Rules
2009-2010 ACBRA RULES
PURPOSE
The American Computer Barrel Racing Association, hereinafter referred to as ACBRA, has approved the following Rules to insure a continued and orderly transaction of business and to facilitate the purposes for which the ACBRA was established. Founded primarily to promote the sport of barrel racing, the ACBRA Board of Directors do hereby jointly and severally vote for, consent to, and authorize the adoption of the following Rules accompanied with the Bylaws of this association.
SECTION: 1 - PLACE OF BUSINESS
The place of business for the ACBRA is, Madera, CA. or such other place as designated by the Board.
Any member/owner/arena operator/rider or individual may request a copy of the ACBRA bylaws, in writing, to the ACBRA Board of Directors at the following address: 14211 Rd 35
Madera Ca 93636 or down load them from www.acbra.com.
SECTION: 2 – MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships will only be accepted upon receipt of the completed ACBRA membership application. A membership application must be submitted to the membership office for each horse eligible to the appropriate ACBRA category provided. A separate application is filled out and full fees are paid for additional categories. Memberships must be submitted per individual horse.
Each horse will be categorized by lifetime barrel racing winnings and earnings (including any rodeos, futurities, and open jackpots) at the time of membership. Once joined, the horse will remain in that category for the remainder of the season, until the Finals are complete. Categories are as follows: Under $1,000 Horse, Under $3,500 Horse, Under $7,500 Horse, Open Horse and Junior Horse/Rider Combination (age 14 and under), Junior age is determined at the beginning of the competition year September 1st of the ACBRA Competition year. U1000 Rider is any rider that has not won over $1000 dollars in any barrel racing competitions. Those riders will be designated by an ‘R’ after the Horse membership number, example 3575R equals a horse in the U3500 category being ridden by an U1000 rider.
If a membership owner is found to be providing false information regarding a member horse, the member horse and the membership owner will BE SUSPENDED from further competition at ACBRA sanctioned barrel races for the rest of the competition year. If the membership owner has been provided with false information from the legal owner of the member horse only the member horse will BE SUSPENDED.
There is no limit to the number of horses an owner may submit and be accepted for membership to the ACBRA.
Official membership applications are available at the ACBRA place of business, the arena director, at member arenas, at www.acbra.com, and MUST BE FILLED OUT IN FULL and submitted with the appropriate fees to be accepted. Incomplete applications will be returned and POINTS AND ATTENDANCE CREDIT WILL NOT COUNT UNTIL ALL INFORMATION IS RECEIVED.
Membership applications submitted at jackpots SHOULD BE FILLED OUT AS COMPLETELY AS POSSIBLE. Full fees must be paid with the application. A copy of a birth certificate must be submitted with any pending Junior applicant or mailed to the ACBRA Membership office postmarked within 10 days of the event or no points or attendance credit will be accepted or counted. NO EXCEPTIONS.
If an Under $1,000, Under $3,500, or Under $7,500 horse is entered without a specific dollar amount of earnings listed, that horse will be entered as having won $999, $3,499 or $7,499 respectively.
Membership fees are $55 for the first membership horse, all-additional horses for the same owner are $55 each for the competition year, and will end at the completion of the national finals. After receiving a completed membership application, the ACBRA office will send a membership card. It is the responsibility of the member owner and/or rider to be aware of all ACBRA rules. The ACBRA rules are available to read and print off the website www.acbra.com.
Associate membership may be purchased by Arena Operators for a fee of $35 and is available for non-riders, non-arena operators, or any persons wishing to support the activities of the association. The associate membership includes a subscription to the ACBRA monthly newsletter. A full membership of $55 may be purchased on a horse if you wish to receive voting privileges, but do not wish to compete on a horse.
It is not mandatory that the owner of the horse accepted for membership compete or ride in any authorized or sanctioned ACBRA barrel race.
