4-H Horse Stampede

Public Speaking Contest

Superintendent: Kate Pulec

Age Divisions

• Elementary: 8-10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Junior: 11-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: 14-18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• If less than 5 exhibitors in an age division (elementary, junior, or senior) we may combine with either a higher or lower age group for the contest

Contestants & Eligibility

1. This is an individual contest.
2. See the General Contest Rules to determine how many contestants each county or EPU may send to state. 
3. Contestants must be enrolled in their county 4-H horse project.
4. Contestants must not have participated in official post-secondary (university, college, junior college, or technical school) competitive events of a similar nature in the same subject matter area. Neither can the contestant be a member of a post-secondary team undergoing training in preparation for an event.
5. Contestants will be notified of their speaking times one to two weeks prior to the contest. Speakers will be contacted directly by the contest superintendent.
6. Contestants are to follow 4-H attire guidelines as outlined in the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide 4H-373. Exceptions: No hats or headgear permitted.
7. Many speakers in the Public Speaking Contest have given speeches in other contests. This is fine; however previous speeches may not be used verbatim for the 4-H Horse contest. It is okay to use the same ideas from a speech previously delivered in competition, but it must be 4-H Horse related. Enough changes should be made to make that speech new to the speaker and the audience. 4-H public speakers may not use an old speech written by a sibling, another 4-H member, or anyone else.

The Contest

• Subject must pertain to the horse industry or be horse-related and the 4-H Program Priorities. Speeches must be original and factual. Speeches not appropriately related to horses can be disqualified at the discretion of the judge(s).
• No visual aids may be used.
• Contestants may use note cards. However, excessive use of the notes may be counted against the contestant. This will be at the discretion of the judge(s). If note cards are used, it is preferred that they be 3"x 5" or 4" x 6".
• A public address system will not be used during the contest, but a podium will be provided. Contestants will not be penalized for the use or non-use of the podium.
• Contestants should not include personal introductions of themselves during their speech. A contest emcee will be appointed to introduce each contestant by their name, county, and their speech title.
• Speech Length:
• Elementary division speeches should be 2-5 minutes in length.
• Junior division speeches should be 5 - 7 minutes in length.
• Senior division speeches should be 7 - 10 minutes in length. Three (3) points will be deducted from the total score on each judge's score sheet for every minute (or fraction of a minute)  under 7 minutes or over 10 minutes (for senior division only).
• After the individual has been introduced by the superintendent, the time will start once the contestant begins to speak.
• Contestants should cite their major references after the conclusion of their speech. This time will not be counted in the allotted time.
• Two or more judges will be used. Only the judge(s) may ask questions of the contestant in the contest. Questions will not be counted in the allotted time. Contestants should repeat the question and then answer it.
• No coaching from parents or coaches during the presentation.
• Once the presentation has started, the presenter(s) may not receive assistance from any coach, parent, audience member, or another person, which includes but is not limited to, the stroking of any key on a computer or other audio-visual device. The penalty for violating this rule is disqualification.
• Contestant order will be determined by random order by the superintendent and announced prior to the contest.
• No video or photographs of presentations is allowed during the contest, except by respective coaches or their designees.
• Judges will score each entry independently and assign scores. After all, presentations are presented and scores are tabulated, judges may confer and discuss evaluations. Each judge assigns his or her final scores and then cumulative final scores are tabulated to determine the final placings. Contest superintendents may review and check the tabulation of scores for mathematical accuracy.
• The judge's scores are final; however, ties will be broken in the following order: 1- the judges' accumulated delivery score, 2- the judges' accumulated organization score, and 3- the contest and accuracy scores.

Scoring Criteria

Introduction: 10 points

• Did the introduction create interest in the subject?
• Was the introduction short and to the point?
  
• Did it tell what the speech was about?

Organization: 15 points

• Were the main points easy to follow?
• Main points arranged in the best order?
• Are sentences short and easy to understand?
• Was the speech interesting?

Content & Accuracy: 20 points

• Were the facts and information presented accurate?
• Was there enough information presented about the subject?
• Was credit given to the sources of information, if it was appropriate?
• Was the content appropriately related to the horse industry?

Stage Presence: 15 points

• Was the speaker neat and appropriately dressed?
• Did the speaker talk directly to and look at the audience?
• Was the speaker's posture erect, but not stiff?
• Did the speaker seem relaxed and at ease?

