Membership FAQ

It is the responsibility of student members and their parent/guardians to read fully the MHSR Ground Rules and NHSRA Rulebook. The MHSR abides by the NHSRA Rulebook except where a state ground rule has been implemented.

Answers can be found in these two documents to most all the questions below, as well as those not stated here. These are just some of the more common, overall questions.

If you have a question not answered here or something you wish to have clarification on, visit the contact page to inquire with the MHSR national director, association secretary, or Board president.  

What grades can participate in MHSR?

Grades 5-8 compete in the Junior High Division. Grades 9-12 compete in the High School Division.

How do I become a member?

When you become a member of MHSR, you also become a member of NHSRA. There are forms to complete for both the state and national associations. Association and sponsorship fees also are due annually to be a member in good standing. You can become a member at any time, but the new season (and points accumulation for yearend awards) begins each August. See details on the Membership page.  

What does it cost to be a member?

Members pay both national and state membership dues ($193 HS and $134 JH total, for both national and state dues). In addition to membership dues, sponsor fees are required to participate: HS members must pay $400 ($200 due at each first rodeo of fall/spring seasons) and JH members must pay $200 ($100 due at each first rodeo of fall/spring seasons).

What do the member and rodeo fees fund?

Association/Sponsorship fees are in addition to membership dues paid online when signing up and are dedicated 100% to yearend awards. 

Can I enter a rodeo to try it out, without being a member?

Students may compete at any one rodeo weekend as a non-member. You must call in to enter and will be required to pay fees. You are eligible for payouts, but will not accumulate any points until you are a full member. In order to compete as a non-member, you are required to sign a release form that must also be notarized. See details on the Membership page.  

What are the responsibilities of MHSR members?

Each MHSR member should strive to uphold the mission of the NHSRA: 1) Promote the sport of rodeo and the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship and expose its positive image to the general public; 2) Preserve the Western heritage; 3) Offer a privilege of family bonding; 4) Offer an opportunity of continuing education; and 5) Maintain the highest regard for the livestock. All members should read the NHSRA Rulebook for General Rules For Contestants.

The Missouri Ground Rules requires (per the National Rulebook) contestants be in dress code as stated in the National Rule book while in the arena or the spectator area during their rodeo (which includes back number pinned to their back at all times as a part of dress code).

The Missouri Ground Rules have a “Zero Tolerance Policy” that states the following: There will be a zero-tolerance policy on the use of alcohol, tobacco, vape products, drugs, and/or immoral or lewd conduct for contestants AND on bullying/inappropriate action towards a contestant. Failure to abide will result in immediate review by the Board and severity of consequences will be determined by the Board.

What are the responsibilities of parents of MHSR members?

Rodeos run successfully and efficiently when every family helps out! While all parent help is appreciated, in particular, each year an Adult Event Director is appointed for each event.

The Adult Director is the parent of the contestant who won the event in the previous year unless that contestant graduated high school or advanced from the junior high to high school division, in which case it will go to second place and down until the position is filled. Adult Event Directors are responsible to find a substitute if they are not able to attend a rodeo. Adult Event Directors are responsible for: 1) Finding help to work their event during each rodeo; 2) Transport the equipment of the event (such as poles, calf ribbons, breakaway string); and, 3) Understand the rules of the event. Adult Event Directors may shadow the Student Event Director if a discrepancy arises.

Additionally, we appreciate parent help with any fundraisers, including ticket sales, silent auction items at finals, and identifying corporate/business sponsors who may be interested to support MHSR.

What is the difference between the NHSRA Rulebook and MHSR Ground Rules?

The MHSR abides by the NHSRA Rulebook except where a state ground rule has been implemented, as found in the MHSR Ground Rules. The MHSR Ground Rules are reviewed each year, and members/parents are given an opportunity to submit any amendments to the ground rules for consideration by the Board.

What events are offered in MHSR rodeos?

High School: Bareback, Breakaway, Calf Roping, Goat Tying, Steer Wrestling, Pole Bending, Saddle Bronc, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding. Optional events are Queen Contest, Cutting, Reined Cow Horse, Trap Shooting and .22 Rifle Shooting.

Junior High: Boys and Girls Breakaway, Calf Roping, Ribbon Roping, Boys and Girls Goat Tying, Chute Dogging, Pole Bending, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Optional events are Steer Bareback Riding, Steer Saddle Bronc Riding, Queen Contest and .22 Rifle Shooting. Boys may participate in Breakaway or Calf Roping, but not both events.

It’s important members know the rules for the events they compete in! Make sure to read the NHSRA Rulebook as well as any Missouri Ground Rules that apply to your event. If you compete in Shooting Sports there is a separate Shooting Sports Guide. Members are given printed copies of both these rulebooks at the start of a new season, and you always can ask the MHSR Secretary for a copy. They also can be accessed at the links provided.

How are rodeo locations chosen?

MHSR announces each year the opening of the bid process to host an MHSR rodeo. Local committees. Community grounds (such as fair Boards) and arena owners then submit a bid to host a MHSR rodeo. Bids are due by May 15, assimilated and prepared for discussion by a sub-committee of the Board. That sub-committee then makes a recommendation to the full Board, which is voted on during the Board meeting at the State High School Finals each year. Those selected as a host location are notified and once they accept the date(s) they have been chosen for by the Board, the MHSR then announces its upcoming schedule, typically in mid-to-late July.

I am interested in supporting MHSR. What sponsorship opportunities are available?

MHSR welcomes all sponsor levels, from corporations, to small businesses to personal “friend of MHSR” donations. View the MSHR Sponsor form for information on packages available. If you have questions, please contact Elena Jobe, MHSR Secretary.

Do you offer scholarships? Who is eligible to apply?

MHSR does not offer any type of scholarships to offset the cost of membership or sponsor fees. We do offer scholarships for graduation seniors. Please review the Scholarship page for information.

How are Board members chosen? 

Any interested parents may become a Board member. Terms are one-year and members may serve more than one term. From the members elected by the association, officers are elected. There also is a Junior High Committee of the Board. The Chair of that Committee is a member of the high school Board meetings. See the current Board.  

I’d like to be a student officer. How do I apply? What are the commitments?

At the State High School Finals, students will be able to submit their name as a candidate for one of the four officer positions available (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer). Candidates are then voted on by the high school members. Officers are elected for the following season and work with the Board and Secretary to carry out duties. These include, but are not limited to: planning social events for members at scheduled rodeos, planning fundraising events to offset cost of member social events and Cowboy Prom, being available to represent MHSR or assist with a fundraiser when requested (such as at another rodeo association or sponsor event), hanging banners at rodeo arenas before the first rodeo, ensuring flags are ready for grand entry and assisting carrying flags during grand entry.      

I’d like to run for MHSR Queen. How does that process work?

The Queen Contest is held during high school state finals and includes various portions, such as interview and horsemanship. Contact Elena Jobe, MHSR Secretary, if you are interested.

Who goes to the Junior High and High School National Finals each year? How is that determined?

In addition to payouts at each rodeo, points are accumulated throughout the entire season. These points, as well as those awarded at finals, determine the Top 4 contestants in each event, and those members advance to Nationals. Sometimes a Top 4 finisher is unable to attend the national finals. When this occurs, we roll down to the next highest placing individual (fifth place and down) until all four contestants spots are filled for nationals. These state contestants, from each division, make up the Missouri Nationals Team that will represent MHSR at nationals!

I know there are photographers at MHSR rodeos. How do I find pictures taken?

We have a link to recent images taken on the Photographs page.