In cases of ownership change during the membership year, points and money listed transfer with the horse. The new owner is not required to pay the $55 fee. New owners must contact the ACBRA membership office to ensure the timely receipt of all association correspondence. The same membership number will remain with the horse. No new number will be issued unless the new owner changes categories and if such occurs, a new application for that category plus membership fee must be submitted, then a new number will be issued but no points will transfer from original category with said horse. If new owner changes said horse category this will mean said horse will have to qualify in that new category.
All changes of ownership of horses, for which a membership has been accepted, MUST BE SUBMITTED AND POSTMARKED WITHIN 14 DAYS to the ACBRA membership office in writing or a $10 fine will be due from the new owner to cover costs.
Hereinafter, the rider shall be the person actually competing on the horse and may or may not be a membership owner. A membership owner may or may not be the registered owner of the horse.
Membership on a horse cannot be transferred to another horse for any reason, except in the case of death of the horse. Horses death must be documented by a veterinary. New horse must be joined in it’s correct category. New horse will receive the previous horses attendances only not points.
The association reserves the right to reject or accept any membership or entries.
It is the responsibility of each member/owner/arena operator/rider to know the rules by which the ACBRA operates and abides.
SECTION: 3 – JUNIOR CATEGORY
If the Junior rider chooses to ride in an additional category (i.e. Under 3500) they will be required to pay a second membership fee of $55, as stipulated in Section 2(8) of these Rules, in order to receive points in that category. In addition, if the owner of the horse or another person wishes to enter the same horse in another category other than the Junior category, a full membership fee of $55 must be paid on the said horse. Regardless of ownership, a membership fee of $55 must be paid on each separate Jr. Rider. Second horse to SAME JR. RIDER will be $55.
The junior rider is required to ride the same horse, which is documented on the membership application. If for some reason the junior rider changes horses anytime during the competition year, the rider will be required to pay an additional full membership fee for the new horse, except in the case of previous horse’s death as stated in previous section.
A junior rider is 14 and under as of the first day of the competition year which is September. Voting membership by parent or designated guardian only.
Any junior rider 9 years old or under who is riding in the arena or anywhere on the arena operator's premises MUST wear a riding helmet for safety and insurance purposes, whether they are a member or not.
SECTION: 4 – GENERAL MEMBERSHIP RULES
It is the responsibility of each member/owner/arena operator/rider or individual to become familiar with the association Rules and Bylaws and to conduct themselves and their horses accordingly. Failure of any member/owner/arena operator/rider or individual to familiarize themselves with the Rules and Bylaws of this association will not be tolerated as an excuse. It is mandatory that every member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual observe good horsemanship, making certain that all tack and equipment is humane, safe, and in good repair.
It is mandatory that every member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual observe an attitude of professionalism and good sportsmanship with courtesy to other participants and arena operators.
Any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual who is determined by the ACBRA board to be guilty of inhumane treatment of any horse will be subject to disciplinary action as stipulated in Section 7 of these rules.
Members / owners / arena operators / riders / individuals or families accusing flaggers / timers of wrong doing at a jackpot or intentionally causing problems which delay the jackpot, thereby not exhibiting good sportsmanship, will be fined and / or suspended, as stipulated in Section 7 of these Rules, for a specified period of time.
It is the responsibility of riders to assist the arena operator if asked.
Riders are responsible for downed barrels or retrieving lost articles if the arena operator does not have help available.
An ACBRA membership owner is not bound to participate at ACBRA events, nor is a membership owner prohibited membership in any other barrel racing or rodeo organization, professional or otherwise, and is in no way restricted by these Rules or the associations Bylaws from doing so. An ACBRA membership owner may compete or participate at any rodeo, barrel race, or jackpot and is in no way restricted by these Rules from doing so.
Likewise, the ACBRA accepts membership and participation of any individual regardless of that individual's involvement in other barrel racing or rodeo organizations’, professional or otherwise, providing no conflict occurs in that organization's Rules or Bylaws. It is the responsibility of the membership owner or rider to be aware of any of the aforementioned conflicts.
In reference to Section 4(7)(8) above, the ACBRA sanctions and authorizes barrel races only and no other rodeo events, and in no way may be construed as a professional rodeo organization.
