping from a horse, but limited horsemanship skills prevents control over any aspect of the run. This instability prevents making necessary adjustments during the course of a run, which leads to inconsistency from one run to the next.

# 4 Upper level Novice --- Better rope handling mechanics allow for more catches. Better horsemanship skills afford control on slow moving steers but this roper still lacks the necessary rope skills and horsemanship to adjust to fast moving steers. Headers do not handle cattle very well and heelers lack ability to time feet. Both are inconsistent at putting runs together for the average.

# 5 Low Level Amateur --- (Header) Catches more than misses and handles cattle with more consistency. This roper rides a conservative barrier so most of his/her catches are well down the arena. This roper stands out in novice class roping.

(Heeler)This roper can sense being in time with the steer, which allows for a better catch to miss ratio. Reaction time is slow making it difficult to adjust to speed in the run. He/She has developed a pattern from one run to the next but struggles to catch many steers in succession. This roper stands out in novice class roping.

# 6 Mid Level Amateur --- (Header) Catches the majority of steers around the horns. Better at riding the barrier, this roper is turning steers where the heart of the roping is taking place. Skilled at handling steers through the corner, allows heelers to catch more easily and more frequently behind them. Typically rides to the hip of the steer before taking a throw and therefore does not take time out of the run.

(Heeler) This roper knows when they are in time with the steer. Better horsemanship and better rope handling skills allow them to make adjustments during the course of the run in order to time up with the steer. This roper rides a conservative corner and usually tracks the steer several jumps to find a throw. Timing is more automatic, so this roper will seldom completely miss a steer, however, he/she will frequently rope one leg. Focused more on catching than dictating the speed of the run.

# 7 Semi Pro --- (Header) This roper can dictate the speed of the run. Skilled at riding the barrier, he/she will catch most steers in the upper 1/3 of the arena. This group consists mostly of the better headers in the amateur ranks of rodeo.

High Level Amateur --- (Heeler) Sound horsemanship and sound rope skills allow this roper to catch most of their cattle by two feet. This roper sets the run up using a wide angle relative to the steer and rides aggressively through the corner. A solid catcher with intermittent ability to speed up the run. Typically this roper will hold slack overhead, thus allowing more rope to extend between them and the steer. The inability to quickly shut the run down on a consistent basis prevents a higher classification. Competitive jackpot heeler.

# 8 Professional --- (Header) This roper rides a barrier extremely well regardless of the length of score. They consistently rope their steers on the gain (a stride back of the steer) and with excellent horsemanship skills they control both the steer and the speed of the run. Rodeos both amateur and professional.

Semi Pro --- (Heeler) This roper rides higher and tighter horse position relative to the steer and consistently catches their steers on the third or fourth jump. Quicker at handling their slack, this roper can take time out of the run by dallying on a shorter rope. Competitive jackpot heeler with skills suited for the amateur ranks of rodeo.

# 9 Elite --- (Header) Regardless of the roping conditions, this header has the unique calculated ability to control the run. They ride superior horses, which allow them to make the most of any steer they draw. This is a NFR quality header. This header generally ropes for a living and /or is among the best in the world.

Professional --- (Heeler) This roper 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. The skill set of this group is well suited for the professional and amateur ranks of rodeo.

# 10 Elite ---(Heeler) This roper rides corner looking to rope the steer on the first legal jump and has the calculated ability to make up time on any given run. Superior horsemanship and rope handling skills allow him to rope most of his steers by two feet on the first or second jump. Ropes for a living and /or is among the best in the world. NFR quality heeler

Authority to Make Numbering Changes

- A Numbering Committee consisting a Chairperson and 2 other members shall determine the classification of numbers for all members.

- The Committee shall vote on members’ numbers.

- Members of the Committee shall abstain to challenging or voting for any family or self, including significant others, however, can use the appeal process to challenge a number classification.

- In the case of a tie amongst the Committee, the President (or designate) shall be contacted to break the tie.

Appeals

- All appeals must be submitted, with reasoning, to the President (or designate) for review, along with a $20.00 fee.

