Rodeo Department
Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Part I.  Goals/Functions of OPSU Rodeo

A. The most important goal as a rodeo athlete is to be a successful student at Oklahoma Panhandle State University .
B. The goal of the OPSU Rodeo Program is to teach students about the rodeo business, competition, mental attitude, self-discipline, responsibility, rodeo promotion, and the care of livestock.
C. The OPSU Rodeo Program strives to produce winning teams of which OPSU and the state of Oklahoma can be proud of.
D. Through participation in the OPSU Rodeo Program, athletes will be encouraged to develop a positive attitude that includes sportsmanship, team spirit, and honesty.

Part II.  OPSU'S  Rules and Guidelines for Rodeo Athletes

A. Policies

1. All students accepted into the OPSU rodeo program are required to attend all meetings, activities, and events sponsored by the program.
2. Students will refrain from any unlawful activities.
3. Students will be respectful and work accordingly with the faculty and staff at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
4. Students are representatives of OPSU wherever they may travel with the Rodeo Program.  Their conduct on these occasions should be a credit to themselves, the OPSU Rodeo Program, and Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
5. Students are expected to conduct themselves within the guidelines, rules, and policies of the following:

a. NIRA
b. The Central Plains Region
c. State of Oklahoma
d. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
e. Department of Athletics
f. OPSU Rodeo

6. Anyone found guilty of cheating, or attempting to cheat, will be penalized.
7. The use of alcohol will not be permitted at any practice session, at any NIRA Rodeo, or while traveling to or from any NIRA sanctioned event.
8. DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL.  The use of drugs at any time is contrary to the policies of the Department of Athletics, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, the State of Oklahoma, and the United States of America.  The use of drugs will not be tolerated.
9. Anyone responsible for any damage done to a motel room while attending an NIRA rodeo may be dismissed from the program.

 

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ANY BEHAVIOR EXHIBITED BY A RODEO TEAM MEMBER THAT THE COACHING STAFF VIEWS TO BE INAPPROPRIATE, WHETHER IT BE IN THE PRACTICE PEN, AT A RODEO, IN THE COMMUNITY, OR IN THE CLASSROOM, WILL BE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE DISMISSAL FROM THE TEAM.  WINNERS ARE RESPECTFUL, HONEST, AND RESPONSIBLE; THEY HAVE CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY.
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B.  Discipline Policy

1. Non-conformance with OPSU Rodeo Team Rules, State of Oklahoma or OPSU policies may result in disciplinary action leading to possible dismissal from the program.
2. The disciplinary procedure is outlined as follows:

a. Reprimand by coach (may be verbal or written)
b. Suspension for limited or extended time periods with or without practice
c. Dismissal

3. Immediate dismissal may be initiated for gross infractions such as:

a. Drunkenness or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs
b. Safety violations
c. Travel policy infractions
d. Not attending a required event
e. Other infractions of a serious nature

C.   Scholarship Selection

1. Scholarships are awarded to students who will be a positive compliment to the rodeo program in attitude and performance, both in athletics and academics.
2. The OPSU Rodeo Program will not pay for failed, incomplete, or unsatisfactory classes.
3.   The OPSU Rodeo Program will not pay for classes dropped after the drop/add date.
4. Any student receiving either stalls or housing as part of scholarship will be required to sign and abide by the stall and/or house agreements.

         D.  Practice Policy

1. Each student is required to pay a $50.00 practice charge per semester.The monies from this charge go towards practice livestock, feed, and arena upkeep. 
2. Students are required to follow a weekly practice schedule.  Failure to do so will result in a monetary fine.

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ANYONE PARTICIPATING IN OPSU RODEO MUST BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS SPORT AND THAT THE LIVESTOCK USED FOR PRACTICE IS NOT TRAINED AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.  WHEN YOU JOIN THIS PROGRAM YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ASSUME ALL LIABILITY FOR YOURSELF AND THE LIVESTOCK.
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Student Signature____________________ Date _____________