Members / owners / arena operators / riders or individuals are responsible for their mount(s), and no one shall be mounted on a horse(s) that poses a danger to anyone. Penalty for violation is up to $250.
If a particular violation, incident, or infraction occurs by any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual at any sanctioned ACBRA event and there are no stated rules covering the violation, incident, or infraction committed by the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual, the ACBRA Board of Directors reserves the right to use any sanctioned Barrel Racing organization, association or corporation rule book which may apply to the violation, incident, or infraction.
SECTION: 5 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The governing body of the ACBRA shall be the Board of Directors and the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be elected for a 1-year term, by the Directors from among their numbers.
Director positions are two-year terms and shall coincide with the competition year, with all new members of the Board to be installed at the board meeting following the finals.
It shall be the responsibility of the Board to organize the Finals. That shall include determining a site, date, and number of awards to be given in addition to the awards described in these Rules.
President must have been a Director for one year before being elected President.
Directors must obtain membership by the 30th of the first month of the competition year, or forfeit their position.
If a Director cannot perform their duties for any reason, or they miss 3 consecutive board meetings without just cause and or approval from the other directors, they may step down or be asked by a board decision to resign and the nominee with the next highest votes in the election will be asked to fill the position for the balance of the term.
SECTION: 6 – MEETINGS
A summary of the minutes of the general Membership and Board meetings shall be published in the designated publication.
There will be a Board Meeting in April, May or June at which time any proposed rule changes will be reviewed and set for a vote by the general membership prior to the year end finals competition.
Meetings are open to any member / owner / arena operator / rider or interested individuals, except on such occasion when closed or special meetings are deemed necessary.
SECTION: 7 – VIOLATION, SUSPENSION & INELIGIBILITY
Any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual requested to help at any sanctioned jackpot barrel race who refuses to do so is subject to a $25 fine for the first offense, a $50 fine for the second offense, and suspension from participation at any ACBRA jackpot for the competition year for the third offense.
Any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual who gives an insufficient fund check as an entry fee or membership fee is subject to a $25 fine. ALL NSF CHECKS PLUS BANK CHARGES AND FINE MUST BE CLEARED UP PRIOR TO ACQUIRING ANY POINTS! Failure to cover all NSF checks or other outstanding debt will result in placing the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual on the ineligible list, which will be published in the designated publication until the matter is cleared up. A second offense is subject to suspension from the ACBRA for the competition year. (The funds must be paid to be removed from the ineligible list and to compete in future competition years). In addition, the ineligible list is also for non-members who give NSF checks to the ACBRA or incur debt that is outstanding. Checks are to be made directly to the treasurer of the ACBRA. If anyone should write a NSF check, the ACBRA board may require a cash only basis for any future barrel races.
The ineligible list shall alert arena operators and other ACBRA members that the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual and his / her member horse(s) are ineligible to participate at ACBRA sanctioned jackpots, including time onlys, because that member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual has yet to make good or cover an insufficient funds check or other determined infraction of these rules. Once the outstanding insufficient check or other debt has been cleared, the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual and horse(s) shall be removed from the ineligible list.
Suspension shall be deemed to mean the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual and his / her horse(s) are refused any rights or participation in any and all activities and events relating to the ACBRA for the remainder of the competition year including the Finals.
Any person found guilty of inhumane treatment of any horse(s) may be fined $50.00 for first offense and suspended from the ACBRA if found guilty for the second offense. Any accusations of inhumane treatment must be in writing and supported by, at least, two individuals that should include the accusing party and one witness.
Any husband, father, mother, relative or person having a relationship with a member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual whether related or not, interfering or complaining to management, arena director, or their agents, on behalf of said member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual makes said member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual responsible and liable. In addition, any of the aforementioned being found guilty of any of the above accusations can be fined up to a maximum of $250 and possible suspension.
The ACBRA will not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs in excess while competing at any sanctioned ACBRA events. Nor will the ACBRA tolerate excessive profanity in or around any sanctioned ACBRA event. If any member is found guilty of abusing this rule by board decision, they can be fined/ and or suspended from the ACBRA.
