2

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CALF SCRAMBLE OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION .............................................................................................. 4

ELIGIBILITY RULES ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

PURCHASE CERTIFICATE RULES ................................................................................................................................. 7

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REDEEMING 2015 CALF SCRAMBLE PURCHASE CERTIFICATE ................................. 9

REQUIREMENTS OF THE HLSR CALF SCRAMBLE PROGRAM ........................................................................... 10

IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND UPDATES................................................................................................................. 15

CALF SCRAMBLE PROGRESS SHOW ........................................................................................................................ 16

RETURNING TO THE 2016 SHOW ................................................................................................................................ 17

QUESTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................ 18

MEDIA INFORMATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................... 20

2016 CALF SCRAMBLE PROJECT CHECKLIST ........................................................................................................ 28

4

CALF SCRAMBLE OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION

Mailing Address: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Calf Scramble Office P.O. Box 20070 Houston, TX 77225-0070 Physical Address: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Office NRG Center Three NRG Park Houston, TX 77054 Phone: 832.667.1138 Fax: 832.667.1140 Web site: http://www.hlsr.com/ExhibitorContestant/CalfScramble.aspx Questions: E-mail us at: calfscramble@rodeohouston.com

5

ELIGIBILITY RULES UNDER WHICH YOU APPLIED FOR 2015 CALF SCRAMBLE

GENERAL: a. Calf Scramble online entry will be available to Clubs/Chapters by Oct. 15, 2014, at

www.rodeohouston.com. All entries must be submitted by AST/CEA only by Dec. 1, 2014. b. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is not responsible for any accidents which may

occur to any participant in the Calf Scramble before, during or after the event. c. Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. AST/CEAs may enter calf

scramble participants online beginning Oct. 15, 2014, and re-enter the system at a later date to submit the remainder of their junior livestock show entries prior to the December 1 deadline.

d. Once the necessary paperwork has been received and verified by the Calf Scramble office, qualified applicants will be notified of their acceptance as a participant or alternate, the date and time they are to participate, and where they are to meet. This official notification will be sent to you by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Office ONLY.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

a. Applicants must be enrolled in and considered eligible in a Texas 4-H or FFA at the time of

application and if selected, at the time of scramble. Applicants MUST be United States citizens and MUST possess a valid social security number.

b. Applicants must be enrolled in and attending a public or private secondary school in the state of Texas.

c. Applicant must have reached their 14th, but NOT their 18th birthday on Jan. 1, 2015 and not be enrolled beyond their junior year in high school.

d. Applicant must be financially capable to supply any additional funds that may be needed to purchase the heifer or market steer and to feed and care for it.

e. Applicant must be able to provide suitable facilities for caring and developing a breeding heifer or market steer.

f. Applicant must be capable to devote the appropriate time and attention to the calf and return to the 2016 Show with a heifer or steer that all parties involved will be proud to display.

g. Applicant and his/her parents/guardian must be willing and the participant must be eligible to spend the required time away from school and other activities to exhibit and care for the heifer or steer at the 2016 Show. They must also have the required time it takes to submit all monthly paperwork, essays and scrapbook.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

a. Participants must be able to run and perform procedures necessary to scramble. b. Applicant must weigh at least 100 pounds. c. Participants appearing to have broken limbs or evidence of a recent injury (cast, ace bandage,

support brace, etc.) will automatically be disqualified and replaced by the first eligible alternate.

SPECIAL RULES:

a. Certificate Limitations: Applicants who previously won a scramble certificate through

participation in the Calf Scramble, 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest, or 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are not eligible to participate in the Calf Scramble or to accept additional Calf Scramble certificates.

6

b. Scramble Limitations: Participants are only allowed to participate in one Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble in any one year. Clubs/Chapters are limited to 5 entries during the online submission period. If spots are available after the December 1 deadline, club/chapters may enter additional scramblers for participant and alternate positions by submitting paper applications to the Calf Scramble Office.

c. Substitutions: If a participant is unable to scramble for any reason, an alternate will be assigned by the Calf Scramble Office.

d. Ineligible Participants: Approved applicants are considered eligible by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for participation in the Calf Scramble at the time the online entries are made. Any CEA/AST that has a member who becomes ineligible to participate, for any reason, must provide written and signed notification to the scramble office at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the scheduled scramble in which the ineligible participant was to participate. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of entries for the following Show year.

e. Dress: Participants must wear long pants and comfortable shoes. Dresses and skirts will not be allowed. Shoes with any type of knob or cleat are not allowed. A belt is not required but strongly suggested. Please remember that you will be running in dirt, so the more comfortable you are, the easier it is to run.

f. Roll Call: Participants must be checked in at the Scramble Meeting room prior to the start of the meeting. Any participant not present at the start of the meeting may forfeit their position and be replaced with an alternate. A notice including the scramble date and meeting time will be sent to all participants and alternates.

