About The AJRA

The Alabama Junior Rodeo Association was began in 1997.  There have been over 1000  kids compete in our association over the years.  Many have continued on through the ranks of the Alabama High School Rodeo Association and on to the professional circuit.

The Alabama Junior Rodeo Association has something for everyone. Events include Boys & Girls Breakaway roping, Girls Barrel Racing, Boys Tie down Roping, Girls Pole Bending, Co-Ed Ribbon Roping, Co-Ed Team Roping, Girls Goat Tying, Bull Riding and our Rodeo Queen Contest.

AJRA membership is open to any student who is 14 years of age or under at the first of the AJRA year (September 1) and is enrolled in grade 8 or lower pursuing studies on that grade level or less. It is the intent of the AJRA to encourage any student to continue in school as a  regularly enrolled student and to improve his/her education. 

The purpose of the AJRA is:

· Increase and maintain interest of the elementary and junior high school students in rodeos

· Prepare younger student contestants for future participation in rodeo organizations

· Promote the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship at the various rodeos by setting up standards to be met by all   contestants

· Keep the Western Heritage alive in America and the state of Alabama

· Promote a close relationship among the people interested in this activity and the organization they represent

Membership is open to anyone wishing to support the sport of rodeo and to Elementary & Junior High students who wish to participate as contestants.

SEE OUR FORMS AND DIRECTORS PAGE FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

If I am not a member of the association, can I compete in your Rodeos?
YES! Non-Members can compete in 1 Rodeo Per year

If It is past the deadline to join, can i still become a member?
Yes! You must join (secretaries must have paperwork in hand) at least 2 weeks before the first rodeo that you will be eligible to compete.

If I join late do I still have a chance at winning a Saddle or a Belt Buckle?
Yes! Our Awards are based on points earned at each rodeo throughout the year. You must compete in at least 1/2 the rodeos, must join prior to December 31 and meet our grade qualifications to be eligible for the state finals. Our State Finals factors in at Double Points.

How much does it cost the association to put on a Rodeo?
In most cases the AJRA does not host or sponsor the rodeos. We are typically invited to arenas to compete.  If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a rodeo, please see our RODEO REQUEST form on our Forms Page.  When putting on a rodeo, it is an average of $3,500 per day of expenses.  Expenses include, arena rental, charges for the livestock, insurance, fees to be paid to Judges, Timer Secretaries, Ambulances etc.

How much does it cost to put on the State Finals and Awards?
The average over the past few years has been $48,000 for the weekend. When you factor 14 saddles, 70 Buckles, other awards, the arena costs, and other fees mentioned above. The costs ad up quickly. This is why we have quotas of Raffle Ticket Sales and Ad Book Sales each year.  

Do I have to "Call-IN" for every rodeo that I want to participate in?
No, in your membership package there is an automatic "Call-In" form. This will Call you in for each rodeo. The only time you will need to call is if you are not attending a rodeo or if you have changes to the events you are participating in for the rodeo.

I think the AJRA needs to change a rule, what do I do?
The AJRA has a General Meeting at the State Finals Awards each year. This General Meeting is the time to make changes to the association. We cannot make rule changes any other time.  Our recommendation is to write down your Rule Change recommendation when you are thinking about it. Bring the rule change or other idea with you to the General Meeting at the State Finals and present the change or idea to the President of the Association for a Vote from the General Membership.