Any member who willfully causes trouble inside or outside the ranks of the ACBRA by excessively complaining, willfully causing disturbances, unsportsmanlike conduct or behavior, or unnecessarily aggravating ACBRA Officers and Directors, can be fined up to $250 and/or suspended from the association.
Any member who has been found guilty of a major rule infraction or violation, is eligible to come before the ACBRA Board of Directors to appeal that conviction and clear their record after a period of three (3) years. This would make her/him eligible to run for director. In addition, they shall be given not less than 30 days notice of specified time of hearing.
SECTION: 8 – LEVELS OF COMPETITION
The ACBRA provides five levels of competition consisting of the Under $1,000, Under $3,500, Under $7,500, Open and Junior 14 & Under categories. An additional class of Under $1000 Rider was provided for the amateur rider at no additional fees. Each horse or rider in all categories including Jr. 14 and under will be placed in a category upon date of membership and will remain in that category until completion of the competition year and the ACBRA Finals.
The only category open for non-members to compete in is the Open. If any individual is considered a non-member at any sanctioned ACBRA event, they may not run in any category except the Open. Non-members must pay their entry fee in cash whenever possible. No checks will be accepted, unless approved by the arena operator. Non-members who write a bad check will receive a $25 fine and be placed on the ACBRA ineligible list until the situation is cleared up and the fine is paid.
The ACBRA computes the earnings & winnings of all horses competing at ACBRA sanctioned barrel races and jackpots, both those of members and non-members, and reserves the right to refuse any non-member competition in a category. Only "member" horse or horses remain in the category from the time of excepted membership throughout the competition year in order to compete at the Finals.
It is the intent of these levels of competition to create fair competition among all horses. Even though the ACBRA may not have a complete record of a horse's winnings, it is expected that all individuals will honor this intent. However, it is the discretion of the arena operator/directors to challenge the said individual. Any reasonable legitimate challenges of individuals shall be directed to the ACBRA Board of Directors. Winnings will be considered from any and all futurities, barrel races, jackpots and rodeos. If it is proven that the individual has knowingly entered the horse(s) in the wrong category, this action may result in a fine or suspension.
If at any time your horse’s membership category is challenged, you must submit a copy of the horse’s registration papers (or a picture of the horse if not registered) within 10 days after the receipt of notice to the ACBRA. The ACBRA Board reserves the right to request any additional information in regards to said challenge. Failure to do so will results in forfeiture of points, attendance, and possible ineligibility.
A horse may compete in his joined category for points and/or money. A horse may compete in a higher category in which he does not have a membership number for money only.
Categories are based on all of a horse(s) lifetime winnings while barrel racing, including futurities, jackpots, rodeos, and sanctioned ACBRA barrel races at the time of the membership and are as follows (except Jr. category):
$1,000 horse - Open to all horses having won less than $1,000.
$3,500 - Open to all horses having won less than $3,500.
$7,500 - Open to all horses having won less than $7,500
Open - Open to all horses, regardless of lifetime winnings, or horses with lifetime
earnings in excess of $7,500, or non-members
Junior. - Open to all riders who are 14 years and under.
SECTION: 9 – POINTS
Only ACBRA members shall receive points.
Any member who has competed in at least 10 jackpots during the competition year will be eligible to compete at the Finals.
Regardless of points earned or won, a member horse must compete at a minimum of ten approved jackpots to be eligible for the Finals.
The accumulation of points for the competition year will commence at the beginning of the competition year and end at the completion of the year, prior to the National Finals. The start and end dates will be determined by the Board of Directors.
Points shall be awarded to member horses down to a maximum of 10 places
When signing up at an ACBRA jackpot, the horse(s) name must be given as listed on the membership application, and entered on the official ACBRA sign up form. ALSO, IT IS THE RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE THE HORSE'S MEMBERSHIP NUMBER WHEN SIGNING UP. If an individual has not yet received a membership card with a membership number, it is the responsibility of the individual to indicate and state at any sanctioned ACBRA event that the membership number is "Pending", and for which "Category" it is pending (i.e. U1000 Pending). If no membership number or pending status is listed, no points will be awarded. The ACBRA office will not fill in membership numbers.