7

PURCHASE CERTIFICATE RULES

1. The total award for all Calf Scramble Certificate recipients is $1,750, $1,500 of which will be usedto purchase the heifer or market steer and $250 of which will be received upon return to the 2016Show, provided that all obligations are fulfilled. Purchase certificates in the amount of $1,500 mustbe used in the purchase of a breeding beef heifer or a market steer approved by the CEA orAST.

2. Heifers must be born between Jan. 1, 2014 and Mar. 31, 2015.Heifer breeds that are eligible for purchase are: Angus, Beefmaster, Brangus, Charolais, Chianina, Grey Brahman, Hereford, Limousin (and Lim-Flex min. 50% Limousin), Maine-Anjou, Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Red Brahman, Red Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, Simbrah, Shorthorn, Simmental, American Registered Breeds, and Other Registered Breeds. The American Registered Breeds division is open to the following breeds: Beefmaster Advancer, Braford, Braford F-1, Brahmousin, Brangus Optimizer, Brangus Premium Gold, Certified Beefmaster E6, Charbray, Gelbray, Golden Certified F1, Percentage Simbrah, Star 5, UltraBlack, and UltraRed. All American Registered Breeds must be at least 3/16ths Brahman. The Other Registered Breeds division is open to the following breeds: Braunvieh, Braunvieh Beef Builder, Gelbvieh, Gelbvieh Balancer, Lim-Flex (less than 50% Limousin), Maine Tainer, Percentage Charolais, Percentage Chianina, Percentage Simmental, Pinzgauer and Shorthorn Plus. Any breed not listed above is considered ineligible.

All steers must be validated through the Texas 4-H and FFA steer validation program by June 30, 2015 and the electronic identification number must be remitted by email to the Calf Scramble Office at calfscramble@rodeohouston.com on or before July 15, 2015. Steers may be any breed of beef cattle.

All heifers must be validated through the Texas 4-H and FFA Heifer Validation System. Heifer validation will include online registration paper uploading and a physical validation with a county validation committee which will include DNA hair sampling. The deadline for heifer validation is November 1, 2015, but you need to check with your local County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher for local / county deadlines.

3. The calf must be an FFA or 4-H project. The winner MUST return to the 2016 Houston LivestockShow and Rodeo and show the calf in the Scramble Beef Heifer Show or Scramble Steer Show.Steer projects may not be entered in any show prior to the 2016 Houston Livestock Show andRodeo that requires the winning animals to be sold at auction. Scramble steer exhibitors areencouraged to enter the Junior Market Steer Show, but are only allowed one entry into the JuniorMarket Steer Show and it must be their Scramble Steer. Appropriate entry materials must besubmitted through the exhibitor’s club or chapter by Dec. 1, 2015 for the exhibitor to show in the2016 Junior Livestock Show.

4. Payment on scramble heifer certificates will be made to the seller after the completed purchasecertificate and the original, transferred registration paper are received in the Scramble Office.Payment on steer certificates will be made to the seller after the completed purchase certificate isreceived in the Scramble Office. The original scramble certificate must be signed by thesupervisor, seller, student and parents. Payment will be delayed if documentation is incomplete.

5. All correspondence, including certificate and registration papers, should be sent to:Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Attn: Calf Scramble Office, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas77225-0070

8

6. Winners cannot purchase animals from themselves, immediate family members (mother, father,

brother, sister, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, stepfather, stepmother, half-brother, half-sister, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousin) or their ranches (family ranches or partnerships). Winners may not purchase heifers that have been previously exhibited through any Calf Scramble program. Checks will not be issued to 4-H Clubs, FFA Chapters, students, parents or supervisors.

7. Winners cannot purchase a calf that they have previously shown at the Houston Livestock Show

and Rodeo in any given year or any calf that has previously been recorded in their name or in an immediate family member’s name.

8. If a calf is purchased for less than the $1,500 certificate amount, the seller will be issued a check

for only the actual purchase amount. 9. Heifer Certificates may be combined with certificates from other stock shows where the heifer

would be required to return and be shown between Jul. 1, 2015 and Apr. 30, 2016, as long as the animal is brought back to the Houston Livestock Show in 2016. If a combination of certificates is being used, the original transferred registration papers must be sent to the Show that is earliest in the calendar year. The first Show will make copies of the original transferred registration papers and then forward the original transferred registration papers to the later Shows. The last Show of the calendar year will receive and hold the original transferred registration papers and forward the original transferred registration papers to the winner/exhibitor upon completion of his project at all of the Shows involved.

