*For more information, contact our National Pageant Director, Georgianne Gilliam, at georgianneabdo@hotmail.com. The DEADLINE TO ENTER is December 1, 2012.
*The following is a general overview of the Rules & Regulations of the Miss Rodeo USA National Pageant. The Miss Rodeo USA Handbook provides more detailed coverage of what is expected from the contestants and the reigning Miss Rodeo USA. A copy of the Miss Rodeo USA Handbook will be provided to all contestants who enter the Miss Rodeo USA National Pageant.
Objective
The objective of the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant is to select on a national basis a queen to reign over the International Professional Rodeo Association world of rodeo. The selection of Miss Rodeo USA is to determine on a national level an official representative of the IPRA who exhibits unexcelled sportsmanship, high moral and ethical standards, as well as adding a flavor of femininity with a regal touch. The queen should be able to speak intelligently and with authority on the sport of rodeo, IPRA policies and the world around her.
Contestant Qualifications
• Must not be less than 18 years of age nor more than 26 years of age at the time of the Miss Rodeo Pageant.
• May either be an amateur or professional horsewoman or rodeo contestant.
• Shall never have been married, have had a child, or have minor dependents.
• Former Miss Rodeo USA titleholders are not eligible.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• May represent a rodeo, stock contractor, producer, or other sponsor (examples; Miss H/K, Miss T-W Western Wear, Miss Alpine Rodeo, etc).
Any young lady may enter if she meets the qualifications. She should be able to ride a horse well, know the sport of rodeo, and dress western.
Contestant Disqualifications
• Contestant attempts to influence or trouble any of the judges.
• Family of the contestant attempts to influence or trouble any of the judges.
• Contestant fails to fulfill obligations as directed by the Miss Rodeo USA Directors.
• Contestant displays any conduct detrimental to the title of Miss Rodeo USA or the IPRA.
Pageant Rules
• The contestants must be chaperoned at all times. The contestants will be under the supervision of the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant chaperones from the time the pageant begins at the orientation until the time the pageant ends with the coronation of the new Miss Rodeo USA. The chaperones will escort the contestants to and from all functions during the pageant week.
• Contestants must attend all Miss Rodeo USA events with the group.
• Contestants must decline all personal invitations during the pageant.
• Contestants will abide by all official pageant directives.
• Most of the Miss Rodeo USA functions are open to family and friends but contestants must always sit together with their chaperones.
Judging
The Miss Rodeo USA contestants will be judged on personality, appearance and horsemanship.
The scheduled activities will include but are not limited to the following:
• Personal Interviews
• Impromptu Speeches
• Prepared Speeches
• Modeling (Style Shows)
• Media Activities
• Written Exam – Horsemanship, Rodeo, Miss Rodeo USA, Miss Rodeo USA Handbook and the IPRA.
• Written Exam – Current Issues and General Knowledge
• Horsemanship – Riding Patterns
• Luncheon and Dinners
• Rodeo Performances
• Various Entertainment Events
Judging Criteria
Personality
The personality division accounts for 40 percent of the total judging. The aim of this division is to select the candidate who rates highest in:
• Education
• Conversational ability in various areas
• Sense of Humor
• Personality Appeal – ability to project yourself to others on short appearances
• Rodeo and overall knowledge
• Genuine interest in other people – noticeable consideration of others
• Projection – ability to project your personality whether it be from horseback or before any audience.
• Disposition
• General Culture
• Grammar
• Quality of Voice Expression – this includes enunciation voice inflection
Appearance
The appearance division accounts for 40% of the total judging. The aim of this division is to select the candidate who rates highest in:
• Attractiveness
• Facial Beauty
• Figure
• Grooming – This includes neatness and cleanliness in every detail such as complexion, hands, hair, boots, hats, etc. Meticulous care in general grooming is essential for a contestant to be considered for Miss Rodeo USA.
• Photogenic Quality
• Posture
• Poise and lady-like behavior in any situation
• Clothing
• General Appearance
Horsemanship
The horsemanship division accounts for 20% of the total judging. The aim of this division is to select the candidate who rates highest in her riding and showmanship abilities.
The purpose of the horsemanship division is to judge the candidate on a hands and seat basis. The judges will not consider the horses and the equipment, which are provided for the contestants.
An important aspect of horsemanship division is the way a queen presents herself – appearance and personality are a must in this division as well as riding ability.
The reigning Miss Rodeo USA will demonstrate the horsemanship pattern for all of the contestants. Equal time will be permitted for each contestant.
The contestants should dress as they would if they were Miss Rodeo USA riding at a rodeo during her reign. Chaps and spurs are not permitted. The contestant should not wear anything that will inhibit the judges’ view of her hands and seat. The contestant should be sure that her hat would not come off during her presentation of the horsemanship pattern.
Should an unfair situation arise through no fault of the contestant, a re-ride can be granted and the scoring done on the re-ride.
The reining pattern to be used at the National Pageant will be selected by the Board of Directors and distributed to the contestants not later than thirty days prior to the National Pageant.
