The other day I was at a local Jackpot and was casually daydreaming when I noticed some young spectators watching a couple of ropers ride by. One of them asked why he wore a glove while he roped. The roper looked at the young man and said "Why, you writing a book?!" Now, I think, most ropers would’ve taken the time to stop and answer him. But unfortunately this is not an isolated incident.

Just look around. What attitudes to you see? That’s what prompted me to write this article. Every other word is F this and F that. Cowboys argue with the Judges with absolutely no respect. Even catching myself letting off frustration, verbally when I miss a steer. Take last summer. My header turned a nice steer and I flat out missed. Of course, being my nature at the time, I reverted back to my old Marine Corps days and let off a couple of choice words. What I didn’t realize was that two girls sitting on the fence were watching us. The grandfather came over and asked me kindly if I could watch my language in front of the kids. Boy, was I embarrassed! I went over and apologized to the kids but the damage was already done. Hopefully, those kids don’t think all ropers are foul mouthed or ill-tempered. If they do, there is no one to blame but myself. No excuse for bad judgment or conduct. How did I represent myself, my fellow ropers or the roping industry? I sure didn’t see Classic or Gator rope companies run over and ask if I would endorse their products. A couple of weeks after that superb display of intelligence.

I had the privilege of attending a roping clinic held by Allan Bach and Charles Pogue. Talking about ambassadors of the sport. Never once did they utter any unkind word or remark. When one beginning roper decided he knew more than they did. I thought "Oh, Oh, here’s where I’ll see their disposition go south". Not at all. They held their composure like the professionals that they are and kindly reminded him that he might be wasting his money and time if he didn’t start applying what they were trying to teach him. They rose above the challenge. They never once stated they were Christians. They didn’t have to. Their actions spoke for them.

Last fall, the college I work at had a "Club Night" where all of the college clubs came to show what they represented and do a little recruiting. All of the community as well as the students were invited. Our Rodeo Club had a couple of tables setup, videos showing the NFR and other rodeos, as well as couple of steer and calf heads on some bales for roping demonstrations. We had a couple of basketball players from back east that wanted to try and rope the dummies for fun. I told our club members to go ahead and show them how. The next thing we know we have a pretty good size crowd learning to rope. We taught them not only how to throw a rope but what were illegal catches.

Will they become professional ropers? Probably not. But what I did find interesting was the day after the NFRs about a dozen of these same students came in and said "did you see that cross fire?" or "were those some fast times or what?!". They now had a reason and an interest for ropings. I had to laugh at this new found enthusiasm for our sport. Just by taking a couple of minutes to explain the rules and how to rope. What did this cost us? Nothing but a little of our time and now we have friends of the sport.

Try these guide lines that I use for myself:

1. Would I say or do this in front of my parents, wife, girlfriend or kids?

2. Is this the image I want for myself, my fellow ropers, or the Sport as a whole?

3. Does this represent a professional atmosphere?

4. Does this make other people feel uncomfortable?

Remember, public relations is everyone’s job and everyone is the Ambassador for Rodeo.