10. Calf Scramble projects may not be purchased prior to the issue date of the 2015 Calf Scramble

Purchase Certificate. Scramble winners combining certificates with other stock shows that occurred before the 2015 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are the only exception.

11. Scramble steer and heifer substitutions made from July 15th – Nov 1st will only be allowed at the

discretion of Show management. Furthermore, scramble heifer substitutions will only be allowed if the original registration paper of the substitute heifer (solely in the name of the respective scramble exhibitor on or before Nov. 1, 2015) is received by the Scramble Office on or before the December 1st deadline. Show management must be notified of any potential substitutions.

12. Winners who fail to fulfill their obligations as stated in these rules will have their Calf Scramble

Certificates revoked, will be required to repay the certificate value to the Houston Livestock Show and will be required to provide a letter of explanation to the donor and the Scramble Office. Failure to comply with these rules may also result in forfeiture of Calf Scramble entries for one year for that club/chapter. If repayment is not made within 60 days of the 2016 Show, HLSR reserves the right to repossess the scramble heifer or steer and revoke invitations to participate in future Houston Livestock Shows.

13. Failure to submit three (3) or more monthly reports to the donor and Scramble Office during the

course of the yearlong project will make the exhibitor ineligible for the remaining $250 received after the 2016 Awards Ceremony. Failure to submit any reports during the course of the project will result in the exhibitor forfeiting any premiums won during the Calf Scramble Heifer Show or Steer Show in addition to the $250.

9

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REDEEMING 2015 CALF SCRAMBLE PURCHASE CERTIFICATE

Certificate Winner Instructions: 1. You, your parents and your AST or CEA must sign the certificate once a heifer or steer is chosen. These signatures

indicate that you fully understand the obligation and agree to abide by the rules of the Calf Scramble Program which are outlined in the Calf Scramble Handbook.

2. If you are purchasing a heifer and combining certificates with other shows, check the box that corresponds with that show(s). *Note: Steer projects may NOT be entered in any other show that requires the winning animals to be sold at auction.

3. All steers must be validated through the Texas 4-H/FFA Steer Validation Program by June 30, 2015 and the full 15 digit electronic identification number must be remitted to the Calf Scramble Office via email to calfscramble@rodeohouston.com on or before July 15, 2015.

4. All heifers must be validated through the Texas 4-H and FFA Heifer Validation System. Heifer validation will include online registration paper uploading and a physical validation with a county validation committee which will include DNA hair sampling. The deadline for heifer validation is November 1, 2015, but you need to check with your local County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher for local / county deadlines.

5. Give the signed certificate to the breeder. The breeder is responsible for turning in all paperwork to the Calf Scramble Office in order to receive payment.

Breeder Instructions: Heifer Purchases:

Complete the Animal Information and Seller Information sections of the purchase certificate. a. NOTE: Heifers must be born between Jan. 1, 2014 and Mar. 31, 2015. b. Transfer heifer registration solely into the certificate recipient’s name. c. Have original registration certificate returned to you. (Having papers sent directly to the new owner will

cause delay in payment).

Once original registration paper displays the new owner’s name, mail the purchase certificate along with original registration paper by July 15 to:

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Attn: Calf Scramble Office PO Box 20070 Houston, TX 77225

Steer Purchases:

Complete the Animal Information and Seller information sections of the purchase certificate. Mail the completed certificate by July 15 to:

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Attn: Calf Scramble Office PO Box 20070 Houston, TX 77225

All paperwork is due in the Calf Scramble Office no later than July 15, 2015.

Payments are processed the 1st and the 15th of the month.

Payment will ONLY be made once the completed purchase certificate and original registration paper (for heifers) are received in the Calf Scramble Office.

If the certificate winner purchases a heifer and has checked that he/she will be combining certificates with another show, please send the original registration certificate to the show that occurs first with a request to forward the certificate on to the subsequent respective shows. Send the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo purchase certificate to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble Office. We will make payment when we receive both the original registration certificate and the purchase certificate. Please contact the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Calf Scramble Office at 832.667.1138 or e-mail at calfscramble@rodeohouston.com with any questions or concerns. **Should you decide to withdraw, please contact the Calf Scramble Office to discuss other options. If you are unable to complete your obligation and payment has been made, you will be responsible for refunding the certificate amount of $1500. If you do not meet the requirements of the program, you may be responsible for refunding the certificate as well.

