OVTPA - Club News

Club News

2010 Rules (download)

Mission Statement
Goals
General Rules
Team Penning Classes
Dress Code
Show Regulations
Arena & Pen Dimensions
Policy and Procedures
Rating System
Appeals
Etiquette
Herd Settling Techniques

MISSION STATEMENT

The Ottawa Valley Team Penning Association (OVTPA) has been established to promote and develop the sport of Team Cattle Penning in Eastern Ontario. In accordance with the mission, the OVTPA seeks to classify penners according to ability and to establish rules to create a common approach to the sport and maximize
participation and competition.

The OVTPA supports the view that team penning is a sport for young and old, male and female, families and individuals, and in this regard, seeks to promote a high standard of personal conduct and good sportsmanship. The OVTPA brings Team Cattle Penners together in the spirit of fun and competition, and this is of primary
importance in this mission.

GOALS

1. To promote the sport of Team Cattle Penning.
2. To establish and maintain a handicap system that encourages team cattle penners of every age and every skill level to compete in the sport.
3. To promote a pastime that fosters family involvement while setting standards for proper conduct and good sportsmanship.
4. To constantly strive to improve, enhance and enrich the sport through refinement and innovation.
The OVTPA is an organization that continually seeks to improve the sport of team cattle penning. As in any evolutionary process, new paths must be taken to improve the sport for all competitors. Regular monitoring and constant communication among participants and associations will continue to make team cattle penning a better sport and that is the utmost aim of the OVTPA.

GENERAL RULES

The object of team cattle penning is that a team consisting of three riders in an arena must attempt to cut out from a herd and pen three head of cattle with the team’s assigned number within a specified time limit. The fastest time with the most amount of penned cattle, wins. It is recommended that a two person officiating system be utilized. One official will be the Senior Judge who is situated at the pen and the other official is the Line Official. The Line Official is responsible for starting teams and calling “trash”. Both Officials are responsible for the enforcement of all rules.

