The North State Barrel Racing Association, hereinafter referred to as NSBRA, has approved the following Rules to insure a continued and orderly transaction of business and to facilitate the purposes for which the NSBRA was established. Founded primarily to promote the sport of barrel racing, the NSBRA 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 MISSION STATEMENT:

1. To provide fair levels of competition in the way of different categories so that each member's horse competes with others at his or her own ability level.
2. To encourage the sport of barrel racing in Northern California .
3. To provide its members a final competition with worthy awards at the end of the competitive year.

SECTION: 2 – MEMBERSHIPS

Amendment 2.1 - The NSBRA calendar year will start the first Monday following the NSBRA finals.

Memberships will only be accepted upon receipt of the completed NSBRA Membership Applications. A Membership Application must be submitted to the membership office for each horse eligible to the appropriate NSBRA categories provided. A separate application is filled out and full fees are paid for each additional horse. Membership is based on a horse/rider combination – no exceptions, no substitutions of horse or rider at the jackpots or Finals. A horse/rider combination may only enter one category.

Each horse/rider combination 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, Under $5,000, Open and Junior Horse/Rider Combination (age 17 and under), Senior Horse/Rider ( age 50 and over) Junior and Senior are designated at the beginning of the competition year.

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 NSBRA sanctioned barrel races for the rest of the competition year. If the membership owner has been provided with false information from the legal owner, the member horse only will BE SUSPENDED.

Official Membership Applications are available at the NSBRA place of business, the arena director, at member arenas, in the designated publications, and MUST BE FILLED OUT IN FULL and submitted with the appropriate fees and copy of papers (front & back) or full body picture of horse 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 or drivers license must be submitted with any pending Junior/Senior applicant or mailed to the NSBRA 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 or Under $5,000, horse is entered without a specific dollar amount of earnings listed, that horse will be entered as having won $999 and $4,999, respectively.

Membership fees are $50 for the first membership horse, all additional horses for the same owner are $50 each for the competition year, and will end at the completion of the finals. After receiving a completed membership application, the NSBRA office will send a membership card and a copy of the Rules to the applicant. Membership includes subscription of NSBRA newsletter.

Associate membership may be purchased for a fee of $30 and is available for non-participants, arena operators, or any persons wishing to support the activities of the association. The associate membership includes a subscription to newsletter.

It is not mandatory that the owner of the horse accepted for membership compete or ride in any authorized or sanctioned NSBRA barrel race.

In cases of ownership change during the membership year, points do not transfer with the horse. The new owner is required to pay the $50 fee, for new points and required (8) races, to be eligible for finals. New owners must contact the NSBRA membership office to ensure the timely receipt of all association correspondence. A new number will be issued.

All changes of ownership of horses, for which a membership has been accepted, MUST BE SUBMITTED AND POSTMARKED WITHIN 10 DAYS to the NSBRA membership office in writing or a $10 fine will be due from the new owner to cover costs.

Membership on a horse cannot be transferred to another horse for any reason, no exceptions.

The association reserves the right to reject or accept any membership or entries.

SECTION: 3 – JUNIOR/SENIOR CATEGORY

The junior/senior rider is required to ride the same horse, which is documented on the membership application. If for some reason the junior/senior rider changes horses anytime during the competition year, the rider will be required to pay an additional full membership fee for the new horse. Points and qualifying races from prior member/horse combination will not transfer.

A junior rider is 17 and under as of the first day of the competition year. Voting membership by parent or designated guardian only.

A senior rider is 50 and over as of the first day of the competition year.

Any rider 10 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.

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 NSBRA board to be guilty of inhumane treatment of any horse or any other animal will be subject to disciplinary action as stipulated in 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 these Rules, for a specified period of time to be determined by the Board of Directors.

An NSBRA membership owner is not bound to participate at NSBRA 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 NSBRA 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 NSBRA 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.

If a particular violation, incident, or infraction occurs by any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual at any sanctioned NSBRA event and there are no stated rules covering the violation, incident, or infraction committed by the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual, the NSBRA Board of Directors reserve the right to use any sanctioned Barrel Racing organization, association or corporation rule book which may apply to the violation, incident, or infraction. A majority vote of the Board of Directors will determine the outcome of the infraction.

SECTION: 5 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

The governing body of the NSBRA shall be the Board of Directors (BOD) the President, Vice President, Secretary,Treasurer, Membership/Points Keeper, Arena Director, Publicity Director and Website/Newsletter Director who shall be elected for a 1-year term, by the membership.

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. The awards program will be determined by the level of participation during the competition year.

Year-end and final saddles will only be given in each category that has a minimum of 10 members as of May 1st of that competition year.

It is the responsibility of the BOD to act on behalf of the entire membership of the NSBRA and to make decisions that best serve the association. Any submitted rule change/admendments to the By-Laws or Rule Book will first be considered and determined only by the BOD.