Delivery: 20 points

• did the speaker have good voice control?
• Were all words pronounced correctly?
• If notes were used, was it done without detracting from the presentation?
• Did the speaker seem to choose words at the time they were spoken as opposed to a memorized or ready-type delivery?

General: 10 points

• Did the speakers convey to the audience a sense of wanting to communicate?
• Did the speech reflect the thoughts and personality of the speaker?

Conclusion: 10 points

• Was the conclusion short and interesting?
• Did the conclusions properly wrap up the presentation?
• Did the summary properly wrap up the presentation?
• Could the presenter handle questions easily?

Awards

The highest-placing purple ribbon senior will qualify as the Nebraska representative to the designated national or multi-state event. For more information, visit 4-H Horse Program National Contests & Eligibility.

Resources

• 4-H Strategic Plan Description
• Speech Outline
• Score Sheet

Demonstration Contest

Superintendent: Brenda Aufdenkamp

Age Divisions

• Elementary: 8-10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Junior: 11-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: 14-18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• If less than 5 exhibitors in an age division (elementary, junior, or senior) we may combine with either a higher or lower age group for the contest

Contestants & Eligibility

1. Youth may participate in the demonstration contest either as an individual or as a team.
2. Teams consist of two members.
3. See The Contest Rules to determine the number of teams that are eligible from each county and EPU. 
4. Contestants must be enrolled in their county 4-H horse project.
5. Contestants must not have participated in official post-secondary (university, college, junior college, or technical school) competitive events of a similar nature in the same subject matter area. Neither can the contestant be a member of a post-secondary team undergoing training in preparation for an event.
6. Contestants will be notified of their demonstration times one to two weeks prior to the contest. Demonstrators will be contacted directly by the contest superintendent.
7. Contestants are to follow 4-H attire guidelines as outlined in the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide 4H373, pages 17-23. Exceptions: No hats or headgear permitted.
8. Many demonstrators in the Demonstration Contest have given demonstrations in other contests. This is fine; however previous demonstrations may not be used verbatim for the 4-H Horse contest. It is okay to use the same ideas from a demonstration previously delivered in competition, but it must be 4-H Horse related. Enough changes should be made to make the demonstration new to the demonstrator and the audience. 4-H demonstrators may not use an old demonstration written by a sibling, another 4-H member, or any else.

The Contest

• Contestants will conduct a demonstration or illustrated presentation on a subject pertaining to the horse industry or be horse-related and be original and factual and related to 4-H Strategic Plan Outcomes -- 4-H science, agricultural literacy, career development/college readiness, citizenship and leadership, and healthy living. 
• Live animals may not be used!
• Speeches should be original and constructed and delivered by 4-H'ers. Any form of plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Plagiarism can include but is not limited to: copying parts of a speech or presentation previously presented by another youth or individual; using text, phrases, photos, or diagrams from an article, video, book, movie, or other published work without giving credit to the author. Competitor’s resource citation should be specific, accurate, and honest. If contest officials confirm plagiarism, the contestant will automatically be placed last, with a notation on the scorecard to reflect such an infraction.
• The presentation may be a demonstration or illustrated talk. All references to the term “presentation” in these rules include either demonstration or illustrated talk. A demonstration is defined as a presentation of a step-by-step procedure with an end product or result. An illustrated talk is defined as a presentation of an idea or topic that uses visual aids to convey the message.
  • Both presentation forms are acceptable and will be evaluated equally, although the delivery methods are different as defined above. Both should utilize visual aids to help convey the major points of the presentation and more than one type of visual aid is preferable. Visual aids may include but are not limed to: handouts, posters, props, videos, slides, and computer-generated media.
• Contestants may use notes. However, excessive use of notes may be counted against the contestants. This will be at the discretion of the judge(s). 
• A public address system will not be used during the contest.
• At the event, contestants may introduce themselves with their name, name of county, brief background, and topic.
• 9 to 12 minutes will be allowed for each demonstration with points subtracted for too little or excessive time. One point will be deducted from each judge's scorecard for each minute under 9 minutes or over 12 minutes.
• The contest will provide one easel and one table. Other equipment needs must be arranged by the contestants and all audio-visual aids used in the demonstration must be done solely by the contestants. The contestant must be involved in the making or designing of them.
• During the competition, the contestants may introduce themselves by name and presentation topic.
• Presentations should be 9-12 minutes in length. Three points will be deducted from the total score on each judge’s score sheet for every minute (or fraction of a minute) under 9 minutes or over 12 minutes. After the individual has been introduced by the superintendent, the time will start once the contestant begins to speak.
• Contestants should cite their major references after the conclusion of their demonstration. This will not be counted in the allotted time.
• Two or more judges will be used. Only the judges may ask questions of the contestants in the contest. Question time will not be counted in the allotted time. Contestants should repeat questions, then answer the question.
• Once the presentation has started, the presenter(s) may not receive assistance from any coach, parent, audience member, or another person, which includes, but is not limited to, the stroking of any key on a computer or other audio-visual device. The penalty for violating this rule is disqualification.

