2025 New Rules & Rule Changes - Jan. 12, 2025
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS, DUES, AND RULES
5. The fiscal year for KPRA will be from January 1 through December 31. Membership dues will be $150 ($175 after June 1st), for contesting members 18 years of age. The dues will be split: $100 to operating/general fund and $50 will go to designated event as per membership application. A youth membership for contesting members under 18 is $115 ($130 after June 1st). The dues will be split: $65 to operating/general fund and $50 will go to designated event as per membership application. (If member turns 18 during the fiscal year, they will pay the Youth membership fee, if the card is purchased prior to their 18th birthday). The associate card, for non-contesting members, will be $50.00($65 after June 1st). Renewal memberships must be received by December 31 for money to count from any rodeos that fall after the KPRA Finals. For all other money to count, membership needs to be purchased prior to first competition, whether slack or performance. Companion passes, which will entitle your spouse or companion to free gate admission, can be purchased for $10.00 when you purchase your membership.
MEDICAL RELEASE
1. All KPRA members’ fees are guaranteed at all KPRA 1st approved rodeos and will be added to the pot as if you have competed. Any member not showing up to perform due to injuries or other emergencies, must furnish the KPRA office with proof of such difficulties. Said medical release must be on legal medical stationary and must reach the office within 7 days or said contestant will be responsible for fees and fines. Persons with said reasons for not showing must call rodeo secretary (not the KPRA secretary) so their fees will not be paid out. ANYTIME your fees are paid out, you are responsible for them.
a. After medical releasing, you cannot compete for seven (7) days, starting the day you release; however, you will be allowed to enter. Violators will be fined $250 and no earnings will count toward standings.
a. KPRA will only allow two (2) medical releases during our summer rodeo season. All off-season rodeos from Oct. 1 – April 31stwill be excluded from this rule.
**See page 73 under Cowgirls’ Barrel Racing for Release Rules in Barrel Racing.
CO-APPROVAL POLICY
2. The Board of Directors of each association must approve the rodeos to be co-approved. Co-approvals must be scheduled 30 days prior to the rodeo.
PAY-OFF SCHEDULE
1. Average placings shall be determined by the highest total score (riding events) or the fastest total time (timed events) for those who received a score or a time, as the case may be, on livestock drawn for each go-round. When enough contestants do not receive a score or time, as the case may be, on all stock drawn for them equal to the number of places to be paid, revert to those contestants not already placing in the average who have competed in every go-round and who have the highest total score, or the fastest total time, on one less head of livestock than the number of go-rounds. This process shall be repeated until the number of contestants eligible for the payoff equals the number of average placings. If a contestant competes in all go-rounds but fails to receive a score or time, as the case may be, in one go-round, he shall not be eligible for the payoff in the average, unless no contestant has received a score or time, in which case the money shall be divided among all contestants who competed on all stock drawn for them. This money will count towards the contestant’s money count for year-end standings.
GENERAL TIMED EVENT RULES
42. Stock must cross scoreline in front of, Line Judge and Lineman (who is opposite side of line judge), in their initial move after leaving chute. Failure to do so will result in animal being brought back and rerun (or use of the extra). In the opinion of the Rodeo Judges, that failure to cross scoreline in the initial move out of the chute was caused by contestant, hazer or heeler, no rerun will be given and a ten (10) second penalty may be assessed on the run. Clarification: Not crossing in initial move may include but not limited to - animal turning back before crossing scoreline, stumbles, falls or not pulling the barrier or neck rope not breaking off of animal's neck.
COWGIRL’S BARREL RACING
General Rules
2. KPRA barrel racing contestants are allowed two (2) releases per season. Releases carry a charge of $25 per rodeo released ($5 payable to entry line and $20 payable to Barrel Racing Finals Fund). Releases begin with the first performance/slack used, and contestant cannot compete for seven (7) days after releasing; however you will be able to enter during this period. Violators will be fined $250 and no earnings will count toward standings.
a. Release can cover any rodeos currently entered that fall outside of the seven (7) day release period, if needed.
b. Contestants releasing from a rodeo must contact the rodeo secretary (not the KPRA secretary) so their fees are not paid out. It is the responsibility of the contestant to notify the rodeo secretary at least two (2) hours prior to the performance in which the contestant is in so that their fee does not go into the payoff. If contestant fails to properly notify rodeo secretary and their fee is included in the payoff, contestant shall be responsible for fees. All KPRA members’ fees are guaranteed at all KPRA 1st approved rodeos and will be added to the pot as if you have competed. ANYTIME your fees are paid out, you are responsible for them.