A team consists of 3 riders. When cross-entering a team must change out one rider. After a three-person team competes in any one go-round, if one person is unable to compete for any reason in subsequent go round(s), it is the option of the two remaining contestants to compete, if they so desire, but in no event may less than two persons compete. In the event the third rider of the team is not in the arena to begin the run when scheduled to do so, the third rider will be given a maximum of 30 seconds to enter the arena. After the 30 seconds has expired the official will indicate to the remaining riders when the arena is ready and they must begin the run. If the third rider enters the arena after the flag has dropped to begin the run the team will be disqualified.
1. a) If a rider is unable to continue for any reason, they may be replaced in subsequent runs with a rider of the same or lesser rating (open class does not apply). For those runs which are completed, they cannot be replaced
  for any second rounds. These teams must run with the remaining two riders.
The maximum time limit for all classes, including youth classes, is 90 seconds. Within this time limit the team must attempt to separate from the herd and pen three head of cattle with the same assigned identity number. In instances where the team has completed their run and the flag has dropped at almost the same time as the maximum time buzzer has sounded the judge must refer to the timekeepers to determine whether or not the maximum time limit has been exceeded. All a judge can do is drop the flag to signify the timers to stop the clock. The timer will then tell the judge and scorekeeper if the time was within the maximum time allowed. A courtesy warning may be given to the team at 30 seconds prior to the maximum time allowed.
There must be an equal number of cattle in the arena when a team competes, except in the event that injured or escaped animals have been removed and management has opted to complete runs in that particular herd. If this situation occurs and the number of that injured or escaped animal has not been previously used, that number will be deleted from the order of go. The Judge will have the discretion to change the injured cow or remove it from the herd and delete that number from the order of go. In any case, all injured cattle will be removed from the pen immediately. In the event more or less than three assigned cattle are discovered within the herd the team(s) in this situation will receive a rerun at the end of the herd on their previously assigned number. In the event a number is called twice in the same herd, the second team drawing the duplicate number must rerun on the correct number, at the end of that herd. Only the affected team will be entitled to a rerun. Teams awarded a rerun for these reasons, will not carry forward any penalties to their reruns. Times for all other teams on the herd will remain the same.
Herds of cattle will be changed after all numbers have been called, regardless of no shows. When a complete herd escapes or is removed from the arena for any reason a new herd of cattle will replace them.
All cattle will be unified & settled (bunched) within the designated markers on the cattle side of the start line before time begins. The Line Official will raise the flag to signal when the arena is ready. All team members are expected to move promptly into position to start and must proceed immediately if instructed todo so by either Official. An official may grant a short rest of not more than 30 seconds (provided there were no delays between runs) to a competitor with back to back runs. Time begins when the nose of the first rider’s horse crosses the start line. The drop of the flag to start the run deems the team is committed to their cattle. Riders will be given their cattle number as they cross the start line. Teams delaying in entering the arena within a 30 second time limit between teams will be disqualified (unless waived for good cause) from competing in that class for that day and will forfeit their entry fee. If a team is a no show the cattle number drawn for that run will be used for the next team so that the maximum number of teams will compete in each herd. Competitors must be ready to begin their run when the official raises the start flag. It will be the official's discretion to start time due to rider delay. The Announcer shall announce, frequently, the competing team’s assigned cattle number for the benefit of the competitors and spectators.
Once committed to the cattle, the team is completely responsible for their animals. If an animal leaves the arena either over or through a fence or gate the team can be disqualified for unnecessary roughness, given a time on their remaining cattle, or awarded a rerun at the Judge’s discretion.
If more than four (4) head of cattle are on the pen side of the cattle/start line at one time, the team will be disqualified. Cattle will be judged over the cattle/start line when all four feet are over the line. If more than one (1) unassigned cow crosses to the pen side of this line at any one time during a run, the team will be
disqualified.
8. If at any time, all four (4) feet of an unassigned cow enters the pen, the team will be disqualified.
9. Time may be called by any team member any time after one or more cattle have been penned. To call for time one team member’s horse’s nose must break the plane of the gate and that team member must raise a hand above their shoulder.
The pen Judge’s flag will drop when the first horse’s nose breaks the plane and that rider calls for time. If a team calls for time with only one or two of their cattle in the pen, the remainder of their assigned cattle do not have to be on the herd side of the cattle line. A team may call for time at the pen, and in the event an unassigned animal (trash) is on the pen side of the line, time continues until the unassigned animal has been returned completely to the cattle side of the start line. In this situation the pen judge will drop the flag once the team has called for time and the line assistant will drop the flag to signify that the unassigned animal hasbeen returned totally to the cattle side of the start line. Time stops upon the final flag being dropped. All riders and horses must be on the pen side of the arena when time is called.

