The total score possible for a bull ride is 100 points. Half of that total is based upon the bull’s performance as well as the level of difficulty exhibited by the bull. The degree of difficulty is rated by the professional judging staff according to each bull’s speed, power and number of direction changes in the bucking pattern.

Drop in the front end; kick in the back end, and body rolls are additional bucking characteristics that affect the degree of difficulty. 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 challenging characteristics displayed by a bull during the competition, the higher the mark is for the bull. Judges are allowed to award a cowboy a re-ride if they feel that the bull’s performance was inferior to the other bulls’ in the competition.

The other half of the score is awarded based upon the bull rider’s ability to match the moves of the bull beneath him.

Judges look for constant control and correct body position throughout the ride. Spurring the bull is not required but extra “style points” are awarded for doing so. The rider must stay aboard the bull for eight seconds in order to achieve a score.

The clock is started when the bull’s shoulder or hip crosses the plane of the bucking chute and is stopped when the rider’s hand comes out of the rope or he touches the ground. The rider must ride with one hand or be disqualified. The rider’s free hand must not come into contact with the bull during the course of the ride.

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