EQUINE SPORTS ALLIANCE

Membership and Events Terms of Service and Rules

1. Membership Terms of Service

1.1. Acceptance of Terms: By applying for membership to the Equine Sports Alliance (ESA), the member agrees to be bound by these terms of service and all other rules, regulations, and policies set forth by the ESA.

1.2. Eligibility: Membership is open to individuals who demonstrate a sincere interest in the sport of barrel racing, regardless of race, gender, age, or national origin. However, members must be at least 18 years old or have the written consent of a parent or guardian.

1.3. Membership Duration: Membership is valid for one calendar year beginning January 1 and expiring December 31. Memberships purchased on or after October 1 each year will be valid through the remainder of the current year and until December 31 of the following year.

1.4. Fees: Membership fees are set annually by the ESA. Fees are non-refundable, even if a member is expelled or resigns.

1.5. Termination: ESA reserves the right to terminate any membership if a member violates any terms of service, rules, or conducts themselves in a manner that is harmful to the reputation of the organization.

 

2. Barrel Racing Event Rules:

2.1. Entries:

• 2.1.1. ESA event entries will be taken and processed through NextGen Rodeo. By entering an event through NextGen Rodeo, members and contestants agree to the NextGen’s terms of service agreement.

2.2. Draw Out/Turn Out

• 2.2.1. Contestants may draw out/turn out at any event before the pre-draw has been published and receive a 70% refund on the total entry transaction with a vet or doctor's release. No refunds will be given without a vet or doctor’s release.
• 2.2.2. Any draw out/turn out after the pre-draw has been published will NOT receive a refund.

2.3. Substitutions: Horse and/or rider substitutions must be completed before the pre-draw has been published. Substitutions after the pre-draw has been published may 2.incur an additional charge. Change must be done at the event one hour before the class starts.

2.4. Exhibitions: Exhibitions have a :60 second time limit. In the event a contestant goes over the :60 second time limit, ESA reserves the right to charge an additional exhibition fee.

2.5. Time Start: Any time a contestant crosses the starting line, time will begin and this will constitute an attempt at a run.

2.6. Dress Code: All participants must wear appropriate attire during competitions or as outlined by the event production staff.

2.7. Horse Welfare: Any form of abuse or neglect towards horses, whether physical or emotional, will result in immediate disqualification and possible expulsion from the organization.

2.8. Tack and Equipment: Only standard western tack is permitted. The use of severe bits, tie-downs, or any equipment deemed unsafe by event officials is prohibited.

2.9. No Time: A contestant will be given a “no time” for any of the following reasons:

• 2.9.1. Off Pattern
• 2.9.2. Knocking over a barrel completely, regardless if it stands back up on either end. Touching the barrel is permitted, without penalty.
• 2.9.3. Running out of turn and/or riding a horse other than the horse in the drawn position. It is the contestant’s responsibility to know their drawn position. In the case where the announcer clearly announces the wrong running order and can identify their mistake, a contestant shall be offered a rerun. At the completion of the “out-of-order” run, the ground shall be drug for those riders remaining in the drag, if any.

• 2.9.4. If the rider falls off after crossing the starting timer. A rider who falls off a horse completely, before the starting line, regardless if the horse breaks the timer, a re-run will be offered at that moment in the same draw position, and not at a later time.
• 2.9.5. Contestants who are given a no-time, either for missing the pattern or knocking down a barrel, may complete the pattern. However, show management may, at its discretion, ask a rider who is taking excessive time to train to leave the arena immediately. If such request is not complied with, a reasonable fine may be assessed.

2.10. Protests: All protests must be lodged with event officials within 30 minutes of the contested run's conclusion. Protests must be made in writing and be accompanied by a fee set annually by the ESA. If the protest is upheld, the fee will be returned.

2.11. Payouts: All ESA events will be paid-out as advertised and is the advertised percentage of fees collected. (i.e. 80% of fees collected)

2.12. ESA Officials have the right to disqualify any uncontrolled horse which does not begin performance within two minutes of the time the rider has been called. This rule does not apply to competitors who have not checked in with gate personnel.

2.13. Sportsmanship: All members are expected to display good sportsmanship. Disrespectful or unsportsmanlike conduct towards fellow competitors, officials, or spectators will not be tolerated and may result in penalties or expulsion.

2.14. Reruns shall be granted if the official or back up electronic timer fails to work properly or if the barrels are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall result in a no time.

2.15. All members are reminded that participation in ESA events is a privilege, not a right. By adhering to these terms of service and rules, we can ensure the sport of barrel racing continues to thrive and be enjoyed by all.

2.16. Contestants may ride any horse, regardless of ownership, and may ride as many horses as they choose in a class unless stated in event details.However, a horse may not be shown by more than one person in a class.

2.17 Contestants are not able to swap draw numbers with another contestant.