• Contestant order will be determined by random order by the superintendent and announced prior to the contest.
• No video or photographs of presentations is allowed during the contest, except by respective coaches or their designees.
• Judges will score each entry independently and assign scores. After all presentations are presented and scores are tabulated, judges may confer and discuss evaluations. Each judge assigns his or her final scores and then cumulative final scores are tabulated to determine the final placings. Contest superintendents may review and check the tabulation of scores for mathematical accuracy.
• The judge's scores are final; however, ties will be broken in the following order: 1- the judges' accumulated delivery score, 2- the judges' accumulated organization score, and 3- the contest and accuracy scores.
• All multimedia and PowerPoint presentations must be provided via e-mail or on a USB drive to the contest superintendent at least 3 days before the contest. All audio-visual needs, including computer, projector, and screen are provided. Any other equipment needs must be made through special arrangements with superintendents at a minimum of thirty (20) days in advance. Management will not be responsible for the failure of A/V equipment to operate properly. Any multimedia presentations must be playable on the provided PC equipment, which is equipped with Microsoft Office and Internet. No other programs will be available for download.

Scoring Criteria

Introduction: 10 Points

• Did the introduction create interest in the subject?
• Was the introduction short and to the point?

Organization: 25 Points

• Was only one main idea demonstrated?
• Did the discussion relate directly to each step as it was shown?
• Was each step shown just as it should be done in an actual situation or was a thorough explanation given?
• Could the audience see each step and/or visual aid?
• Were the materials and equipment carefully selected, neatly arranged, and well organized?
• Were visual aids used if and when they were needed?
• Were the key points for each step stressed?

Content and Accuracy: 25 Points

• Were the facts and information presented accurate?
• Was there enough information presented about the subject?
• Were approved practices used?
• Was credit given to the sources of information, if it was appropriate?
• Was the content appropriately related to the horse industry?

Stage Presence 10 Points

• Were the presenters neat and appropriately dressed for the subject of the presentation?
• Did the presenter speak directly to and look at the audience?
• Was the presentation too fast or too slow?

Delivery: 15 Points

• Did the presenter appear to enjoy giving the presentation?
• Did the presenter have good voice control?
• Were all words pronounced correctly?
• If notes were used, was it done without detracting from the presentation?
• Did the presenter seem to choose words at the time they were spoken as opposed to a memorized presentation?
• Did the presenters work together as a team? (team demonstration)

Effect on Audience: 5 Points

• Did the audience show an interest in the presentation?
• Could the audience go home and carry out the idea?

Summary:

• Was the summary short and interesting?
• Was the summary properly wrapped up the presentation?
• Did the summary properly wrap up the presentation?
• Could the presenter handle questions easily?

Awards

The highest-placing purple ribbon senior (team or individual) will qualify as the Nebraska representative to the designated national or multi-state event. For more information, visit 4-H Horse Program National Contests & Eligibility.

Resources

• 4-H Strategic Plan Description
• Score Sheet

Art Contest

Exhibits must be labeled with the youth's information (full name, age division, and county) on the back of the exhibit. Exhibits may be mailed or dropped off prior to the contest (please contact your county office) and must be picked up on the day of the contest. Shipping is not an option for exhibits to be mailed back. 

The objective of the 4-H Horse Stampede art contest is to encourage youth to broaden their horizons, utilize creative talent within the horse project, and increase awareness of the horse project through the exhibition of drawings. 