Point standings will be published in the ACBRA website (www.acbra.com). Inquiries into points issued must be made within 30 days of the publication. It is the responsibility of the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual to correct any errors. All points, attendance credits, and standings shall be deemed correct after 30 days of publication.
At all sanctioned ACBRA races or Co-Sanctioned races ACBRA members competing will receive appropriate category points. Category points shall be awarded as follows: 100 for first place, 90 for second, 80 for third, 70 for fourth, and so on down to 10 points.
When determining points to be awarded, a non-member shall be skipped as if it had not run at all and the next placing member horse shall be awarded those points.
U1000 Rider points will be kept separately as an additional ‘category’ just as the membership category points are kept; however, there is no additional membership fee and there are no separate races for this ‘category’.
All ties shall split points.
If a jackpot is timed with an electric eye that records times to the 1,000th, ties MUST be broken and paid on the 1,000ths.
A member’s disqualification, which results in a "NO TIME", will result in no points given. An example is, a broken cloverleaf pattern would be grounds for an "Off Course" disqualification and no points will be given. CREDIT FOR ATTENDANCE WILL BE GIVEN.
If in any given category there are NO contestants which (members or non-members) receive a qualified time, the monies in the pot will be go to the ACBRA Awards Fund to offset year end and Finals expenses (i.e. all riders go off course). If less than the places paid are filled with qualified times, the remaining money in that division will be equally divided among the qualified times in that division. Example: 4 monies paid 2 qualifying times..the money in that divisions “pot” is refigured by the percentages and re-paid.
The electric eye fails during a members run and there is no backup watch, the barrel racer has the CHOICE of a re-run or taking last place points in that run (i.e. 5 entries in a category, all are members, last points to be given are 60. If the person chooses not to run, they will receive the 60 points). No refund will be given.
Non-members can choose to run again. They will not receive a refund.
It is the riders responsibility to notify the arena operator if they request not to re-run.
SECTION: 10 – SANCTIONED ARENA RULES
Before any ACBRA barrel race or jackpot may be advertised, sanctioned or authorized, the arena operator or those persons managing or organizing said barrel race or jackpot must enter into a contract with the ACBRA. In addition, the arena must be considered safe and not a hazard to any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual by ACBRA standards.
Arena operators must pay an annual $30 associate membership fee, which must be submitted with the contract. Membership includes the monthly ACBRA newsletter and monthly advertising of jackpots.
If for any reason an arena operator requests a cancellation or a change to a published sanctioned event, the arena operator will be responsible for the cost of the mailing to notify all members.
In the case of all first year arenas or arenas with a history of problems with the ACBRA, the arena will be required to post a $50 refundable bond prior to approval. This bond will be refunded upon completion of the contract unless expenses or losses are incurred by the ACBRA relating to that arena. If an outstanding debt is due to the ACBRA, the amount will be deducted out of the arena bond before a refund will be issued.
All ACBRA categories or levels of competition must be offered to gain ACBRA approval if the jackpot is to be paid out in the ACBRA category format. Levels are defined as U-$1,000 rider/horse, U-$3,500, U-$7,500, Open, and Junior. Non-members may run in the Open category only.
Approved ACBRA jackpots may be paid in the 4D format, with points awarded for how members placed in their respective categories.
Arenas may ONLY accept COMPLETED membership applications with the required fees and papers. (Required paperwork not given to arena operator MUST BE SUBMITTED & POSTMARKED WITHIN 10 DAYS.) Riders wanting their points to count the day they join MUST submit the application prior to running. The member number on the sign-up would be "pending" and indicate which category they are joining in, for example: "U1000 Pending". The COMPLETE application and fee must be submitted to the ACBRA point office with the jackpot results. APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE ALL REQUIRED PAPERWORK WITH THEIR APPLICATION (within 10 days) OR APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED TO THEM AND NO POINTS WILL BE ISSUED.
