Philip,
I was heading at a rodeo where a rope barrier was being used. I called for the steer and roped it. I did not see my Heeler, nor was I watching his horse. Somehow the neck rope barrier wrapped around the Heel horse's front feet. I had turned the steer before seeing that the neck rope was tripping the Heel horse. We were not allowed a rerun, because I had roped and turned the steer. The Flagger said I should have pulled up. My argument was that it would have been impossible as I was throwing when my horse was partially still in the box. Should we have been given another run?
Dion Bitz
Dion,
Thanks for your question. First off I'm assuming, being that you did not mention a Line Judge, they did not have one at this rodeo. This is a perfect example of why a Line Judge is so important. The Line Judge should work with the Flagger, because the Line Judge may see something the Flagger could not see. When you have a Line Judge he should be standing on the score line. This is where he could see the head horse, the barrier, and the neck rope on the steer. So, if something malfunctions, he would be able to see it very clearly.
By the situation you are describing, it would be very difficult for the Header to see what was happening to the Heeler. The Heeler should have pulled up immediately, and declared himself fouled by the neck rope to the Flagger or Line Judge. I am unclear in your question if this was done or not. This is where the Line Judge and Flagger should have consulted with one another to make the call. So from what you are saying, it is my opinion that the Heeler was fouled by the neck rope, and this should have resulted in a rerun. Had you received a rerun and had a barrier penalty, you would have had to come back ‘Lap & Tap’ with the barrier penalty. Thanks for the question.
I Believe:
“One Nation under God”
Philip Murrah
Pauls Valley, Oklahoma
The opinions expressed are those of Philip Murrah, and not necessarily standardized by any organization. If you have a question for “Ask the Flagger”
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