Age Divisions

• Elementary: 8-10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Junior: 11-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: 14-18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year

Art Divisions

• 2-dimensional art
• 3-dimensional art

General Rules

1. Entrants do not need to be enrolled in the horse project.
2. Up to 3 entries per exhibitor are permitted between both art divisions. All exhibits are to be original works of the exhibitor and relate to equine.
3. Entry must be work done by the exhibit during the current project year.
4. Entry submissions must include:
   • Artist name
   • Artist address
   • Artist email
   • Artist phone number
   • Artist county
   • Artist age (as of January 1 of the current year)
   • Title of piece
   • Brief description (50 words or less) of the inspiration for the entry
   • Brief description (50 words or less) of how the piece was made; technique, medium used, and process.
5. Entries failing to meet the contest rules will be dropped one ribbon placing.
6. Exhibits must be delivered to the south entrance of the Animal Science Building between 9:00-9:30 AM Saturday of the contest.
7. Judging will take place during the 4-H Horse Stampede between 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Exhibits will be available for pick-up Saturday by 2:30 PM unless prior arrangements are made.
8. The Champion exhibit of the senior age division will be retained for use in the State 4-H Horse Exposition program.
9. The Nebraska 4-H Horse Program will use diligence to ensure the safety of articles entered for exhibition after their arrival and placement. However, they will not be responsible for damage or loss by fire, theft, etc.

2-Dimensional Art Rules

1. Size - minimum size: 9" by 12"; maximum size: 18" by 24"; this indicates the finished matted size.
2. Media - watercolor, oil, acrylic, pencil, chalk, charcoal, pen/ink, crayon, pastel. (no photographs allowed)
3. Presentation - all work must be matted with a suitable matting board with a maximum 3" border. Matting may be black, white, or colored. No glass or frame allowed. Recommended matting boards are Crescent, Alpha mat, and Bainbridge brand name matting boards. A foam core provides a sturdy backing for projects and helps prevent damage and movement while displayed.
4. All items must include on the back: name, address, county, and age as of January 1 of the current year.
5. It is recommended that all entries have a secure hanging device attached to the back for display purposes. 

3-Dimensional Art Rules

1. Size - hanging artwork, minimum size: 8" by 10"; hanging artwork, maximum size: 11" by 17"; tabletop artwork, minimum size: 6" by 6" by 6"; tabletop artwork, maximum size: 11" by 17" by 17"
2. Media - pottery, ceramics, clay, mixed media, wood burning, lathe-turned art, wood/epoxy art, metal, textiles, leather, beads, fabric, yarn, fiber, quilting, latch hook, macrame, wool, felting, paper, origami, paper mache, decoupage. (no glass allowed) (no captions are permitted)

Scoring Criteria

• Originality
• Use of imagination
• Creativity
• Composition
• Balance
• Harmony
• Overall design
• Craftsmanship
• Completed appearance
• Neatness
• Use of materials
• Skill level
• Appropriate selection
• Presentation

Photography Contest

Exhibits should have the proper matting along with their personal data tags attached to the back of the exhibit.Exhibits may be dropped off prior to the contest (please contact your county office) but MUST be picked up the day of the contest. Shipping is not an option for exhibits to be mailed back.

Age Divisions

• Elementary: 8-10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Junior: 11-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: 14-18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year

Categories

• Careers with horses
• Horse health and/or nutrition
• Good husbandry/grooming
• Training and showing
• Human-horse bond
• Horse service or citizenship

Rules

1. Individuals may enter one exhibit.
2. Entry Tags must be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of the display or prints.
3. A photograph may only be used on one exhibit and may be taken with film, digital camera, or smartphone.
4. Photos must be shot during the current year by the 4-H member.
5. Securely attach photos. Photos that are unattached will be disqualified 
6. Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits. Do not include negatives.
7. Personal Data Tags are required for all classes. Glue the tags securely to the back of the exhibits. (see below for more information)
8. All exhibit prints are 8" by 10" prints mounted in 11" by 14" (outside size) cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich mat-board backing (not foam board); rectangular or oval inside matt opening.
9. Exhibits must be delivered to the south entrance of the Animal Science Building between 9:00- 9:30 am Saturday, of the contest.
10. Judging will take place during the 4-H Horse Stampede between 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Exhibits will be available for pick-up Saturday by 2:30 PM unless prior arrangements are made.
11. The Champion exhibit of the senior age division will be retained for use in the State 4-H Horse program.
12. The Nebraska 4-H Horse program will use diligence to insure the safety of articles entered for exhibition after their arrival and placement. However, they will not be responsible for damage or loss by fire, theft, etc. Exhibits not following these rules will not be considered for awards.

Personal Data Tag

• Instructions
• Personal Data Tag (printable) Document

Horse Bowl

The primary objective of Horse Bowl contests is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of the equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. These contests will provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators. Video recording or taking notes of Horse Bowl questions of any kind is not permitted during the contest.

