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CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
OF THE
SOONER STATE RODEO ASSOCIATION

 

ARTICLE I. -     NAME

 

The name of the association shall be Sooner State Rodeo Association, Inc., Acronym: SSRA (the “Association”).

ARTICLE II. -     OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE

 

The purpose and objective for which the association is organized and the nature of the business to be carried out by said organization are as follows:

A.          To act as a 501(C)(3), non-profit organization.

B.       To be an educational organization by spreading tolerance, awareness of diversity and the breakdown of stereotypes of homosexuals. 

C.          To perform charitable duties for the surrounding area through fund-raisers, horse shows, rodeo performances, etc., for any particular charitable organization the general membership of the association shall choose.

D.          To produce a group of well-rounded individuals interested in western related events, such as rodeos, horse shows, horseback riding, western/square dancing, clogging, etc., by either participating in or helping to produce.

E.          To be an organization for the counties of Oklahoma to include Kay, Osage, Pawnee, Washington, Nowata, Craig, Ottowa, Rogers, Mayes, Delaware, Adair, Cherokee, Wagoner, Tulsa, Creek, Okmulgee, Muskogee, Sequoyah, Okfuskee, Hughes, Pittsburg, Haskell, Le Flore, Latimer, and McIntosh, and the communities there in, barring all prejudices related to sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudice the organization may encounter.

F.           To establish a group of people to collectively work on fundraising events and organizational activities who are both professional and proficient.

G.           No part of the net earnings of the association shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in ARTICLE II hereof.  Net earnings after dissolution of the association shall be donated to designated non-profit, charitable organization(s) as selected by the Executive Board.

H.          No substantial part of the activities of the association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or the otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the association shall not participate in, or intervene in, including the publishing or distribution of statements, any political campaign on the behalf of any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE III. -     MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION - I -    Membership Fees, Dues, and Guidelines

A.          Membership dues and fees shall be established by the Executive Board.

B.          Evidence of Membership

1.         The official roles of the Association.

2.         The Association will issue membership cards showing evidence of membership.

C.          Transfer of Membership

1.         Memberships are not transferable from one person to another.

SECTION - II -    Classification of Memberships

A.          General Membership - Individual

1.         An individual general membership application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate membership fee.

2.         May participate in any and all Association activities and IGRA sanctioned events.

3.         Shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

4.         May receive the Association newsletter, unless member indicates otherwise.

B.          Associate Membership - Individual

1.         An individual associate membership application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate membership fee.

2.         May participate in any and all Association activities and IGRA sanctioned events.

3.         Shall not have voting privileges or be eligible to hold elected office.

4.    May receive the Association newsletter, unless member indicates otherwise.

                  C.     Commercial Membership

1.    A commercial membership application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate membership fee.

2.    May participate in any and all Association activities, but may not compete at IGRA Sanctioned Rodeos and or events.

3.    Shall be entitled to one (1) vote but shall not be eligible to hold elected office.

4.    May receive the Association newsletter, unless member indicates otherwise.

                   D.     Honorary Membership

1.    May be held by any person(s) who show dedication to the Association.

2.    Will be bestowed on a current year basis, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

3.    Shall not have any voting privileges and shall not be eligible to hold elected office.

SECTION - III -    Disciplinary Actions

A.          Probation of Membership

1.         The Executive Board may place any active member on probation for any violation of rules, regulations, or Bylaws of the Association and/or IGRA, as well as failure to follow through with committed projects or duties.

2.         Probation periods will be determined by the Executive Board, to be not less than thirty (30) days and not greater than ninety (90) days.

3.         Shall occur for any unfulfilled monetary obligations.

a.         May be reinstated upon payment of the obligation and any charges incurred, within thirty (30) days.

4.         Two (2) probationary actions within a twelve (12) month period may lead to Termination of Membership.

5.         Anyone who is placed on probation shall have their voting privileges and ability to participate in any Association activities or IGRA sanctioned rodeos suspended during their period of probation.

