Challenge of the Champions Rules

Purpose

The Cinch Ranch Sorting National Championships Challenge of the Champions recognizes the most successful sorters of the season in each division and gives them the chance to compete against one another for the title of Champion of Champions.

Qualification

1. The top five (5) money earners in each division at Cinch RSNC-sanctioned events during the season qualify for the Challenge of the Champions Round Robin.
2. The top ten (10) season money earners in each division are posted on the Challenge of the Champions leaderboard throughout the season.
3. If a qualifier will not attend the World Finals, the spot is filled by the next eligible money earner in that division.

Season and Earnings

1. The season starts after the World Finals and ends on May 24, which allows time for qualifiers to be recognized and sized for their awards.
2. Only money won in Cinch RSNC events through fast-go, incentive or average payouts counts toward season earnings.
3. Prizes and bonuses, including the Lottery Sort high-point bonus, do not count toward season earnings.

Divisions

The Challenge of the Champions is held in the following divisions:

1. Open: #7 through #9 rated riders
2. Amateur/Graduated Amateur: #4 through #6 rated riders, and riders moved from #6 to #7
3. Novice/Graduated Novice: #3 rated riders, and riders moved from #3 to #4
4. Beginner/Rookie/Graduated Rookie: #1 and #2 rated riders, and riders moved from #1 to #2 or from #2 to #3

Rating Changes During the Season

These rules apply to all rating changes made after the annual season-end rating reviews. They keep the competition fair for all members and uphold the integrity of the Cinch RSNC rating system.

1. A member moved up one rating during the season finishes the season in the Challenge of the Champions division they started it in. The member's rating still changes.
2. A member moved up two or more ratings during the season competes in the division for the rating just below their new rating, a #7 counting as a Graduated Amateur (a #6 moved to #8 stays in Amateur).
3. A member whose rating is moved down competes in their new division.

Examples

• A member moved up from A to B during the season competes in the A division.
• A member moved down from B to A during the season competes in the A division.

Round Robin and Awards

1. The Challenge of the Champions Round Robins are held at the World Finals.
2. Members ride at their current rating in the Round Robins, even if they compete in a different division.
3. The contender in each division with the most cows in the least time at the end of the Round Robin is crowned that division's Champion of Champions.
4. Each qualifier receives a Cinch shirt, a felt back tag and a Challenge of the Champions Qualifier Award.
5. Back tags are numbered 1 through 20. Back tag number 1 goes to the overall highest money earner.

We are proud of every member of the Challenge of the Champions. Good luck to all.