• Has not won three checks in the sport

• Has not won a roping on live cattle

• Designed to build confidence while roping on a sled

• Less than $3,000 LTE

• Ready to rope live calves

• Not ready for fast cattle

• Designed for competitors who need slower calves in order to catch consistently

• $3,000–$20,000 LTE

• Has not made major finals in college or amateur rodeos

• Improving, but not yet seasoned enough for advanced competition

• $20,000–$60,000 LTE

• Has not held a pro card in the last two years

• Competitive ropers ready for stronger competition

• $60,000–$100,000 LTE

• Multiple-time amateur rodeo finalist

• CNFR Top 3

• $100,000+ LTE

• NFBR qualifier

• True professional-level competitor

• NFBR qualifiers from the last two years are automatic #6 ropers

• All others are subject to rating review based on data

In a #5 Handicap Roping, only competitors rated #5 and below may enter. No #6 ropers are allowed.

A #5 runs on raw time with no adjustment. Lower-rated ropers receive time deductions each round.

Example:

A #4 receives 0.2 seconds off each round.

A #3 receives 0.4 seconds off each round.

A maximum handicap may be applied if advertised.

Example:

#5 Handicap with .4 Max HC means a #3 can enter and receive .4 off. A #2 may still enter but will also only receive .4 off because the maximum handicap has been reached.

In a #5 Slide Roping, any eligible rating may enter, from #2 through #6. Time adjustments are made each round based on the advertised number of the roping. For each number above the #5, 0.2 seconds are added per round.

For each number below the #5, 0.2 seconds are deducted per round.

Example:

A #6 roper has 0.2 seconds added each round.

A #4 roper has 0.2 seconds deducted each round.

Movement within classifications is determined by a roper’s win/loss ratio, catch percentage, time averages, and performance compared to other competitors within the same classification.

At year-end, the top percentage of ropers may be moved up, and the bottom percentage may be moved down.

• Gives amateur ropers a fair shot

• Creates better divisions

• Encourages more entries

• Gives producers a clear structure

• Allows ropers to move up as they improve