General
In addition to the specifics required under the divisions being judged, all contestants must possess the following general qualifications:
• Intelligence
• Sincerity
• Integrity
• Maturity
• High Moral and Ethical Standards
• Dependability
• Responsibility
Scoring
The scores of each contestant will be determined by the judges during all the pageant activities. The scores in the three divisions will be multiplied by the appropriate percentage factor and totaled. In the event of a tie for first place, the contestant with the highest score in personality will be declared the winner. If this still leaves a tie, the contestant with the highest score in personality and appearance combined will be declared the winner. If a tie still exists a designated judge will break the tie.
After the judging of each activity, the score sheets will be kept on file for a period of one month. In the event of a dispute, the claimant may submit a grievance. At this time, the sealed envelope will be opened for verification of the results. The contestants’ scores will not be publicly released after the competition of the Pageant.
Miss Rodeo USA
The coronation of the newly selected Miss Rodeo USA will be during a performance of the International Finals Rodeo. Miss Rodeo USA is considered a World Champion of the IPRA. She will assume her duties as Miss Rodeo USA after her coronation.
The pageant winner will receive the title of Miss Rodeo USA and other prizes. If at any time during her reign she chooses to resign, she will immediately relinquish her title and all awards deemed necessary by the Executive Board of Directors and/or the IPRA.
Should Miss Rodeo USA be unable to fulfill her obligation as Miss Rodeo USA she will resign and the first runner-up will assume the title. If the first runner-up should relinquish or be unable to accept the crown, the second runner-up will assume the title. If the second runner-up should relinquish or be unable to accept the crown, the position will be filled at the discretion of the Miss Rodeo USA Board of Directors.
Eligibility Requirements
A portion of the Miss Rodeo USA Contract contains an Eligibility Requirements Affidavit, which must be acknowledged prior to competing for the title of Miss Rodeo USA. Please review the following Eligibility Requirements if you plan to enter the National Pageant:
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Age: I will not be less than 18 years of age, nor will I be more than 26 years of age, on the date of the beginning of the National Pageant. Upon request, I will provide a copy of a government issued identification (such as a birth certificate, drivers license, passport, etc.) verifying my age.
- Residency and Citizenship: I am a resident and citizen of the United States of America.
- Education: I have obtained a high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Gender: I am female and have always been female.
- Marital Status: I am not currently married and have never been married. I have never participated in a situation where it could be determined that I am or have been married by common-law or cohabitated with another person in lieu of a marriage contract. I have never entered into a purported marriage ceremony or obtained a divorce or annulment of any true or purported marriage.
- Marital Engagement: I am not currently engaged and I agree not to become publicly engaged during my term as Miss Rodeo USA.
- Parental/Guardian Status: I am not pregnant nor have I ever given birth to or adopted any child. I am not the guardian of any person.
- Good Character: I am of good moral character. I have never committed or been involved in an act of moral turpitude.
- No Criminal Record: I have not been convicted or charged with any criminal action, regardless of whether a felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic offenses). I agree to provide proof of any charge against me, or the resolution thereof, for any criminal action for which a penalty may be assessed.
- Health: I am in good health and I do not have any health concerns which would prevent me from fully participating in this contest or from serving as Miss Rodeo USA, if selected.
- Substance Abuse: I do not use any illegal or controlled substances (other than prescription medications and then only in the manner prescribed. I do not abuse alcohol or other dangerous substances. I agree to submit to a random or targeted alcohol or drug test upon suspicion by MRUSA that I am or have been under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances during the National Pageant or during my term as Miss Rodeo USA, if selected.
- Contractual Obligations: I am not under any contractual obligation which would interfere with my ability to participate in this contest or interfere with my ability to perform as Miss Rodeo USA, if selected. I agree to provide copies of any and all contracts to which I am a party if requested by MRUSA.
- No other Competitions: I do not currently hold a title from any pageant or competition that would interfere with my ability to serve as Miss Rodeo USA, if selected. I agree to notify MRUSA of any title I currently hold and agree to forfeit such title, if requested by MRUSA, if I am selected to serve as Miss Rodeo USA.
- No Competitions/Conflicts during the term of the agreement to serve as Miss Rodeo USA: I agree that if I am chosen as Miss Rodeo USA, I will not enter any beauty, talent, modeling, or other such competition during my term as Miss Rodeo USA, nor will I make any public appearance of any kind without the express written consent of MRUSA.
- No Agent Status. I will not incur any bill, obligation or liability on behalf of the MRUSA or the IPRA.
- No Other Acts Detrimental to Reputation: I have not engaged in any act, which if made public, would be reasonably likely to cause harm or damage to my reputation or to the goodwill and reputation of MRUSA/IPRA.
- I f I have any concerns about the applicability of and of these provisions, I acknowledge I have been advised to discuss this with a representative of MRUSA prior to signing this agreement.
- Ability to Perform: To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing that will interfere with my ability to compete in this contest or to perform the obligations of Miss Rodeo USA, if selected.
- Any resolution of any questioned provision shall be documented in writing.