B.     Termination of Membership

1.    Any proposed termination of membership shall be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board.  Termination of membership will be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

2.    Termination must be completed within thirty (30) days of written notification to member.

3.    Proposed membership terminations shall be based on conduct unbecoming to the organization, to include, but not limited to:

a.         Misrepresentation of the organization.
b.         Fraud.
c.         Theft from the organization or any of its members.
d.         Misuse of organizational property.
e.         Use of the organization’s newsletter, pamphlets, flyers, or any other media to express personal opinion without prior consent by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

C.     Right to Appeal Disciplinary Action

1.    Any disciplinary action may be appealed to the Membership at the next General Meeting.  The Appeal must be submitted in writing within ten (10) days of the original decision.

2.    Final decisions on probation or termination of a membership shall be accomplished within sixty (60) days.

ARTICLE IV. -     AFFILIATION

 

A.          The Association shall affiliate itself with the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) and all state, national, and international organizations that adhere to the objectives and purposes of the Association.

B.          No member shall bind the Association through joining, representing, or affiliating with any other organization without prior approval, by majority vote of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE V. -     FISCAL YEAR

 

A.          The fiscal year shall begin on the first (1st) day of October of each year and end at midnight on the thirtieth (30th) day of September of each calendar year.

B.          All memberships shall run concurrently for one (1) year from month of receipt.

 

ARTICLE VI. -     OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

 

SECTION - I -    Election of Officers

Elections will be held in the month of September with nominations being accepted in the month of August.        

A.          Eligibility for Office

1.         Any active individual General Member residing within the State of Oklahoma or within fifty (50) miles of the Association county borders as specified in Article II, D and who is in good standing may be nominated for office.

2.         Only active members who have completed six (6) months membership in an IGRA Sanctioned Rodeo Association and have three (3) months membership with the Association (SSRA) are eligible to run for office.

3.         Candidates must have paid the Association membership fees for their potential term of office.

4.         Members of the Executive Board may not be in a familiar relationship or couple together and serve on the Executive Board at the same time. 

5.         Nominees must be present to accept nomination as well as be present during elections for the nomination to be accepted.

6.         No member of the Association’s Executive Board may be a member of any other IGRA Sanctioned Rodeo Association’s Executive Board at the same time.

7.         Retiring officers must remain in an advisory capacity, as needed, for three (3) months following completion of term of office.

B.          Officers

1.         President

2.         Vice President

3.         Recording Secretary

4.         Corresponding Secretary

5.         Treasurer

6.         Trustee

The elected officers shall make up the members of the Executive Board performing the duties prescribed by these Bylaws.  It shall be incumbent of all officers to engage in an area of total communication, cooperation, and dissemination of all information regarding the operation of the Association.

C.          Election of Officers

1.         The elections of officers shall be by secret ballot.  A majority of the votes cast by active members present and in good standing, shall be necessary to elect.  (A majority is defined as more than one half (1/2) of the votes cast by persons quantified to vote, excluding blank ballots.)

  a.  Any vacancy, which may occur in the elected offices during the        elected year, shall be filled by an appointment of the Executive Board.

b.             Said appointment duration shall be only until the next General     Membership Meeting at which time an open election shall be held.                                 

D.          Duties of Association Officers

1.         President

a.         Shall be the principal officer of the organization.
b.         Shall preside at all general and specially called meetings of the Association.
c.         Shall appoint special committee chairpersons with the approval of the Executive Board.
d.         Shall serve as ex-officio member of all committees.
e.         May appoint a Sergeant-At-Arms.

2.         Vice President

a.         Shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.
b.         Shall assume the office of President in the interim should it become vacant in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity of the president to complete the term of office, until a special election can be held.
c.         Shall serve in such capacity as assigned by the President.
d.         Shall  be responsible for Membership, Public Relations, and Royalty if there is no Royalty Director.   
e.         Shall be responsible for maintaining the inventory of and sales of all Association promotional items, such as:  T-shirts, patches, pins, logo merchandise and other related items.        