In the event an animal escapes from the pen by having one or more feet stepping outside the entrance of the pen after time has been called but prior to the time an unassigned animal is returned to the cattle side of the trash line, the team will be awarded time on the number of assigned cattle in the pen when the final flag is dropped. A team is not allowed to chase an assigned animal that escapes from the pen after the pen judge’s flag has dropped.
1. ' Time must be called by a mounted rider.
2. ' A cow judged as penned must be completely in the pen. (All 4 feet)
3. ' A rider whose horse totally enters the pen shall not be disqualified.
4. ' A run is considered to be complete when both officials have dropped their flags.
A team herding cattle into the pen under control, and/or having called for time but are waiting for the line judge to drop his flag ie; rider to cross line or the trash to cross the line and the penned cattle escape through the back gate of the penning pen, will still receive a time when the flag has dropped. Should this happen during a run where the escaped cow/cows interfere with the remaining cow/cows the run will be stopped and a rerun granted due to mechanical error, on the same number with no penalties.
Two herd holders will move penned cattle back to the herd following a run. The herd holders will ensure the herd is settled and unified between the markers. Herd holders must face the herd and control the herd in this position until the number is called. The herd holders are to exit along the outside edge of the arena immediately upon the number being called and not in front of the competing team. Herd holders must not attempt to bury cattle or stir the herd. The function of the herd holder is to ensure the herd is settled and unified. It is the Judge's discretion to instruct the herd holders to walk cows in a mannerly fashion.
Reruns and restarts will only be given for Mechanical Failure or Management Error. In the event a management error or mechanical failure is detected early in a run, the team will be given a restart. Restarts differ from reruns in that a restart is something that occurs within the first few seconds of a run that unfairly impedes the team competing. Several examples of restarts may be: failure for the announcer to inform the team of their assigned number in an appropriate time, duplicate numbers being announced, herd holder interference, failure of the time clock, or an animal bolting from the herd. Restarts will occur immediately and on the same assigned number. Reruns may be granted by the Judge for mechanical failures or management errors that might occur during the run. The team must declare their intention to seek a rerun before leaving the arena through polite request to the Judge. The herd is not to be released until the dispute is resolved. If a rerun is granted, it will be given at the end of the same herd of cattle using the same numbered cattle. The team cannot better the time at which the mechanical failure or management error occurred to cause the rerun and penalty seconds may be given at the Judge’s discretion, to a maximum of 5 seconds. The team may decline the rerun except in circumstances where a rerun must be taken due to duplicate numbers being used in the herd or more or less than three assigned cattle in a misnumbered herd. If a rerun is necessary for more or less than the assigned number of cattle in the herd or a rerun is granted due to cattle numbers being obscured the team will not incur any time penalties on their rerun.
1. If a team observes an unfit, injured or unidentified animal before committing to the cattle, the team must notify the Judge. Once committed to the cattle by crossing the start line the team is completely responsible for their animals. If a cow becomes incapacitated (injured, winded, lays down) the judge has the right to stop the run and the team will not be given a rerun as “luck of the draw” will apply. If an animal leaves the arena, either over or through a fence or gate, the team can either be disqualified for unnecessary roughness, given a time on their remaining cattle, or can be awarded a rerun depending on the Judge’s decision. If any extraneous animals such as dogs enter the arena, it will be the judge’s decision whether or not to grant a rerun.
2. Management should make sure all cattle are healthy, two-eyed and workable and properly tagged. Even so, an animal may occasionally be hurt during the contest, or a wild one may jump out. Exceptionally wild cattle should be eliminated before the contest. Injured cattle are to be removed immediately and management may decide to go on in that particular herd with less than 30 head of cattle in the herd.
Contact with or hazing cattle with hats, ropes, reins, bats, romals, or any other equipment or apparatus is a disqualification. Romals or reins may be popped on the rider’s leg or saddle. A rider rattling the pen to encourage a non-assigned animal to leave the entrance of the pen shall result in disqualification.
The fall of a horse and/or rider shall not eliminate the entry. Any attempt by a dismounted rider to work cattle before remounting will result in automatic disqualification. A team with one or more dismounted riders may call for time providing all riders and horses are on the pen side of the line. Outside help for dismounted riders by anyone other than their team mates in the arena will result in disqualification. The rider calling for time must be mounted.
If, in the opinion of the Judge, unnecessary roughness occurs, the Judge will stop the run immediately at the point of the infraction. The team will be awarded a no time. Unnecessary roughness which will result in disqualification includes but is not limited to:
1. Causing cattle to jump other cattle or making them leave the arena.
2. Excessive bumping, biting or stepping on the cattle by the horse.
3. Rider forces a cow to slam in to the arena fence.
4. Cattle bumping at the entrance to the pen.
5. Slamming cattle into the back panel of the pen.
6. Hitting cows broadside.
7. Knocking a cow down or off stride.
8. A warning will be given for roughing, however intentional roughing will be an automatic disqualification.
  
