Philip,
At a recent indoor arena roping there was a spot of light coming from a hole in the roof, shinning directly in front of the chute. The Flagger was a horseback and did not say anything about the first 3 teams having their steers try to jump the light spot on the ground. The Flagger was also roping in that particular roping and passed the flag to another Flagger that was not a horseback, he was just standing in the arena. We were the forth team out. Our steer not only jumped the light spot, but dodged in front of the head horse, causing them to almost go down. We pulled up, rode back to the Flagger and asked for another steer. The Flagger said, “The first three didn’t get one, so neither did we”… What would your call have been and why?
Tammy Brown
Tammy,
These types of issues at a roping can become safety issues and should be attended to prior to the start or continuation of any roping. Had I been aware of such a situation, I would not have allowed the roping to start until the situation was corrected.
Flaggers should not pass the flag till the end of a round or rotation.
The Flagger and producer have more control over conditions in an indoor arena then elements of nature at an outdoor arena. A situation that I am personally aware of is a fellow Flagger was bucked-off his horse and broke his pelvic because of a stream of light in an indoor arena. Safety for both the roper and the livestock is the first concern of any Flagger or Producer. Thanks for the question.
Have Fun and Enjoy Roping
Philips Murrah
Who is Philip Murrah?
The opinions expressed are those of Philip Murrah, and not necessarily standardized by any organization. If you have a question for “Ask the Flagger”
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