PBR Basics - Judging and Scoring

Since we are days away from the start to the 2016 PBR Built Ford Tough Series let's make sure everyone understands the basics of PBR and bull riding. 

    **Photo Credit: PBR.com***

Judging and Scoring:

How does a bull rider make a qualified ride? 

The cowboy must ride for the full 8-seconds to earn his score. The clock is started once the bull's shoulder or hip breaks the plane of the gate. The clock stops once the rider's hand comes out of his rope - voluntarily or not. 

How many points can you get?

Each ride is worth up to 100 points. Up to 50 points will be awarded to the bull. The bull will receive a score on every out. Up to 50 points will be awarded to the rider only if he stays on the bull or has complete controls of the rope and has not disqualified himself by touching the bull with his free hand or hitting the ground, but no matter what the 8-second bell has to ring to get a score. 

Who judges them?

There are four judges that award up to 25 points each to the rider and the bull. Those points are added together and divided in half to reach a score between 0 and 50 for both the rider and the bull. 

What's the best score?

Any score over 90 points is considered a great ride. It's the "home run" or a "hail marry" of bull riding. The highest score ever earned in the PBR is 96.5, a feat accomplished by only three legends of the sport, Bubba Dunn (1999), Chris Shivers (2000), and Michael Gaffney (2004).

What is the cowboy judged on?

A cowboy is judged on how well he matches the bull's moves and maintains control of the ride. He must ride with one hand and is disqualified if he touches himself or the bull during the 8-second ride. Extra points may be awarded for style, such as spurring, which demonstrates a great sense of control. 

What is the bull judged on?

A bull is judged on his athleticism and difficulty to ride. This takes into account spin (right or left), direction change (movement forward and backward or side to side), kick in the back end, drop in the front, and body rolls.  A body roll occurs when a bull is in the air and kicks either his hind feet or all four feet to the side. The more of these characteristics a bull displays during a ride, the higher the degree of difficulty. 

What if the bull doesn't perform?

If the bull's performance is sub-par (negatively affecting the rid score) or if a foul occurs during the ride - the rider is rubbed against the chute, the bull stumbles, the flank strap detaches, etc. - the judges can offer the rider a change to take a re-ride. 

Reference:

PBR, (2015), Judging & Scoring, 2015 World Finals Official Souvenir Program, Page 20

xoxo Redneck Princess RJ