  Financial penalties for roughing infractions may be applied at the officials and/or management discretion. The OVTPA reserves the right to review roughing by an individual, in or out of the pen, and they have the right to assess a monetary or disqualification penalty if necessary. A monetary penalty for intentional roughing may be substantial to cover veterinarian costs, or the value of the animal etc.
Unsportsmanlike conduct by a team and/or rider will result in disqualification. Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as abuse of one’s horse or cattle, excessive use of foul language, intoxication in the arena or on the grounds or any other conduct felt to be detrimental to the sport of team penning. Abuse of one’s horse may include but is not limited to excessive jerking, spurring, whipping, slapping or kicking, or riding a horse that is visibly lame, sick or emaciated. The OVTPA reserves the right to suspend any rider from competing for the balance of the day and the next scheduled OVTPA event, in which the suspended rider attempts to enter.
Spotting of cattle is not allowed and if blatant spotting occurs, the competing team will be disqualified immediately. This rule is to be enforced by the management, and/or Officials. Riders discovered using the aid of communication devices in detecting cattle will be awarded an unsportsmanlike conduct and will be
disqualified from competition for the remainder of the show. The presiding Official is to notify the OVTPA Board of the infraction and the rider will be subject to further sanctions by the OVTPA Board of Directors. All decisions will be final.
Continuing to work cattle after the run has ended may result in a fine of $30.00, at the officials discretion. This fine must be paid before the competitor can compete further.
If horses are found to be unattended within the perimeter of the pen, or tied to the pen, the announcer will announce the fact and the rider will be given 5 minutes to attend to the horse. If the horse is not attended to after the 5-minute warning, a fine of $10.00 will be assessed. The fine must be paid before the competitor will be
allowed to compete.
After a run is complete, and disputes have been heard, all decisions of the Judge and Line Official are final. Penalties and reruns given by the Judge will be announced. Any rider who shows disrespect to a Judge, Line Official or any volunteers, will be disqualified for that day and all entry fees for the day will be
forfeited.
If a discrepancy is noted by a rider, (who is competing in that class that day), they must stop the competing team from leaving the ring, and approach the officials or rider rep with their complaint. If the competing team in question has left the ring unattested, no complaints will be heard. All three members of the competing team
must be in the ring.
Each OVTPA show will appoint a rider rep for each class. All rider disputes must be addressed to the rider rep, who will relay the information to the Judge or official. The Judge reserves the right to have direct contact with the rider, to clarify the objective or to issue a warning. All communication must be done in a civil manner. Note: abuse of the Judge or rider rep in the direct contact will result in a disqualification.

ORDER OF GO

a) Team positions for the 1st go-round and cattle numbers will be assigned by an impartial draw. Once the order of the draw is established it cannot be changed.

b) The second go-round shall be run in the reverse order of the 1st go-round placing (i.e. the slowest time goes first, fastest time goes last). In the event of a tie after completion of the 1st go-round, the order of the tied teams will be the reverse of how they entered in the 1st go-round.

c) In the event of a tie after completion of the second go-round, tied monies and points will be divided equally, except in the event that management has opted to follow the OVTPA tie-breaking rules, listed below.

PLACING AT JACKPOT PENNINGS

a) The placing in a class at jackpot pennings is determined on the aggregate scores of cattle penned and times obtained in 2 or more go-rounds. Usually only the top ten of the teams are eligible to compete in the 2nd round. The number of cattle penned takes priority over the time obtained.

i. A No Time or disqualification will be recorded as a no time (the maximum time allowed for that run, as determined at the start of the class). Both scores will equal 90 seconds.

ii. Times will be recorded to the nearest hundredth of a second.

b) Times and cattle penned by all participants will be recorded.

c) OVTPA Tie Breaking Procedure: In certain circumstances where there is a need to break a tie between two or more teams. To break this tie a flip of a coin will decide which team shall go first. Each team will have one chance to pen one cow.

When the judge raises the flag to start the run, the team can elect to pen any one cow. The team with the fastest time penning one cow will be deemed to have won and will be ranked higher than the other team/s involved in the tie. In certain circumstances there is a need to break a tie between two or more riders when high point rider awards are involved. To break this tie a flip of a coin will decide which rider shall go first. Each tied rider will select one rider to pen with them in the tiebreaker.
The selected penner must have been a team member of the tied rider on a previous team. The two-person team will have one chance to pen one cow. When the judge raises the flag to start the run, the team can elect to pen any one cow. The tied rider must be the rider to select the cow from the herd. The team with the fastest time penning one cow will be deemed to have won and the rider will be ranked higher than the other rider/s involved in the tie.

