Frequently Asked questions

We know that many folks have questions, and we are hoping to help you out! Please, check out this section to find the answers to many frequently asked questions.

What is junior rodeo?  
Junior rodeo is simply rodeo for kids. Junior rodeos offer rodeo competition for kids up to age 19 and helps prepare them for a future in pro rodeos. 

Where are SAYR events held?

Our rodeos are usually held at the Heard County Covered Arena in Franklin, GA. For directions, click here.

 12080 GA-100

 Franklin, GA 30217 

Does SAY Rodeo provide horses or does the association have one that we can use?
You must have your own horse or one that you can use. We do not provide horses. 

What do we have to do to qualify for year-end awards? 

You must complete all tasks to qualify for Finals (Finals Qualifications). Qualification requirements are in our rule book.  Year-end awards are presented to those who qualify for Finals and finish in the top 10 in points in any qualifying event in their division. 

What are the benefits of being a member? 

Membership is one of the requirements to participate in the Finals rodeo. As a member, you do not have to pay a non-member fee at each rodeo, and you can accrue points throughout the year. Non-members pay $25 per person per rodeo to compete and do not accrue points. 

How much is membership?
Membership is $80 for the first child. More information about membership can be found on our membership information page. 

Are we required to get a sponsorship? 

Sponsorships are not required, but each and every sponsorship benefits the association and the kids. Each year, the association gives out $50,000 or more in prizes and scholarships. Every sponsorship helps accomplish that goal. 

 A $250 (or more) sponsorship for your child will allow your child to receive one  (1) paid membership fee. (*One* paid fee per sponsorship, regardless of sponsorship amount) 

My child is 64 lbs. Can he/she mutton bust? 

If your child is 65 lbs or less and is within the Tiny Tot or PeeWee age division, then, yes! He/She is welcome to ride. However, please note that if your child exceeds 65 lbs at ANY time during the season, he/she will not be allowed to ride and will not be allowed to enter Mutton Busting in future rodeos.  We will have weigh-in at every rodeo, but parents are responsible for knowing their child's weight before they register at each rodeo.  Calf-riding is available for those children who are or may become (during the season) over 65 lbs. Points are not transferable from mutton busting to calves. Once a member moves to calves, he/she cannot move back down to mutton busting. 

Can we use a bull-rope in mutton busting? 

NO ropes or spurs are allowed on the sheep for mutton busting. 

Can my children share horses?

Competitors in the same division/age group cannot share horses in barrel racing or pole bending. Sharing horses is permitted in all other events and in all Tiny Tot events. This information is also available in our rule book.

What time does (any event) begin?
Our order of events is here. The rodeo slack begins at 7 PM on Friday night, and performance begins at 9:30 AM on Saturday. It’s difficult to say what time any event begins because there are so many variables involved.
 

What is Call-In?
Call-in Is the time before a rodeo in which the participant calls or emails their intent to participate in an upcoming rodeo. This allows us to coordinate and prepare enough stock, volunteers, and judges for the number of competitors expected, as well as to create the draw/run order.  You MUST call-in during the call-in period if you wish to participate in a rodeo. If you do not call-in, you do not ride. Information for our call-in can be found on our call-in page. 

Can we sign up for events or add events on the day of the rodeo?
There are  NO sign-ups or changes on the day of a rodeo. Likewise, we cannot allow events to be added after the late call-in period is over.  There are no changes to participants' entries on the day of the rodeo.
 

What is Grand Entry?
A display of flags, royalty, and competitors comprise a rodeo grand entry. This is the kick-off to each of our rodeos. We encourage all of our competitors to join in grand entry, but it is not required. Full rodeo attire is required for grand entry. 

Can we turn in our raffle tickets a little late?
Raffle tickets should  be turned in by the due date at the June rodeo. Late raffle tickts will be accepted until the July rodeo with a late fee - see the rule book for more information.. Absolutely no raffle tickets will be accepted after the   Saturday of the July rodeo.

 
Who must bring proof of age?
Anyone who was not a member the previous season must bring proof of age to the first rodeo in which they compete. Without proof of age, they canNOT compete. 

What is a valid proof of age?
A birth certificate, driver’s license, learner’s permit, or passport will work for proof of age. 

Does the association provide safety equipment?
The SAY Rodeo does not provide any personal safety equipment, rodeo attire, needed equipment (bull ropes, goat strings, etc.), tack, or horses for competitors.
 

What is rodeo attire?
Rodeo attire is comprised of ….
         Western, button-down, long-sleeved shirt
         Cowboy hat or helmet
         Clean, unripped, jeans
          Boots        

           Back Number (for competitors)

When and where is rodeo attire required for the participants?  
Rodeo attire is required for ALL within the arena.  
If you have yet to compete or have already competed, your back number is required within the arena perimeter - inside the orange cones.   More information about rodeo attire can be found in our rule book.
  

I want to volunteer. What do I need to do?
Please contact us to volunteer with our rodeo. We’d love to have you!! If you are voluteering in order to satisfy the volunteer requirement for Finals Qualification, a validated volunteer card MUST be turned in to the tech guy for the requirement to be met. Note, if you are working inside the actual arena or in the back pens, rodeo attire is required. 

How do I reserve a stall or a campsite?
To reserve a stall or campsite, let us know when you call in. The payment due will be on your competitor's receipt when you check in at the rodeo. Stalls or campsites reserved after the late call in time must be reserved through the arena facilities' director - Caleb Pike..

Stalls -$30 /night (includes one bag of shavings
Campsites -   $30 /night 

Do the campsites have hook-ups?
Yes!! Each site has water and electricity. 

Who is on the SAY Rodeo Board of Directors? 

Wesleigh Gaddy

Scott Guthery, Pastor

Michael Lewis
Christy Mlekodaj  
Joe Pratt 

Mark Sampson
Shell Sampson 

Breezy Smith

Bo Waller
Stanton Williams 

What time should we arrive?
Because of the many variables in a rodeo, there is no way to give estimates of what time an event will begin. Each participant should be registered no later than the beginning of the event in which he/she is entered.  If one is entered in Junior Bull Riding, he/she should be registered before any of the bull rideing begins.

What is the cost for spectators?
While the cost for watching the rodeo is free, we gladly accept donations towards our scholarship fund. Suggested donation is $5 per person. 

How much does it cost to enter the rodeo?
Please, visit our Fees page to determine how much your entry fees will be.
 

What is Finals Rodeo?
Finals rodeo is our year-end rodeo in which only qualifying members can compete. For the winner of each event in each division (except Tiny Tots) a ‘go round’ buckle is earned at Finals. Points earned at Finals go toward year-end placings, but no payout is given at Finals. 

Who gets a jacket?
Qualifying members receive at jacket at Finals.  

What is a Qualifying Member?   
A qualifying member is a member in good standing, has sold all 25 raffle tickets, has volunteered for  at least one event at one rodeo during the season (must have turned in a validated volunteer card), and has competed in at least four rodeos in their desired events for the season (Finals does not count as one of the 4 rodeos). 

What is the Rodeo Bible Verse Challenge?

Each rodeo has an assigned Bible verse for the kids to memorize. If they memorize and recite that verse to our Verse Representative, they can earn a treat for that day. Memorizing all 8 for the season will earn qualifying members a special year-end prize. Find the verses here!