3.         Recording Secretary

a.         Shall record accurate minutes of the proceedings of all Association meetings, with copies of the General Meeting Minutes made available to the General Membership for the next monthly meeting and copies of the Executive Board Minutes made available to the Executive Board at their next monthly meeting.
b.         Shall preserve in a permanent file all records and official acts of the Association, its Executive Board and the Board of Directors.
c.         Shall maintain a current list of Standing Rules and the official membership roles.
d.         Shall be responsible for sending the official membership list to all IGRA Rodeos, and Convention.  They must be postmarked or e-mailed two (2) weeks prior to the event.
e.         Shall perform the duties of President in the absence of both the President and Vice President.

4.         Corresponding Secretary

a.         Shall handle all official correspondence of the Association.
b.         Shall be in charge of the Association’s newsletter.
c.         Shall conduct the reporting to appropriate news sources the activities of the Association upon approval of the Executive Board.
d.         Shall maintain the Association’s calendar.
e.         Shall provide any photographs to media after approval by the Executive Board, and will provide photo coverage of all Association events, if possible, either personally or by appointing another member to do the events coverage.

5.         Treasurer

a.         Shall be custodian of all funds of the Association, with said funds to be deposited in a bank account designated by the Executive Board.
b.         Shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures of the Association.
c.         Shall present a written itemized financial report at all Association meetings.
d.         Shall let any member of the Association look at the books, allowing fifteen (15) days from receipt of written request to comply with said request.
e.    All moneys raised or turned in to the Treasurer will be deposited within five (5) banking days.         

6.         Trustee/Alternate Trustee

a.         The Trustee shall serve a three (3) year term, concurrent with the IGRA fiscal year.
b.         An Alternate Trustee will be appointed by the Trustee or the Executive Board to represent the Association in the absence of the Trustee.
c.         The Trustee or Alternate Trustee will represent the Association at IGRA Board of Trustee meetings.
d.         The Trustee or Alternate Trustee will submit written and/or oral reports at the next general meeting immediately following the IGRA Board Meeting.

SECTION - II -    Guidelines/Duties of Standing Committee/Chairpersons

A.          Standing Committees

1.         Rodeo, Events, and Training Committee

2.         Royalty and Fundraising Committee

3.          Audit and Budget Committee

4.         Bylaws and Legal Affairs Committee

5.         Historical Committee

6.         Nomination Committee

The Executive Board, Royalty Title-holders, and all said Committee Chairpersons shall be the members of the Board of Directors, performing the duties prescribed by these Bylaws.  It shall be incumbent of all officers and chairpersons to engage in an area of total communication, cooperation, and dissemination of all information regarding the operation of the Association.

B.          Operation of Standing Committees

1.         The Standing Committees shall be comprised of a minimum of three (3) members, one of which is the appointed Standing Committee Chairperson.

2.    The chairpersons of all Standing Committees shall be appointed by     the Executive Board within 30 days of elections.

3.    The names of each committee member shall be registered with the   Recording Secretary.

4.    Each Standing Committee shall meet within fifteen (15) days of   appointment to review Standing Rules of Order for each respective committee.

5.    All contractual committee work shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Board.

6.    Each Standing Committee shall submit a written report to the Executive Board prior to their monthly meeting, and are required to give an oral report at the general membership meeting.

C.          Duties of the Rodeo, Events, and Training Committee

1.         Shall be responsible to and work with the Rodeo Director for the production of all Association rodeos.

2.     Shall be responsible for organizing events such as Playdays.

3.     Shall be responsible for organizing the necessary framework for training and instruction of members of the Association for their participation in rodeo and gymkhana (timed) events.