Age Divisions

• Elementary: 8-10 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Junior: 11-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: 14-18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
• If less than 5 exhibitors in an age division (elementary, junior, or senior) we may combine with either a higher or lower age group for the contest

Eligibility

• See General Rules to determine how many teams each county may send. 
• Each team consists of three to five contestants. One team member will be designated as the alternate if five are entered.
• Teams that have previously represented Nebraska at a national or multi-state event is ineligible for further Nebraska 4-H Horse Bowl contest.
• Senior teams may include youth between the ages of 10-13; however, the team is then ineligible for selection as a Nebraska representative to the corresponding national event.

Questions

Format

1. Q. Questions?
   Answer - Source: name of the book, page number
2. Q. How many feet are there between the poles in a 4-H pole bending pattern?
   21 feet - Source: 4-H Rule Book, page 48

Categories

• Nutrition and feeds
• Breeding, genetics, and reproduction
• Anatomy
• Physiology & endocrinology
• Breed, breed associations, colors, and markings
• Showing & show procedures
• Diseases and unsoundnesses
• Parasites
• Horse judging, conformation, and gaits
• Tack, equipment, and housing

Sources

• (4H373) 4-H Rules Nebraska 4-H Horse Show & Judging Guide
• (IDET) Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms
• (HIH) Horse Industry Handbooks and updates- American Youth Horse Council; Web: http://www.ayhc.com/shop (2021 updates will be included)
• (NEMP) 4-H Horse Project Member Manual
• (Lewis) Feeding and Care of the Horse by Lon Lewis Williams and Wilkins. Second Edition
• (HS) Horse Smarts & Updates - American Youth Horse Council (2021 updates will be included)
• (AHQA) AQHA Rulebook: 2023 71st edition (only show rules will be used)
• (Evans) The Horse: 3rd Edition by Evans Hoffman, Petersen, Van Vleck
• (Parker) Equine Science: 5th Edition by Rick Parker
• Sample questions are available through Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, the University of Kentucky Horsebowl Questions, Other Publications

Submission
Each team may submit 100 questions (10 questions per category) for use at the Horse Bowl Contest. Questions must be in the proper format (see Question Format above) and be taken from one of the Sources listed above. Questions and answers typed in the above format should be submitted to Lena Luck. Microsoft Word documents are preferred. Questions should be organized according to the categories outlined above. Questions should come from official sources only and must include the reference source and page number. Questions must be submitted by February 27th.

Types & Point Values
All questions have a 5-second time limit except bonus questions which have a 10-second time limit.

1. One-on-One Questions are those to which specific individual contestants may respond. These points will count toward team scores. However, if the 4-H'er buzzes in and fails to respond in the form of an answer, a 1-point penalty will be assessed. If no answer is given or an incorrect answer, the moderator will finish reading the question and the other team has the opportunity to answer.
   Correct Response: +2 points
   Incorrect Response:  -1 point
   
2. Regular Questions are those to which any individual contestants may respond. These points will count toward team scores. If no answer is given or an incorrect answer, the moderator will finish reading the question and the other team has the opportunity to answer.
   Correct Response: +1 point
   Incorrect Response: -1 point
   

1. Toss-Up Questions are also open to response by any individual contestants. The only difference between a regular and toss-up will be that toss-up questions will have a bonus question attached and in general, will be somewhat more difficult than regular questions. These points will count toward team scores. If no answer is given or an incorrect answer, the moderator will finish reading the question and the other team has the opportunity to answer.
   Correct Response: +1 point
   Incorrect Response: -1 point
2. Bonus Questions are given to the team whose member has just correctly answered a toss-up question. The team is given 10 seconds to confer on this question which may have more than one part. All parts of the bonus question must be answered before any points will be awarded. These points will count toward the team score.
   Correct Response: +1, +2, or +3 point(s)
   Incorrect Response or No Answer: no points lost
   
3. Team Bonus - In order to encourage full team participation, bonus points will be awarded in each match to the teams to have each team member correctly respond to a question other than bonus questions. This bonus shall be worth 2 points to either team to qualify. After having earned this team bonus once within a match, both teams are eligible to earn additional team bonuses by repeating the process specified for team bonus awards. 
   1. In order to obtain these bonus points, each member of the team seated at the time must have correctly answered a question. If a team member who, already answered a question correctly, is replaced by an alternate, and that team has not yet earned the bonus points, it will be necessary for the alternate to also answer a question correctly before the bonus points may be awarded.
   2. No team will be credited toward a team bonus with a member's second correct response until the first team bonus has been awarded. Each time Team Bonus points are awarded the team may then again begin accumulating credits for Team Bonus Points.
   3. Teams participating with only 3 members will not be eligible for the team bonus.

