Top Notch Productions Rules

Top Notch Barrel Production Rules
2002 Membership Rules

1. Membership – For 2002 membership purchased before September 15, 2002 will be as follows $65.00 for one horse and $45.00 for each additional horse, this will roll into 2003.Anyone can sign up for a 2003 membership by filing out the application and paying a one time, $45.00 membership fee. If you wish to run more than one horse for points or take more than one horse to the finals, each additional membership will be $30.00. Participants must sign application and pay said fees before points and qualifiers will be counted toward the 2003 program. Membership fees help make up the large sum of added money at the finals and year-end awards.

2. Membership card and ID Number – Each member will receive a yellow membership card with an identification number. This number must accompany your name on every entry form to receive proper points and qualifiers. One should receive their card within 3 weeks after the membership is received at the American West 4D office.

Qualifiers - If a contestant wants to qualify to race in the Central American West 4D finals, the contestant must participate in 6 American West 4D qualifier races from start of point year-October 2002. For each additional horse one wishes to ride in the finals, one must pay an additional membership fee of $30.00 and said member must then participate in another 6 qualifier races. One may ride any number of different horses at the qualifying races. For 2002 year, we are only requiring that you become a member to come to the Regionals in November at the Lazy E arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

News Letter – American West 4D members can receive a monthly newsletter for $12.00 (Canada $15.00). This subscription will run from Oct. 1, 2002 to Sept. 2003. If your newsletter does not arrive within 45 days after signing up, please call. We welcome all members to advertise in the newsletter. 100% of all ad receipts and subscriptions will help defer the cost of the printing and mailing of the newsletter. All ads must be at the American West 4D office by the 10^th of the month before you wish the ad to run. For example: Jan 10^th is the February issue deadline.

4D Format – The pay off is based on a four dimensional format. The 4D pay off format is divided into the following divisions: 1^st Division = Fastest Time, 2^nd Division = Fastest Time + .5 seconds, 3^rd Division = Fastest Time + 1 second, 4^th Division = Fastest Time + 2 seconds.

Pay Off – 70 % of the entry fee goes to the pot. Division 1=30%, Division 2=27%, Division 3=23%, Division 4=20%.

Late Fees – A one time late charge of $15.00 a day or $25.00 for the whole weekend will be charged at the races. Contestants can sign up only for themselves. If a contest is entering more than one horse, only one late fee will be charged.

State Points – The 2003 State points program starts Sept. 4, 2002 and ends 3-4 weeks before the 2003 finals. The exact date will be announced at a later time. All members will receive 50 points when entering and participating in an American West race. One point will be awarded for each dollar the rider won in the race. Rider’s entering more than one horse in any category will get points on the horse that places the highest in the race. If the contestant has paid a membership fee on a second horse, the horse with the lower points awarded will go toward the second membership. Example: Jane Brown-1 192 points and Jane Brown2 143 points. It does not matter which horse a contestant rides. The points are awarded to the rider, not the horse.

Race Categories – The Open category is open to all riders of any age. The Youth is open to any rider 15 years of age or younger as of Jan. 1, 2002, for the new point year. The Senior is open to any rider 50 years of age or older as of Jan. 1, 2002, for the new point year.

10. Point Standings – Will be published in the newsletter and on the American West 4D web site every month. www.aw4d.com

11. Triple Points – A race has triple points as long as there is $1,000 or more in added money being offered. The $1,000 in added money can be spread among two races over two consecutive days at the same arena, or two races on the same day.

12. Barrels knocked down – will be considered a no-time run. The rider’s time will be announced but no moneys will be paid on the said run.

13. Arena Rules – Arena operators will have specific rules when racing in their arenas. Always make sure to call ahead or read entry forms carefully. Make sure you understand before entering. All other general rules pertaining to the sport of barrel racing apply.

14. Animal Abuse Will Not Be Tolerated.

15. Good Sportsmanship is expected at all times.

16. Returned Checks – There is $25.00 service charge on all returned checks from the bank. If a check is not replaced with a cashier’s check or money order within 30 days after the check is dated, no points or qualifiers will be issued to said member and the member will be put on the “ineligible list.”

17. Awards – One must be an American West 4D member to receive awards.

18. Membership – Can be withdrawn at any time if the American West feels you are a determent to the sport of barrel racing.

19. Races - Each day is a separate race but are combined for the average awards

20. Dress Code – No Faded or worn jeans, must have a heel on shoes at most races. At the finals, dress code will be in effect which includes jeans, boots, long sleeve shirt, and hat. Be sure to read each flyer to check for dress code.