Houston Rodeo Adds Replay Challenge to Final Round

With a total payout of $2,178,000, high stakes have vouched for a high level of review to thoroughly assess any close calls during the final round of Rodeo Houston.

Courtney Kreider

Instant replay technology will be used in the final round of Rodeo Houston starting this Sunday, March 17, 2024. 

The Super Series rodeo is a 20-day tournament-style competition that crowns an event champion in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, women’s barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Each champion is awarded $50,000 and more. 

Rodeo Houston is an official PRCA NFR money event, meaning winnings from the rodeo count towards qualifications for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) World Standings.

Rodeo Houston is the first PRCA NFR money event to use the replay option as part of its official competition results.

What is the Instant Replay Challenge?

The concept is not new to professional sports. However, the use of it is a developing process for professional rodeo.

“During the 2023 Rodeo Houston Finals there was a discussion about whether a barrier malfunctioned in the tie-down roping competition,” RH Director of Sports and Event Presentations Katelyn Scates explained. “After the Show ended, we discussed the impacts of developing and implementing instant replay but felt we had the equipment at hand to help us do the job as well as the professional base of contractors and judges to help us implement it.”

How does it work?

Four things are often questioned in professional rodeo, and reviewing the ride or the run back in slow motion can be helpful. A missed mark out, crossfire, jerk down, and a broken barrier are penalties judges are watching out for, and Rodeo Houston decided to incorporate them into what they have named the “Confirmation of Call.”

Is it automatic, or do both officials and contestants have the option to challenge?

“As we assessed what we were hoping to accomplish, and the impacts it would have on production, we produced our own concept of instant replay called “Confirmation of Call”. The judge in the studio automatically looks at the four reviewable items via replay in our tape room. The judge then determines whether the call should be confirmed or overturned.”

What did it take financially to add instant replay technology to Rodeo Houston?

“We’ve paid for an additional judge to be here for the duration of our Show. We felt this was necessary to work through the tape room in the studio to ensure the judge has the shots that he needs to verify the call. Other than that, it has not taken much financially. Our studio was built for both Rodeo Houston and the Houston Texans (NFL team), with instant replay capabilities already.”

How do you think it contributes towards the integrity of your results?

“We have the utmost respect for our judges and know that at the end of the day, everyone just wants to get the correct call. We have worked with the PRCA and judges to develop our rules and process. At the end of the day, we’re all seeking the same result – to get the call right.”

Pick up men during Rodeo Houston 2024 / Courtney Kreider, SI Rodeo

Director Scates added that Rodeo Houston is fortunate to have a full studio on-site with instant replay capabilities (among other things). After the final round, the use of the “Confirmation of Call” will be reviewed by the committee.

As of now, the only other professional Western sports platform to use a form of instant replay is The American Rodeo and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) due to several contributing factors, with the cost being a large portion. However, both rodeo committees and professional cowboys and cowgirls who have weighed in on the topic hope to see the concept advance.