Changes in the 2007 Rule Book

Standing Rule 2: Proof of NCHA membership required when entering shows
NCHA approved events are restricted to NCHA members only. (All owners and riders must be members in good standing with NCHA to compete in an approved show). Original or copies of NCHA membership cards for both owner and rider must be submitted to the secretary when entering approved NCHA shows. NCHA will provide a grace period to prior-year members until March 1. Show management may assess a $5.00 fine per occurrence when NCHA membership cards are not submitted.

Standing Rule 3: Copy of registration papers required when entering show
All registered horses must be shown under the name assigned to them by their Breed Association, and a copy of registration papers must be submitted to the secretary when entering approved NCHA shows. Show management may assess a $5.00 fine per occurrence when a copy of registration papers is not submitted. and all unregistered horses must be shown under one name only, and said name may not conflict with a registered horse’s name, at any and all contests approved by the NCHA.

Standing Rule 6: Cattle surcharge at weekend shows
Under no condition can the cattle charge exceed entry fee unless (in jackpotted classes only) fresh cattle are provided. However, under special circumstances, a cattle surcharge can be added to the original cattle charge in all classes at weekend shows, if approved in writing in advance of the show by NCHA

Standing Rule 8: "Family-Owned Horses"
Any and all present or future ownership rights to any horse being exhibited in NCHA Non-Professional or Amateur weekend cutting horse classes must be owned by the contestant showing the horse or by the contestant's spouse or child (maximum 29 years old) or by the parent of the child (maximum 29 years old). Remember that Rule 2 states that all owners and riders must be members in good standing with NCHA to compete in an approved show.

Any horse exhibited at NCHA-approved Limited Age Event Non-Professional or Amateur cutting horse contests must be owned by the contestant showing the horse, or by the contestant’s spouse or minor child (21 years of age or less) or minor sibling. Said minor child may ride a horse owned by either parent or legal guardian.

Rider eligibility will be determined by their age at the beginning of each point year. Said minor child may ride a horse owned by either parent or legal guardian or minor sibling.

Parents will also be able to compete in Non-Professional and/or Amateur classes on horses owned by children age 29 or younger at weekend shows and 21 or younger at Limited Age Event shows. Ownership can only be obtained in a manner permitted pursuant to Rule 8.d.4.

Standing Rule 8: Disciplinary action when owner, rider or horse is ineligible
Any owner or rider who shall permit his horse to be entered and compete in an approved class, in which the owner(s), the horse or rider is ineligible, shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Executive Committee.

Standing Rule 8: New limits on amateur eligibility earnings
A maximum of $100,000 may be earned between NCHA-approved weekend earnings and NCHA Limited Age Event earnings to qualify for Amateur status. Members with less than $100,000 in total earnings and with less than $50,000 in either weekend or limited age events at the beginning of the point year will be eligible to compete in one or both of the categories they qualify for. Earnings in excess of $50,000 at the beginning of the point year in either weekend or limited age events will make Amateur card holders ineligible to compete in the category for which they do not qualify.

  • Example 1: If a cutter has earned $35,000 in weekend shows and $55,000 in limited age events at the beginning of the point year, he can continue to compete in as a $50,000 Amateur in weekend shows, throughout the point year, but not in Amateur classes at limited age events.
  • Example 2: If a cutter has earned $61,000 in weekend shows and $22,000 in limited age events at the beginning of the point year, she can continue to compete as a $50,000 Amateur in limited age events throughout the point year, but not in the Amateur classes at weekend shows.
  • Example 3: If a cutter has earned $48,000 in weekend shows and $61,000 in limited age events at the beginning of the point year, she can no longer compete as a $50,000 Amateur because her combined earnings from the two types of events exceed $100,000.

Approved LAE Regulations: Posting the cumulative score
Only the cumulative score will be posted in the arena. No individual scores will be available anywhere on the show grounds or on the internet, except a copy of the official Judge’s Cards, which will be posted on the show grounds on the following day.

SAMS: Marking a reviewed score which remains unchanged
Next to the original score and circle (the judge) indicates the new score and initials same . . . If the judge does not change the original score, he shall initial it within the circle.

SAMS: No adjustment when film evidence is inconclusive
If there is inconclusive film evidence (when a review is made), the call must stand as is. No adjustments will be made.

Youth cuttings on Fridays in Utah and Idaho
NCHA will not approve any youth cuttings on weekdays between Labor Day and Memorial Day, with the exception of any pre-existing Winter Circuit youth cuttings as long as they end the first Sunday of January. Approved shows held in Utah and Idaho will be allowed to hold youth classes on Fridays after 6:00 p.m. on a trial basis for the 2007 point year.

Amendments to 2007 Rulebook

(Per Judges Rules Committee and Executive Committee - November 2006)

  1. Change Standing Rule 27: It was voted to expand the period from 12 months to 24 months before a judge can regain an "A" after scoring below 51%.
  2. Add Standing Rule 25c: Add….Replacement or "fill in" judges will receive one credit. Under no circumstances will a judge be allowed to judge a portion of a show for credit unless the show entries go over the 150 entry limit.
  3. Change Standing Rule 21.b: A motion was passed to raise the minimum lifetime earnings for judge applicants from $25,000 to $50,000 effective January 1, 2007.
  4. Add Standing Rule 21.g: Add….The Director of Judges is authorized to test and certify people on an individual basis, in the 6th box or otherwise, who have won $100,000 or more.
  5. Change Rule 27c: Change Sentence 6 change from "65 points to 75 points". "2A judges are required to achieve a minimum of 75 points in all classes reviewed."