Pro Rodeo Bylaws

With the growing popularity of rodeo and the increase in its prize money, several professional associations have formed to provide uniform standards governing the sport. Despite the diversity of membership and geographical coverage of these organizations, all have similar bylaws that provide guidelines for each sanctioned event, describe professional conduct and list guidelines to insure animal welfare.

  1. Rodeo Events

    • According to the bylaws of the professional rodeo associations-- the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, United Professional Rodeo Association, International Professional Rodeo Association and Women's Professional Rodeo Association, to name a few -- the main rodeo events are bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, calf roping, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing, ladies break-away roping and bull riding. While the IPRA, UPRA and PRCA limit women's events to barrel racing and break-away roping, the WPRA includes rough stock (bronc and bull riding) as well as a full slate of roping classes, in addition to the traditional barrel racing and break-away roping.

    Professional Conduct

    • All rodeo associations insist on professional conduct and good sportsmanship. Part of this professional conduct includes a dress code that requires all participants to wear long-sleeved, button-down shirts with collars, western hats and boots at any time they are in the arena. Contestants' assigned numbers must also be visible. Failure to adhere to the dress code may result in immediate disqualification for the remainder of the rodeo plus a monetary fine.

    Welfare

    • All rodeo associations include rules governing the humane treatment of animals. Among these rules are requirements for a licensed veterinarian to be present or on-call at all performances. These rules also forbid the administration of stimulants or hypnotic drugs to any animal used in competition and limit the length of time for hauling rodeo livestock to 24 hours without unloading, feeding and watering them. In addition, the bylaws forbid abuse or mistreatment of any animal on rodeo grounds for any reason. Other provisions include the setting aside of an area to treat any animal that shows signs of injury, as well as a means to transport the animal, if necessary. These bylaws pertain to all animals on the rodeo grounds, not just those provided by the rodeo stock contractor.

    Other By-Laws

    • Other provisions of the professional rodeo associations' bylaws include requirements for membership, the hiring of judges, stock contractors and timers, plus rules for election of officers and payment of dues. Also covered are entry fees and fines for undesirable behavior. The bylaws also present the method for awarding points and the criteria for year-end awards. In addition, the rules address payback distribution percentages and the awarding of day money, as well as the steps for lodging an appeal.