National Lineworkers Rodeo Coming to North Carolina!

National Lineworkers Rodeo Coming to North Carolina!

March 31, 2018

For the first time in North Carolina's history, lineworkers from around the country will come together in our great state for the American Public Power Association's National Lineworker's Rodeo. It all takes place in Wake Forest on April 28th from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so come on out and support the Greenville Utilities Rodeo team! There will be fun for the entire family with a kids fun zone, food trucks, and a remarkable showcase of lineworker skills. For more details, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/2018-public-power-lineworkers-rodeo.aspx.

GUC's Journeyman team will include Overhead Lineworker Brian Baker, Underground Lineworkers David Guy and Travis Ransom, and Tree Trimmer Dustin Sauls. Overhead Lineworker Jordan Hill, along with Tree Trimmers Matt Board and Spencer Corey, will compete individually in the Apprentice division.

 

 

 

National Lineworkers Rodeo 101
Brought to you by ElectriCities of NC

New to the rodeo concept? Here's a short primer. At the national rodeo, apprentices (lineworkers who have less than four years of experience) and teams of journeymen (lineworkers with more than four years of experience) compete in events that mimic tasks they might do on the job. There's no live electricity involved in the events, but the competitors must use procedures as if there is.

There are 10 events in all. Apprentices compete in four rodeo events and take a written test on the day before the rodeo. Teams of three or four journeymen compete in five rodeo events.

Competitors are judged on safety, work practices, neatness, ability and equipment handling. The goal of each competitor, whether solo or team, is completing each event perfectly, with no deductions for mistakes, also called infractions or gigs. Competitors who score the highest—which usually means no infractions—in the fastest times win! Winners are declared for each event and for overall apprentice and overall journeyman team.

Each event has a Chief Judge who is in charge of that event. There are usually 10 stations per event, so multiple linemen can compete at once. An event judge mans each event station. Overseeing all the events are a Master Apprentice Judge and a Master Journeyman Judge.