New England Rodeo

New England Rodeo (NER) Barrel Racing Rules and Contestant Information

As of May 3, 2023

 

New England Rodeo (NER) Barrel Racing Rules and Contestant Information

As of May 2nd, 2023

1.The Professional Barrel Racing, Youth, and Mini divisions are limited to female contestants, unless otherwise specified. 

2.The Mini Barrel Racing division is limited to children ages 10 and younger as of January 1st of the current year. A birth certificate may be requested to provide proof of age, if in question.

3.The Youth Barrel Racing division is limited to children ages 16 and younger as of January 1st of the current year. A birth certificate may be requested to provide proof of age, if in question.

4.The Professional Barrel Racing division is open to all ages.

5.Entries for all contestants occur on the Monday before the show starting at 7pm via Saddlebook. The event will not appear until registration open. The event title is Bulls and Barrels with the month and day of the show. Limit spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If divisions are filled, please check back for openings due to scratches. 

6.All contestants have until Thursday before the show at 7pm to scratch at no charge. If a contestant scratches after 7pm on Thursday, they will be assessed a fee equivalent to the cost of the entry. This fee must be paid in advance of being allowed to sign up any additional shows. 

7.After the Saddlebook entries close on Thursday after 7pm, please message Sarah Leach to be added to the waitlist if there are no openings. We will go down the waitlist to fill empty spots.

8.NER has the right to refuse a potential contestant entry; based upon unappropriated behavior, poor horsemanship, or poor sportsmanship displayed at pervious NER shows or inappropriate messaging, communications, and social media.As a contestant, you are a representative of NER and required to act in such a fashion. This is not limited to the contestant but the contestant’s guests and family members. 

9.The Mini division is limited to 5 contestants. The Youth division is limited to 10 contestants. The Professional division is limited to 20 contestants.

10.​Contestants must compete in 10 shows to potentially receive an invitation for the finals

11.Contestants can only enter one horse per show. Horses may be shared from the Mini division to the Youth division to the Professional division. The same horse cannot be ridden twice in the same division. 

12.Contestants must park their trailer in the location designated by the parking attendant. Contestants found to be sneaking in guests will be disqualified or asked to leave. 

13.All contestants must check-in when the office is open. 

14.The office is opened from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at NER Ranch. Contestants are considered checked-in after they have both signed the waiver and paid their entry fee. If a contestant does not check in by 5:30pm, they will be considered a call out and are assessed a fine equivalent to their entry fee. Office hours may vary at travel rodeos. 

15.Entry fees must be paid for in cash to allow for a cash payout. 

16.Entry fee is $50 for the Professional division. Entry fee is $40 for the Youth division. Entry fee is $10 for the Mini division.

17.The Youth division will start approximately at 6:30pm. The Professional division will start approximately at 7:30pm.

18.Each contestant will receive a wrist band which grants them permission to enter the back of the rodeo. 

19.Each contestant will also receive one free entry for a guest. Contestants can purchase one additional wristband at $20. Contestants are responsible for their guest. 

20.All contestants are required to wear western attire (i.e., boots, long jeans). Long sleeve shirts with collar, waist length or M Sport 6 shirts are required. Western hat or helmet. All contestants under 18 years old must wear a helmet. Western attire must be worn during open arena, in addition to the show. 

21.All contestants are expected to sign a waiver or have their guardian sign a waiver prior to mounting a horse. Contestants will be asked to leave open arena if they have not signed a waiver. 

22.Open arena will be held from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at NER Ranch. Open arena may be delayed depending on the time to takes to load the chutes. Open arena hours may vary at travel rodeos. There are to be no barrels touched or set up during open arena. 

23.The Professional Division will be split into two groups: 1st Group and 2nd Group. Contestants cannot swap groups. Other events may occur in between the two groups. The Mini and Youth division will ride during prior to the start of the rodeo during NER’s Youth Rodeo.

24.While contestants are in the holding area, if a contestant’s horse becomes too unruly and dangerous to surrounds contestants or self, by the discretion of the Judge/Announcer, the contestant may be disqualified.

25.All contestants must be in the holding pen before their section of barrels starts. If they are not in the holding pen, they will not run.

26.After a contestant’s name has been announced four times, they have 60 seconds to enter the arena. If the contestant requires more than 60 seconds to enter the arena, they will receive a no time.

27.All contestants must run in the order of go. If a contestant runs out of order, they will receive a no time.

28.All contestants must start their run from the mouth of the gate/alleyway and move in a forward direction. No circling in the arena.

29.Barrels used must be 55-gallon metal drums. Barrels are set on the inside of each stake. 

30.Ground will be worked before the Youth Division and each group of Professionals unless time constraints exist.  

31.Contestants will not be penalized for touching a barrel to keep it standing.

32.Should a rider fall while on pattern they receive a no time. If they fall after a time has been captured, their time will count.

33.If a contestant’s tack breaks during their run, and they are unable to continue they will not be issued a re-ride.

34.Contestant’s will be given re-ride due to a timer malfunction. The re-ride can occur immediately or at the end of the group. There will not be a fresh drag.

35.If a contestant knocks a barrel, they will be assessed a 5 second penalty per knocked barrel. Barrels knocked over and flip back up by 180° will count as a knocked barrel. Barrels must remain the direction, they were originally placed. 

36.Contestants are not allowed to converse with the Timekeeper and/or Judge/Announcer during the barrel racing event except to scratch from the show. 

37.Contestants will be disqualified if they go off pattern. Professional contestants must immediately leave the arena after going off pattern. Youth contestants are allowed to re-try the pattern one time immediately. This re-try will be considered a no time.

38.No one on horseback, besides, the contestant is allowed in the arena during a contestants run. 

39.Contestants and guests are not allowed in the announcer’s booth during the show except to scratch from the event, unless cleared by the announcer/judge.

40.Shows may be canceled at the owner’s discretion due to weather or unsafe ground conditions. 

41.Rules are subject to change. It’s the contestant’s responsibility to ensure they are in compliance with the must current set of rules. 

42.Somewhere around the arena, there is a little kid that wants to be just like you someday. You owe it to them to be the best you can be.