Turquoise Team Penning Rules
Revised 12/2/04

1. Within a one and one-quarter minute (1:15) time limit, or such other time established by the Board, a team must get out from the herd and pen three head of cattle with the assigned (same) identical number. The fastest time wins.
   
   
2. A team may call for time with only one or two assigned cattle penned. However, teams penning three cattle place higher than two, and two place higher than one, regardless of time. The fastest time in any go-round will place above a slower time in any other go-round provided the same number of cattle are penned. In multiple go-round contests, teams that pen in each go-round will beat teams that fail to pen in a go-round regardless of the number of cattle penned or time. For example: Times in 3 go-rounds beat times in 2 go-rounds. Times in 2 go-rounds beat time in 1 go-round. Time in 1 go-round beats NO TIMES.
   
   NOTE: Failure to pen cattle in a go-round is a NO TIME.
   
   
3. A team calling for time with any wrong numbered cattle in the pen will be judged a no time.
   
   
4. A team is determined to have “called for time” when the nose of any team member’s horse enters the designated pen opening and the rider of that horse raises his hand above their shoulder. The judge shall drop the flag designating the conclusion of a run when the team calls for time and all cattle are entirely in the pen and all other cattle are on the cattle side of the starting line. A NO TIME shall be assessed a team when time is called before all of the cattle then entering the pen are entirely in the pen. Time continues until all unpenned cattle are on the cattle side of the starting line. If an animal is knocked or put back in the pen after time is called, a NO TIME will be given. In the event that an animal escapes from the pen after time is called for but prior to the time any unpenned cattle are on the cattle side of the judge’s line, the team will be flagged a no time.
   
   
5. All cattle will be bunched on the cattle side of the starting line within a designated area before time begins. The line judge will raise the flag to signal when the arena is ready. The announcer will announce that the cattle are ready and at that time the team must move towards the cattle. Settlers will immediately depart the arena along the walls when the cattle number is called. They will not stop to pick up a hat, turn a cow back or any other action that might delay their departure. The line judge will drop the flag when the nose of the first horse crosses the start/foul line. The announcer will immediately give the contestants their cattle number, any unreasonable delay in crossing the start/foul line will result in a no time.
   1. If a contestant’s horse has to urinate, the rider must draw the judge’s attention before the judge acknowledges the arena is ready.
   2. A team that is not lined up in the arena when called will be given sixty (60) seconds to respond or will be disqualified for a delay, once the judge raises his flag that the arena is ready.
      
      
6. Once committed to the cattle, the team is completely responsible for their animals. It is the team’s responsibility to immediately pull up and call for a judge’s decision when, in their opinion, one of their numbered cattle is sick, blind, injured, becomes caught in a gate or fence or if any extraneous animals, such as dogs, etc., enter the arena. Once the cattle are worked, no excuses are accepted. Re-rides will be given in the event of an official error, mechanical failure, or if one of the numbered cattle they are working leaves the arena, either over the fence or through it. If one of these events occurs, a judge will immediately signal for time to stop and the team can either be disqualified for unnecessary roughness or be given a re-run depending on the judge’s decision. In the event of a re-ride, the team cannot better their time beyond that which was fixed at the time of the “incident” which caused time to stop, seconds may be given or taken away if in the judge’s opinion the clock wasn’t stopped accurately. ALL RE-RUNS WILL BE MADE AT THE END OF THE SET OF CATTLE IN WHICH AN ERROR OCCURRED, ON THE SAME NUMBERED CATTLE.
   
   COMMENT: Management should make sure all cattle are healthy, two-eyed and workable. Even so, an occasional animal may be hurt during the contest, or a wild one may jump out. Therefore, the above rule is important. Exceptionally wild cattle should be eliminated before the contest. Once committed to cattle and time has begun, the team may only be called back by judge/announcer in the event of an incorrect number being given or failure to start time correctly. Spread of cattle or other influence after time begins is the responsibility of the team.
   