All sanctioned ACBRA jackpots MUST be approved and listed in the ACBRA calendar prior to the event. You must schedule your jackpots with your ACBRA arena contact by the 5th of the month, two months prior to your event for your event to be in the calendar sent to The Racer’s Edge and Ropers Sports News. For example, jackpots to be held in December must be sent to the arena contact by the 5th of October, for jackpots to be held in January the dates must be sent to the arena contact by the 5th of November. For an event to be listed in the ACBRA Newsletter it must be approved by the arena contact by the 15th of the month prior to your event. For website advertizing ONLY your race must be approved by the arena contact two weeks prior to your event. EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO GET EVENTS POSTED WITHIN A TIMELY MANNER.
If the jackpot is not listed in the official calendar ON THE ACBRA WEBSITE, THE ACBRA BOARD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DECIDE WHETHER POINTS AND OR ATTENDANCE WILL OR WILL NOT BE GIVEN FOR THE JACKPOT.
Arena approval may be withheld for any reason deemed adequate by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Places paid in the ACBRA barrel races will be according to a standard payout schedule provided by the ACBRA.
Two dollars ($2.00) per competitive run and one dollar ($1.00) per timed run at any sanctioned ACBRA barrel race that has no added money must be held out and sent in to the ACBRA Points Officer along with a complete list of entries on the sign up form and re-cap sheet with the times and money won. Four dollars ($4.00) per competitive run and one dollar ($1.00) per timed run at any added money sanctioned ACBRA barrel race must be held out from the office charge and sent in with a complete list of entries on the sign-up form, and re-cap sheet with the times and money won to the ACBRA points office. Time onlys must also be listed on sign-up forms and sent in with the jackpot results. SIGN-UP FORMS WITH THE TIMES AND MONEY WON MUST BE POST MARKED WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE EVENT. CONTINUED FAILURE TO DO THIS MAY RESULT IN A $50 FINE AND/OR SUSPENDING FUTURE SANCTIONED ACBRA EVENTS AND A DEDUCTION OF ARENA BOND.
Minimum Entry Fee – The minimum entry fee is $25 for jackpots. The entry fee less the office charge, eye charge, and ACBRA fee shall leave a minimum of $16 in the pot per entry. Payout sheets are available for jackpots being run in the 4D format.
A $5 day membership will be charged to all barrel race competitors that are not current ACBRA members. This fee also applies to a rider who has membered one horse, but is competing on a horse that is not a member. This fee shall be divided between the arena operator and the ACBRA, arena operate to send in $2(amended Oct 2009) of the $5 non-member fee to the ACBRA along with the jackpot paperwork to the Points Officer. The day membership will not qualify the competitor to receive points or attendance credit to attend the Finals
Cost of timed runs will be set by the arena. All association-hosted jackpots will charge $5.00 per timed run.
Payoff percentages for jackpots competing in the ACBRA category format:
1 - 3 entries 100% of pot to 1st
4 - 6 entries 60%, 40% of pot to 1st, 2nd
7 - 15 entries 43%, 33%, 24% of pot to 1st, 2nd, 3rd
16 - 25 entries 40%, 30%, 20% 10% of pot to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This applies to all amounts of $ that would be in any pot.
If any arena operator is adding at least $500.00 to a jackpot, they may petition the board of directors for an alternative payout schedule.
If a rider is incorrectly paid at a barrel race, they will be notified in writing of any monies due back to the ACBRA office, so that correct payouts may be made. If this money is not repaid within 30 days of notification, the member / owner / rider will be put on the ineligible list until the money is repaid.
An ineligible list will be provided to notify arena operators of membership / non-member owner(s) that are ineligible to participate in ACBRA jackpots, or time onlys.
If the jackpot is timed with an electric eye that records times to the 100's or 1000's ties MUST be broken and paid on the l000ths (no rounding to the l0ths).
In the event of a hand flagged/timed jackpot, results MUST be listed and paid on the 100ths. (No rounding to the 10ths).
If using a flagger, they are not to move from the score line for any reason once the barrel race has begun. Members are responsible for downed barrels or retrieving lost articles if the arena operator does not have help available.
