Ask the Flagger - July 2010

Philip,

I was at a roping about a week ago, and I had something happen that I didn't understand. The header comes out of the box clean, has a legal head catch, turns the steer and the heeler tracks up and ropes him by two feet. The heeler fumbled his dally a bit and catches a half of a wrap, but stops the steer. The Flagger then drops the flag before he noticed that the head horse isn't faced. But, beings that the flag was down, the heeler undallies and drops his rope, the header starts off with the steer to the strip chute and the Flagger flags the team out. When the header asked the Flagger what happened, why did we get flagged-out? The Flagger replied; “because the heeler didn't have a good dally and the header wasn't tight, and after the flag was down the steer came out of the loop”! The header then remarked, “but we wouldn't have quit if you had given us a flag”. Then the Flagger said that USTRC Rules state that he can change his mind anytime.

Also, the time is not official just because the flag drops. He said he could ride up and check the heel loop no different than an illegal head catch.

Matt

Matt,

Thank you for your question.
The U.S.T.R.C 2010 rule book states on page 22 section 8.
 8.3 Time Taken- Time will be taken when the steer is roped, secured between both partners, both horses are facing the steer with ropes dallied and tight. Horses front feet must be on the ground and ropers must be mounted when time is taken. Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels.
Time is taken when flag is dropped, however, that time is not official until indication is given by Flagger or field judge to the timer or secretary. Flagger may flag a team out after time is taken on a run, based on an illegal head catch or illegal heel catch, steer was not secure, or any other factor that was not clear when time was taken.

To answer the second part of your question, from what you are telling me it sounds like the Flagger dropped the flag before the run was complete. The Flagger should have been in the proper position so he could see the full run in play. If the Flagger had been in proper position he would have been able to see the run was not complete so then he should have not dropped the flag. Without seeing the run my answer is based on the information I have been given. You should know the rules of the roping you are attending. I hope this answers your question.

I Believe in:
“One Nation under God”
Philip Murrah
Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

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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