Elite General Rules:
1. Horse Substitution
You may substitute a horse; however, if the horse is already entered, you cannot change the draw position or run the horse in the same section. Any horse substitution must be made with the show secretary in writing using the Change form. All horse changes must be submitted on a Change Form before the first horse runs in the race, and a $10 fee will apply.
2. Rider Substitution
Any rider substitution/change must be made with the show secretary in writing using the change form before the first horse runs. $25.00 fee
You can change a horse OR rider, but not both.
3. Selling a Run
Selling a run is not allowed. You must draw out completely. If spots are still available, they can enter as a new entry.
4. Check-In
Upon arrival, you must check in at the Stall Office for stalls or RVs. The stall office is open 24 hours during the event. Checking in with the Event Office concerning your entry is unnecessary. Still, we encourage all contestants to visit the area outside of the Event Office to confirm their race positions with the draw sheets that will be posted and check all incentives.
Draw numbers for your entry can also be found on www.elitebarrelracing.com prior to the event.
5. Stalls
NOTE: ALL STALLS AT WILL BE PRE-ASSIGNED. ONE of the contestants in your group MUST reserve ALL needed stalls to guarantee your stalls will be together. Please do not send any requests to be stalled together. There is not a hauling partner form.
6. Dress Code
All contestants must wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a Western Hat (minimum 2 1/2" brim), and cowboy boots or equestrian sports shoes. Caps are not permitted. NOTE: If the hat falls off and lands in the alleyway or arena, a $10 dress code fine will be assessed. Helmets are not required, but all contestants are encouraged to wear one. Anyone not wearing the proper attire in the arena will be assessed a $50 fine. All fine money will be going to the Elite Barrel Racing Scholarship Program.
7. Sportsmanship
All contestants and their family members are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times. No level of abuse toward any animal at this event will be allowed. Foul language, misconduct, or abusive comments spoken
to any contestant, spectator, staff member, or arena personnel will result in immediate contestant disqualification and no refund of entry fees. Contestants are also responsible for traveling companions and their family members.
8. Photos and Video
Elite Barrel Racing Productions photographs and records each contestant’s individual run. Flash will be used on all runs and cannot be requested to be turned off. These photos/videos are the property of Elite Barrel Racing Productions, and decisions made by Elite Barrel Racing Productions management as a result of viewing photos and/or videos are final.
9. Fines
100% of all fines will be donated to the Elite Barrel Racing Scholarship Program.
10. Returned Checks
For any reason, there is a $40 service charge on all returned checks from the bank. If a check is not replaced with a cashier’s check or money order within 30 days after the check is dated, the contestant will be put on the "ineligible" list.
11. Dogs
Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
12. Vendors
Vendor Forms are available on the website. There shall be no selling of any merchandise or professional service on the arena grounds, in stalls, or at trailers without a vendor contract with Elite Barrel Racing Productions. Vendor forms are available at www.elitebarrelracing.com
13. Turn Out Rules
The contestant shall identify themselves to the Gate Man and be in the holding area five horses before their run. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. The Gate Man will be located next to the alleyway going into the arena. The contestant's name will be called by the Gate Man three times, if the contestant is not in the arena by the third call, they will be disqualified. Only one horse may be in the alleyway at any time. Remember the three official calls come from the Gate Man, not the Announcer.
14. Time Begins
Any time a contestant crosses the starting line, the time will begin.
15. No Time
A "No Time" will be given to the contestant for the following reasons:
• If the contestant "circles" their horse after entering or exiting the arena. (Definition of the Arena is past the plane of the alley)
• If the contestant breaks or misses the barrel pattern.
• If the contestant runs out of turn. It is the contestant's responsibility to know their draw position.
• If a contestant knocks over a barrel. A "no time" will also be given if a barrel is knocked over and it sets up again on either end. Touching a barrel, including keeping it from falling, is permitted without penalty.
• If the contestant's horse or rider falls during the run in such a manner as to break the pattern or if the rider falls off the horse after entering past the plane of the alley
• Unable to get the horse in the arena within a 60-second time limit.
• If a horse stops forward motion.
• If you feel that you have been fouled for some reason, you must pull up and declare the foul to the gateman.
16. Time Limit
If a contestant is in the holding pen and attempts to enter the arena, but cannot get the horse down the alleyway, the gateman, after the second call, will give the rider 60 seconds to enter the arena. At the end of 60 seconds, if the horse has not broken the plane at the end of the alleyway into the arena, the rider will be disqualified. (The reason for this rule is the contestant’s safety, the other contestants in the holding area, and the employees.)