If a Director cannot perform their duties for any reason, or they miss 2 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. If this individual is not available, the BOD will appoint a new director.

SECTION: 6 – MEETINGS

A summary of the minutes of the General Membership and Board meetings shall be published in the designated NSBRA newsletter and the website.

There will be a Board Meeting on the second Thursday of every month.

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 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 NSBRA 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 NSBRA or incur debt that is outstanding. Payments are to be made directly to the NSBRA. If anyone should write a NSF check, the NSBRA board may require a cash only basis for any future barrel races.

The ineligible list shall alert arena operators and other NSBRA members that the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual and his / her member horse(s) are ineligible to participate at NSBRA 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 NSBRA for the remainder of the competition year including the Finals.

Any person found guilty of inhumane treatment of any horse(s)or any other animal may be fined $50.00 for first offense and suspended from the NSBRA 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 NSBRA will exercise a zero tolerance in the use of illegal drugs and will not tolerate the excessive use of alcohol while attending any sanctioned NSBRA events. Nor will the NSBRA tolerate excessive profanity in or around any sanctioned NSBRA event. If any member is found guilty of abusing this rule by board decision, they can be fined/ and or suspended from the NSBRA.

Any member who willfully causes trouble inside or outside the ranks of the NSBRA by excessively complaining, willfully causing disturbances, unsportsmanlike conduct or behavior, or unnecessarily aggravating NSBRA 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 NSBRA Board of Directors to appeal that conviction and clear their record after a period of three (3) years. In addition, they shall be given not less than 30 days notice of specified time of hearing.

SECTION: 8 – LEVELS OF COMPETITION

The NSBRA provides five levels of competition consisting of the Under $1,000, Under $5,000, Open, Senior 50 & over and Junior 17 & Under categories. Each horse/rider combination in all categories will be placed in a category and will remain in that category until completion of the competition year and the NSBRA Finals. No exceptions, no substitutions.

It is the intent of these levels of competition to create fair competition among all horses. Even though the NSBRA may not have a complete record of a horse's winnings, it is expected that all individuals will honor this intent. 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.

Under $1,000 horse - Open to all horses having won no more than $999.

Under $5,000 - Open to all horses having won no more than $4,999.

Open - Open to all horses, regardless of lifetime winnings.

Jr. - Open to all riders who are 17 years at the begining of the competition year.

Sr. - Open to all riders who are 50 and over at the begining of the competition year.

FBR - Membership fees are $25.00 per rider. FBR participant can be 10 or under, The membership is for the rider only. Rider may ride any horse at any time. There will not be an entry fee at NSBRA jackpots or finals. At the finals the awards will be a value of $25.00 or more per participate of finals.

The NSBRA asks that anyone competing at an NSBRA sanctioned event, unless they have a valid reason, make an honest attempt to put together a competitive run. This means not just walking through the pattern in order to receive points.

SECTION: 9 – POINTS

Amendment 9.1 - To receive points at all co-sanction races, member must compete in open race.

Only NSBRA members shall receive points.

Any member who has competed in at least 8 NSBRA sanctioned jackpots during the competition year will be eligible to compete at 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 Finals. The end dates will be determined by the Board of Directors.

Points shall be awarded to each member/rider/horse combination in each category.

There are as many points available as there are member horse/rider combinations in that category. Non-members will not be calculated for points. Each member horse/rider combination will receive 1 point for everyone they outrun in their category. Example: 16 entered, first place will receive 16 points and second place will receive 15 points and so on until the last point is given.

When signing up at an NSBRA jackpot, the horse(s) and Membership Number must be given as listed on the membership application, and entered on the official NSBRA 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 NSBRA 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 NSBRA office will not fill in membership numbers.

Point standings will be published in the designated publication, NSBRA website (www.nsbra.com). Inquiries into points issued must be made within 30 days of the publication. If no point discrepancy issue is addressed within 30 days of the publication, the points will stand as is and be considered final. It is the responsibility of the member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual to correct any errors.

At all sanctioned NSBRA races or Co-Sanctioned races points will be awarded regardless of the amount of participants.

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.

All ties shall split points. Example, tie for 1st and 2nd, points will be added together and then divided by 2.

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 one point given. An example is, a broken cloverleaf pattern or a break in forward motion would be grounds for an "Off Course" disqualification but a point will be given. Credit for attendance will be given. No monies will be awarded for downed barrels.

If the electric eye fails during a members run and there is no backup watch, the barrel racer has the CHOICE of a re-run, taking last place points in that run or a refund can be given. It is the riders responsibility to notify the arena operator if they request not to re-run.

