BRITISH COLUMBIA
BARREL RACERS ASSOCIATION
RULES
word format RULES printable version
BRITISH COLUMBIA BARREL RACERS
ASSOCIATION
4-D RULES AND REGULATIONS
Revised September 4,
2009
All members are required to read these rules carefully, failure to understand the rules will not be accepted as an excuse.
1. MEMBERSHIP
The Open category is open to all riders of any age.
The Junior category is open to any rider 15 years of age or younger as of January 1st of the current membership year.
The Senior category is open to any rider 50 years of age or older as of January 1st of the current membership year.
The Peewee category is open to any rider 10 years of age or younger as of January 1st of the current membership year.
Annual membership fee is:
1st Memberships (Open, Junior, Senior) - $55.00.
2nd Memberships (Junior or Senior) - $30.00 – For those who wish to Double Dip.
Peewee Membership - $25.00.
Additional Horse Membership $30 (Open, Junior, Senior) $15. (Peewee)
Peewees may upgrade their membership to a Junior and/or Open membership anytime during the year by paying an additional $30.00 per category. Junior and/or Open race credits will be accumulated from the date of upgrade. Written notice to the Membership Director is required. Upon purchase of the Junior and/or Open card you cannot change division for the remainder of the season.
Membership applications must be made in writing on approved form to the BCBRA Membership Director and be accompanied by a completed release form and payment in full.
Applications forms along with the distribution of race credit cards, will only be handled by the Membership Director.
An individual is not a member of the BCBRA until his/her membership has been paid in full, including late fines, incorrect amounts sent for membership and any NSF charges.
Memberships run from date of purchase up to and including the Finals of the current year.
IF YOU WISH TO RUN MORE THAN 1 HORSE AT THE FINALS - requirement of 6 race credits for each extra horse, with an additional fee of $30.00 per horse for Open, Junior & Senior and $15 for Peewee to be paid in advance &/or with finals entries. Additional cards will be available from the Membership Secretary on request.
A member shall be bound by, subject to, and shall be obligated to observe the By-Laws, rules and regulations of the Association in like manner as if he/she had entered into an agreement to that effect.
The Board of Directors may refuse membership to any person without just cause or reason, and shall have the power and authority to fine or suspend, or both, any member and cancel the membership of any member.
Any member may withdraw from the Association upon written notice to that effect to the Secretary of the Association. Membership fees are not refundable.
Any attempt by a member to sue or publicly defame the association, its Board of Directors and general membership will result in immediate termination of membership privileges; any related suspension and/or fines to be set by the Board.
2. MEMBERSHIP CARD, ID NUMBER AND ATTENDANCE CARDS
Each member will receive a race attendance card for each membership category they are eligible to run in.
This card also represents their Membership card and Finals entry form.
The card will have member’s name, number, category and effective date of race credits.
The attendance portion must be properly completed with date, facility and arena managers initial or stamp.
Members mailing in applications should receive their Membership/Attendance cards within 2 weeks after the membership is received at the BCBRA office. It is the responsibility of the member to contact the office if Membership/attendance card is not received within this time.
3. CARRY OVER (also referred to as Double Dipping)
This term is used for an option available to junior and senior members only.
If a Junior/Senior would like to enter their respective category, as well as the Open category they may choose this option.
If they choose this option they must pay entry and approval fees for both race categories, but they will only make their run in the Open category. That time and any penalties will be carried over to their Junior/Senior category.
This option must be declared at the time of entry otherwise they must run in both races.
Junior/Senior must have Open AND Junior/Senior Membership in order to Carry-Over (see #1. Membership).
4. GOLD CARD MEMBERS
To qualify for a Gold Card the intended recipient must meet ALL the following criteria:
10 years consecutive membership; and
Have given outstanding service to the Association; and
Have been approved for Gold Card at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Gold Card members are entitled to all the basic benefits of the Association that are included in Membership Fees regardless of age category (those who are eligible to double dip).