- When a person requests his/her number to be changed, the President (or designate) will notify the Vice President and the Numbering Committee Chairperson. A final decision on the appeal will be made by a vote amongst the President, Vice President and Numbering Committee Chairperson. The person who requested the change will be notified of the final decision prior to the next arena roping.

- Any current member of good standing may appeal the number of another member to the President (or designate). A final decision on the appeal will be made by a vote amongst the President, Vice President and Numbering Committee Chairperson. The person who requested the change will be notified of the final decision prior to the next arena roping.

- Where one roper exhibits dominance, or a clear advantage or disadvantage at their assigned classification, the Numbering Committee reserves the right to reconvene to evaluate the roper's number; or, if 2 or more appeals are submitted to the President (or designate) by members of good standing, the President shall call a meeting with the Vice President and Numbering Committee Chairperson to make a decision on the appeal. The persons requesting the change shall be kept confidential and will be notified of the final decision notwithstanding the result of the appeal. If the appeal results in the change of a member’s number, the member shall be notified of the final decision prior to the next arena roping.

Divisions & Formats

Youth High Point

- All youth under 17 years old will be eligible for the youth high point year-end with exception to Dummy Ropers and Barrel Racers.

- All individual youth points will be added together in each roping division (#11, #8 (w/ #2 Incentive)) throughout the year.

- Heading & heeling points will be added together

- The Top Youth will receive a sponsored plaque with a sponsored year-end prize.

- Must meet the minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for prizes.

- Must hold Yearly membership.

Dummy Roping

- Cannot dummy rope if you are entered in #2 or higher category

- Can only rope in one category.

- Group #1 – Age 8 and under

- Group #2 – Ages 9 – 15yrs old

- $2.00 Entry Fee

- 5 rounds

- 3 pts for horn catch / 2 pts for head catch / 1 pt for ½ head catch

- Points calculated – 1^st place – 3pts

2^nd place – 2pts

Participation – 1pt

- Year-end sponsored prizes for top dummy ropers.

- Must meet the minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for prizes.

Barrel Racing

- Can only run in one category.

- Group #1 – Age 6 and under

- Group #2 – Ages 7 – 10yrs old

- Group #3 – 11 – 15yrs old

- $5.00 Entry Fee

- 2 runs

- Points calculated – 1^st place – 3pts

2^nd place – 2pts

Participation – 1pt

- Year-end sponsored prizes for top barrel racers.

- Must meet the minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for prizes.

#8 (w/
#2 Incentive)

- #8 (w/ #2 Incentive) Division – team rating may not add up to more than 8.

- All teams consisting of at least one #2 roper will also qualify for the #2 Incentive points and payout.

- Pick 1, Draw 1, or Draw Both

- Enter 3 times (for a total of 6 runs)

- Capped at a #5 roper.

- Individuals may enter full on both ends (6 times heading & heeling)

- $32.00 fee per entry - $16.00/man/run ($15 to run, $1 to office)

- 3-head semi-progressive if 60 teams or less; if over 60 teams, then straight-progressive.

- 33% stock charge

- #8 Points calculated as: 1^st place – 6pts

2^nd place – 5pts

3^rd place – 4pts

4^th place – 3pts

5^th place – 2pts

6^th place – 1pt

- #2 Incentive Points calculated same as #8, except only the #2 roper shall receive points.

- Extra runs are no charge, but will receive only half of the payout, the other half goes to association, also do not receive any points. Extra runs will be given to the ropers that are entered full (maximum) on one end.

- Entries for the #8 (w/ #2 Incentive) will close before the final round of the #11 Equalizer.

- Year-end prizes for the top 3 year-end Headers & Heelers in the #8.

- Year-end prizes for the top 3 year-end #2 Incentive ropers.

- Rope-Off for #8 for year-end (see below)

- Must meet the minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for prizes.