   
7. Any contact with cattle by hands, hats, boots, ropes, bats, rommels or any other equipment is a no time. A team exhibiting any unnecessary roughness will be assessed a no time. Any judge can immediately disqualify a team for flagrant roughing of cattle. Each judge will hold their flag sideways when they see roughing to call attention to it. Hazing with whips, ropes, rommels or hats is not allowed and will be judged a no time. Rommels or reins may only be swung or popped on chaps or horses. A run can be immediately stopped if in the judge’s opinion they observe an injured or endangered animal that is effecting the run.
   
   COMMENT: This is a contest for working horses and rider, thus the horse must work the animal and no other contact can be permitted. To signal an inquiry, the judge points his flag at the timers.
   
   
8. If more than one trash cow is brought across the starting line the team will be given a no time. No more than a total of 4 head allowed at any one time.
   
   COMMENT: This rule is necessary to prevent excessive chasing of the cattle and forces contestants to properly work the herd.
   
   
9. There should be 30 head of cattle in the arena as each team begins their run. In the event that more or less than three identical numbers are discovered within the herd, the teams with more or less than the three identical numbers must have a re-run at the end of the herd. Times for all other teams within such a miss-numbered herd will remain the same. All re-runs have their time started at 0 with no seconds added and will be made at the end of the set of cattle in which an error occurred, on the same numbered cattle.
   
   
10. Any attempt to work cattle on foot will be judged a no time.
    
    
11. All contestants and arena personnel must wear a western hat or no hat or approved safety helmet, riding boots and a Western long or short sleeved shirt tucked in at the waist and buttoned or Western jacket. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
    
    
12. When a team has a dispute about a run, a protest must be lodged with the judge before the team leaves the arena. The team will immediately file the protest with the Arena Director.  The judges will confer and file the decision after the entire herd is used.
    
    

1. A team consists of three riders. After the three-person team competes in one go-round, if one person is unable to compete for some reason, it is the option of the two remaining contestants to compete if they desire, but in no event may less than two persons compete. In extreme instances, substitution of a rider after a team has made its original ride may be allowed at the discretion of the Arena Director for compassionate reasons.
   
   
2. You may enter four (4) times in all TTPA  Teampenning Divisions. A contestant may not ride with any person more than two (2) times in a Division. Incentive teams will pay an additional $5.00 per person above the regular entry fee for that Division which will be put into a separate side pot for distribution among the Incentive Teams only. None of the Division entry money will be paid to Incentive Teams.
   
   COMMENT: The judges’ decisions are final. Any issues which arise that are not specifically addressed by these rules will be decided by the Arena Director using his or her discretion solely for that particular penning.
   
   
3. Ratings shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the TTPA with recommendations from the Ranking Committee.
   1. A rider may purchase a Day Permit membership for $15.00 to compete as an open rider (#6). If a rider wants to be rated, they must purchase a membership at the time they apply for the rating or their membership form will not be processed.
      
      
   2. If a rider and his/her ability is not known or can’t be confirmed by the TTPA Board, that rider must compete as an Open (#6) rider for that event and then be evaluated by the Board for future placing.
      
      
   3. It is the responsibility of a team to know their ratings. If at any time during a penning a team is found to be rated over the limit of that division the team will forfeit all monies, points and awards. Places, points, monies, and awards will be redistributed to the next place.
   
   
4. Entry Fee: The entry fee is decided by the contest. A cattle fee may be charged as part of the entry fee but not over 40% of the entry fee. In addition, a $5.00 per rider Association fee shall be assessed. For an event to be sanctioned by the TTPA, there is an assessment fee of $5.00 per rider of the total entry fees. This fee must be part of the entry fee and designated as such.
   
   
5. Pre-Entry Requirements:
   1. All checks will be held until the first banking day after the penning.
      
      
   2. Teams must be pre-entered by the entry deadline. Late teams may be taken to fill herds only, however a $5.00 late fee per person will be assessed. Late teams may be taken up until the end for the first (1st) go of the preceding Division.
      
