Welcome to Elite Breakaway

The world of rodeo is witnessing an exciting shift, with the rising prominence of women’s breakaway roping. Recognizing the need for an organization that caters to all levels of female ropers, Elite Breakaway was founded to provide a platform where everyone—from beginners to seasoned competitors—can thrive. This association is committed to offering opportunities for women to not only compete at the highest level but also to learn, grow, and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

As the popularity of breakaway roping continues to soar, there is a growing demand for an association that understands the unique challenges and aspirations of female athletes in this field. At Elite Breakaway, we are dedicated to elevating the sport by offering top-tier competitions, a supportive community, and providing resources to help women ropers develop their skills, achieve their dreams or just have fun! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, Elite Breakaway is here to champion your success and celebrate the future of women’s roping.

Our Story

Ropers of Every Level
are Welcome

We utilize the Elite Classification system to ensure that everyone has a chance to compete and win.

Request an Elite Classification Become A Member

Contestants at this level are developing the fundamental skills necessary to compete successfully in breakaway roping. They may be new to the sport or have previous roping experience but are still working toward the speed, consistency, and execution required at higher competitive levels.

These ropers are continuing to develop their horsemanship, scoring, rope handling, positioning, and confidence in competition.

While some contestants may demonstrate consistent catching ability, they typically lack the speed or overall competitive execution necessary to consistently compete against higher-classified ropers.

Typical Performance Guidelines

Average Time: 5.0 seconds or slower

Catch Percentage: Typically below 30%, but may vary considerably

Contestants at this level have established a foundation in breakaway roping and are beginning to demonstrate improved speed, accuracy, and consistency.

These ropers possess the ability to make successful, competitive runs at local jackpots and may compete in junior high, high school, or amateur events.

They are developing greater control over their scoring, positioning, and rope delivery but may still struggle with consistency, faster cattle, or unfamiliar competitive setups.

While they are becoming more competitive, they have not yet consistently demonstrated the speed and execution associated with intermediate-level contestants.

Typical Performance Guidelines

Average Time: 4.0–5.0 seconds

Catch Percentage: Approximately 30–40%

Intermediate contestants demonstrate solid fundamentals, improving consistency, and the ability to execute competitive runs across a variety of conditions.

These ropers possess the ability to place at local jackpots, compete successfully in high school and college rodeos, and be competitive at amateur-level events.

They demonstrate confident horsemanship, controlled scoring, and the ability to produce competitive times.

However, they may still experience inconsistencies in their speed, accuracy, or execution when competing against more advanced contestants.

Contestants at this level have progressed beyond developing the fundamentals and are demonstrating the ability to compete successfully, although they may not yet possess the overall speed and consistency of higher-classified ropers.

Typical Performance Guidelines

Average Time: 3.6–4.2 seconds

Catch Percentage: Approximately 35–45%

Advanced contestants demonstrate strong horsemanship, refined rope handling, accurate scoring, and the ability to consistently produce competitive runs.

These ropers possess the ability to compete successfully at open jackpots, amateur rodeos, college rodeos, and major amateur championship events, including the NPRA Finals or comparable competitions.

They are capable of producing fast, controlled runs and competing against highly accomplished contestants. They may have the ability to win amateur rodeos, place in open averages, and qualify for competitive championship events.

Although these contestants demonstrate advanced competitive ability, they may still lack the overall speed, accuracy, or consistency associated with the highest classification.

Typical Performance Guidelines


Average Time: 3.3–3.8 seconds

Catch Percentage: Approximately 40–55%

This classification represents the highest level of competitive ability within Elite Breakaway.

Contestants at this level demonstrate exceptional horsemanship, advanced rope handling, quick and accurate scoring, and the ability to consistently execute fast, competitive runs across a variety of cattle and arena conditions.

These ropers possess the ability to compete successfully against highly accomplished contestants at major jackpots, open competitions, amateur rodeos, and professional-level events. They demonstrate the speed, accuracy, and competitive ability necessary to consistently contend for top placings against high-level competition.

Contestants within this classification may range from highly competitive amateur ropers to established professional contestants. While their individual accomplishments and competitive backgrounds may vary, their demonstrated performance reflects the highest level of ability within Elite Breakaway.