#11 Equalizer

- Pick 1/Draw 2, or Draw all 3

- Enter 3 times (for a total of 9 runs)

- Individuals may enter full on both ends (6 times heeling & heading)

- $48.00 entry fee - $16.00/man/run ($15 to run, $1 to office)

- 3-head straight-progressive

- 33% stock charge

- Equalizer - + or – ½ second/#/head

4 down – 2 seconds off per # over/under 7 (total time)

3 down – 1.5 seconds off per # over/under 7 (total time)

2 down – 1 second off per # over/under 7 (total time)

1 down - 0.5 second off per # over/under 7 (total time)

- Extra runs are no charge, but will receive only half of the payout, the other half goes to association, also do not receive any points. Extra runs will be given to the ropers that are entered full (maximum) on one end.

- Entries for the #11 Equalizer will close ½ hour prior to its scheduled start time.

- Points calculated – 1^st place – 6pts

2^nd place – 5pts

3^rd place – 4pts

4^th place – 3pts

5^th place – 2pts

6^th place – 1pt

- Year-end prizes for the top 3 year-end Headers & Heelers.

- Rope-Off #11 for year-end (see below)

- Must meet the minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for prizes.

Payouts

Dummy Roping

- The Midwest shall match entry money

- Group #1 – Age 8 and under

- All participates receive double money back

- Group #2 – Ages 9 – 15yrs old

- Entry money plus added money – Split 60% / 40%

#8 (w/
#2 Incentive)

- Payouts based on amount of teams entered

- PAYOUT for #2 Incentive:

% of # of Paid teams with a #2 roper in “#8 (w/ #2 Incentive)” Division (extra runs are ½ teams) (to a maximum of 25% of division total) X Entry Fee ($32.00) = _____________

Minus office charge ($2.00 X # of teams) = ___________

Minus stock charge (33%) = ____________

= #2 Incentive PAYOUT

- PAYOUT for #8:

# of Paid #8 teams (extra runs are ½ teams) (X Entry Fee ($32.00) = _________

Minus #2 Incentive Payout = ___________

Minus office charge ($2.00 X # of teams allocated to #8 payout) = ______

Minus stock charge (33%) = ____________

= #8 PAYOUT

#11 Equalizer

- Payouts based on amount of teams entered

- # of Paid teams (extra runs are ½ teams) X Entry Fees ($32.00) = __________

Minus office charge ($2.00 X # of teams) = ___________

Minus stock charge (33%) = ____________

= #11 EQUALIZER PAYOUT

Finals

Rules

- Must hold an annual membership

- Must attend half of the regular jackpots, OR, attend “half plus one” of the number of arenas to qualify for year-end prizes and rope-off.

- If a roper qualifies both ways for the rope-off, they may choose to rope both ends or one of their choosing. The choice must be made prior to the start of the rope-off.

- If a tie for year-end prizes (1^st, 2nd or 3^rd), will result in a 2-head rope-off. Can pick any partner. May choose to rope both head with same partner or trade partners. Ropers decide.

- Western dress code in effect on finals weekend.

Dress Code

- Ropers must wear a cowboy hat, or no hat. Caps will not be permitted, nor are they permitted to be tied on, or attached in any way during the course of a run. Men’s shirts must have a sewn on collar, full buttoned front styling, with short or long sleeves and cowboy boots, or approved laced cowboy shoe with a heel. Women’s shirts must meet men’s requirement or be long-sleeve western-style shirt, no hoodies, no sweatshirts. Unless a medical exemption is made, heeled or any type tennis shoes will not be permitted. Failure to observe dress code will result in a no-time on any steer qualified.

Year-end Prizes

- Top 3 headers & heelers from the #11 Equalizer, #8 Division will receive sponsored year-end prizes. The Top 3 #2 Incentive ropers will received sponsored year-end prizes.

- Other prizes to be awarded based on sponsorship.

- Prizes awarded after the Rope-Off on the final Sunday of the roping year.

#8 Rope-off

- 10 Spots to both Headers & Heelers.

- Top 6 Headers and Heelers will qualify based on year-end point accumulation.

- 4 Buy-In Spots per side will be available at $250 each. Buy-In requirements state:

o Ropers must hold an Annual Membership;

o Ropers must meet the minimum attendance requirements;

o Spots are non-refundable, non-transferrable (with the exception of hardship);

o   Ropers who Buy-In must not exceed a #4 handicap rating.

o Ropers who Buy-In and Qualify on Points must take their Buy-In and forfeit their earned spot to the next roper to qualify on points.