1. Contestant must also provide release information to KPRA secretary within seven (7) days of beginning release date, including which rodeos and events they are to be released from.
2. If contestant is releasing from slack, they must notify rodeo secretary at least two (2) hours prior to evening slack or morning slack, and at least two (2) hours prior to performance if slack is after the performance.
4. Barrels will be 55 gallon steel drums. Both ends of the barrel must be enclosed. Barrels should be brightly colored or barrel covers should be used. If barrel covers are used, they should be used in slack as well as performances. There shall be no rubber or plastic barrels or barrel pads used.
13. A number less than 10- or 12-barrel racers can be approved by rodeo committee or stock contractor; however, ground must be raked after the same amount in the entire rodeo and slack if a lower number of barrel racers is chosen. All rodeos will be required to drag after half the number of contestants the rodeo is set up for. (“Set up for” being the maximum number set on sanction agreement for the performance.)
15. Contestant will be allowed to set up for her run as necessary, without circling unless there is a center gate. A spin or pivot is acceptable on a side gate. There will be no intentional dismounting. Failure to comply will be a $50 fine.
a. A committee and/or stock contractor may require running in and out OR running in only if they desire. Whichever option is chosen must be posted at the secretary’s office with the barrel pattern measurements.
YEAR-END FINALS
24. KPRA Directors will receive choice of stalls and hook-ups at the KPRA Finals.
25. If KPRA finals contestant uses a hook-up or stall that is assigned to another contestant, said violator will not be allowed to check-in for finals until they have moved to their assigned spot/stall.
2024 New Rules & Rule Changes - Feb. 4, 2024
Membership Requirements, Dues & Rules
Rule Modification - Rule #5 - Increase dues as follows, Remove "if honored by said rodeo committee" from companion pass option.
5. The fiscal year for KPRA will be from January 1 through December 31. Membership dues will be $150 ($165 after June 1st), for contesting members 18 years of age. The dues will be split: $100 to operating/general fund and $50 will go to designated event as per membership application. A youth membership for contesting members under 18 is $115 ($130 after June 1st). The dues will be split: $65 to operating/general fund and $50 will go to designated event as per membership application. (If member turns 18 during the fiscal year, they will pay the Youth membership fee, if the card is purchased prior to their 18th birthday). The associate card, for non-contesting members, will be $50.00($65 after June 1st). Renewal memberships must received prior to December 31st for money to count from any rodeos that fall after the KPRA Finals. For all other money to count, membership needs to be purchased prior to first competition, whether slack or performance. Companion passes, which will entitle your spouse or companion to free gate admission, can be purchased for $10.00 when you purchase your membership.
Rule Modification - Rule 4 C.
c. Late entries will be taken by the central entry office until the workbook has been sent out to the rodeo secretary.
Add as New Rule - Rule #4 d.
d. No late entries or trades will be accepted after the start of the rodeo.
Rule Modification - Rule #1 B. - Add clarification of rodeos covered.
If a contestant is vet releasing, contestant cannot compete in a KPRA rodeo or a co-sanctioned rodeo for five (5) days but can enter any rodeo within that 5 day period, if the entry closing date falls within this five-day period. Once the 5 day period is up, vet release terminates. Vet release begins with first performance/slack used, and can cover any rodeos currently entered that fall outside of the five-day release period if needed. It is the responsibility of the contestant to notify the rodeo secretary at least two (2) hours prior to performance in which contestant is in so that their entry fee does not go into the payoff. If contestant fails to properly notify rodeo secretary and their entry fee is included in the payoff, contestant shall be responsible for fees. Violators will be fined $250 and no earnings will count toward standings.
Rule Modification - Rule #1 D. Change from And/Or to (2) Medical and (2) Vet Releases
KPRA will only allow two (2) medical and two (2) vet releases during our summer rodeo season. All off-season rodeos from Oct. 1 – April 31st will be excluded from this rule.
