General Rules and Regulations for Playdays

Rockin’ G Arena

updated 9/232/2008

The arena is considered closed during all event times. A warm-up area is provided adjacent to the arena.

Series Events

     Entry Fees (saddle and/or buckle). No person will be allowed to enter a Series Playday at regular playday rates, even though they state they do not desire to compete in the series, just that particular playday. That person has the option of paying the series rate and/or buying exhibitions only. Example: If a series date entry fee is $75.00/$65.00 for a volunteer, no person will be allowed to enter that event as a competitor for regular playday rates.

     Prize Limitations (effective May 25, 2008). No entrant/participant will be allowed to win more than one saddle and/or one buckle in an event series in a one year period of time. That time will be calculated beginning on the date of winning a saddle or buckle, and in any series event that may have begun, but may not be concluded, for one calendar year. Those entrants/participants who have won a saddle or buckle in an event series may win other prizes, beginning with third place or lower, depending on actual points accumulation. This rule is not made in an effort to penalize or discourage, but to be encouraging to those entrants/participants who have not previously won a saddle or buckle. This rule does not apply to single date events where a saddle or buckle may be awarded.

If a contestant fails to show in a reasonable and timely manner after being called for any specific event, the contestant may be "scratched" after being called three times - the speed of calls to be determined by the announcer. There will be no refund of entry fees for "scratches". Contestants should notify the timekeeper if they want to withdraw prior to conclusion of the event. No refunds for withdrawals.

All event times will be determined by an electronic timer. If the timer is inoperable, a stop-watch will be used by a person designated by Rockin’ G Arena; such times will be when the horse’s nose crosses the time starting and finishing line. All times will be announced as promptly as possible. (See "Re-Rides")

No cancellation is anticipated in a covered arena. (See "Emergency Date/Time Change") If a cancellation is called by Rockin’ G Arena prior to an event (2 or more hours prior to "books open" time), notification will be made by e-mail and a posting of that cancellation on this website.

If an event is cancelled during the event, the following rules apply: Refunds - If a majority of the events have run or been started, there will be no refunds, including exhibition fees. All refunds must be claimed in the day of the event. Prizes - If a majority of the events have run, prizes for completed events will be awarded.

Individual Event ties will be broken by giving the points earned by the place to both riders. Example: Two riders tie for 1^st place, both get 10 points. 3^rd rider gets 9, 4^th rider gets 8, 5^th rider gets 6, and subsequent riders get appropriate points by place.

All Around ties will be broken as follows:

1^st: Contestant who rode the most events

2^nd: Contestant with the fewest "no time" events

3^rd: Contestant with the lowest accumulated time, including "no time"

4^th: Contestant who has the most first, second or third places, in order.

Series Points Calculations

Points accumulated per event in a series (buckle/saddle/other) will be kept by Rockin' G Arena ownership. Should a mistake be made in points calculation, either in a single event, or accumulated points, Rockin' G Arena should be notified immediately, and a correction will be made if the points posted/announced were incorrect. Once a series is completed and winners announced, should a contestant or their family believe points calculations to be wrong, a Formal Protest must be made in writing within ten (10 calendar days of the conclusion of the series and mailed to Rockin' G Arena, PO Box 312, Sweeny, TX 77480; otherwise prizes awarded will stand, and all time records will be destroyed. If a mistake was made, Rockin' G will provide proper prize adjustments, but no contestant receiving an award at the conclusion of the series will be asked to return any prize received.

Points are carried on the rider. A rider can only enter once in each contest per class.

Rockin’ G Arena reserves the right to combine age groups with less than four contestants, except Lead-Line.

Cloverleaf pattern size will be as per NBHA rules. All other patterns will be as determined by Rockin’ G Arena.

Age is determined by the age of the contestant on the first day of the calendar year (January 1). A copy of a birth certificate or other acceptable proof of age may be required at entry.

Groups:  Lead-Line (assisted riding) - Age 6 & Under

                Riding Groups: 10 & Under; 11 to 17, and 18 & Older (as of 1/1/09)

Books will close at the beginning of speed events (posted time). Late entry may be accepted, but with an additional charge.

If the contestant is unable to perform in posted/called order because of problems with tack or horse, immediate notice should be given to the timekeeper/announcer. The contestant will be moved to the rear of performance order in that event, or allowed three (3) minutes, whichever is greater. Otherwise the contestant will be scratched.

A pattern will be considered broken and a "no time" given the contestant if: 1) Proper turns depending on the side of start are not executed. 2) The start or timer-eye line is broken. 3) Horse and rider go past the next appropriate pole or barrel in the straightaway pattern. These will be considered a "No Time". If a contestant does not properly execute a Mystery Event as described by Rockin' G Arena, or it's announcer, a "No Time" will be given for that particular event; such would, as an example, include knocking over a barrel on a speed race, or not closing the mail box door, missing depositing a potato in the barrel, etc. All "No Time"'s are at the discretion of Rockin' G Arena..

Time Penalties

If a contestant knocks over one or more barrels for poles in the straight, cloverleaf or pole pattern, a penalty of Five (5) Seconds will be added to the total time. A time penalty is not to be confused with a Broken Pattern or Execution of requirements of a Mystery Event.