Equipment

1. Game Panels - An appropriate device will be used which will provide a clear indication of the first contestant to respond to a question.
2. Time Recorders - A stopwatch or other appropriate time device will be required.
3. Signal Device - This signal device shall be used by the timekeepers and shall have a very distinctly different sound from that associated with the game panel.
4. Score-Keeping Device - Two devices will be needed: one, such as a blackboard, flip chart, or electronic light display, will be used to maintain team scores visible to the contestants and, if possible, to the spectators; a second device will be required which to maintain a record of individual contest scores.
5. Equipment Failure - It shall be the responsibility of each contestant to assure themselves that all equipment is operating correctly at the start of the match.
   1. If the device being used ceases to function during a match or is believed to be malfunctioning, a "time out" may be called by any contestant, the moderator, or by either coach.
   2. If after checking it is determined that there is an equipment malfunction, the faulty part(s) will be replaced, and play resumed.
   3. Score accumulated up to the point of the "time out" shall stand and all further points awarded during the remainder of the match added to or subtracted from this total. a. If both referee judges or one referee judge and the moderator deem it advisable, points awarded for the two questions asked immediately prior to the determination of equipment failure may be recalled, and two additional questions used.
   4. Under no conditions shall there be a replay of a match in which there was equipment failure.
6. Recorders, Cameras, Cell Phones & Beepers
   1. Tape recorders may not be used at any time during the conduct of a match.
   2. No recording devices such as videotapes, movie cameras, or any other type of camera may be used during the conduct of a match.
   3. Photographs will be permitted only before or after a match and then in only such a manner as not to be disruptive of the contest.
   4. Please turn off cell phones and beepers when in the contest room.
   5. No writing down of match questions will be permitted.

Officials

1. Moderator (Quiz Person) - The moderator shall assume the direction of the matches within that particular room, ask all questions, designate contestants to answer questions, and accept or reject all answers unless the questions and/or answers are challenged. The moderator may indicate when a contestant has exceeded the allocated time for a question. The moderator will declare the match winner and shall at all times be in control of the matches.
2. Referee Judges - At least two referee judges are recommended. The judges must be knowledgeable horse persons. One referee judge (or the moderator) should, if possible, be a veterinarian. The referee judges rule jointly on the acceptability of any question or answer. In cases of challenge to questions or answers in matches with two referee judges, either both referee judges or one referee judge and the moderator must agree on the acceptability or rejection of any question and/or answer. With only one referee judge, both the judge and the moderator must agree on actions to be taken.
3. TimeKeeper - Unless this duty is assumed by the moderator or by a referee judge, the timekeeper will monitor all time intervals and designate when the time of response has been exceeded and will handle all controls of the game equipment. It is strongly recommended that neither the moderator nor a referee judge be used as a timekeeper.
4. Score Keeper - At least two individuals shall be used to keep the score for each contest. The individual maintaining team scores shall do so in such a manner that all points awarded or taken from each team may be checked and the scores are clearly visible to the moderator and to the contestants. The second scorekeeper shall be used to maintain a record of the individual scores of each contestant. An assistant to the scorekeeper who maintains individual records is suggested.

Teams

1. Each team shall consist of not less than three (3) or more than five (5) members.
   1. Teams with only three members will not be eligible to represent Nebraska at the national event.
   2. Members may compete on an Elementary, Junior, or Senior team. To compete on aElementary Team all contestants mus be under 10 years old,  Junior Team contestants must fall between the age group of 11‐13 years of age; Senior Division is 14‐18 years of age.
      • NOTE: Senior Teams may have Juniors on their team and Junior teams may have elementary age youth, but they must compete at the higher Level and the team will not be eligible for the National Contest.
2. Only four (or three in the case of teams with only three members) contestants shall be seated on the panel at any one time.  
3. Each team will submit a seating order to the moderator at the orientation meeting. The seating order will not be changed throughout the contest.
   1. In the case of a three-member team, the vacant position in the team seating arrangement will be the fourth seat position. (The designated team captain will always be seated in the chair one nearest the moderator.)
   2. During any match, one team member only may be replaced at the panel when:
      1. The moderator deems it impossible for one of the seated members of the team to continue in the contest, or:
      2. The captain or coach of a team requests the replacement of a team member.
      3. The team member removed from a match becomes ineligible to return to that particular match. The team member removed, and the replacement member are both eligible to participate in further matches.  
4. Alternates may be substituted during the regular and toss-up question segment of a match. They may NOT be substituted during the one-on-one segment.

