Gentlemen, let me know what you think about this thesis.
Professional Bull Riding is not a real sport, any more than is Ice Dancing.
They are both subjectively scored by judges, and neither involves head-to-head competition. In fact, should they change the name to Professional Bull Dancing?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Try eight seconds then let's talk. ;-}
http://www.pbrnow.com
Judges
PBR judges, who determine a rider's score based upon his and the bull's performances, are hired based on strict and extensive qualifications maintained by the PBR Board of Directors and members. PBR members have established a judging committee that periodically meets to discuss performance and accuracy when judging. Each Built Ford Tough Series event employs three judges. Two judges have 50 points to distribute for each ride (25 points for the bull, and 25 points for the rider). The total from each of these judges is added together to get the ride's total score. The third judge, positioned on the back of the bucking chute where the ride originates, also keeps score in the event that a tie-breaker is needed. Four judges officiate the PBR Built Ford Tough Series World Finals.
The Ride
The total score possible for a bull ride is 100 points. Half of that total is based on the performance of the bull and how difficult he is to ride. Judges look for bulls with speed, power, drop in the front end, kick in the back end, directions changed and body rolls. A body roll occurs when a bull is in the air and kicks either his hind feet or all four feet to the side. The more of these characteristics a bull displays during a ride, the higher the mark is for the bull. Judges are allowed to award a cowboy a re-ride if they feel the bull did not perform at the level of other bulls in the competition and, therefore did not give the rider a fair chance to earn a high score. Only the sport's best bucking bulls are used at the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series events. PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert works with more than 20 stock contractors - the people who own and lease bulls to the PBR - to ensure that the pool of bulls used at each event are the highest caliber possible. Most Built Ford Tough Series events feature an estimated 75 bulls that are supplied by as many as six different PBR stock contractors.
The other half of the ride is determined by the rider's ability to match the moves of the bull beneath him. Judges look for constant control and good body position throughout the ride. Spurring the bull is not required but extra "style points" are awarded for doing so. The rider must stay aboard the bull for eight seconds. The clock begins when the bull's shoulder or hip crosses the plane of the bucking chutes and stops when the bull rider's hand comes out of the rope or he touches the ground. The bull rider must ride with one hand and is disqualified if he touches himself or the bull during the eight-second ride.
It's a skill, a talent. Sure, it's competitive, but so are a lot of other things which aren't sports.
I'd just like to point out that after writing my comment, I was reminded that the grace of God through Jesus knows no boundaries, for I was told:
Your comment has been saved.
My day is going to rock.
Thanks, Milly! And good to see you, Japhy!
Actually, as I typed this post, I considered taking my real name off my profile. Last thing I need is for a man who can both hang on to 1500 pounds of angry muscle and google up my address to up and read this. ;-)
The fact that my sport involves a 2 ounce fuzzy ball might be an issue to him. :-D
Thanks for the rules, Milly. I knew that 100 was the top score, but I didn't know why. And I'm glad blogger was able to make your day, Japhy.
CP,
I wasn't aware the PBR was an olympic event? Oh! It's not!
lol
-Doug
This little woman can google. The Olympics are for sissies! Real men ride bulls!
Was this and Hillary just to distract me from the fact that Miss Little started first grade today?
Her daddy was taking it harder.
As for Bull Riding ask Lane Frost’s family and friends if it’s a sport.
When we went to the PBR this year one cowboy hit hard on the bulls hump then tasted dirt, that ain’t feathers on the ground, he was seeing little bulls circling around his head. Broken jaw. Blessed to be alive.
Like I said, those are some men. I wouldn't even dream of trying the stuff they do to "practice" for their event.
Post a Comment