D.          Duties of the Royalty and Fundraising Committee

1.     Shall be comprised of all reigning Association Royalty.

2.    Shall be responsible for providing the entertainment necessary at any function or fund raising event of the Association.

3.    May run a well-organized dance program to include instruction in various forms of Country/Western dance.

4.    Shall be responsible for organization, production and hosting the Mr/Ms/Miss SSRA Competition under the direction of the Royalty Director.

5.    Shall be responsible for the raising of funds necessary for the operation of the Association.    

E.     Audit and Budget Committee

1.    Shall audit the Treasurer’s books on a quarterly basis and make recommendations for additional control if necessary.

2.     Shall submit a quarterly report to the Board of Directors.

3.    Shall submit a written copy of the quarterly report to the Recording Secretary to be placed in the Association’s corporate records.

4.    Shall be responsible for the preparation of the Association’s annual budget and quarterly revisions thereto.

F.     Bylaws and Legal Affairs Committee

1.    Shall review the Association and IGRA Bylaws; prepare any recommendations, amendments and/or revisions for presentation to the Executive Board.

2.    Shall meet at least twice annually, and as needed, for changes requested during General Membership, Executive Board and/or Board of Directors’ Meetings..

3.    Shall be responsible for the recruitment of an attorney for the Association, if possible.

4.   Shall make copies of the Association Bylaws available to the members each year, if applicable.    

G.     Historical Committee

1.         Shall maintain and provide accurate and complete historical records (i.e. flyers, brochures, and pertinent documentation of all organizational events and fund raisers performed by and for the Association.)

2.         Shall prepare historical documentation for quarterly review by Executive Board.

H.     Nomination Committee

1.    Shall consist of a Chairperson and two (2) members from the General Membership, in good standing, of the organization.

2.    No member of the Executive Board shall be a member of the Nomination Committee.

3.    No member of this committee shall be a candidate for an office unless nominated from the floor at the time of elections.

4.    Shall meet within fifteen (15) days of appointment to review responsibilities of said committee.

5.    Shall announce declared nominations at the meeting prior to elections, with nominations open from the floor on the day of elections.

SECTION - III -    IGRA Convention Delegates

A.          The IGRA Convention Delegates shall be elected annually by the General Membership.

B.          Convention Delegates shall be elected two (2) months prior to the Convention.

1.         If any elected Convention Delegate or alternate cannot attend the IGRA Annual Convention, the Executive Board may appoint an active member in good standing of the Association to replace said Convention Delegate or alternate.

2.         The Executive Board may not appoint a Convention Delegate unless no elected alternates exist.

C.          The Trustee and the Association President shall serve as IGRA Delegates, with additional Delegates and Alternates elected as authorized by IGRA.

D.     The Trustee or Alternate Trustee shall submit written and/or oral reports at the next Association General Meeting immediately following the IGRA Annual Convention.

E.     The Trustee or Alternate Trustee is required to attend all IGRA Conventions and Board of Trustee meetings.

ARTICLE VII. -     MEETINGS

 

SECTION - I -    General Membership Meetings

A.          General membership meetings will be held monthly during the fiscal year. 

B.          One (1) of these meetings will be held during the month of September for elections.

C.          One (1) of these meetings will be held in October for installation of officers.

D.          The Executive Board will announce each upcoming meeting, including date, time, and location at each meeting.

SECTION - II -    Executive Board and Board of Directors Meetings

A.          The Executive Board shall meet at least once a month or at the special call of the President or majority of the Executive Board.

B.          The Board of Directors shall meet at least once quarterly or at the special call of the Executive Board or a majority of the Board of Directors.

SECTION - III -    Special Meeting

A.          In order for the General Membership to call a Special Meeting, a petition with the signatures of the voting quorum of the Membership in good standing, as recorded in the files of the Recording Secretary, must be presented to a member of the Executive Board.  The President or Vice President will act upon said petition, by notifying the General Membership in a timely fashion of the meeting date, time, and location.

