Application for Tryouts & Rodeo for Grand Entry Riders & Flag Runners

Grand Entry/Flags Guidelines

WELCOME to Cave Creek Rodeo Days Grand Entry Tryout! Thank you for participating … we look forward to having a fun and safe rodeo with you! Here are some guidelines that must be followed:

1. You must be 18 to carry a flag.
2. Only visiting royalty and CCRD royalty contestants under the age of 18 will be allowed to ride in the Grand Entry without a flag.
3. Participants must attend a minimum of one tryout with the horse you will be riding.
4. No riding in halters, no riding double, no riding bareback and no studs.
5. Bring your own boot flag.
6. We must have a signed Participation Release/Waiver prior to riding on the Rodeo grounds.
7. Western attire must be worn: Long sleeved shirt, cowboy hat, jeans and cowboy boots (no ball caps, helmets or rolled up sleeves). If you would like to coordinate with the colors of the Rodeo for each performance, please ask - colors will be tan, pink, black and white.
8. Check your horse's shoes and tack to make sure everything is clean, safe and in good condition.
9. Check in at the Volunteer Station FIRST for your lanyard and pass to the Rodeo for that day (two if you have a “helper”).
10. Then check in at Grand Entry ready to ride but without your horse prior to each performance (6:15pm Thurs-Sat and 12:45pm Sunday). Remember your flag name and number!
11. Bring your horse back, get your flag and be in line one-half hour prior to the start of the Rodeo (6:45pm Thurs-Sat and 1:15pm Sunday).
12. Keep a half-horse length between you and the horse in front of you at all times.
13. Keep a half-horse length between you and the pivots.
14. ALWAYS keep your flag straight up, no leaning!
15. No gait above a trot will be permitted anywhere inside or outside the arena.
16. If your horse is getting out of control and you need to release your flag, PULL AND DROP THE FLAG ON THE GROUND away from others! Do not let the flag drag and spook the horses.
17. After you have completed the Grand Entry, return your flag to the check-in area and return your horse to your trailer. No one is allowed to sit on their horse and watch the Rodeo or be in the warm up arena.
18. Your lanyard is your pass to the Rodeo for that evening and is for General Admission only. After the Rodeo, return your pass to Volunteer Check-In so you can obtain the next day’s pass.
19. Additional CCRD volunteer guidelines apply, please see website. Failure to adhere to guidelines may result in dismissal of participation and request to vacate the rodeo grounds as deemed appropriate by Grand Entry and Rodeo officials.

It is an honor to ride in the Grand Entry … you represent not only the sponsor flag you carry but also Cave Creek Rodeo Days. This is our western heritage and you get to be a part of it! Let's have a fun and safe rodeo!

Volunteer Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy

It is the policy of the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization that its volunteers, committee chairs, officers and board of directors uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior. To that end, these volunteers, committee chairs, officers and board of directors shall dedicate themselves to carrying out the mission of this organization and shall: 

1. Hold the safety, health and welfare the volunteers and public in the performance of duties.
2. Act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance personal and professional honor, integrity and the dignity of the organization.
3. Treat with respect and consideration all persons, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, maternity, marital or family status, disability, age or national origin.
4. Avoid representing the organization while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. I will engage in carrying out the Cave Creek Rodeo Day’s mission in a professional manner.
6. Recognize that the chief function of Cave Creek Rodeo Days at all times is to serve the best interests of its volunteers and beneficiaries.
7. Respect the structure and responsibilities of the board of directors, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for their making policy decisions, and uphold the implemented policies adopted by the board of directors.
8. Keeps the board of directors informed about issues affecting the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization and its brand.
9. Exercise discretionary authority assigned by the board of directors to carry out the mission of the organization.
10. Serve with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out the organization’s mission.
11. Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in all organizational activities.
12. Avoid any interest or activity that is in conflict with the conduct of their official duties.
13. Respect and protect privileged information to which you have access in the course of any official duties.
14. Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional developments of others in the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization.

I understand that failure to abide by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a Cave Creek Rodeo Days volunteer, pursuant to the requirements and processes provided in the organization’s governing documents.

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Agreement, Waiver, and Release

I hereby waive, release, and discharge any and all claims for damages for personal injury, death, or property damage which I may have, or which may hereafter accrue to me, as a result of participation in said events or activities.  This release is intended to discharge in advance the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization and the Town of Cave Creek, their volunteers, officers, employees, sponsors, supporters and agents from any and all liability arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in said event or activity, even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization and/or the Town of Cave Creek, AZ, their officers, employees and agents, and/or parade organizers, parade participants or spectators.  It is understood that this activity involves an element of risk and danger of accidents and knowing those risks I hereby assume those risks.  It is further agreed that this waiver, release and assumption of risk is to be binding on my heirs and assigns.

I agree to indemnify and to hold harmless the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization and the Town of Cave Creek, their volunteers, officers, employees, and agents free and harmless from any loss, liability, damage, cost or expense which they may incur as the result of my death or any injury or property damage that I may sustain while participating in said activity.  If I intend to operate a motor vehicle, I assert that it is registered and in safe operating condition, that I am a licensed driver and that I assume full responsibility for the use of my vehicle in the parade or for any other event.  I agree to indemnify and to hold harmless the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization and the Town of Cave Creek, their volunteers, officers, employees, and agents free and harmless from any loss, liability, damage, cost or expense, which they may incur as the result of the operation of my motor vehicle in this event.

No known physical or health limitation prevents me from safely participating in this event.  Inconsideration for being allowed to participate, I personally assume all risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, in connection with the event of any harm, injury or damage that may be fall me as a participant.  If I am injured during the event, I authorize any physician licensed in Arizona to perform such emergency treatment as she or he believes, in his or her sole judgment, may be necessary. I am over the age of eighteen and legally competent to sign this liability release or I have acquired the written consent of my parent or guardian. I understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital, this instrument is legally binding, and I have signed this document of my own free act.

Further, I agree that photographs, pictures, slides, movies or videos may be taken of me in connection with my participation in these events or activities without compensation from anyone, and I consent to the use of these photographs, pictures, slides, movies or videos for any legal purpose.

I HAVE FULLY INFORMED MYSELF OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS LIABILITY RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK.