WHAT THE HECK'S A COWBOY POETRY RODEO?

by S.A. Jackson    rev.2/2/09

Each Fall, somewhere in North America an unusual event takes place called the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo.  If you are wondering,  “What in tarnation is one-a-them-thar thangs?” read on—

            Some years ago, a couple of fellers sensing that the genre of cowboy poetry, if presented in a positive manner, could quite possible become a valuable tool in keeping our western heritage alive, as well as a rostrum for spreading the message that “Most resident stewards of our western lands are doing a noble job as caretakers, and a little less help from outsiders might be in order!”  It could even go so far as to help  rearrange the general public’s negative opinions toward public land use and,  who knows, even salvage someone’s livelihood? Last, but not necessarily least, it could be promoted as acceptable, western Americana entertainment.  However, to ever gain that status, it must be written and presented in a professional and entertaining manner. Enter: “Excellence through Competition” via the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo. This event isn’t just about “who’s the best poet,”  but is specifically designed to “make fair poets good” and “good poets better!”    

To give it a more distinctive western flavor, the two-day competition, is organized as much like a rodeo as possible and judged in two divisions;  Rising Stars and Silver Buckle.  Rising Stars are those riders having never won first place in an event and Silver Buckle consists of those riders who have. (Note:  Once a rider has won a silver buckle they can no longer enter the Rising Star division)

Each contestant (Rider)  pays an entry fee (See note 1) and may enter any, or all of, the four events: “Poet/serious” or “Poet/humorous” (a poet performs his or her own work) “Reciter/serious” or “Reciter/humorous” (a reciter performs the work of others).

Each poet's “ride” (delivery of their work) is judged by a panel of 5 individuals with extensive pastoral backgrounds and expertise in cowboy poetry.

The top 50% of the poets from the first day's go-round  advance to the second go-round  The top score in each of the four Rising Stars events receives a beautiful Silver buckle, with the four Silver Buckle winners receiving trophies. The rider with the highest “total points” also receives a “Best of the Best” trophy.  All winners are invited to perform in our headliner shows.

The 1st through 4th place scores, (totals from round one and round two) in each event, in each division, will receive prize money.  Purses will be awarded as follows: 1st place, 50%;  2nd place, 25%; 3rd place, 15%; and 4th place, 10%. The total purse is comprised of entry fees plus an added purse from the sponsors, usually amounting to around $6,000

 

Judging Criteria:  Quality + Theme + Presentation = Score.

 

Quality:

Scoring weight:       Poet field: 1 to 10 points,   Reciter field: 1 to 5 points

Criteria:

·        Does the material presented tell its story in a clearly painted mind picture?

·        Does the poem have rhyme and meter, if it is intended?

Theme:

Scoring weight:   Poet and Reciter field:  1 to 5 points


     Criteria:

·        Is the material interesting and in good taste for a general audience?

·        Does the material fit the CPR’s definition of  Cowboy Poetry as per our definitions?

·         “Humor,” in itself, must not add inappropriate weight to any score.

              

Presentation:

Scoring weight:       Poet field: 1 to 5 points,  Reciter field: 1 to 10 points
    

Criterion:

·        Theatrics: body language, facial expression, voice projection, accent, diction;

How well they are used and how well do they fit the theme.

 

Scoring:

a- For each ride, judges will assign a score of 1 to 20 points, in ½ point increments.  The highest and lowest marks given by the judges are discarded, leaving the sum of the mid three as the rider’s official score for that event.

b- Example: A rider receiving initial scores of 12 ½, 14, 15 ½, 15, and 17 would end up with a total of 44½  points; (both 12 ½  [low] and 17 [high] are discarded). 60 points would be a perfect score. Scores are assigned immediately after each presentation with a tally kept in full view on stage.