B.          The President, with the majority vote of the Executive Board, may call a special meeting of the general membership.

C.     The Association shall adhere to any and all laws and/or statutes of the State of Oklahoma and/or the United States of America, now or to come.

D.     The Chairpersons of all Standing Committees may call, at their discretion, regular or special meetings of said committees.

SECTION - IV -    Quorum, Absentee, and Proxy

A.          A quorum of the General Membership of the Association shall consist of ten percent (10%) of the General Membership in good standing as certified by the Recording Secretary.  The membership rolls shall be open for inspection prior to the general membership meeting.

B.          All voting shall be by Robert’s Rules of Order, revised and subsequent editions.

C.          No absentee votes shall be allowed.

D.          No proxy vote shall be allowed.

ARTICLE VIII. -     BOARDS

 

SECTION - I -    Board of Directors of the Association

A.          The Board of Directors shall consist of President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Alternate Trustee, Royalty Title-holders, and all Standing Committee Chairpersons.

1.         The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall be the President of the Association.

B.          Meetings shall be conducted at least once quarterly, or as directed by the Executive Board.

C.          Each officer, Royalty with their Director as a whole, and each Standing Committee Chairperson shall have one (1) vote.

D.          A Quorum of the Board of Directors shall be a simple majority of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) present at meeting.

E.           The Association and its membership shall indemnify each director, officer, royalty title-holder, and committee chairperson against all expense, loss or liability incurred in connection with the prosecution, settlement or defense of any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative proceeding, in which the director, officer, royalty title-holder, or committee chairperson is involved because of being or having been such, except to the extent that the director, officer, royalty title-holder, or committee chairperson is finally adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct, and the matter out of which the liability, loss, or expense arises.

SECTION - II -    Executive Board of the Association

A.          Shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, and the Alternate Trustee.

1.         The President shall serve as Executive Board Chairperson.

B.          Meetings shall be conducted when necessary, but at least once a month.

C.          Responsibilities of the Executive Board.

1.         To prepare an agenda for the Board of Directors’ meetings.

2.         To provide the Board of Directors with an in-depth report for the removal from office any Elected Officer, Committee Chairperson, Royalty Member, or Association Member.

3.    In the event of the death of an officer or board member, the Executive Board may choose to have that individual’s term be completed posthumously in name only while still electing a member to fill the vacancy left open.

ARTICLE IX. -     CLUB INSIGNIAS, COLORS

 

SECTION - I -     Association Flag/Banner

A.    Any use of the Association Flag/Banner for an event other than an Association or IGRA function must be approved by the Executive Board.

SECTION - II -    Association Logo

A.          The Association logo should appear on all official correspondence of the organization.

ARTICLE X. -     PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

 

SECTION - I -    Robert’s Rules of Order.

A.          Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the sole parliamentary authority.

ARTICLE XI. -     DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

 

SECTION - I -    Authority to Dissolve

A.          Board of Directors Review

1.         Any proposal to dissolve the organization must be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board, which will investigate and discuss for dissolution.

2.         If the proposal is determined to be valid, it shall be brought before the active General Membership for a vote.

3.         If a quorum is not established at the General Membership Meeting a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the General Membership present will be required to dissolve the Association.

SECTION - II -    Financial Obligations upon Dissolution

A.          Outstanding Obligations

1.         Outstanding financial obligations will be determined and satisfied by the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of dissolution.

2.         After payment of all determined outstanding debts, the balance of the moneys remaining will be distributed to non-profit, charitable organizations to be determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XII. -     BYLAWS

 

SECTION - I -    Amendments and Additions

A.          A minimum of six (6) copies of the Amendments and Additions must be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board for review and discussion.

B.          The Executive Board shall present said amendments and additions no later than the next regularly scheduled General Membership Meeting, at which time the President will be required to call a vote thereof.