Procedure of Play

Match Procedure

1. The Horse Bowl Contest will be a double-elimination contest.  
2. The bracketing of teams will be done by random draw.
3. Each match will be divided into two halves based on a number of questions.
   1. One-on-One Competition - In the first half of the match, during the one-on-one competition, only one member of each team will be eligible to respond to a question. This eligibility will rotate with each question beginning with the number 1 player on each team, and passing to the number 2, 3, and 4 contestants of each team, respectively, until all the one-on-one questions have been asked. The number of questions asked during the first part of the game should be evenly divisible by 4 to assure each team member an opportunity to respond to the same number of questions.
      1. The moderator shall clearly indicate the start of the one‐on‐one play.
      2. Each question shall be addressed to only one member of each team, beginning with the number 1 contestant of each team and progressing with subsequent questions to the number 2, 3, and 4 contestants, respectively.
      3. The moderator shall indicate prior to the reading of each question which two contestants are eligible to respond.
         • If any contestant other than the two designated contestants responds, that individual and the team will lose two points.
         • If any contestant responds more than twice to questions directed to another contestant, they shall be replaced on the panel by the alternate, if available. If no alternate is available, the remainder of the match will be played with less than the full team, and all questions normally addressed to the eliminated contestant will be addressed only to the opposing contestant.
         • In the case of teams playing with only 3 members, the seat position that is vacant will forfeit answering the questions given to team members in that position. The question will be asked unopposed to the team member in the corresponding seating position on the opposite team.
      4. There will be no bonus questions asked during the one‐on‐one period.
      5. The point value of a response to a one-on-one question will be as follows:
         • Correct response = +2 points
           
         • Incorrect response = loss of 1 point if an incorrect response is given, no point loss if no response.
         • If both contestants, to whom a question is addressed, fail to signal an intent to attempt an answer in the 5‐second allowed time, neither contestant nor team shall lose or gain any points.  
4. During the second half of the match, regular and toss-up questions are open for response by any member of either team.
   1. Regular and Toss‐up Questions  
      1. The moderator shall clearly indicate the start of regular questions and of a toss-up question.
      2. The point value of a response to a regular or toss‐up question shall be as follows:
         • Correct response = +1 point
           
         • Incorrect response = -1 point
           
         • The opposing team may answer, incorrect response = -1
         • If no contestant signals an intent to attempt an answer in the 5-second allowed time, neither contestant nor team shall loss or gain points
5. Bonus Questions  
   1. The moderator shall clearly indicate the start of a bonus question.
   2. A bonus question is attached to a toss‐up question and is given to the team whose member has just correctly answered a toss‐up question.
      • If a bonus question was attached to an unanswered toss-up question, the bonus question is then transferred to the next question.
      • If a bonus question is attached to an incorrectly answered toss‐up question or to a toss‐up question that was unanswered following the activation of the buzzer, that bonus question is transferred to the next question.
   3. If a bonus question is attached to the correctly answered toss-up question, the moderator then reads the bonus question, and a 10-second discussion period is permitted for team consultation to determine the answer. The end of the 10-second time period is signaled by the timer. At the signal from the timer, a 5-second period is then permitted for the team captain or designee to begin the answer.
   4. All parts of bonus questions must be answered correctly with no partial points permitted, regardless of the number of parts of the question answered correctly.
   5. No part of the bonus question will be repeated, nor will any additional information be given to the contestants relative to the question.
   6. The point value of a response to a bonus question will be as follows:
      • Correct response = predetermined 1 - 3 points (team only)
      • Incorrect response = No points lost
      • Question not given to opposing team.
      • XXX No answer = No points lost
6. If a question is thrown out either due to poor reading by the moderator or a decision of the referee judges, it will be replaced by another question so that the total number of questions to be asked remains constant.  
7. The team captain, the coach, or the moderator may call for a "time out" for clarification of a rule, to permit the replacement of a team member, or to allow for unexpected problems. These "time outs" may be called only after a question has been answered and before the start of the next question.
8. Failure to answer after signaling intent is an incorrect answer. 