In no instance shall any barrel be set closer than 15 feet from the fence. The score line shall be at least 45 feet from the end of the arena. A REGULATION COURSE SHALL BE SET WHENEVER POSSIBLE. (Barrels one and two 90 feet apart and 60 feet from the score line. Barrel three 105 feet from barrels one and two.) The barrel pattern MUST BE MEASURED AND/OR MARKED to ensure barrels one and two are an equal distance from the score line.
The arena operator shall have the right to check on any rider's eligibility at any time as stipulated in Section 8 (4) of these rules.
Entries close for jackpot categories when the first horse in the category begins its run.
A contestant may draw out of the barrel race before the 1st contestant is called in their category and receive a refund of fees minus the office charge and eye fee. There MUST be a legitimate reason for withdrawal, i.e. horse becomes lame, rider becomes ill, family emergency.
In the event of a jackpot cancellation, the area operator must turn in a recap sheet stating it was cancelled and why within 10 days.
An advertised jackpot may be cancelled only because of weather or a situation deemed to be an emergency. Every effort must be made to notify barrel racers and the Arena Director or Board of Directors. If a change of jackpot location occurs, Arena Operator must give directions to the new location. A notice must be posted in a clearly seen position giving directions to the new location, with the jackpot being held up, allowing for travel of contestants to the new location. Failure to do this may result in SUSPENSION.
Arena operators shall be limited to one no money added jackpot per week and one added money jackpot per week. If any arena operator chooses to have both of these races on the same day a rider may carry their time over and receive attendance and points.
ACBRA week runs from Sunday to Saturday.
Week night races cannot start prior to 6:30pm.
No arena can have any added money races Monday through Thursday excluding holidays and Board approval. An arena may request special permission from the Board to have two added money races in a week.
If the arena operator changes at an arena, the new operator must sign a new contract.
An arena operator may not operate more than 1 arena per week.
Arena operators shall follow all ACBRA rules or may be subject to a $50 fine and/or suspension. If suspension occurs, the arena is liable for the cost of notifying members. Re-approval will be by Board of Directors decision only.
Arena Operators shall make all ACBRA payouts either by cash or by arena operator checks. A contestant‘s entry fee check may never be used for making the payout at jackpots.
CO-SANCTIONING RULES
An Arena Operator who is hosting jackpots for another organization and desires to have these barrel races co-approved with ACBRA must complete a Co-Approval Contract and submit a $15 fee. This fee will entitle the Arena Operator to have three barrel races co-approved with the ACBRA. If additional races are to be co-approved, then an additional $15 fee must be submitted for every three barrel races. Arena Operator must also provide proof of a MINIMUM OF ONE MILLION LIABILITY policy prior to any races being scheduled and placed on the ACBRA calendar.
ACBRA will not co-sanction any race that does not have a minimum of $100 added. The ACBRA will not co-sanction any race that does not have a minimum entry fee of $25. Special approval must be obtained from the ACBRA Board to have more than 1 added money race in a week or to schedule a race with a start time that differs from the time schedule stated previously.
The Arena Operator shall collect $2 from any ACBRA member who wishes to receive points and attendance credit. As of January 1, 2010 the fee will be increased to $5. The $2 (prior to 1/1/2010 then $5) must be returned along with the complete results of the barrel race (including times and money won for all competitors) to the ACBRA Points Officer within 10 days of the barrel race. Failure to do so may result in suspension and forfeiture of co-approval fee(s) already submitted.
ACBRA members may ONLY receive points and attendance credit for the OPEN RACE even though they may be competing in other races (i.e. novice, senior, junior races).
SECTION: 11 – ACBRA SANCTIONED BARREL RACES
NO WARM-UPS, PRACTICE, OR SCHOOLING RUNS WILL BE ALLOWED on the barrel markers in the arena once the pattern is set with markers or barrels. NO SCHOOLING DURING COMPETION RUNS WILL BE ALLOWED: ie turning barrel more than once. Continued abuse of this rule will result in a fine and/or suspension.