A contestant does not need to have competed at or won professional rodeos to qualify for this classification. Placement is determined primarily by demonstrated speed, catch percentage, consistency, and overall competitive ability rather than specific rodeo achievements.

Typical Performance Guidelines

Average Time: 3.3 seconds or faster

Catch Percentage: Approximately 50% or higher

Statistical Evaluation


Average times and catch percentages serve as primary statistical indicators when evaluating contestants.
Average times are calculated using successful catches only.


Catch percentages are calculated using the total number of successful catches divided by the total number of calves run.


The number of calves run is considered when evaluating the reliability of a contestant’s statistics.
Competitive Ability


The Board of Directors may also consider a contestant’s demonstrated speed, scoring ability, horsemanship, consistency, competitive experience, and ability to perform across different cattle and arena conditions.


Broken Barriers & Scoring Consistency


Elite Breakaway tracks the number of broken barriers for each contestant throughout the season. Broken barriers are considered when evaluating scoring ability, consistency, and overall competitive performance.


While average successful-catch times and catch percentages remain primary statistical indicators, broken barriers provide additional insight into a contestant’s ability to execute fast, controlled, and accurate runs. Broken barriers do not automatically determine a classification, and barrier penalties are not included in the calculation of average successful-catch time.


Achievements and Qualifications


References to rodeo qualifications, championship events, and competitive accomplishments within the classification descriptions are intended to illustrate the level of competition a contestant is capable of performing at.


Contestants are not required to have achieved these accomplishments to qualify for a particular classification.


Board Evaluation


Elite Breakaway recognizes that statistical performance does not always provide a complete representation of a contestant’s competitive ability.


A contestant whose statistics fall outside the suggested guidelines may still be appropriately classified based on her overall demonstrated ability.


No single average time, catch percentage, accomplishment, or performance statistic will automatically determine a contestant’s classification.


Classification decisions and adjustments are subject to review by the Elite Breakaway Board of Directors to maintain fairness, consistency, and competitive balance throughout the association.

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About Elite Breakaway

Elite Breakaway is revolutionizing Breakaway Roping by creating opportunities for ropers of all ages and skill levels. With deep roots in the sport’s history—from its early days in high school rodeo to recent milestones like its inclusion in PRCA rodeos and the Wrangler National Finals of Breakaway Roping—our mission is to make the sport more inclusive. As the sport grows, we’ve adopted the Equalizer Classification system, a division-based approach that allows ropers to compete against others of similar ability, much like in Team Roping. By focusing on inclusivity, quality production, and competitive fairness, we’re helping Breakaway Roping thrive for every roper, from seasoned pros to passionate newcomers.

Our Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership & Joining Elite Breakaway

You can join by visiting the membership section of the website and filling out the application form. You’ll also need to request an Elite Classification to compete.

Yes, membership requires an annual fee of $120. Day passes are available for $25.

No, Elite Breakaway welcomes ropers of all skill levels. The association is designed to support both beginners and professionals, so anyone can join regardless of experience.

The Elite Classification System ensures that ropers compete against others of similar skill levels, ranging from beginner to professional, offering fair competition and chances for all to succeed.

After becoming a member, you can request a classification evaluation. You’ll be assigned one of six levels based on your roping experience and skills.

Competitions & Events

Once classified, you can find competitions on the events section of the website. Elite Breakaway sanctions various events, from local jackpots to high-level contests.

Yes, each event may have different entry fees, which are posted with the event details on the website. The fees and format will be decided by each producer.

Events range from practice sessions to competitive rodeos, jackpots, and major breakaway roping competitions at local, regional, and national levels. Currently we have over 30 events planned for 2024/2025.

Absolutely! The classification system allows beginners to compete against other ropers at a similar level, giving everyone a fair chance to win and improve.

Training & Development

Elite Breakaway supports skill development through training events, clinics, and mentorship programs, helping ropers at all levels improve.

By participating in Elite Breakaway’s events, clinics, and practice sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet experienced ropers who can offer guidance.

Events & Regulations

The rules adhere to standard breakaway roping regulations with additional guidelines to ensure fair competition based on your classification. Rules are listed on the website.