C.          Amendments and Additions may be passed at the General Membership Meeting with a majority of the vote.

ARTICLE XIII. -     MR/MS/MISS SSRA

       SECTION - I - General Rules

                        A. The Association’s Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition shall comply with all current IGRA Standing Rules governing the selection of Mr./Ms./Miss.

                        B. The Association’s Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition will be held in the month of September annually when possible.

                        C. The Royalty Fundraising Committee will be in charge of organizing and hosting the competition with the outgoing Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Title-holders being co-chairs, with the assistance of the Royalty Director of the Association.

 

            SECTION - II - Contestant Qualifications

                        A. Must be a General Member in good standing of the Association for at least ninety (90) days and have paid their membership fees for the fiscal year in which the title may be held.

                        B. Must reside within the state of Oklahoma or within fifty (50) miles of the Association county borders as specified in Article II D during their reigning title year.

                        C. Must raise and/or donate a minimum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for the Association within the twelve (12) month period prior to competing in the Royalty Contest to show dedication and support of the organization; said funds may be acquired through either assisting the current Royalty Team members and/or through individual effort.

 

            SECTION - III - Rules Governing the Selection of the Mr./Ms./Miss

                        A. Scoring will be done on a comparison basis, with high and low scores from each category thrown out and the remaining scores tallied for each category.

                        B. All entries and the entry fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) must be submitted no later than the Sunday before the contest.

                        C. Each category of competition, (Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA) will have a second runner-up, first runner-up, and winner (provided the number of contestants allows.)

                        D. All results of the Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition will become a matter of the Association’s records. Results shall reflect the order of placement. Individual results and judges sheets shall be mailed to all contestants within five (5) days after the competition.

                        E. All contestants in each competition category will be lined up by a contestant number to be assigned by random drawing of the Royalty and Fundraising Committee by order of the applications being turned in, for each competition category.

 

            SECTION - IV - Judges

                        A. Qualifications

                                    1. Be a non-member of the Association unless otherwise designated by the majority vote of the Executive Board.

                                    2. Be qualified in at least one (1) of the following areas:

                                                a. Horsemanship

                                                b. Entertainment

                                                c. Western Wear

                                                d. Public Presentation

                                                e. Personal Interview

                                    3. A panel of five (5) judges will be selected for each segment.

                                    4. If there are not enough judges, then the Association Vice President and Trustee, or their appointees must fill the vacancies.

                        B. Responsibilities

                                    1. A panel consisting of the Royalty Director and the current Royalty will select the judges.

                                    2. The Royalty and Fundraising Committee shall direct, coordinate, present, and host the Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition in accordance with IGRA requirements and guidelines.

                                    3. The Royalty and Fundraising Committee shall draw up the rules and regulations for the competition. If any problems or controversies should arise during the competition, the Executive Board will make final decision as necessary.

                                    4. The Royalty and Fundraising Committee shall instruct the Judges and Contestants, alike, as to the exacting rules of each competition. These instructions shall be in written form, distributed to each judge and contestant.

                                    5. The judges shall use standardized scoring sheets included as Exhibits A-1 through A-9.

                                    6. Entry form packets will be available sixty (60) days prior to the Competition from the Royalty Director or Current Royalty.

                                    7. Contestants must provide a written plan of action consisting of goals for the Association Royalty during their reign. They must be in a sealed envelope with the contestant name listed on the front. They must be turned in to the Royalty Director at the beginning of the competition. The plans will be reviewed with the competition winners to build a Royalty plan of action for the coming year.

                                    8. Upon assuming their respective title, Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA will become co-chairs of the Royalty and Fundraising Committee, with the first and second runner-ups serving as committee members.

 

            SECTION - V - Areas of Judging

                        A. Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA contestants shall compete in all categories.

                                    1. Categories:

                                                a. Personal Interview

                                                b. Western Wear

                                                c. Horsemanship

                                                d. Entertainment

                                                e. Public Presentation

                        B. Horsemanship, Western Wear, Entertainment, and Public Presentation competitions will be open to the public. Personal Interview will be closed to the public.

