Rule Changes for 2026
 

Goat Tying Rule Changes and Additions:

• Replace Rule #6 on page 22 to: Horse/Rope Violation, Should the horse run over, or touch the rope, stake, or goat the contestant will be given a ten (10) second penalty.  If the violation occurs after the flagman has signaled for time, there will be no penalty.  If a goat breaks loose at the fault of the horse, there will be no time.  If a horse/rope violation is declared but timer fails to get time and a rerun is awarded, a ten (10) second penalty will go with the contestant on rerun. 

• New Rule: Circling Horse: No Circling horse in arena.  One spin or pivot in either direction is acceptable if a centrally located gate is not used.  Once the contestant crossed the scoreline the time has started.  There is no exception to this rule.

• Boys 13 years of age and younger (October 1st of Fiscal Year) are eligible to compete in the goat tying.  All ages of women are eligible for this event.

 

Rodeo Approval:

• Rule #3: Five percent (5%) will be taken out of the prize money as an approved sanction fee.  If the rodeo is a co-sanction with ACA 1st, five percent (5%) will go to the ACA and three percent (3%) will go to the co-sanction association.  If co-sanctioned by three (3) associations, with ACA 1st, four percent (4%) will go to the ACA and two percent (2%) to each co-approved association. If co-sanctioned by four (4) associations,  two percent (2%) will go to each association. 

 

Rodeo Producers Rule Change:

• Rule #2 Option 2 (a) to read: Must produce a minimum of eight (8) ACA approved rodeos, 4 of the 8 must be ACA first rodeos per fiscal year.  (Rodeo is defined as a minimum of two (2) rough stock events and three (3) timed events.)

Judging Methods Timed Events:

• Replace Rule #7: If a steer hangs up in the box solid or if a steer/calf falls and stops forward motion before the score line they will receive a re-run at the judge’s discretion.  The contestant or helper cannot knock the stock down.