A ten-point system will be used, regardless of the number of contestants. 1st place - 10 points; 2^nd place - 9 points; 3^rd place - 8 points; 4^th place - 7 points; 5^th place - 6 points; 6^th place - 5 points; 7^th place - 4 points; 8^th place - 3 points; 9^th place - 2 points; 10^th place - 1 point. If there are more than ten entries in a given event, 11^th place and beyond will receive 1 point. Points will be cumulative for "All Around" or "Winner In-Average" places. In order to qualify for these points a contestant must enter a majority of the events.

Lead-Line will be by time only.

Contestants using the same equipment or horse must advise the Entry Secretary prior to the books being closed.

An exception may be granted on a case-by-case basis by Rockin’ G Arena personnel.

Velcro Straps/Saddle Straps (effective October 1, 2008)

No entrant above the age of eight (8) may be held in the saddle by Velcro or other strapping device(s) during a competitive run. Parents should remember there are safety issues in both using straps and not using straps, and every reasonable precaution should be taken.

No re-rides for a broken pattern, faulty equestrian equipment or rider falling off horse. If the timer breaks during a specific event, all riders will re-ride that event using a stop-watch. A re-ride will be allowed at the discretion of Rockin’ G Arena personnel if an animal or person enters the arena, or a situation occurs that truly jeopardizes the contestant during the actual timed ride.

Use of Different Horses

An entrant may use a different horse for any given event at a playday. This rule may or may not apply to certain series; read the specific rules for each Buckle Series, Saddle Series or other special event.

Volunteers may include contestants age 18 and up, or a parent, guardian or a trainer. A reduced entry fee per event is provided. Only one volunteer discount per entrant. A maximum of eight (8) volunteers will accepted at registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-entered contestants will be given priority for the event volunteer schedule. There will be at least 3 volunteers in the arena for all events. Volunteers are responsible for being available. Responsibilities will be as per normal and as instructed by the event announcer. Those who volunteer and accept a fee discount and who do not work will not be allowed to volunteer again.

A parent, guardian or trainer may enter the arena to verbally assist a contestant during an event. That person must remain at least fifteen (15) feet short of the timer-line at all times, and exit the arena immediately after the run.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions purchased cannot be shared with another person outside the immediate family (mother/daughter - father/son - sister/sister). Example: If Suzie Jones buys 6 exhibitions, she cannot share those exhibitions with Rhonda Smith. Exhibitions are limited to no more than 60 seconds. Entrants exceeding that time limit will be warned over the public-address system

Animal Abuse

Any person mistreating an animal will be asked to immediately leave the property. All entry fees and/or memberships will be forfeited. If, in the opinion of Rockin' G ownership, the mistreatment is severe, authorities may be contacted and charges filed.

The Texas Animal Health Commission requires that a current Coggins Test results form (VS 10-11) be carried by the horse owner/handler during all transport of the animal.

Contestants/horse owners are required to provide photocopy proof of a current Coggins test when entering the playday, either by pre-entry or the day of the event. Rockin’ G Arena will not accept any entry without such proof being available.

All checks payable to: Rockin’ G Arena. A $25.00 fee will be added to any returned checks. Returned checks not paid within ten days of legal USPS notice will be prosecuted.

Awards not picked up by contestants within 30 days will not be available.

All contestant and/or their parent or legal guardian, by paying the appropriate entry fee agree to save and hold-harmless Rockin’ G Arena, its owners, employees, other contestants and/or their parent or guardian from any and all injury, death or damage to persons, animals, equipment, vehicles, trailers or other personal equipment that may arise as a result of their participation in the event.

Under Texas Law (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code), an equine professional is not liable for any injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

Should severe weather or other conditions necessitate a date or time change for a playday, Rockin’ G Arena will make every reasonable effort to notify all entered contestants. See "Event Cancellation" above.

Playday rules may be changed from time to time. It is the responsibility of the contestant/contestant family to familiarize themselves with these rules on a periodic basis.

Rockin’ G Arena does not condone or object to the use of alcoholic beverages on the premises. It is the responsibility of any person consuming alcoholic beverages to ensure their capacity to participate in equestrian activities in a safe and reasonable manner. No person under the age of 21 will be allowed to consume any type of alcoholic beverage. 

Glass Containers

No glass beverage containers are allowed in the arena area.

Application and interpretation of all Playday Rules are at the discretion of Rockin’ G Arena personnel. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

1. Do not tie horses to the arena fence.

2. Do not ride horses on any property other than that of the arena.

3. Do not go into areas either on foot or on horseback that common-sense indicates would be a restricted area.

4. No horses in the registration or food areas.

No horses allowed in the entry/exit alleyway for any purpose other than entering or exiting the arena.

5. Put all trash in receptacles. Please pick up trash left by someone less caring and dispose of it properly.

6. Adhere to all announcements made by the arena announcer.

7. Un-sportsman-like conduct by a contestant, trainer, parent or legal guardian will result in the disqualification of the contestant for the entire playday. No refund of entry fees will be given.

8. No unattended children under the age of 14. Disqualification of related contestants will result.

9. The arena must be totally clear for all tractor and arena dragging operations.

10. All dogs must remain on a leash at all times

Bob Geer:  281 703 5247

E-Mail: rockingarena@alltel.net

Web-Site: www.rockin-g-arena.com

USPS: Rockin’ G Arena, Post Office Box 312, Sweeny, TX 77480

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