                        C. Scores for each category will be accumulated by comparison basis, with high and low scores from each category thrown out and the remaining scores tallied. Contestants receiving the most points will receive the titles.

 

            SECTION - VI - Point Values

                        A. Each category has been assigned a point value. There will be five (5) judges scoring, with the high and low score from each category being dropped - leaving 480 total possible points.

                                    1. Personal Interview - 50 points

                                    2. Western Wear - 25 points

                                    3. Horsemanship - 25 points

                                    4. Entertainment - 25 points

                                    5. Public Presentation - 25 points

                                    6. Plan of Action - 10 points

                        B. Each contestant begins each category with the total points available for that category.

 

            SECTION - VII - Competition Guidelines

                        A. Personal Interview - The judges will be looking for:

                                    1. Poise

                                    2. Confidence

                                    3. Familiarity with the Association, its rules and Bylaws, IGRA, their benefits to the gay community at large, and the responsibilities of Royalty.

                                    4. Attire: Casual Western Wear (Miss contestants will appear in male attire.)

                        B. Western Wear

                                    1. Will be staged separately from Horsemanship and Entertainment segments of competition.

                                                a. Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA contestants will model contemporary western fashions such as, but not limited to, what can be found in today’s western wear catalogs or in quality western stores.

                                                b. Miss contestants may not wear stage costumes for the western wear competition.

                                                c. All contestants are required to provide a written description of their western wear on a 5”X 7” index card.

                        C. Entertainment

                                    1. Talent competition will be a presentation of a “show” routine, country/western in nature.

                                                a. Routines will have a five (5) minute time limit. Exceeding the time limit will result in a five (5) point per minute deduction, or portion of a minute penalty.

                                                b. Contestants may not receive tips during the presentation.

                                                c. Music selection, if any, must be taped and cued. The selection must be the only number on the tape. CDs may be used with prior permission, but must be clearly marked as to selection number.

                                                d. Presentation will be done SOLO.

                                                e. Props may be used. There is a two (2) minute limit for set-up and breakdown. Exceeding the limit will result in a deduction of five (5) points per minute or portion thereof. No pyrotechnics allowed. Contestants are responsible for their own props.

                        D. Horsemanship

                                    1. These rules are basically the same rules governing the Modified Reigning Pattern of the American Quarter Horse Association as amended and approved by IGRA.

                                    2. Western riding is neither a stunt nor a race, but should be done with reasonable speed. It is a competition in the performance of a sensible well-mannered, free and moving ranch horse, which can get its rider around on the usual ranch chores, over the trails, or give a quiet, comfortable and pleasant ride on open country.

                                    3. The contestant (rider) will be judged on ability to control mount through gaits (walk, trot, and lope.) Contestant must demonstrate poise, confidence, sportsmanship, and showmanship.

                                    4. The Miss Contestant completes this portion of competition in male attire.

                                    5. A hackamore, curb, or snaffle bit is permissible. Chain curbs are permissible, but must be at least one-half inch (1/2) in width and must lie flat against the lower jaw of the horse with a two (2) finger allowance between jaw and chain. No wire curbs, regardless of how well padded or covered, nor any chinstrap more narrow than one-half (1/2) inch will be permitted.

                                    6. The following pattern and routine prescribed is permitted. It is essential that judges and riders adhere to it. (Refer to Exhibit A-7 for pattern.)

                                    7. Begin pattern at the end of a defined area comparable to IGRA standard arena. The pattern begins with contestant mounted and walking horse to the first recommended change.

                                    8. At recommended change, mounted contestant should be in a trot until the next recommended change area.

                                    9. At recommended change mounted contestant should change from trot to a lope until the next recommended change area.

                                    10. At recommended change mounted contestant should break from a lope to a trot towards center of arena.

                                    11. Upon reaching center of arena, mounted contestant should stop and back their mount five (5) feet.

                                    12. The rider may ride with reins in the style in which he/she has been taught. Rider may change hands as necessary.

                                    13. Riders’ hands shall be clear of horse and saddle while horse is in motion. Riders’ free hand may be resting on riders’ thigh while horse is in motion.

