1. Qualifications.
A. Contestant must be entering the 6th, 7th or 8th grade of school in the fall of the upcoming new rodeo season.
B. Contestant must comply with the qualifications to be eligible for State Finals competition set forth in the current rodeo season Rules and Regulations of I.J.R.A
C. Contestant must complete and return to the contest chairperson, the entry form including signed parental consent by specified deadline. No late entries will be accepted.
D. Each contestant must donate at least one gift of $25.00 in value for the contest. Gift shall include a business card from the business which gift was acquired from.
E. Contestant must agree, if chosen Princess, to participate in all Rodeos except in the case of extenuating circumstances. In case an extenuating circumstance arises, Princess shall fulfill her duties by appointing the first runner-up to represent the association during the grand entry of the Rodeo to be missed.
F. Contestant must reside in the State of Indiana.
2. Duties.
A. To attend all Rodeos possible and ride in each grand entry. (Grand entry may be required at some slacks as well as performance.)
B. To appoint other members to carry flags including the American, Indiana, I.J.R.A. flags, and any of the four post flags they wish to use during the grand entry.
C. To appoint someone to sing the National Anthem or make arrangements for officials to play a tape during grand entry.
D. To complete the "Grand Entry Form" for officials to use during the grand entry.
E. To notify all contestants what pattern if any will be used during the grand entry.
F. To store and maintain the flags, flag boots, and bandanas used for post flag carriers throughout the entire season.
G. To set a good example and become a role model to be looked up to by other I.J.R.A. members.
H. Attend and assist at the following years contest.
I . Attend the year-end banquet wearing the sash and tiara.
3. Attire.
A. Attire during the season at Rodeos shall consist of regular rodeo attire. Always remember you are representing the association. The sash and tiara may be worn at Rodeos with the exception of arena competition. The sash and tiara shall not be worn into the arena during competition.
B. Attire During the Contest Shall be as Follows:
1. During the Modeling, Interview, and Impromptu, each contestant may choose to wear regular rodeo attire, a dress, a skirt, jeans or long pants and blouse with a collar and long sleeves, boots and western hat.
2. During the Horsemanship Pattern, each contestant shall wear regular rodeo attire, jeans or long pants, a blouse with a collar and long sleeves, boots and western hat. Chaps may or may not be worn.
4. Disqualification.
A. Any contestant who is not present and ready to compete at all scheduled and posted times of all events for the Princess Contest will be disqualified.
B. Any contestant that violates any rule requiring disqualification in I.J.R.A. Rules and Regulation Book will be disqualified from the contest.
5. Modeling.
A. Each contestant shall report for the contest judging on the first day of State Finals at the appointed time, dressed and ready for judging. Contestants will draw for positions and remain in the same position for all judging events.
B. Each contestant will model in pattern specified in front of the judges, introducing herself, telling her name, age, grade level, and school attended. This information may be conveyed any way contestant wishes.
C. Judges will score from 1 - 25 points.
6. Personal Interview.
A. Each contestant shall appear before the judges for a private interview lasting approximately three minutes. Contestant should be prepared to answer a variety of questions regarding themselves and their interests.
B. Judges will score from 1 - 25 points.
7. Oral Presentation.
A. Each contestant shall be given two topics prior to the contest. The contestant shall choose one of the topics given and be prepared to give a speech over said topic lasting for one to two minutes.
B. Judges will score from 1 - 25 points.
8. Impromptu Question.
A. Each contestant shall draw a question, which will be read by the reining princess.
B. Judges will score from 1 - 25 points.
9. Horsemanship Pattern.
A. Each contestant shall ride in the pattern specified. Specified pattern shall be distributed by July 1st.
B. Contestant shall enter the gate with horse under control, and proceed with the pattern specified.
D. The Horsemanship Judging shall be based upon how well the contestant rides and completes the pattern. The horse's ability will be considered since this is a reflection on how well the contestant rides and handles the horse.
E. Judges will score from 1 - 25 points.
11. Princess Contest Committee.
A. A committee consisting of three persons shall be appointed by the Board of Directors for the purpose of organizing the contest, selecting judges for the contest and running the contest. A chairmen of the committee shall be named. No family member of any contestant may serve on the committee.
B. The qualifications to serve as a judge for the contest are as follows:
1. Each judge will be familiar with junior rodeo events and the contest procedure and rules;
2. A judge will not have biases and prejudices against any contestant.
3. A judge shall not have children or relatives who are competing in the contest;
4. A judge shall not discuss the contest with any contestant.
C. Duties of the Judges are as Follows:
1. Modeling: Contestants shall be judged on appearance, presentation, and poise. (1 - 25 points).
2. Interview: Judges will come prepared with three questions per judge to ask and discuss with each contestant. This interview will last approximately three minutes. A committee member will time each interview with a stop watch. (1 - 25 points).
3. Oral Presentation: Contestants will be judged on presentation, poise and content of speech. (1 - 25 points).
4. Impromptu Question: Contestants will be judged on poise and reply to questions asked. (1 - 25 points).
5. Horsemanship: Contestants will be judged on ability to follow set pattern and ability to control their horse. (1 - 25 points).
12. Scoring.
A. The judging will be based on 125 possible points from each judge as follows:
Modeling and Appearance 25 Points
Total 125 Points
B. Three judges will be selected by the Princess Contest Committee appointed by the Board of Directors each year.
C. Judging Score Sheets. After each portion of judging, Judges will place score sheets along with comments into a sealed envelope. The envelopes will be given to a member of the Princess Contest Committee. Score sheets will be totaled after all judging is completed by the Princess Contest Committee in the presence of a current I.J.R.A. Officer.
13. Crowning.
A. On the second and final day of the state finals, contestants will ride a specified flag pattern to enter the arena for introductions to the crowd.
B. A narration about each contestant will be read as they ride one circle around the arena on horseback.
C. Contestants will remain lined up in the center of the arena until the escorts arrive to hold horses for the crowning. At this time contestants will walk forward for prize presentation.
D. The Princess Contest Committee will then present awards and crown new princess with the assistance of the out going princess.
