We talked at our clinic today about the WPRA Rule Book. Timers do not get a WPRA rule book like they get a PRCA rule book. If you want a hard copy of the rule book call the WPRA. Here is a link to a PDF copy.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
2014 PRCA Timers Clinic, Las Vegas, NV
Well, here we are! It's almost time for the 2014 PRCA Timers Clinic to begin. Stacy Jo Downton and Allison Van Komen will be presenting a variety of timer issues that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Issues include posting the stock draw to what the 'plane of the chute' is to the California "jerk down" rule. We will also be formally introducing this blog to timers! Yay! We want to use the blog and the email to share story's, concerns, and most importantly, stay connected with each other. We share a common skill and certification even though we are from different parts of the country.
The PowerPoint will be posted to the blog after the clinic is over. We encourage you to refer to it and watch the YouTube video on scoreboards that was posted on the blog earlier.
If you are in Las Vegas, enjoy your time here! If you are watching the WNFR from home, we miss you and hope you stay in touch through this blog.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
To Post or Not to Post?
All secretaries are different. Even though they are all trained to the same standards of the PRCA, they still have their own quirks and styles that make them unique, productive secretaries. The problem arises when one of those quirks or styles may not be beneficial.
In this case, I am talking about posting the extra. The timed events all have extra animals drawn just in case something happens to one of the original animals drawn. We want to see contestants competing on the best stock possible. Some secretaries and timers worry that if a contestant sees the extra is 'better' than the animal he drew, then he might try and say his original calf or steer is unable to compete on. While this may be a worry for some, remember the judges have the final say on the health of a calf or steer.
When posting the pen for contestants to view, post the extras. This way there are no disputes and there is a full disclosure on the stock drawn for competition. Post the first extra with an 'x' and the second extra, if there is one, with 'xx'. For example, underneath the contestant's draws, on the same sheet of paper, extras would be seen as: x - 34, xx - 78.
Any comments? Questions? Let us know by posting a comment below or emailing prcatimers@gmail.com!
This topic will also be discussed at the next timer's clinic!
In this case, I am talking about posting the extra. The timed events all have extra animals drawn just in case something happens to one of the original animals drawn. We want to see contestants competing on the best stock possible. Some secretaries and timers worry that if a contestant sees the extra is 'better' than the animal he drew, then he might try and say his original calf or steer is unable to compete on. While this may be a worry for some, remember the judges have the final say on the health of a calf or steer.
When posting the pen for contestants to view, post the extras. This way there are no disputes and there is a full disclosure on the stock drawn for competition. Post the first extra with an 'x' and the second extra, if there is one, with 'xx'. For example, underneath the contestant's draws, on the same sheet of paper, extras would be seen as: x - 34, xx - 78.
Any comments? Questions? Let us know by posting a comment below or emailing prcatimers@gmail.com!
This topic will also be discussed at the next timer's clinic!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Wait! I have a Whistle!!
Central Point, Oregon. Wild Rogue Rodeo, 2014. The 3rd and final grand entry is underway. Everything has gone smoothly. The horn has worked for the rough stock events so, it is going to work tonight, right? Our sound guy is great. He's got it. They are getting ready to buck the first horse out and, with a smile a timer looks over to me and says, "I hope our horn is working!" About 2 seconds later, the gate opens and the final perf has really started. The 8 second mark is coming, coming, and.... no horn. Lucky for us, our timers had a whistle ready and as soon as that horn didn't sound, they were ready. A lot of things happened at that moment. A) this bareback rider decided it was time to part ways from this bronc and he went flying. B) our sound guy realized the horn wasn't hooked up. And C) our timer with the whistle was able to blow that whistle and notify everybody not watching the clock, the ride was over.
The lesson here, is that you need to check (and recheck when necessary) everything. Yes, everything. Even if it is the last night of the rodeo and things have gone smoothly. This is rodeo and, yep, things happen. Make sure your horn is hooked up and working before the start of the rodeo. Even if you think it is, always have that whistle, or air horn, ready in case a back up is needed. A pat on the back to the 2014 Central Point, Wild Rogue Rodeo timers because even though they didn't do a final check of the horn, they were ready with their back up whistle.
