🏆 ATRA 2025/26 Rule Changes & important Updates

ATRA 2025-26 season has begun! Below are the key updates and changes for the new season, as decided by the ATRA Board in the June meeting. These include changes to Regional Awards, event formats, and important rule clarifications.

🎖️ Regional Awards

Last month, we conducted a member survey regarding regional awards. Of the 800+ members, 53 responded, with 81% preferring to keep buckles as awards.

✅ Decision:

• Buckles will continue as awards for all events except:

  • Open Team Roping

  • #12 Team Roping

Alternative awards for these two events are being explored and will be announced in the coming months.

🏇 Mal Fishenden Trophy Saddle:

• Awarded to the High Point Champion in Southern NSW and Victoria for the 2025/26 season.

  
  

📌 Rule & Event Updates

➕ Non-Points Events

Promoters may run extra non-standard events under the following:

• $4 insurance levy

• Not eligible for points or National Finals qualification

• Must run at least one standard event, which includes:

  • Open, #12, #10, #8, #5

  • Ladies Breakaway

  • Open or Divisional Barrel Race

  • Rope & Tie or Steer Wrestling

• Standard event levy: $8 per entry

  
  

📖 Rule Book Updates

📄 Page 11 | Medical / Emergency Draw-Out

• A medical/emergency includes the roper, their family, or horse.

• No refunds for entries after competition has started.

• A substitute partner (equal or lesser rating) may be used:

  • No entry fee for substitute

  • Not eligible for points/prizemoney/finals

  • Original team keeps earned points and prizes

  • If no sub is found, prior completed runs still count

    
    

📄 Page 16 | Tie-On Rule

• Heelers aged 50+ and Ladies may tie-on

• Juniors (under 18): Cannot tie-on

• Headers: Never allowed to tie-on

• Dallying over a tie-on rope/device: Automatic disqualification

• Only ATRA Board-approved tie-on devices may be used

  
  

📄 Page 17 | #5 Machine Roping Rules

• Run starts when both partners are in the box

• Machine activated on Header’s nod

• Header: Must pull slack, dally optional

• Heeler: Can pull slack and dally or use No Dally Option

• Penalty removed for No Dally Option

• Promoters must advise if machine is unsuitable for dallying

  
  

📄 Page 14 | Affiliated Jackpot Events

• One (1) incentive max per event allowed for promoters

  
  

📄 Page 13 | Double & Triple Points Ropings

• Increased from 2 to 3 events per number per points year

• Electronic timer and barrier required for these events

  
  

📄 Page 17 | Option to Not Dally

• Heelers #3.5 and under may opt not to dally

• Must notify event office and flag judge before run

• 5-second penalty applies per run

• Promoters must specify in program if option is unavailable

• REMOVED: Restriction to #8 events only

  
  

📄 Page 10 | National Finals - Barrel Racing

• Horse must have competed in at least 1 jackpot

• Rider must compete in 4+ ATRA-affiliated events between 1 July – 30 June

• Max 4 horses per rider at National Finals

  
  

📄 Page 25 | JUDGING

• The passing of the flag during a roping event from one experienced and competent judge to another is permitted.

• Promoters must provide each judge with an ATRA Rulebook.

• All judges must be mounted and apply a high level of scrutiny when checking head, heel and calf loops.

• The ATRA Board recommends a maximum of three (3) judges be used per roping event.

👉 Click here to read the full 2025/26 ATRA Rule Book

Please review these updates carefully to ensure a smooth season. If you have questions, contact your regional representative or email us directly.