TEAM CATTLE PENNING CLASSES

1. YOUTH

The youth classes will consist of a Junior Division of which riders are 12 years of age or under as of January 1st (a show year is from January 1st to December 31st) and a Senior Division of which riders are 13 to 17 years of age as of January 1st. The Senior Youth class is optional and is offered at the discretion of the OVTPA.
In the Junior Youth class two youth must ride with one adult. The adult must be 18 years of age or older. The change out of the rider in the Junior Youth class must be a Youth. In the Senior Youth class all riders are Youth.
In the Junior Youth classes, a youth must enter the herd prior to the adult and must initially do the larger portion of the work involved in bringing each of the cattle out of the herd. The Youth must show control of the animal being cut, before the adult rider can assist. The adult is allowed to assist the youth with any animal, and may re-cut any animal that has returned to the herd after initially being separated by a youth. A youth must signify for time at the pen.
In the event of only one entry in the Youth Class the team will be allowed to pen.
All Youth riders must wear a proper helmet (18 years of age and under). This is a Provincial Law.
All Junior and Senior Youth riders will be rated according to OVTPA rating procedure and standards. Eligibility to compete in either the Junior or Senior Youth classes is determined by age.

2. OPEN CLASS

Open to any rating combination of riders

3. #6 CLASS

The combined rating total of all 3 team members cannot exceed six (6). For example: 4-1-1, 3-2-1, or 2-2-2.

NOTE: Classes currently offered consist of the above but are not limited to. Team Penning classes may include classes of 5, 6, 7, 9 and Open.

DRESS CODE

1. All contestants must wear a western hat or protective helmet, boots and a long sleeved shirt with a collar, or jacket with cuffs covering the wrist. Western style long pants (jeans) are required. In the event that a contestant has a mishap during penning and a button or snap is torn off or broken, this is not to be considered an infraction of the dress code. All contestants are encouraged to maintain a western image. Short sleeve western shirts (with collars), may be worn at the judge's discretion, announced that day of the event. Inappropriate attire may lead to a disqualification.

SHOW REGULATIONS

1. All riders in a OVTPA Jackpots must show proof of rating from their affiliated association, in order to ride in a numbered class. Any person not providing proof of rating, will be treated as an open rider. For all OVTPA Club Shows, all riders must be members of the OVTPA.

2. The rules and bylaws of the OVTPA will govern all Jackpot pennings. Amendments to OVTPA rules may be made by the majority of executive members present, in order to suit local needs (ie. pen size, herd size, etc.)

3. All Jackpot penning competitions will offer the following classes: Open, #6 and Youth. The Sr. Youth class is optional and is offered at the discretion of the OVTPA executive. If there are insufficient teams entered to justify a class, the class may be deleted. Other classes may be added, if all of the aforementioned classes have been offered.

4. Each member and/or rider must carry adequate liability insurance, and may be required to show proof at any event.

5. A cattle charge will be levied on all participants at each OVTPA event. The cattle charge may vary depending on the cost of the cattle being used and the number of participants. The cattle charge will be set at the beginning of the season, unless unforeseen circumstances cause management to alter the costs. Sufficient notice will be given to the members.

6. The rules will be posted at every Jackpot penning.

7. Working area in Jackpot pennings must be a minimum of 60 feet by 160 feet.

8. The OVTPA reserves the right to alter or amend any rule according to special circumstances.

9. All Judges and Line Officials will be familiar with the OVTPA official rules.

10. Numbers will be a minimum of 6 inches wide and will be from 0 to 9 and displayed on each side of the animal.

ARENA AND PEN DIMENSIONS

The start/cattle line must be marked. Anytime a 2-person system is used in officiating the Senior Judge shall work the finish line (pen) and the Line Official will work the start/cattle line. If a 2 person Official system is used, the line will be made visible on each side of the pen.