                                    14. Romals, quirts, and crops, if worn or carried, may not be used.

                                    15. The contesting horses must be properly groomed and in sound condition. All equipment used must be in good and safe repair.

                        E. Public Presentation

                                    1. The contestant will be asked one (1) question on stage.

                                    2. The contestants will be judged on the following:

                                                a. Poise

                                                b. Stage presence

                                                c. Content of answer

                                                d. Confidence

                                    3. The questions will be determined by the current reigning SSRA Royalty and the Royalty Director.

 

            SECTION - VIII - Royalty Competition and Announcement of Winners

                        A. Friday night will consist of Western Wear and Public Presentation. Saturday day will consist of Interview and Horsemanship. Saturday night will consist of Entertainment.

                        B. Announcement of Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Royalty shall take place Saturday following the competition and after an audit has been completed.

                        C. The audit verification shall be done by manual tabulation of judging sheets by the Association Audit Committee.

 

            SECTION - IX - Duties and Responsibilities of Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA

                        A. Shall sign agreement with the Association which states, “In the event I receive the title Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA:

                                    1. I agree to represent the association for one (1) year.

                                    2. I agree to compete in the Mr./Ms./Miss International Gay Rodeo Competition.

                                    3. I acknowledge and understand that I must raise a minimum of $500.00 for a 501 non-profit organization to retain my title and remain eligible to compete at the International Gay Rodeo Competition.

                                                a. Contestant’s contributions to the Association fundraisers will be figured by dividing the profit from fundraisers by the number of Royalty members participating in the event.

                                                b. Moneys raised for other non-profit organizations shall be verified by a written statement or receipt from an official of said organization and turned over to the Royalty Director.

                        B. To represent the Association with enthusiasm, pride, and dignity.

                        C. To serve as a spokesperson for the Association, always keeping the organization’s image and best interest foremost in his/her mind.

                        D. Attend at least eight (8) of the Association Meetings and at least 3 Rodeos, including the Association Rodeo and/or Horse Show as well as other related functions.

                        E. Assist in the recruiting of contestants for the following years Royalty competition. To educate and to assist the new Royalty as needed.

                        F. Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA shall be members of the Board of Directors, with only one (1) vote out of their respective committee.

                        G. Shall check the Association calendar for coordination of projects.

                        H. Attempt to schedule at least one (1) project per quarter.

                        I. Failure to comply with rules governing Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA can result in revocation of titles. Sash, Crown, and Belt Buckles must be returned at that time.

                        J. Royalty members must avoid any personal action unbecoming to their title and the Association.

                        K. Appropriate sashes will be worn at any and all functions when representing the Association, unless wearing the sash could endanger the wearer, i.e. when WORKING OR COMPETING in the arena. These functions include, but are not limited to: Fundraisers, rodeos, horse shows, Grand Entry, and other Association events.

 

            SECTION - X - Discipline

                        A. If for any reason, a current titleholder does not demonstrate a good faith effort toward the accomplishment of their duties according to the Royalty Point System, they first face probation then removal of their title.

                        B. The Royalty Point System requires each Association titleholder to achieve thirty (30) points per quarter to demonstrate a good faith effort.

                        C. Points are obtained as follows:

                                    1. Association General Membership Meetings - 10 points

                                    2. Attending University, Convention, or any IGRA sanctioned Rodeo and should participate in Grand Entry - 20 points

                                    3. Sponsoring/participating in a fundraiser - 10 points

                                    4. Attending a fundraiser - 5 points

                        D. Failure to earn thirty (30) points in a quarter could result in the title being removed.

                        E. The Royalty Director is responsible for reporting the points to the Executive Board for verification and approval.