Standings, Prizes and Championships
Rule Modification - Rule #3. - Add clarification
The All-Around Champion will be awarded to the KPRA member winning the most money in two or more of the nine approved events. They must enter two or more events at five first approved rodeos as well as have won at least $250 in each of two or more of the nine approved events. There will be an All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl.
3 a. If a member wins money in more than one team roping event (Open Heading, Open Heeling, 40/40 Heading, 40/40 Heeling), only the event with the highest earnings will count towards the All Around Standings.
KPRA Approved Rodeos and Committee Responsibility
Rule Modification - Rule 9
A stock charge will be permitted in all KPRA Rodeo events. The stock charge will not exceed $25 per events, except Barrels will be $10. Contestants will be charge an $11 KPRA fee per event, which will be split $2 to judges, $1 to finals judges fund, $4 to Operating/General Fun, $3 to event specific and $1 for the event directors to use at their discretion at finals.
Entries, Entry Fee & Prize Money (Stock Charge) Increase
Rule Modification - Rule #11 Increase stock charge by $10.00
All entry fees for one head of stock will be a minimum of $95 (including stock charge, finals fund, judges, and central entry. Open and 40/40 Team Roping will be a minimum of $260 per team/$130 per man (including all fees).
Rule Modification - Rule 18 a.
If a stock contractor provides timed event stock at 1st approved KPRA rodeos the stock charge will be as follows: Stock provided will be at least 1/3 of the total entries or equal to the largest performance and stock charge will be $25/run.
Rodeo Judges, Judging and Timers
Rule Modification
#5B - A KPRA Judge is required to attend an approved KPRA Judge's clinic once every three years, before judging a KPRA first approved rodeo, as of January 1, 2017.
General Timed Event Rules
New Rule
41. Open team roping and 40/40 team roping shall have separate pens of stock.
Tie Down Roping
Rule Modification - Rule #19 - Change pay to from stock contractor to finals fund.
The "Jerk-Down Rule" will be enforced unless otherwise stated. The "Jerk-Down Rule" will be defined as over backwards with the calf landing on his back or head and all four feet in the air. The judge, at his discretion, can assess a $100 fine for the infraction payable to the General Fund. The contestant will NOT be disqualified.
19 A. The "Jerk-Down Rule" will NOT be enforced on fresh calves.
19 B. If a judge assesses a jerk down fine, the contestant must be notified at that time.
Year End Finals
Rule Modification - Rule 4 - Lower Steer Wrestling Count to (3) three 1st approved rodeos.
4. To be eligible for the KPRA Finals, you must have competed in at least seven (7) KPRA first approved rodeos, EXCEPT bareback, saddle bronc, ranch bronc, bull riding and steer wrestling which are only required to have competed in three (3) KPRA first approved rodeos; in each event during the current season as a KPRA card holder or have board approval. A contestant that competes in multiple events must follow the guidelines for all the event(s) to qualify for the year-end finals they wish to compete in.
Rule Modification - Rule #20
The run order for all events, exception the barrel racing, will be 1stGo – low money to high money, 2nd Go – slowest to fastest in the average or highest to lowest money winner determined by director and co-director with a vote that they hold prior to the 1st Go. Splits will be allowed if needed. The run order for the barrel racing will be set according to the Finals Ground Rules, which will be determined by the current barrel racing director and the alternate, after a majority vote has been done, allowing the top 12 qualified barrel racers to vote. The barrel racing directors will be responsible for gathering votes.
2023 New Rules & Rule Changes
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS OF KPRA pg. 7
5. There shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and Board of Directors, one director and one alternate, for each of the following categories: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Ranch Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Dally Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Breakaway Roping, 40/40 Mixed Team Roping, Stock Contractor Representative, Judges Representative, Rodeo Committee Representative, and an optional Member at Large. Only the event directors, alternate directors, Stock Contractor Representatives, Judge Representatives, Rodeo Committee Representatives, Member at Large and Vice-President will have voting privileges. The President will vote only in the case of a tie.
STANDINGS, PRIZES AND CHAMPIONSHIPS pg. 22
All rodeos for the current rodeo season must begin no later than 10 days prior to the first performance of the KPRA Finals. All rodeos beginning less than 10 days prior to the first performance of the KPRA Finals will count for the following competition year only.