If using the 2-person Official system the Line Official is responsible for starting teams and calling “trash”, and will assist the Senior Judge in calling infractions. The cattle line shall be placed at 40-50% length of the arena from the cattle end, except in instances where the working area of the arena exceeds 200 feet in length. In this instance, management may opt to use a 30% cattle line. The finish line is placed at 75% length of the arena from the cattle end. The “hole” is always 16 feet. Depending on the size of panels used, the pen opening will be from 8-12 feet, and the length of the pen sides will be from 16 to 24 feet. A banner must be placed on the back side of the pen. Banners are not to be placed on the front panel of the pen adjacent to the opening, or on the “wing” of the pen.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

RATINGS

Goals

The purpose of rating each member is to provide a fair and level playing field for all members. No one should be riding with an advantage, or be disadvantaged, when competing with other members.

It is stressed that at any time, when determining the rating of an individual, rating committees must not consider the effect on the individual member but the effect on the membership as a whole. The individual’s age, length of time penning, existing teams, or the fact they may skip a rating level altogether, simply do not enter into the equation. The penner’s ability dictates what their rating should be.

When rating a penner, rating committees cannot consider personal relationships, emotions or conflicts of interest. The decision must be based solely on the individual’s ability. The rate of improvement the individual has shown, and the likelihood of significant improvement by the end of the year should also be considered. The ratings are the responsibility of the OVTPA Rating Committee.

While every effort will be made by the OVTPA Rating Committee to reach consensus on individuals’ ratings, the OVTPA Rating Committee will have the final say. The biggest test of the ratings system is when penners across all associations compete in Jackpot shows. A 4 from one association should pen similar as a 4 from any other association. If even one penner competes at a large show and is incorrectly rated, he or she has been given a competitive advantage, all other penners have been disadvantaged, and the integrity of the OVTPA Ratings System is put in jeopardy.

Procedure

The rating committee will consist of seven anonymous persons. These persons shall be experienced penners. The President shall appoint a rating committee chairperson. The chairperson shall ask the committee, in writing, their rating of each member. The chairperson will then summarize the information, and the average rating will stand. Ratings will be assessed yearly.

RATING SYSTEM

The OVTPA has a 6 number rating system as follows:

6 þ This penner excels in all areas of penning

5 þ This penner is highly proficient in all areas of penning

4 þ This penner is above average in most areas of penning

3 þ This penner is average in most areas of penning

2 þ This penner is developing his/her skills where they are no longer a beginner yet are not achieving overall average penning skills

1 þ This penner is well below average in penning skills and is most likely a new rider or a new penner or a penner who needs to develop in all areas of penning criteria

Criteria

This is a list of some criteria that should be used when evaluating a penners rating:

Riding Ability
Ability to read a cow
Ability to react to a situation
Ability to play different positions
Communication Skills
Coaching Ability

These are some items that should not be considered:

1. Money Earned

Although money earned is thought to be important, it can be clearly proven that a persons winnings has no direct correlation to their penning ability. For this reason, money earned should not be used as rating criteria, however it may be used as an indicator to review a penners rating.

2. Age

Age has no bearing on a penners rating. Ratings are purely based on ability and not on age; however age may have an impact on ability. All youth will be rated.

3. Ability to spot cows

Although this is not a high ranking criteria, a penner may have the ability to find and spot cows very easy or may have a very tough time looking for cows. Some penners may panic when they can’t find their cow while others have great peripheral vision and can not only spot all their cows, they can also see what is going on in the whole arena.

4. Horse

This criteria has no value in rating a penner. A rider’s mount may come and go throughout the year and therefore it is impossible to use the horse as part of the rating criteria. However, the horse may be used as an indicator of a penners riding ability.

New Rider Rating

New riders must be evaluated before each Jackpot penning, or they will be considered to be an open rider. New riders will be given a temporary rating, by the rating committee. Evaluation will occur by the rider attending 3 club shows. The rider's temporary rating will be reviewed by the OVTPA Rating Committee and subsequent changes may be enforced. The rider will be given a permanent rating for the year.