17. Barrel Moved
If a barrel moved off its marker during competition, it must be reset before the next competitor's run.
18. Horse and Rider Rule
Contestants may run any horse, regardless of ownership, but a horse can only be run once in each section.
19. Horses in Arena/Alley
Only one horse may be in the arena, or alleyway, at any time during the competition. (The reason for this rule is the safety of the contestant. Accidents can occur where the assisting horse gets in front of the contestant horse, and the contestant horse then decides to go and runs into the assisting horse.)
A horse can be assisted to the mouth of the alley, but people on foot are not allowed in the alley or the arena once the horse and rider have entered the arena. There will be no whipping of a horse from the ground in the holding pen area or alley entrance. The gateman will enforce these rules implicitly.
20. Re-Runs
Re-runs shall be granted if the official and backup timers fail to work correctly unless a barrel has been turned over, resulting in a no-time. If the barrels are not placed properly on their markers, a re-run shall also be granted without any penalties being applied; however, any penalty occurring on the re-run shall result in no time. If a rider feels that they have been fouled or compromised in any way, it is the rider's responsibility to pull up and declare the foul to the gateman.
21. Training in Arena
Contestants who are given "no time,” either for breaking the pattern or knocking down a barrel, may complete the pattern. However, at its discretion, show management may ask a rider who is taking excessive time to train to leave the arena immediately. If such a request is not complied with, a $25 fine may be assessed.
22. Fastest Run Possible
Contestants must attempt to make the fastest run possible. Any obvious attempt to "pull up" or pace their run may result in the following penalties- 1st Offense - Warning, 2nd Offense - $50 fine, 3rd Offense - one year on the "ineligible" list at Elite Barrel Racing Productions events.
23. Tie for Prizes
If any contestants’ times are tied, the prize money will be split equally. Numbered poker chips will be drawn and prizes will be awarded based on the order of highest to lowest, with the highest number receiving the largest prize.
24. Payout Requirements
All payouts go to the rider. Your social security number must be on file to receive your money, which you must provide when you enter. Checks must be cashed/deposited within 90 days, or all monies will be forfeited.
25. Disqualifications
Any act deemed prejudicial to the best interests of Elite Barrel Racing Productions may result in the contestant’s disqualification, with no refund of entry fees. The contestant may also be placed on the "ineligible" list for Elite Barrel Racing Productions. These acts may include but are not limited to the following:
• Using abusive or intemperate language or attempting to threaten, bribe, influence, or harass any contestant, spectator, staff member, or Arena Personnel. Also, any remarks made with the intent to cast aspersions on the character or integrity of an Elite Barrel Racing Productions staff member or management member.
• Moving or attempting to move markers at any time.
• Use of electronic and/or remotely controlled devices to alter the outcome of a run.
• Abuse of a horse in any way, either on the ground or in the saddle. No Whipping a horse from the ground by a bystander.
• Abuse of an animal in the show arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the exhibition of a horse in competition
• Competing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Misidentifying a horse in any Elite Barrel Racing Productions Barrel Race class.
• Misidentifying a rider in any Elite Barrel Racing Productions Barrel Race class.
• Other conduct that is not in the best interest of Elite Barrel Racing Productions or its contestants.
• Failure to make good on a returned check to Elite Barrel Racing Productions or any other association with a cooperative agreement with Elite Barrel Racing Productions on the returned checks.
• The Elite Barrel Racing Productions Management, at their sole discretion, shall have the authority to disqualify or deny entry to any horse they deem dangerous to the rider or to other individuals, animals, or property.
26. Safety
Safety is a prime objective in this barrel race. If you have a horse that could be dangerous to yourself, other contestants, or other horses, DO NOT come to this barrel race. Any horse or contestant deemed dangerous by the Elite Barrel Racing Productions management will be disqualified, and entry fees will not be refunded.
27. Rules
The management of Elite Barrel Racing Productions reserves the right to create any new rule or modify any existing rule to better the sport of this barrel race. Please note that the rules appearing on the boards at the event take precedence over the website and any other postings. All announcements at the show supersede printed material.
28. Postponement of Event
Elite Barrel Racing Productions reserves the right to postpone any barrel race due to a natural or manmade disaster. We do not like to put these conditions on any event but feel it is unfair if only a small percentage of barrel racers can attend. Any monies collected will be refunded. If any event is postponed, we will reschedule it for a future date. No postponement or cancellation will be made due to a lack of entries.