KPRA APPROVED RODEOS AND COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITY pg. 24
1. In order for a rodeo committee to hold a 1st approved KPRA sanctioned rodeo, they must have at least 9 events including; BB, SW, TD, BAW, SB, OPEN TR, 40/40 TR, LBR, BR. If it is a timed event only rodeo, it must have all the timed events. If it is a rough stock only rodeo, it must have BB, SB, BR, optional RB. These rodeos must abide by all KPRA rules.
NEW RULE
Rodeo Committees requesting special competition Ground Rules must submit a copy of the
proposed Ground Rules and a written explanation of the reason for the requested change
along with the application for approval at least 30 calendar days prior to the first scheduled
competition of the rodeo, and must be approved in writing by the appropriate Event Directors
and the KPRA Executive Board. Any approved Ground Rules for an individual rodeo must be posted in
the Arena Secretary’s office prior to the draw. At the rodeo, KPRA judges should become
familiar with any special approved ground rules for the rodeo, and check to see if Ground Rules
are posted correctly. Any special Ground Rules/Committee Requests approved by the KPRA
will be enforced by the KPRA, and corresponding fines will be assessed and collected by the
KPRA.
RANCH BRONC pg. 54
6. "Ride as Ride can" meaning contestant can use neck rope or hack rein. Free hand may use saddle horn, no night latch or rope tied to saddle.
Remove 6. a. A loose rope night latch is defined as no leather handhold. Loose is at the judges discretion.
Remove 8. e. Losing a stirrup.
GENERAL TIMED EVENT RULES pg. 55
All changes in list of timed events in order to split horses, etc. must be made 1 hour before the performance/slack begins.
The rodeo secretary will be obligated to do splits as long as they have been notified 1 hour prior to the beginning of the performance / slack.
TIE-DOWN ROPING pg. 62
19. The "Jerk Down Rule" will be enforced unless otherwise stated. The "Jerk Down Rule" will be defined as over backwards with the calf landing on his back or head and all four feet in the air. The judge, at his discretion, can assess a $100 fine for this infraction payable to the stock contractor. The contestant will NOT be disqualified.
GENERAL TIMED EVENT RULES PG. 60
30. Cattle in the timed events will have a weight limit assessed to them as follows: TR-650 lbs., SW-600lbs., TD-250 lbs. and BAW-400 lbs.
Removed last sentence: If the Jerk Down Rule is in effect, tie-down roping calves cannot weigh more than 220 lbs.
NEW EVENT; JR. / SR. & WOMENS TIE DOWN ROPING
Junior Tie Down Roping will be classified as 16 and under as of Jan. 1st., Senior Tie Down Roping will be classified as 45 years old before entries open for that particular rodeo, and women of any age. This event will be ran with the open Tie Down and use the same calves. Entries will be taken through central entry and members will have priority over non-members (same as open Tie Down Roping).
GENERAL TIMED EVENT RULES; 40/40 MIXED TEAM ROPING pg. 82
1. To be eligible for the 40/40 mixed team roping, your team must consist of: two men over 40 years old or two women of any age or a woman of any age with a man over 40 or a woman over 40 and a man of any age.
2. As long as the man or woman are 40 years old before entries open for that particular rodeo, they are eligible to rope in the 40/40 team roping.
YEAR END FINALS pg. 83
22. A fee of $150 per rough stock out will be paid to the stock contractors at the KPRA Year End Finals.
a. Stock brought as a re-ride option will be paid $75, even if they are not used.
23. If during any performance of the KPRA Year-End Finals a re-ride is given, the re-ride stock receives the allotted out money.
Removed from the last sentence: "not the originally drawn stock" as the originally drawn stock will be paid as well.
