WSTR Qualification Events
Qualification Ropings
WSTR sets the guidelines for independent contractors to produce qualification ropings throughout the year giving members an opportunity to win their way to the Grand Finale in Las Vegas. Contractors producing qualifiers are limited to 20% stock charge when per roper fees are $200 and up and 25% stock charge when per roper fees are $150. Producers will have the option to set their entry fee price by each roping division and will be advertised on their ad. The 80%/75% payback, provides ropers the means to acquire prizes through the association prize program where none are provided by the qualification roping. Qualification ropings are on-site cash payment entry, with a select few pre-entry ropings on GlobalHandicaps.com as advertised. Contractors do require "cash only" at on-site entry ropings unless advertised that they will accept credit card payments.
Divisions
There are nine divisions at a WSTR Qualification roping. The Open and the #14.5 divisions have no age caps, but all other divisions have a 21 year-old age minimum. Please see the handicaps for each division listed.
| Division | Age Cap | HDCP Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Open | No Age Cap | Draw in floor 7HD/8HL |
| #14.5 | No Age Cap | Draw in floor 5.5HD/7HL |
| #13.5 | 21 and up | Draw in floor 5HD/6.5HL |
| #12.5 | 21 and up | Draw in floor 4.5HD/6HL |
| #11.5 | 21 and up | Draw in floor 4HD/5HL Heel Cap 7 |
| #10.5 | 21 and up | Heel Cap 6 |
| #9.5 | 21 and up | Heel Cap 5.5 |
| #8.5 | 21 and up | Head/Heel Cap 4.5/4.5 |
| #7.5 | 21 and up | Head/Heel Cap 4/4 |
Formats
| Division | Entries | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | Progressive after 1 |
| #14.5 | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #13.5 | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #12.5 | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #11.5 | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #10.5 | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #9.5 | Enter 2x, Pick or draw; $40 draw in fee applies | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #8.5 | Enter 3x, Pick or draw | 4 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
| #7.5 | Enter 3x, Pick or draw | 3 head aggregate, Progressive after 1 |
Qualification Payout
Payoffs will be paid on 20% or 25% commission of Paid ropers by the following pay scale:
Ground Money Scale - Ropings with 301 teams or more
Short-Go Fast Time
A fast time check will be paid in each roping short round to the fastest time not placing in the aggregate. If there are not as many catches as there are average paychecks the fast time will be given to the fastest team that DID place in the aggregate. For ropings 100 teams or less the fast time will be valued at the price of the entry fee. If the roping has 101 teams or more the fast time will be valued at three times the money of the entry fee. Under NO circumstances will this short-round check be paid to the fastest on two or three head, or a team that did not catch in the short round.
New in 2025 Qualification Season
#7 changes to #7.5 With the addition of the #3.5 classification by Global Handicaps, we have changed the #7 division to #7.5. This will allow the #3.5 and #4 combination in this division. This division will remain capped at a #4 on both ends to maintain the integrity of the division. No #4.5 ropers will be allowed to compete in the #7.5.
Practice Pen Qualifiers (PPQ)
PPQ is a Finale Qualification opportunity. Rope 4 steers, meet or beat par time to win a paid entry to the 2025 Ariat WSTR Finale. Non-winning Entry fees go to Accumulated Earnings (Double accumulated earnings for Key Card Max members). Ropers can enter unlimited amount of times until winning. PPQ Rules & Entries
Fees: $150/roper; WSTR, Key Card or Key Card Max required; Must be 21.
| Division | Cap | Par |
|---|---|---|
| #10.5 | 6 HL | 40 seconds |
| #9.5 | 5.5 HL | 45 seconds |
| #8.5 | 4.5 HD/HL | 55 seconds |
| #7 | 4 HD/HL | 60 seconds |
You are not eligible to enter a PPQ Division if you have already won in that division, have a paid qualification entry in that division, or you are within 30 days of eligibility for a qualification entry to the Finale in that division.
Please note: If you enter and you or your partner are not eligible, all entry fees are forfeited regardless of how many times you have entered.
Memberships Required at Qualifiers
A current WSTR or USTRC membership, Key Card or Key Card Max is required. WSTR membership, including Key Cards may be purchased online, on-site before you rope, or call 505-898-1755 to renew by phone. WSTR memberships are free to renewing ropers 70 and older.