If a hand flagger is used, the flagger may not move from the score line for any reason once the barrel race has begun.
A regulation course shall be set whenever possible, (barrels one and two are 90 feet apart and 60 feet from the score line. Barrel three is 105 feet from barrels one and two). In no instance shall any barrel be closer than 15 feet to the fence. The score line shall be at least 45 feet from the end of the arena.
The cloverleaf pattern is defined as one turn to the left around the barrel and one turn to the right around each of the remaining two barrels, the second barrel being directly across the arena from the first barrel. Barrel racers may also make one right turn and two left turns.
Barrel race is a timed event using brightly colored 55-gallon steel drums. In the event that there are no steel drums available, plastic barrels may be used at the discretion of the arena operator.
Both ends of the barrels must be enclosed, and sides must be solid.
If barrel covers are used, they should be used throughout the entire jackpot.
There is to be only one horse in the arena at a time during time only’s and competition barrel race, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
The starting gate or gates will remain the same throughout the entire event. If there is a center gate it must be closed until rider has completed their run and stopped their horse.
The start/finish line and the position for the barrels must be marked permanently for the entire event.
Contestants will be assessed a five second penalty for knocking over a barrel. Touching a barrel is permitted. For the pay out at a 4D race any time with a penalty will not receive a check. For points you will get your time plus 5 seconds.
Should a barrel be knocked over and it sets up on opposite end, the five- second penalty will be assessed.
Barrels must be set back on marker if barrel is moved.
Time will begin when contestant crosses the start/finish line.
If an arena operator adds $1000 or more to a ACBRA association (this does not include co-sanctioned races) race they can submit a request to the board to have this race be double attendance.
SECTION: 12 – NATIONAL FINALS
The ACBRA Finals for the competitive year will be held at a facility to be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Finals will consist of two go-rounds and an average. Pay-offs will be 33 l/3%, 33 1/3%, 33 1/3%. Places paid will be determined by the number of entries and/or added money.
Finals entry fees will be at least $50 per horse in each category.
Eligibility for the Finals is as follows: Any member who has competed in at least 10 jackpots during the competition year will be eligible to attend the finals.
An electric eye or timer will be used at the Finals and all results recorded to the thousandth of a second. There will be a back-up flagger and timers and/or an additional electric eye. If the electric eye does not work for the majority of runs then back-up times MUST be used for all.
Any ties for awards will be broken by a method determined by the Board of Directors.
No more than three calls will be made for the rider to enter the barrel pattern at the Finals.
A dress code will be mandatory at the Finals, consisting of western hat, long sleeve shirt, western pants (no faded denims), and boots. Juniors 9 years old and under must wear a safety riding helmet. If a helmet is not worn they will be disqualified.
Contestants will be fined $10 for losing their hat AT ANY TIME while in the arena. If your hat comes off prior to turning the first barrel you will be fined $25.
The office charge if needed at the Finals will be determined by the year-end financial standing in order to leave a minimum of $2,500 to carry-over for the following year.
A designated time and date will be set for qualified horses to enter the Finals.
All category Top 10 winners for the year-end must be responsible for the picking up of their year-end awards at the finals banquet if they will not be attending themselves. Any awards not picked up at the finals banquet will be given to the person who is in next place to receive awards (11th place) in that category.
All riders at the finals must have a current ACBRA membered horse.
All members are responsible for picking up of any ACBRA prizes from any ACBRA jackpot or jackpot series. Failure to pick up prizes within 10 days will result in forfeiture.
SECTION: 13 - ACBRA 4-D RULES
Children 9 years old and under must wear a helmet at all ACBRA competitions.
Arenas must use ACBRA time split for 4D payout and must follow ACBRA payout sheet and recap sheet. Time split shall be: fastest time, fastest time plus .5 seconds, fastest time plus 1 second and fastest time plus 2 seconds. The Board must approve any changes to this. No checks for runs that include penalties.
All conditions for arenas to put on 4D races must follow the ACBRA standard and rules.
Arena operators will use ACBRA payout and entry fee schedule.