5. NEWSLETTER
Our official publication is Rodeo Connection (paper magazine) and Canadian Barrel Racer (email magazine). Also, please check the BCBRA Website for all information.
6. RETURNED CHEQUES/FINES
There is a $25 service charge on all returned cheques from the bank.
If a cheque is not replaced with a certified cheque or money order within 21 days after the date of notification by the BCBRA, no points or qualifiers will be issued to said member and the member will be put on the "ineligible" list.
Ineligible individuals will not be allowed to run at BCBRA approved races, or attend the Finals until said debt (service charges included) have been paid in full. (Arena operators can collect the debt - allowing the rider to enter - and send it in with their recap results.)
A list of ineligible riders will be posted on the BCBRA Website each month. Names will remain on the list until debt has been paid in full.
7. FINALS QUALIFICATIONS
Must be a member in good standing of the BCBRA.
The contestant must participate in 6 BCBRA 4-D approved races in the qualification year in each category they are eligible to compete in at the Finals (Open, Junior &/or Senior). Peewees must participate in 4 BCBRA Peewee approved races.
For each additional horse one wishes to ride in the Finals, one must have received 6 race credits per horse and pay an additional fee of $30.00 per horse(open, junior, senior) $15 (peewee) no later than the finals entries cutoff.
A member may ride any number of different horses at the qualifying races.
Members may enter races in any region to qualify for the Finals.
Yearend will be declared 40 days prior to the Finals date. Races run after this date count towards the following competition year.
The Finals format will be in place by January 1st of the race year.
Every member is responsible for retaining & updating their race card. A $20. fee will apply if card is lost or needs to be replaced.
Each member entering the finals must provide a sponsorship of $50 for Open, Junior, or Senior, and $20 for Peewees.
8. GENERAL RULES
No member of the BCBRA shall, at any time, organize a BCBRA Clinic without the approval of the Board of Directors, nor shall anyone speak, write or appear on behalf of the Board or the Association, without the Board’s permission.
Infractions of rules will result in disqualification, fines or suspensions at the discretion of the BCBRA Board of Directors. Infractions of the rules include:
Conduct or speech of any kind that is detrimental to the best interests of the BCBRA;
Being under the influence of alcohol in the arena;
Altercations or quarreling at any time during an approved event;
Failure to follow the BCBRA Rules & Regulations.
Any protest/appeal must be submitted in writing to the Secretary along with a certified cheque or money order in the amount of $25.00. This will be refunded only if the protest/appeal is successful.
The BCBRA fine for not paying entry fees is $25.00.
The BCBRA fine for turning out of a performance is $50.00 plus entry fee.
Turnout fine will be in effect for added money races only, and the race entries have to be closed prior to the race day, and shall be at the discretion of the Arena Manager.
There will be no drawing out after positions are drawn without a Doctor’s release or a Veterinarian’s Certificate. A contestant may not compete at another approved race within five (5) clear days. Only three (3) Veterinarian and/or doctor releases can be submitted in one (1) year. Contestant may also turn out on a Visible Injury Release.
A contestant may ride any horse regardless of ownership.
A horse may not be ridden by more than one person in a category UNLESS ALL the following conditions are met:
Both contestants are members of the owner’s immediate family, who reside in the same household (husband, wife, children, and grandchildren under 12 years.);
Neither contestant is riding any other horse in that category;
In no case will the same horse be run more than twice in the same category.
Long sleeved shirts, western hats and boots are required unless arena director advertises differently in the newsletter.
A penalty of $5.00 will be imposed if you do not follow dress code when entering the arena to compete.
Blue jeans are permissible.
A contestant will be disqualified for not being ready to run when called.
Ill-mannered horses will be disqualified at the Judge(s) discretion.
A running or standing start can be used depending on the arena conditions, but in no case may a contestant cause any unnecessary delay in starting the race.
Arena gates are to be left open for all contestants or closed for all contestants during a race. The decision is to be made before the race starts by the majority of the contestants and/or the Arena Director depending on the arena conditions.