      
   3. Late entries may be accepted by the Producer to fill herds. A post entry fee of $5.00 per entry may be charged for any entries received after the entry deadline.
      
      
   4. A charge of $25.00 will be levied against all returned checks.
      
      
   5. Refund Policy: Refund of entry monies shall be at the discretion of each Producer. If cancellation occurs prior to the entry deadline, a full refund should be made. Failure to comply and/or contact the Producer may result in disciplinary action by the Board.
      
   
   
6. Competition by judges, timers or bookkeepers is not allowed in sanctioned go-rounds.
   
   
7. Approval by the TTPA Board is required before sanctioning is granted. All approved TTPA divisions should be included in each TTPA sanctioned penning.
   1. Sanctioning requests must be made to TTPA in writing to the TTPA Board through the office at least ninety (90) days prior to the proposed contest date. (The earlier the better)
      
      
   2. Contest dates must be published in the TTPA Newsletters & Minutes at least in the issue preceding the contest. Prospective contest dates should be checked against other horse and livestock events. Management is encouraged to publicize their sanctioned pennings widely.
      
      
   3. All advertising must show a closing date about a week prior to the contest.
   
   
8. All members in good standing who pen their cattle will receive points for year-end awards based on the Point Schedule which is attached as an appendix hereto.
   
   
9. Tie Breaker Rules:
   1. In the event of a tie affecting the placing, the team or individual with the fastest time in the first go (or fastest of first go team times) of that penning will be the winner.
      
      
   2. In high point or series events the individual who pens the most cows will be the winner.
      
      
   3. If the tie is not broken by A and B above, a one run team run-off will be held unless all contestants agree to a flip of the coin. Individuals will select two partners of their choice (total ranking of team may not exceed that allowed by division).
   
   
10. Judges: There will be two judges, one at the starting line and one at the pen.
    
    
11. A Promoter will number each herd available for penning. The cattle will be rotated at the end of every set of ten (10) teams. If there is an uneven number of herds, the middle herd and the first herd will be changed at the beginning of the second go and the penning with two full goes. In a penning with 50% second go, the herds will be used in the same order for every class.
    
    If there are fewer than twenty (20) teams, there will be two (2) full goes . If there are twenty (20) teams or more entered in a class, the top 50% that pen cattle will come back for the second go and the top ten (10) will return for the final go. Teams with “no-times” in the first go will not advance.
    
    
12. In the TTPA sanctioned contests, the short-go MUST be run in order of slowest accumulated time first, to fastest accumulated time last.
    
    
13. Number of Fresh Herds Required: The number of fresh herds required for sanctioning of any TTPA penning is a number equal to one herd for every ten teams entered in the first go of the largest division. The TTPA Board may approve variations of this rule. One of the fresh herds must be reserved for the final go of the open division. In addition to the number of herds required, adequate reserve cattle must be provided.
    
    
14. The Draw: Penning is a “luck of the draw” sport and both teams position and cattle number must be assigned by an impartial draw. Once the order of draws is established, it may not be changed other than in a hardship by mutual consent of two teams changing positions, and this is only with the approval of the contest management. If a team draws out after a go-round starts, the cattle number will be drawn in the order the team would have run and the drawn number will not be used in the set of ten. The unused number will be announced in the order it would have been drawn. For example, if one team is out of a ten team set then only nine teams would run. In no case does a team move up from the next set to fill the place of the odd team, since this would change the order of draw. It is recommended that when teams are drawn only once for a multiple go-round penning, the order be reversed on the second go-round. In the event there is more than two go-rounds a new draw shall occur for the first team then reversed again.
    
    
15. Any late arrivals will be put at the end of the herd sheet if the teams have already been set and the draw posted. No teams will be moved after the herd sheet is printed. If a team member is not checked in, the team will be given an opportunity to replace a team member prior to the gate call, otherwise the team has forfeited and the pay out will be adjusted accordingly.
    
