Event Etiquette

Personal (How you are expected to act)

Be kind and patient. Generally people are very nice, but sometimes they get wrapped up in what they’re used to and forget to be kind to newbies. Stand your ground, but stay respectful.
Keep your “stuff” (chairs, blankets, toys, gear bags, rope cans, rope bags, etc.) in a respectable space.
When you’re done, take your stuff back to your vehicle, trailer, etc. so the next person can use that space.
Give other competitors ample space to stay focused and do what they need to do as well to stay focused
Don’t block spectator views.
If you need to stretch or warm up, keep it in your own area.
Make sure you know, understand and implement the rules. If you don’t, ask questions. If necessary, admit misunderstanding, we all have a learning curve.

Social

Parking/Trailer/Vehicle/Facilities

Pick up your trash
Spread out or throw away manure
Clean up any unnecessary messes
Stay in your own “bubble” so other people can enjoy their space also
Park respectfully so others can park too. Many grounds have limited parking with today’s size of rigs. Don’t be greedy.
Same goes for building stalls or pens. Allow your horse to move around, but don’t build a pasture unless you know there is ample amount of space.
Keep the noise level respectable
If making quick clothing changes in tight spaces, be respectful of who can see and what you’re changing. Nobody needs to see you in your skivvies!
Be kind. If you’re child is worried about what you’re going to say or do back at the trailer, there’s no way they’ll be able to perform well in the arena.
Always remember, someone is always watching and listening.

Warm-Up Pen

When circling leg to left leg. When you’re turning to the left, you’ll be on the outside of the circle, to the right, you’ll be on the inside of the circle.
Always look behind you before stopping or backing up.
Stay off your phone or gadgets.
When walking around visiting, go to a place that doesn’t get in the way of other people warming up.
Stand in areas that don’t conflict with people warming up with speed.
Stay under control.

Arena Etiquette

Know the ground rules (i.e. run in/run out, closed gate, center ally, side gate, etc.)
- These should be posted wherever the draw is posted. If you can’t find it, ask if there’s anything specific you need to know. It’s your responsibility to know the rules. (See rules section for more information).

If it’s your first time, ask someone with experience to help you in the gate, box or chute. They’ll be able to help you stay calm and focused. Most places you go, people will be more than willing to jump in and answer any questions.
Take your time, but know your limit. Most places you have a 60-second time limit in the box or a three-call (name gets called three times, if you aren’t accounted for, you are disqualified and they move to the next person.)
If you’re animal isn’t cooperating, stand your ground and take your time getting set.
Focus on your own competition.
If your in the arena, not competing at the time, volunteer to help.

Chutes (roping & bucking)

Give people their space
Ask if someone needs help before assuming and jumping in. Even if you know they need help, it’s still respectful to ask first
Don’t get aggressive with another person’s animal
Don’t touch another person’s equipment unless you have permission
Help stock contractors keep livestock moving forward, open and close gates, etc.
Offer to push calves, tail steers, pull flanks, or anything else someone might need help with
Stay positive

Spectators (anyone in the stands and/or watching)

BE KIND! Everyone is doing their best and even if they aren’t, it’s none of your business anyway.
Have fun!
Sincerely cheer for everyone
Keep your critiques to yourself. If there’s something to be addressed, take it back to the trailer. If you have advice to offer, do it in private with the individual, parents and/or coaches.
Don’t be a “couch critique”, “bleacher cowboy” or “couch jockey”.
Clean up after yourself and others. Facilities are hard enough to come by the least we can do is use the trash cans. How we leave a facility reflects us as individuals and the association as a whole.
Don’t offer advice from the stands unless you know the competitor and what they need to hear. Many people have good intentions but end up being an unnecessary distraction by offering advice that’s contrary to what the rider needs to focus on.