Conduct of the Match

1. An isolation room will be provided for contestants prior to their competition in each round.
2. Teams are assembled and seated in their respective panels and each contestant is given the opportunity to check their equipment.
3. A team captain is designated and will be seated nearest the moderator in position number 1.
4. The moderator reads the first question (as with all succeeding questions) until the completion of the reading of the questions or until such time as a contestant activates a buzzer. If a buzzer is activated during the reading of any question, the moderator will immediately cease reading the question.
5. The contestant activating the buzzer shall have five seconds after having been recognized by the moderator to begin the answer to the question.
   1. The repeating of the question by the contestant shall not be considered the initiation of an answer.
   2. It shall be the responsibility of the moderator and the referee judges to determine if an actual answer is started within the 5‐second period.
6. If the answer to a question is begun during the 5-second allowable time and the answer is incorrect, that team and individual loses the point(s) associated with that question.
7. If the answer to any question, whether read to completion or not, is incorrect, the moderator will move on to the next question.
8. Answers to questions answered incorrectly will only be read in the last match of each round.

Completing the Contest

1. The moderator will continue reading questions (and bonus questions if applicable) until all questions have been asked. If the match ends on an unanswered toss-up question, the match ends and no bonus question is asked.
2. Following the final question, the team with the highest number of points shall be declared the winner of that match.
3. In the event of a tie after the designated number of questions, five additional regular questions will be asked. If a tie still remains after the overtime, additional regular questions will be asked and the first team to win a point (or because of a loss of a point by the other team, has a 1-point advantage) will be declared the winner.
4. Once the moderator has declared a winner based on the scores, there shall be no protest.
5. There shall be no protest of any questions or answers following the declaration of the winner.

Protesting

1. The protest of question or answer to a question may be made only by the team captain or the coach and then only at the time a particular question is read, or the answer is given. The moderator and the referee judges will consider the protest, and their decision in all cases is final.
2. When a protest is made, play will be suspended until the protest is resolved.
   1. The protesting team and coach will be given 3 minutes to support their protest.
   2. Reference source material will be available in the contest room for their use.  
3. If a protest is sustained, the moderator will take one of the following actions as is deemed appropriate:
   1. A question is protested before an answer is given and the protest sustained ‐‐ discard the question. No loss or gain of points will result for either team.
   2. An answer is protested (either correct or incorrect) - at least one of the referee judges and the moderator or both referee judges determine the validity of the protest. Points will be added or subtracted as appropriate.
   3. A question is protested after an answer is given (correct or incorrect) ‐ at least one referee judge and the moderator or both referee judges determine the validity of the protest of the question. The question may then be discarded at no loss of points, or the question may be allowed with the appropriate gain or loss of points as in (b) above.  
4. If a question is discarded, it will be replaced by another question so that the total number of questions to be asked remains constant.
5. Abuse of protest provisions may result in one or more of the following:
   1. Dismissal of team coach from the contest area.
   2. Dismissal (or replacement) of team captain.
   3. Dismissal of the entire team with forfeiture of any points or standing.
6. Spectators, parents, and visitors may not protest any question, answer, or procedure during the course of play. They may, however, submit in writing to the contest officials any suggestions, complaints, or protests at the conclusion of the contest. Unseemly behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, or any actions which are generally accepted as detrimental to the contest may subject the perpetrators of such actions to dismissal from the immediate area of the contest. No writing of questions references.  
7. No source of information is infallible. There may at times be answers given to questions that are in agreement with the recommended sources which are in fact erroneous. Every effort shall be made to eliminate such questions, but in the event of such occurrence, the referee judges and moderator may challenge the answer and if there is unanimous agreement, may elect to accept only the correct answer or to discard the questions with no loss or gain of points to either team.

Awards

• The winning team in the final match shall be the Champion and the other final team Reserve Champion.
• The highest-placing purple ribbon senior team in which all members and alternates are 14 years of age and older will qualify as the Nebraska representative to the designated national or multi-state event. All national events presently require team members to be 14 years of age or older to participate. For more information, visit 4-H Horse Program National Contests & Eligibility.
• If the champion team is unable to represent Nebraska, then our state will be represented by the reserve champion team, third place team, or fourth place team respectively (only).
• The champion team or the team that represents Nebraska in the regional or national competition becomes ineligible for further Nebraska 4-H Horse Bowl Contests.
• The rank of teams will be determined on the basis of their position within the elimination brackets. To place teams eliminated in the same round, the losing team with the smallest margin of defeat for the round will be awarded the higher rank.
• Each team competing will receive either a purple, blue, red, or white ribbon. Ribbon awards will be determined at the discretion of the contest superintendent.