    
16. Pen Size, Shape and Placement: In sanctioned contests, the open end of the pen shall be 75% of the distance from the cattle wall to the opposite end of the arena. The starting line shall be between 40% and 60% of the same distance. The pen shall be 16 feet from the arena fence, with the following specifications: the wing and back panels shall be 16 feet in length. The depth of the pen must be 24 feet. The wing side of the pen shall consist of an 8 foot panel with a 10 foot opening. See drawing for details.
    
    
    [See Diagram Attached to Appendix]
    
    
    The starting line is marked by suitable markers on both sides of the arena. An actual line is not drawn on the arena since this spooks some cattle and horses.
    
    
17. The TTPA Director, or his/her representative, who must be a member in good standing, must be present at all sanctioned pennings. It is the responsibility of the contest management to contact said Director when a penning is sanctioned. The Producer must supply a placing report at the end of the contest and mail his or her copy to the TTPA office within five (5) days of the event.
    
    
18. The Championship Team Penner or Penners will be determined based upon the total individually earned and accumulated points for the year. For ties, refer to Section 10.
    
    
19. Rules for Junior Division:
    1. Juniors are defined as people being eighteen (18) years of age or younger as of the Monday following the year end penning.
       
       
    2. Juniors may enter all Divisions for which they qualify.
       
       
    3. Any Junior entered in the Junior Division is required to have a copy of their Birth Certificate on file with the TTPA.

1. Numbering of Cattle: Numbers should be printed on a durable material and be a minimum of 7 inches tall. Keep in mind that good numbers that both contestants and audience can see easily make a better contest. With poor numbers, management will have many complaints. The cattle must be numbered in sets of 0-9 and repeated three times for each set of thirty (30) head to be used. This breaks up cattle “buddy” sets. Numbers must be applied to both sides of the animal, high on it’s side, with the top near the midline of the animal’s back and about 4-6 inches back from the shoulder.
   
   
2. Cattle and Cattle Handing: In sanctioned contests each group of 10 teams must go on a set of 30 head. Cattle must be rotated after each 10 teams. See Rule 12 under “General Rules”. Prior to the contest, each set of cattle must be brought into the arena or a suitable pen separately and quietly settled by horsemen. Avoid using excessively wild cattle whenever possible. During the contest two (2) Herd settlers are generally all that is needed. In the event of difficult cattle a third settler can assist. However, once the cattle settle, the third settler must immediately move to one side of the herd to allow the team a clear view and approach.
   
   
3. Cattle Rotation: It is recommended that cattle pens be numbered so as to avoid deviation from the intended order of rotation. When an even number of herds are used, the teams are run in reverse order and in the second go, all teams are on a different set of cattle. A problem occurs when odd number of herds is used and the teams are run in reverse order. The teams in the middle sets are then in the same herd twice. To avoid this, it is recommended that the FIRST and MIDDLE herd be switched for the second go-round, thereby allowing all penners to pen in two different herds.
   
   
4. Keep in mind that a well run contest should average about one herd per twenty-five (25) minutes. This requires a gate person and good herd settlers that bunch the cattle quickly, and a good cattle handler in the back that pre-checks the cattle numbers.
   
   
5. Clerical help is very important. Needed, in addition to timers, are a bookkeeper to receive and pay out monies and a good announcer who will be drawing the cattle numbers.
   
   
6. The object of the sport is to pen cattle, not make it hard for the contestants and audience. Penning becomes as boring as a low scoring basketball game when cattle aren’t penned. When more cattle are penned the audience participation remains high and contestants have a better time. Studies indicate a good contest will have a 70% or better successful penning rate.
   
   
7. It is strongly recommended that the cattle end of the arena be adjacent to the arena where the cattle are held, fed and watered. This prevents the cattle from trying to get to the opposite end of the arena and to get out, and will help prevent excessive running of the animals by the contestants.