A contestant may, from a riding position, hold a barrel from falling.
A contestant may hang onto the saddle or use both hands on the reins if he/she so desires.
Once barrel markers have been placed, no practicing is allowed on the course marked. For purposes of practicing, barrels must be placed at least 15 feet away from the markers.
No contestant shall run a barrel pattern in the arena within one (1) hour of show time.
If there are time-only runs allowed (must be approved by the management), they must be run at the end of the event day. A contestant cannot make a time-only run on his/her contest horse until all his/her money runs have been made on that horse.
All contesting horses shall be entirely free from effects of stimulants or hypnotics. Contestants will be subject to suspension if found abusing this rule.
9. APPROVALS
For a barrel race to be sanctioned by the BCBRA it must be submitted to and approved by the Circuit Secretary.
All approvals must be submitted on a proper approval form (mail-in, email, or fax) and must be received by the 7th of the month prior to the approval date.
Forms are available from Circuit Secretary or on the BCBRA Website.
It will be the member’s responsibility to insure the approval has been received by the Circuit Secretary.
The Board of Directors has the right to reject any approval request it feels is detrimental to the Association.
Arena Managers have the right to refuse entry of any non-members at their race(s).
All BCBRA approved races must be listed in the BCBRA publication or Website to count for race qualification.
All BCBRA approved races must hold all race categories: Open, Junior, Senior, and Peewee.
There must be a minimum of one (1) contestant entered in a category in order for it to count as a race qualifier.
If there is to be Added Money, the exact amount of the added purse must be confirmed and advertised.
The BCBRA Peewee race runs first, before any other barrel race. Then Open, Junior, and Senior.
Exception: BCBRA Finals
Arena operators will be responsible for maintaining good ground conditions, taking entries and doing payouts.
Arena operators wanting to use a two-run option must have the race advertised as such. Two run option – each rider has the option to make two runs (order of go remains the same) for one entry fee. The best time is taken as run time for the category. Riders must declare at entry time if she/he wishes to take 2-run option.
Upon applying for an approval the arena operator agrees to the following:
Follow the BCBRA Rules and Regulations;
Safe ground/arena conditions. Ground must remain consistent throughout the jackpot.
Reworking/raking rotation should be determined by the Arena Operator.
BCBRA electric timer to be used where ever possible.
10. CO-APPROVALS
The BCBRA will co-approve races being held by other associations if requested. Co-approval request must be in writing to Circuit Secretary.
Must be advertised in our Newsletter and on the Website.
A co-approval fee of $3.00 per entry will be charged by the BCBRA.
BRN4D Co-approved Junior and Senior Races – although Junior and Senior age requirements differ from the BCBRA, these races will count as race credits for our Junior and Senior members.
11. RACE RESULTS
Within 48 hours after race date, arena operator must mail in the following:
Completed Entry From, Timesheets, and Payout Calculation Sheet to appropriate Zone Director.
Recap sheet and all sanctioning fees, timer fees, etc, plus membership application forms and fees must be mailed to the Bookkeeper. (No cash, please send cheque or money order)
If complete race results are not received within 14 days after the race, the arena operator can be fined $25.00.
If race results are received incomplete, they will be returned to the race manager and can be subject to a $25 fine.
12. REGULATION COURSE
45 gallon, metal, closed-ended barrels to be used.
When arena conditions are suitable the following distances should be used:
1) Regulation Barrel distances are 90 Feet between barrel #1 and #2 and 105 feet from barrels 1 & 2 to barrel #3, with a 40 foot score line. With this pattern the barrels must be a minimum of 20 feet off the fence (15 feet off the fence for indoor patterns). Minimum stopping distance 45 feet with a closed gate;
2) In smaller arenas, barrel 3 should be no closer than 25’ from the end of the arena and should be set not more than 15’ longer than the distance between barrels 1 and 2;
3) or, 60 feet from barrel #1 to barrel #2, and 125 feet from barrels #1 & #2 to Barrel #3, with a 40 foot score line and a minimum stopping distance of 45 feet with a closed gate.