2022 New Rules and Rule Changes
MEDICAL AND VET RELEASE: PG 11-12
1. All KPRA members' fees are guaranteed at all KPRA 1st approved rodeos and will be added to the pot as if you have competed. Any member not showing up to perform due to injuries or other emergencies, must furnish the KPRA office with proof of such difficulties. A crippled or sick horse will not be accepted as reason to withdraw from a rodeo, except in the barrel racing event when a veterinary certificate stating name is sent to the KPRA office within 7 days of the event. Said medical release must be on legal medical stationary and must reach the office within 7 days or said contestant will be responsible for fees and fines. (Visible vet and medical conditions may be shown to the contractor or judges at a rodeo and will be excused.) Persons with said reasons for not showing must call rodeo secretary (not the KPRA secretary) so their fees will not be paid out. ANYTIME our fees are paid out, you are responsible for them. If contestant has not arrived a the arena when it is time to compete, stock will be turned out. NO STOCK IS TO BE HELD FOR LATE ARRIVALS, NO EXCUSES! Entry fees should be paid upon arrival, no fine levied, provided stock contractor has received a stock charge.
D. KPRA will only allow two (2) medical and/or vet releases during our summer rodeo season. All off-season rodeos from Oct. 1st - April 31st will be excluded from this rule.
KPRA APPROVED RODEOS AND COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITY: PG 13
2. KPRA standard events are bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, ranch bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, dally team roping, 40/40 mixed team roping, cowgirls barrel racing and cowgirls breakaway roping. (removed ranch bronc riding as optional event)
ENTRIES, ENTRY FEES & PRIZE MONEY: PG 15-17
6. Slack will not be available until performance minimums are met. Minimums and maximums will be set by the stock contractors and/or committees.
11. ALL entry fees for one head of stock will be a minimum of $85 (including stock charge, finals fund, judges and central entry). Open and 40/40 Team Roping will be a minimum or $250 a team/$125 per man (including all fees.)
GENERAL RIDING EVENT RULES: PG 20-21
14. If any equipment is damaged by the animal in the chute and found unusable by the judges, the contestant has two options; borrow equipment or find a replacement. Contestant will have to compete by the end of the performance.
RANCH BRONC RIDING: PG 25-26
6. "Ride as ride can" meaning rider can use a loose rope night latch or a rope from within the chute through the 8 second whistle. If rider chooses to use a rope, it can only be tied to the saddle the way it would be for everyday use. (Removed "No re-rides are awarded unless stock falls down.)
A. A "loose rope" night latch is defined as no leather handhold. "Loose" is at the judges discretion.
8. Any of the following offenses will disqualify a rider:
B. Rider with locked rowels or rowels that are determined to be too sharp by a judge.
GENERAL TIMED EVENTS: PG 27
18. All changes in lists of timed events in order to split horses, etc.; must be made 30 minutes before the performance/slack begins.
A. Rodeo secretary is obligated to do splits if notified 30 minutes prior to beginning of performance/slack.
19. The first contestant must remain in order and run in order. (Removed first three contestants)
DALLY TEAM ROPING: PG 32-33
9. Arena conditions will determine score, length of score to be set by arena director and team roping director or spokesman if present. The minimum score of the barrier is to be the length of the box minus two (2) feet.
A. Anything over two (2) feet of the length of the box, must be approved by the team roping director.
16. ILLEGAL CATCHES (Disqualifications)
B. If any leg is in the head loop when the flagger drops the flag, it will be a no time. Header should release stock immediately.
20. In the case of a rodeo allowing two runs in the team roping and the contestant wins money on each run, only the highest check won will count towards the KPRA standings.
COWGIRL'S BARREL RACING: PG 33-34
13. A number less than 10 or 12 barrel racers can be approved by the rodeo committee or stock contractor; however ground must be raked after the same amount in the entire rodeo and slack if a lower number of barrel racers is chosen. Dragging at a lower number is highly recommended to reduce the risk of injury to horses and contestants.
BARREL PATTERN - LBR: PG 35-36
2. A standard pattern is always preferred. The standard course for barrel racing is:
Ninety (90) feet between barrel one (1) and two (2);
One hundred five (105) feet between barrel one (1) and three (3);
One hundred five (105) feet between barrel two (2) and three (3);
Sixty (60) feet from barrels one (1) and two (2) to score line, unless this score line needs to be reduced to keep seventy (70) foot stopping distance.
Score line should be at least seventy (70) feet from the end of the arena.
BARREL PATTERNS CANNOT BE LARGER THAN THE STANDARD COURSE, UNLESS APPROVED BY KPRA BARREL RACING DIRECTOR.
3. Barrels will be set at least eighteen (18) feet from the fence or wall, except the 3rd barrel and it should be at least twenty-five (25) feet from the fence or wall.