- If 6th hole results in a tie, then the member with the most money won will be eligible for the rope-off – As long as the minimum attendance requirements have been met and that roper has not purchased a Buy-In spot. If a tie holds in most money won, then a 2-head rope-off will determine it.

- If you qualify heading & heeling you may rope both ends, but will take a N/T when you rope with yourself.

- Single Round Robin

- Entry $30.00 - $20.00/man, $10.00 stock.

o 1^st place to receive 70% of Rope-off Cash (1/3 of year-end pot).

o 2^nd place to receive 30% of Rope-off Cash (1/3 of year-end pot).

o 3^rd place to receive Entry Cash.

#11 Equalizer Rope-off

- 10 Spots to both Headers & Heelers.

- Top 6 Headers and Heelers will qualify based on year-end point accumulation.

- 4 Buy-In Spots per side will be available at $250 each. Buy-In requirements state:

o Ropers must hold an Annual Membership;

o Ropers must meet the minimum attendance requirements;

o Spots are non-refundable, non-transferrable (with the exception of hardship);

o Ropers who Buy-In and Qualify on Points must take their Buy-In and forfeit their earned spot to the next roper to qualify on points.

- If 6th hole results in a tie, then the member with the most money won will be eligible for the rope-off – As long as the minimum attendance requirements have been met and that roper has not purchased a Buy-In spot. If a tie holds in most money won, then a 2-head rope-off will determine it.

- If you qualify heading & heeling you may rope both ends, but will take a N/T when you rope with yourself.

- Single Round Robin

- Entry $30.00 - $20.00/man, $10.00 stock.

o 1^st place to receive 70% of Rope-off Cash (2/3 of year-end pot).

o 2^nd place to receive 30% of Rope-off Cash (2/3 of year-end pot).

o 3^rd place to receive Entry Cash.

Judging & Roping Rules

Judges Decision

The decision of the judge will be final. However, the arena directors may appeal to the judge on behalf of the team for review of the call in question. If problems arise during the roping the roping is to be stopped until problem is resolved.

Barrier

- A rope or electronic heading barrier shall be used for every roping. The arena directors will have discretion of which type of barrier shall be used. If an arena does not have a barrier, one shall be rented for the roping event.

- #1 incentive and/or #1 category do not need a barrier or penalties.

- At a barrel roping; if the steer turns back before the barrel that a rerun be given at the discretion of the flagger.

- Those at “Barrel” ropings, steers are not to be touched until the steer’s nose crosses the barrel line. The penalty for barrier is always plus 10 seconds. The score line on the barrels is to be determined by the arena owner.

Loops

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

Legal Catches

- There are only three legal head catches: 1) Around both horns; 2) Half a head; 3) Around the neck. If hondo 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.

Questioned Catch

- 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.

Broken Horn/Legs etc.

- Team is responsible for their animal before leaving chute. A N/T will be given for broken horns or legs etc.

Time Taken

- 30 second limit per running time before penalties.

- 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 ropers must be mounted when time is taken. Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels.

- Time is taken from the crack of the gate, unless an electronic barrier is used time is stopped when the judges 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.

Tie On Rule

- Any heeler 60 years or older may tie on. Any heeler with a classification of 4 or less will be permitted to tie on at 55 years of age or older. Ladies who heel may tie on. Under no circumstances will any header be permitted to tie on. Children 12 years or younger may NOT tie on. We encourage tie on ropers to use a quick release for tied on ropes.

Cross Fire

- The header must have control of the steers head and the steers must change direction before the heeler can legally deliver his or her rope. Any heel loop delivered before the corner is considered a crossfire and illegal. In the instance where a steer sets up, at no fault of the roper, the heel loop can be thrown at any time once the header has control of the steer.

Heeler Ropes Front Foot

- 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.

Header Ropes Any Leg

- 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.

Plastic Heads

- If plastic heads are used on steers and it comes off during roping. Rerun is given. The team re-enters box immediately and takes the next steer.