The barrels and starting line must be permanently marked for each go-round.
If a timer is used, permanent timer markers must be in place. If any distances should be changed or barrel measurements lost during a go-round, then split moneys must be paid.
Barrels must be set to run in and out equally for left handed or right handed barrel racers, where safe and possible. Compulsory run in and out must be posted in the Office and Judges must be notified. Riders may be disqualified if this rule is not complied with.
Whenever split go-rounds are run, barrel distances must be measured with a measuring tape before each go-round. When the barrels are being marked, a Judge should be present to witness the figures used and recorded. Barrel measurements are to be turned in to the Show Secretary and used the next day. The paper is to be signed by the girls marking the barrels and the Judge where possible.
13. TIMING THE BARREL RACE
A five (5) second penalty will be assessed for each barrel knocked over. Knocked down barrels will be considered a no time run. The rider's time will be announced and recorded but no moneys will be paid on said run. Beside the rider's time a (+5) will be recorded.
Horses are to be timed on the nose both at the start and finish of the race.
The contestant must complete the race on the horse in order to have time count.
Once the official racing time begins, re-runs are not allowed. However, if time is missed due to the electric timer and the flagman not being ready, official time will be taken again.
Re-runs awarded due to mechanical failure WILL CARRY FORWARD ALL PENALTIES and will be at the end of the go-around, or at the end of the rake, whichever the rider chooses.
If there is obvious interference during a run the contestant may take a re-run at the Judge(s) discretion.
Judges shall watch to see that no one walks in front of the electric eye and shall further make sure that each barrel racer completes the racing pattern properly. Once the eye has been broken the time has been started.
An electric timer must be used whenever available. Times recorded and paid to 1/1000th of a second (i.e.: one day races), if timer is not moved throughout the entire go. Otherwise, times are to be to the one-one hundredth (1/100) of a second.
All barrel races are required to be timed with no less than two watches in 100ths of a second when the electric timer is not used. Manual time must be recorded, averaged and paid off in hundredths.
The BCBRA electronic timer charge is $2.00 per run. An inventory checklist will be contained in each timer box and Arena Management and/or Circuit Secretary will be required to confirm contents on arrival and sending timer to next approval.
14. 4D FORMAT
The pay out is based on a four-division format. The 4-D pay out format is divided into the following divisions:
1st Division = Fastest (Penalty Free)Time, 2nd Division = Fastest time + .5 seconds,
3rd Division = Fastest time + 1 second, 4th Division = Fastest time + 2 seconds.
(E.g. 16.0; 16.5; 17.0; 18.0 respectively.)
(If barrels 1 and 2 have less than 60 feet in between, arena operator may opt for 1/2-second splits between all divisions. The 4th division is the only division affected by this change.)
The pattern size and/or time bracket used must be posted or announced prior to starting the race.
15. ENTRY FEES
Will be at the discretion of the arena operator.
All entry fees including arena fees and office fees are to be posted with the approval in the newsletter publication and Website.
Junior and Senior entry fee should be nominal.
Open entry fee is usually $20.00, but is at the arena operator’s discretion.
Entry fees should be in proportion to the money added.
NON MEMBERS competing at a BCBRA approved race will be charged an extra fee of $5.00. This fee is charged to the rider only, not the number of horses that are entered.
16. PAY OUT (Open, Junior, Senior)
On all approved Open, Junior & Senior races, a $3.00 approval fee will be charged per entry.
NO MONEY PAID TO KNOCKED BARRELS.
Total purse shall be divided - 30% is to be paid to Div. 1, 27% to Div. 2, 23% to Div. 3 and 20% to Div. 4.
Last place money in the 4th Division is to be no less than entry fee plus $3.00 approval fee, if 5 riders or less payout may be less.
