Section 3: Playing Area
Part 10 specifies the following for timed-event equipment and layout. The rulebook sections summarized here do not set an overall arena dimension.
- Barrier height (R10.1.1.1): 32 to 36 inches (81–91 cm), measured at the center of the box. Once set for a rodeo, the height remains the same for the entire rodeo.
- Chutes (R10.1.2): every timed-event chute has an automatic trip gate with horizontal bars, and no hydraulic gate openers are allowed. The chute needs at least 28 inches (71 cm) of clearance inside and at the gate for steer wrestling, team roping and steer roping.
- Timed-event box (R10.1.4): at least 16 feet (4.9 m) long unless the Director of Rodeo Administration approves otherwise, and all boxes must be the same length.
- Box lining (R10.1.5): the back and side opposite the chute are lined from at least 4 inches below ground to at least 3 feet (0.9 m) high with solid panel, with box pads required for each box. The fine for failure is $250 per performance or section of slack.
- Scorelines (R10.5): scoreline lengths are set by the judges and arena director per the Official Rodeo Rules. Any scoreline of 18 feet (5.5 m) or more must be approved at rodeo approval (R10.3.1, R10.5.1).
- Tie-down roping: box length minus 3 feet at indoor rodeos, and no less than box length minus 2 feet at outdoor rodeos (R10.5.2).
- Steer wrestling: no longer than the box length minus 5-1/2 feet for boxes of 18 feet or less, or minus 6 feet for boxes over 18 feet (R10.5.3).
- Team roping: one foot under the barrier length at indoor rodeos (R10.5.4).
- Steer roping: one foot less than the box (R10.5.5).
- Boxes by event (R10.3.20): in tie-down roping the right box must be used. In team roping the header starts from the left box and the heeler from the right box. In steer wrestling the steer wrestler starts from the left box and the hazer from the right box.