APPEAL

There are 2 types of Appeals.
At any time a penner may appeal his or her own rating. At any time, any penner may appeal another penners rating. The first appeal process is to be handled by the OVTPA rating committee. The appeal at this level is to be accompanied by $50.00, made payable to the OVTPA. If the appeal is won, $40.00 will be returned to the appellant. The OVTPA will retain all funds if the appeal is lost.

After the appeal process, the rating committee's decision is final.
If a penner wishes to Appeal his or her rating, or another penner's rating:

• They must send in a writing, the reasons why they believe they are rated incorrectly (or the penner's rating they are contesting), with regards to the rating criteria, to the OVTPA with the Appeal.
The Appeal must only relate to the riders rating with regard to the Ratings Criteria.

• The Appeal must be accompanied by $50.

• Once the OVTPA receives the appeal, they will set up an Appeal date with the Rating Committee in a timely fashion.

• The Rating Committee will hear the evidence provided by the Appellant.

• The Rating Committee will then ask the Appellant to leave the room/phone and will deliberate on the Appeal.

• The Rating Committee can only review evidence as it pertains to the ratings criteria. Under no circumstances can it give any substance to

I. Age
ii. Effect on teams/high point calculations
iii. Petitions
iv. Personal reasons
v. Political reasons (i.e. sponsorship, the penner will quit, etc.)

• The Rating Committee will give it’s decision which can only be:

I. Accept the Appeal.
ii. Deny the Appeal.
• The Rating Committee can only issue one rating to a Penner for the year. A penner's rating may only be appealed once during each season, under any circumstances.
• If the Appeal is successful, the Appellant will receive $40 back and $10 will be retained by the OVTPA as an administration fee.

PENNING ETIQUETTE

In order to promote Team Penning as a spectator sport and ensure shows are operated as efficiently as possible the OVTPA encourages the following:

Sportsmanship -respect your fellow penners, officials and volunteers
Losing a Hat -losing a hat intentionally adds additional time to the length of the show. It will be the Officials discretion to give a warning to the penner in question, and continued abuse will result in a disqualification of that team.
Promptness -know your order of go and be at the gate when called. Following your run and/or herd holding, exit the arena as quickly as possible. (Discuss your run outside the arena)
Herd Holding- herd holders must promptly go to the herd following their run, to complete their herd holding duties. Herd holders are to stay in place and position themselves at the side of the herd, facing the herd, until the number is called, so as not to obscure numbers from the next competing team. They are then to exit the arena immediately, as close to the outside walls, so as not to interfere with the competing team. To save time, teams should discuss their herd holding duties, before their run. (Refer to rule #11).

RECOMMENDED TECHNIQUES FOR HERD SETTLING

It is recommended that no more than 6 riders participate in settling cattle. The herd settlers you select should be experienced cattle handlers and should ensure that each herd is as uniform as possible in regards to weight and color. Always use the cattle end of the arena to settle cattle, not the pen end. Cattle should be brought into the arena and held in a uniform manner against the back wall of the arena. One rider should begin working the perimeter of the herd by walking and trotting in front of them. After the cattle are sufficiently used to the horse and rider in front of them the rider may begin working through the center of the herd, to the back wall and then to the side of the herd. Then the rider is to go through the center of the herd again and to the other side wall of the arena. The cattle should be moving to the center of the arena throughout this process. The process should be repeated several times. Hold back riders should be assisting in “curling” the cattle back to the herd and ensuring that escaped animals are sent back to the herd again. The goal is to have the cattle become accustomed to a horse and rider in their midst and to have the cattle wanting to turn back to the center of the herd and arena. The cattle should then be taken as a herd to the pen end of the arena and coaxed through the pen. Try to prohibit overcrowding, particularly through the pen and gate. It is important that no animal escapes through the “hole” side of the pen during this process. This is a good time to inspect the cattle for lameness, sickness or eye deformities, as well as counting them. After the herd has been through the pen once, the herd should be taken to the cattle end of the arena, centered, held for a moment and then released. This process should take no longer than ten minutes, although times will vary depending on the disposition of the cattle.

The selection process of herd settlers is not done to discriminate any riders. During this time, no additional riders are allowed to enter the pen.