Dropped Rope/Rope interference

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

- If rope interferes with any part of area and reports in loss of catch it is a N/T – Ropers are responsible for knowing the surroundings

Arena Clear

- 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 recognized as interference and they shall NOT receive a rerun

Livestock

Cattle

- That if at all feasible that horned cattle be used for every roping in the Midwest. Cattle must not be changed until total round is complete in all divisions.

Safety Guidelines

- Be sure all signs & insurance are posted

- Arenas are to be enclosed

- No riding under the influence of alcohol

- No riding alone in an arena

- Humane treatment to horses

- Helmets are recommended for children under 18

- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times

- Never Leave Children unattended with the Horses

Midwest Rules

Non-profit Organization

- That the Midwest Roping Association be incorporated as a nonprofit organization.

- A quorum consists of 50% of the directors plus one. (President, Vice President and Secretary are included as directors).

- Financial year-end is December 31

Executive

- Must have a president, vice president & secretary/treasurer.

- All members have the right to elect the executive

Directors

- Each arena requires two directors.

- The board of Directors to be set up by the Midwest Roping Association consisting of half stock contractors, half members – not including President, Vice President and Secretary.

- To inform members in their area and changes that are made

- Must be 18 yrs of age, mentally competent and who is not bankrupt.

- Directors are responsible for managing the activities and affairs of the corporation. May include – budgeting, balancing, planning, fundraising, setting policy, hiring and firing personal and handing public relations.

Members

- Basic Rights – Right to elect the directors

- Right to one vote at a meeting of members

- May have access to all records and, without charge and on request.

Records

- An Adequate set of records must be kept at the registered office of the corporation where they can be accessed – Records will include Articles of incorporation, by-laws, all the amendments, minutes from all meetings, members list that are entitled to vote and financial records.

Audit

- The Midwest Roping Association will have their year-end books audited or reviewed by a third party non-member each year.

Meetings

- All meeting minutes will be sent to all directors and will be read at next meeting

Annual Meetings – All members are to be invited 15 days prior

- New Memberships to be purchased before meeting

- Anyone may attend meeting and make suggestions, but only members can make motions and vote.

- 2 held in a year – one at the start of year / 2^nd – 4mths after previous year end

- 1^st Meeting – Executive/Directors to be voted in & Financial Review

- 2^nd Meeting – 4mths after previous year end - to review audit

Director Meetings – Only directors involved

- Before business can be transacted, there must be a quorum (50% of the directors plus one. (President, Vice President and Secretary are included as directors).

Cheques

- The Association guarantees bad cheques for its members.

Secretary Fees

- The Midwest Roping Assoc will pay the secretary of the Association $200.00/month, plus cover all office expenses. Starting at the first roping, the secretary will be paid an additional $100.00 per roping by the club to cover responsibilities for payouts, points, balancing, etc.

Host Arenas

- Must be a participant in the Midwest Roping Association to host a roping.

- Must be approved by board of directors.

- Must have $500 in sponsorships prior to their hosted roping or $500 will be deducted from their stock charges cheque.

- Arenas will be responsible for $100 per roping for secretary fees ($200 for 2 day roping).

- Directors to evaluate each arena at the start of year to see if they are eligible to host a roping in the new season based on participation.

- All directors must do their part in fundraising & receiving sponsorship.

- All directors must purchase a yearly membership.

Finals

- The last weekend of the season is to be rotated amongst all the arenas so that each arena has the option of holding the Rope-Off after the regular roping on Saturday & Sunday.

- Sunday regular roping starts at 10:00am with entries starting at 9:00am.

- That the finals be held on a seniority basis.

Prizes

- All year-end division prizes will be funded via sponsorship dollars.

- A cash payout (added pot, less any forthcoming expenses) to the Rope-Off will be used to diminish the bank balance to $500.00 at the end of the season.

- The year-end cash pot is to be split 1/3 to the #8 Rope-Off & 2/3 to the #11 Rope-Off.

- The cash pots will pay:

o 1^st place to receive 70% of Rope-off Cash for that Division.

o 2^nd place to receive 70% of Rope-off Cash for that Division.

o 3^rd place to receive Entry Cash.

Youth

- The Midwest Roping Association Inc. will establish and govern a Youth Program.

- Midwest will establish a Youth High Pt Division.