Entry Fee is defined as the amount of money added to the payout, including approval fee. (ie:$20 to payout, $3 approval fee ($23 is referred to as the entry fee)
Payout Percentages per division:
1 placing 1.00
2 placings .60 .40
3 placings .43 .33 .24
4 placings .38 .28 .20 .14
5 placings .33 .27 .20 .13 .07
6 placings .32 .25 .18 .12 .07 .06
7 placings .30 .24 .17 .11 .07 .06 .05
8 placings .29 .22 .17 .10 .07 .055 .05 .045
9 placings .28 .21 .16 .095 .065 .055 .05 .045 .04
10 placings .265 .20 .15 .095 .065 .055 .05 .045 .04 .035
11 placings .25 .19 .15 .09 .065 .055 .05 .045 .04 .035 .03
12 placings .24 .19 .14 .09 .06 .055 .05 .045 .04 .035 .03 .025
13 placings .24 .18 .14 .08 .06 .055 .05 .045 .04 .035 .03 .025 .02
14 placings .235 .175 .135 .08 .06 .055 .05 .045 .04 .035 .03 .025 .02 .015
17. PAY OUT (Peewees)
On all approved races, a $3.00 approval fee will be charged per entry.
Races will be split into 4 divisions with 2 second interval:
1st Division = Fastest (Penalty Free) Time, 2nd Division = Fastest time + 2 seconds,
3rd Division = Fastest time + 3 seconds, 4th Division = Fastest time + 4 seconds
18. LATE FEES
A one time (usually $10) late charge can be charged at races. Pre enter and help keep the office work to a minimum and avoid paying this charge.
Late fees are at the discretion of the arena operator.
If a contestant is entering more than one horse, only one late fee will be charged.
Contestants can sign up only for themselves.
All pre-entries and late fees must be advertised in advance in the BCBRA newsletter and Website.
19. BAD WEATHER MONTHS, and at uncovered arenas - always call ahead to make sure the race has not been cancelled.
RACES CAN ONLY BE CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER OR EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
20. ARENA RULES
Arena operators will have specific ground rules when racing in their arena. Always make sure to call ahead or read their entry forms carefully.
Make sure all rules are completely understood before entering. All other general rules pertaining to the sport of barrel racing apply.
All Arena Operators must uphold all BCBRA Rules.
ALL PEEWEES MUST WEAR HELMETS APPROVED FOR HORSE COMPETITIONS.
21. ANIMAL ABUSE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
Excessive use of the bat or whip, or whipping the horse in front of the cinch.
Other forms of abuse.
22. GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP EXPECTED AT ALL TIMES
23. RULES FOR FINALS ONLY
Slack will be offered at Finals for all competitors that are entered at Approved Rodeos, and whose set ups conflict.
PAYOUTS FOR FINALS:
Payouts will be calculated with last place in the 4D in each Go Round paying $50.00 based on current final entry fees for the open of $150.
Go round and Average Payouts are calculated as follows:
Three (3) go-rounds and Average –
Average money is one and one half (1 ˝) times the go round money.
Divide the total purse (total purse equals added money plus entry fees) by nine (9).
Multiply the answer by two (2) for the go-rounds and by three (3) for the Average.
e.g. 259 entries @ $150.00 = $38.850.00 entry fees + $10,000.00 added equals $48,850.00
Divided by 9 = $5427.78
$5427.78 Multiplied by 2 = $10,855.56 per each go round (3 goes = $32,566.67 total)
$5427.78 Multiplied by 3 = $16,283.33 for the Average.
The Finals payout is based on a four-division format with a 5/10th’s split. The 4-D pay out format is divided into the following divisions:
1st Division = Fastest (Penalty Free)Time, 2nd Division = Fastest time + .5 seconds,
3rd Division = Fastest time + 1.0 second, 4th Division = Fastest time + 2 seconds.
Bid for the finals location shall be in to the Board of Directors by June of the year prior so that the members can vote on them at the AGM.
Date modified: December 28, 2009