SECTION: 10 – SANCTIONED ARENA RULES

Amendment 10.1 - The payout of races with $500.00 or more added must utilize the the 30%, 27%, 23% and 20% divisional breakdown. The number of places paid in each division, must allow the last place in the 4th division to receive an amount equal to or greater than the base entry fee (not including late fees, member or non-member fees or office fees) M.S.C.

Before any NSBRA 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 NSBRA. In addition, the arena must be considered safe and not a hazard to any member / owner / arena operator / rider or individual by NSBRA standards.

Arena operators must pay an annual $30 arena membership fee, which must be submitted with the contract.

An Arena Operator who is hosting jackpots for another organization and desires to have these barrel races co-approved with NSBRA must complete a Co-Approval Contract and submit a $30 arena membership fee, This fee will entitle the Arena Operator to have barrel races co-approved with the NSBRA.

The Arena Operator shall collect $3 from all NSBRA members who wish to receive points and attendance credit. The $3 must be returned along with the complete typed results of the barrel race (including times and money won for all competitors) to the NSBRA 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.

Approved NSBRA jackpots will be paid in the 4D format, with points awarded for how members placed in their respective categories.

Arena operators will use NSBRA payout and entry fee schedule.

Arenas may accept membership applications with the required fees and papers. (Required paperwork not given to arena operator MUST BE SUBMITTED & POSTMARKED WITHIN 10 DAYS.) The member number on the sign-up would be "pending" and indicate which category they are joining in, for example: "U1000 Pending". The application and fee must be submitted to the NSBRA 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 NSBRA jackpots MUST be approved and listed in the NSBRA calendar prior to the event. You must schedule your jackpots with your NSBRA arena director contact by the 20th of the previous month. If the jackpot is not listed in the official calendar, POINTS 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 NSBRA barrel races will be according to a standard payout schedule provided by the NSBRA. Payout will be as follows:

Three dollars ($3.00) per competitive run at any sanctioned NSBRA barrel race must be held out and sent in to the NSBRA Points Officer along with a complete typed list of entries on the sign up form and re-cap sheet with the times and money won. 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 NSBRA EVENTS AND A DEDUCTION OF ARENA BOND.

Entry Fees – The maximum entry fee for no added money jackpots is $30. The entry fee, less the arena fee, eye charge, and NSBRA fee shall leave a minimum of $18 in the pot per entry. Payout sheets are available for jackpots being run in the 4D format.

SUGGESTED FEES:

Added Money Entry Fees:

$100-$250 $30-$40

$250-$500 $35-$50

$500-$750 $45-$60

$750 - $1000 $55- $70

$1000 & UP $70 & UP

All added money races must pay back 70% of the entry fee.

The payout percentage for races with $0 - $499 added monies is 25% per Division. In races with $500+ added monies, the payout is as follows:

DIVISION PAYOFF PERCENTAGES:

Division I 30%

Division II 27%

Division III 23%

Division IV 20%

If using a flagger, they are not to move from the score line for any reason once the barrel race has begun.

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.

Cost of timed runs will be set by the arena. All association-hosted jackpots will charge $5.00 per timed run.

The arena operator shall have the right to check on any rider's eligibility at any time as stipulated in these rules.

Entries close at the discretion of the arena operator.

An arena will be limited to 6 jackpots a month. An arena may have one back to back 4-D format jackpot per month and it will count for one of the 6 allowed jackpots.

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.

If the arena operator changes at an arena, the new operator must sign a new contract.

A $5 day membership will be charged to all barrel race competitors that are not current NSBRA members. This fee shall be sent to the NSBRA 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. This fee is for insurance purposes only.

SECTION: 11 – NSBRA 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.

It is each contestant’s responsibility to know the rules by which the NSBRA operates and abides.

Barrel race is a timed event using colored 55-gallon steel drums. Plastic barrels MAY NOT be used.

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 contestant horse in the arena at a time during the barrel race, only exception is gate assistance.

The starting gate or gates will remain the same throughout the entire event.

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. No monies will be paid on a knocked over barrel.

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 and stop when contestant crosses the start/finish line.

SECTION: 12 – FINALS

The NSBRA 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. Places paid will be determined by the number of entries and/or added money.

Eligibility for the Finals is as follows: Any member who has competed in at least 8 NSBRA sanctioned jackpots during the competition year will be eligible to attend the finals.

No substitution of horse or rider is allowed.

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 and boots. Juniors or FBR 10 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 hats AT ANY TIME while in the arena.

The office charge if needed at the Finals will be determined by the year-end financial status in order to leave a minimum of $2,500 to carry-over for the following year.

The $50.00 donation per entry if need at the Finals will be determined by the year-end financial status, 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. Any awards not picked up at the finals banquet will not be mailed to winner, recipient of the award must contact the Awards Committee to make arrangements for pick-up.

"Once again it is the Members responsibility to know and abide by all NSBRA By-Laws and NSBRA Rule Book."