Ariat WSTR Qualifier Information

WSTR Qualification Events

Qualification Ropings - WSTR sets the guidelines for independent contractors to produce qualification ropings throughout the year giving members an opportunity to win their way to the Grand Finale in Las Vegas. Contractors producing qualifiers are limited to a 20% stock charge. They are NOT required to provide prizes, although many do. The 80% payback, provides ropers with the means to acquire prizes through the association prize program where none are provided by the qualification roping. Qualification ropings are on-site cash payment entry ropings, where ropers may enter at the event, prior to the start of the roping they wish to enter. Contractors do require "cash only" at on-site entry ropings, and is advertised in advance, some accept credit card payments.

Divisions – There are nine divisions at a WS qualification roping, the Gold Buckle Beer Open, #14.5, #13.5, #12.5, #11.5, #10.5, #9.5, #8.5 and #7. The #11 is capped at a #7 heeler, the #10.5 division is capped at a #6 for heelers, the #9.5 is capped at a #5.5 heeler, and the #8.5 is capped at 4.5 on either end, the #7 is capped at a 4 either end. The Open and #14.5 divisions have no age caps, but all other divisions have a 21 year-old age minimum.

Formats – Formats for all qualification ropings will be enter twice, four head aggregates, progressive after one. Format for the #8.5 roping will be pick or draw format enter three times, the #7 will be pick or draw format enter twice. After winning, any TEAM winning a minimum of $4000 is qualified to enter that particular Finale division. Although individual ropers will be allowed to enter twice at qualifiers with different partners, no roper may enter a single division at any Finale more than ONCE. Qualification ropings will be progressive ropings occurring at local arenas. Ropers placing together are allowed to split creating two teams at the Finale, however, the guest are entry fee is based on his/her circumstance. However, if one of the team members receives a handicap increase during the year and has no choice but to split the replacement partner is eligible for the discount provided the entry fee is received within 30 days of the handicap change. If one member of a qualified team receives a handicap increase, the team may move up a division or both partners my select a replacement partner. If one member of a qualification team decides not to attend the Finale, the remaining partner may select a replacement partner, provided that partner has attended a qualification roping during the year or attended a previous Finale the prior year. Any qualification exceptions for special fees ropings will be announced in advertisements, example, "all teams placing in a Heartland, including consolation, excluding go-rounds, will be qualified".

Qualification Positions Reserved - At times during the year you may see announcements that certain divisions at the Finale are full and late entries are waitlisted. This means that all positions reserved for Legacy teams, or direct entry (waiting list teams) are full. This does not mean that entries are closed for qualified teams. World Series reserves Finale positions for winners at the qualification ropings, and in fact we reserve positions in every division for every qualification roping on our schedule.

Qualification Payoff - Payoffs will be paid on straight calculations, 20% commission, (exception #8) which may allow draw-in

Schedule

Go Round Money in Short Round - A fast time check of $1,000 will be paid to the fastest time in the short round of any short round of a qualifier that has 101 or more teams. Fast time in a short round of 100 or less will receive $300. The winner of this fast time check shall not be a team who places in the aggregate unless there are no teams who caught a steer and did not place in the aggregate. In that instance the Fast time check would go to the fastest time of the teams that DID place in the aggregate. Under NO circumstances will this short-round check be paid to the fastest on three head, or a team that did not catch in the short round.

Declaring Finale Entry - During the time of payoff, teams who have placed in the aggregate and won a minimum of $4000 should be given an entry form to enter the Finale or may download a form at the website WSTRoping.com. By earning a qualification spot the team is eligible to receive a discounted entry (entry fees at the Finale are *$2500, discounted entry fees are $2000). In order to exercise this option your entry fee must be postmarked within 30 days of winning. Qualification entries are not generic and must be used in the division won, unless there is a number change or you are a Key Card or Key Card Max Member. If you miss the discount entry deadline those qualification winnings no longer count and DO NOT turn into accumulated earnings. Qualification ropings occurring in October, November and December will qualify for the following roping year. They can enter at the discount provided their fees are paid no later than January 30th of the following year. Under no circumstances will winnings from a qualified team be counted as accumulated earnings. The thirty-day limit shall not be bypassed for accumulated earnings. Incomplete entries are drawn out and refunded the first week of November.

Questions relating to this are:
Q: What if my partner is already entered or we want to rope with someone else?
A: Qualification entries and direct entries are based on you as an individual. If you want to split and select a replacement partner, that roper's fees are based on his/her situation. You may pick a replacement partner who has or will rope at the current year's WSTR qualifier or who has roped the the preceding year WSTR Finale event. If we your entry is received within the 30 days, and your partner is not paid, your partner or replacement partner will need to be paid as announced the first week of October.

Q: What if I miss the 30-day discount entry window? A: Your discount period expires and the entry status changes to a direct entry and the entry fee is $2500. Your winnings do not become accumulated earnings.

Q: What if my classification or my partner's classification changes? A: In this case, we will allow you to move up to another division or split and find a new partner. If you pay your entry within 30 days, you will have an additional 30 days to find a replacement partner at the discounted rate of $2000, beyond the 30 days the replacement partner fees are the direct entry price of $2500. The partner must have roped at a qualification event during the current season or the prior WSTR Finale Event and if paid within 30 days of the number change.