Later that night... That building got so loud for the bull riding, the horn was getting hard to hear. For one particular good ride, you couldn't even tell if the horn was working. It was because we found out a few hours ago it wasn't and fixed it. Our timer with the whistle started blowing the whistle with the horn. That came in handy when this one bull rider got everybody watching pretty excited. It wasn't the 100 point bull ride Central Point is famous for but, it got people yelling and cheering. The combined efforts of the horn And the whistle made it possible for people to know the ride was over and then you really couldn't hear anything except the voice of our announcer, Will Rassmussen. *Note to the timers reading this: Be aware of changing surroundings and volume levels. Small, enclosed buildings can get very loud so, be ready with that back up whistle or air horn as I know you always are.
The lesson here, is that you need to check (and recheck when necessary) everything. Yes, everything. Even if it is the last night of the rodeo and things have gone smoothly. This is rodeo and, yep, things happen. Make sure your horn is hooked up and working before the start of the rodeo. Even if you think it is, always have that whistle, or air horn, ready in case a back up is needed. A pat on the back to the 2014 Central Point, Wild Rogue Rodeo timers because even though they didn't do a final check of the horn, they were ready with their back up whistle.
Later that night... That building got so loud for the bull riding, the horn was getting hard to hear. For one particular good ride, you couldn't even tell if the horn was working. It was because we found out a few hours ago it wasn't and fixed it. Our timer with the whistle started blowing the whistle with the horn. That came in handy when this one bull rider got everybody watching pretty excited. It wasn't the 100 point bull ride Central Point is famous for but, it got people yelling and cheering. The combined efforts of the horn And the whistle made it possible for people to know the ride was over and then you really couldn't hear anything except the voice of our announcer, Will Rassmussen. *Note to the timers reading this: Be aware of changing surroundings and volume levels. Small, enclosed buildings can get very loud so, be ready with that back up whistle or air horn as I know you always are.
Welcome!! How Hard Can This Job Be?
Hello, all timers! Welcome to the PRCA Timer's blog. This is a blog indented for keeping timers in touch with one another through stories, experiences, and continuing education. Being a timer for any rodeo is a difficult job. How many times have we all heard the question, "How hard can it be?" Too many times. We have a tough job that is also incredibly important. In the PRCA, cowboys and cowgirls depend on fast, accurate times to get a pay check, make the finals, or make a living. Through this blog, we will work to share educational material, continuing education options, and opportunity for discussions.
This blog will be a place where stories and scenarios can be shared, commented on, and discussed. If you have a story or scenario, please, email it to us! prcatimers@gmail.com Send us questions, comments, criticisms, complaints, stories, or helpful advice. We will post on this blog and then get to talk about it. Or, simply post a comment on an existing post and we all will see it.
Part of the beauty of Professional Rodeo is that it's all over the country but, that means we cannot meet face to face. There are only two timers at most of our rodeos and lots of times, we work with the same few secretaries. It can be educational to simply have contact with other people in your area of specialty. I mean, really, how hard can this job be? If you have a PRCA Timers card, you know the answer. :) Again, welcome and thank-you in advance for all your contributions!
This blog will be a place where stories and scenarios can be shared, commented on, and discussed. If you have a story or scenario, please, email it to us! prcatimers@gmail.com Send us questions, comments, criticisms, complaints, stories, or helpful advice. We will post on this blog and then get to talk about it. Or, simply post a comment on an existing post and we all will see it.
Part of the beauty of Professional Rodeo is that it's all over the country but, that means we cannot meet face to face. There are only two timers at most of our rodeos and lots of times, we work with the same few secretaries. It can be educational to simply have contact with other people in your area of specialty. I mean, really, how hard can this job be? If you have a PRCA Timers card, you know the answer. :) Again, welcome and thank-you in advance for all your contributions!
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