10

REQUIREMENTS OF THE HLSR CALF SCRAMBLE PROGRAM

1. Thank-you letter

- Please mail a thank-you letter to your donor no later than April 15.

- Submit a copy (mail or e-mail) to the Calf Scramble Office by April 30.

- You may choose to write a letter or send a thank you card. Either way, make sure that the Calf

Scramble Office receives a copy of your correspondence and that you keep a copy for your

records. Please keep in mind that this correspondence is to thank your donor for their

generous donation of $1750 to the HLSR Calf Scramble Program.

2. Monthly Reports (with photos if you like) and Expense Reports

- Shall be completed through the online reporting system ONLY (instructions on page 25)

Submitting through the online reporting system will automatically send your monthly report to

your donor, the Calf Scramble Office, your AST/CEA, and your Greeter.

- Due by the 10th of every month for the previous month. Ex: May report is due no later than

June 10th.

- It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that your donor, the Calf Scramble Office, and your

AST/CEA receive a report each month. If your donor does not use e-mail, you are required to

print off the report and mail it to them.

- You must keep a copy of each report for your records to be inserted into your

scrapbook.

- Reports are due even if you have not purchased your animal or if no expenses are incurred for

the current month. Your donor still wants to hear about any progress made from April through

June.

- If you do not have a personal computer, it is your responsibility to find one to ensure your

reports are submitted every month. If you need assistance locating resources, please contact

your AST/CEA or your Calf Scramble Greeter.

- The first report is due May 10 for the month of April.

- The last report is due Feb. 10 for the month of January. You may choose to submit this report

early, so it can be inserted into your scrapbook.

- No reports will be accepted late. The online reporting system will only allow you to submit the

current month’s report between the 11th of the current month to the 10th of the following month

(ex: May report will be available to submit between May 11 and June 10).

- If you have questions, please contact the Calf Scramble Office.

11

3. Breed Essay

- Due July 15.

- Length – 500 to 550 words describing the reason you chose the breed of heifer/steer you are

raising.

- Essay Title – “Why I Selected My Specific Calf”

- Keep a copy of your essay to insert in your scrapbook.

- Essay will only be accepted through the online system. Once uploaded, a link to your essay

will appear on the website. No confirmation email will be sent.

- Do not use all capital letters, bold typeface or decorative background as it makes it extremely

difficult to read.

- Your essay will be evaluated on the following criteria:

o Content

Rationale for breed choice

Information about breed

o Focus & Coherence

Stays on topic and makes sense

Organization

Logical progression of ideas

Clear beginning, middle, and end

o Voice

Reflects scrambler’s personality

Original and genuine

o Grammar & Mechanics

Follows guidelines with specified title

Demonstrates standard English usage of correct spelling and grammar

If information is used from the internet or other resources, please cite the source.

Your sources will be checked – do not copy and paste from websites

Have a peer or parent proofread your essay before submittal

4. Year-End Essay

- Due February 1

- Length – 1,000 to 1,100 words describing your experience raising your Scramble Calf.

- Essay Title – “My Calf Scramble Project”

- Keep a copy of your essay to insert in your scrapbook.

- Essay will only be accepted through the online system. Once uploaded, a link to your essay

will appear on the website. No confirmation email will be sent.

- Have a peer or parent proofread your essay before submittal

- Do not use all capital letters, bold typeface or decorative background as it makes it extremely

difficult to read.

- Your essay will be evaluated on the following criteria:

o Content

Describe significant events in the year-long process

Include entire year’s experiences – expand beyond the night you scrambled

12

o Focus & Coherence

Focused on topic

Consists of clear paragraphs and sentences

o Organization

Presents logical progression of ideas

Contains beginning, middle, and end

o Grammar & Mechanics

Follows guidelines with specified title

Demonstrates standard English usage

o Voice

Reflects scrambler’s personality

Original and genuine

5. Scrapbook

- Must be postmarked by February 5 or hand-delivered to the Calf Scramble Office by February

5 in order to be processed before the judging day. Judging takes place prior to the 2016

Show, so it is imperative that your scrapbook arrive on time.

- Your scrapbook is required to contain the following:

Decorative and original exterior cover

Inside cover page with your name, club/chapter name and whether you raised a heifer or steer

Table of Contents with corresponding tabs – order of content does not matter, only consistency

Monthly expense reports

Monthly correspondence to donor

Pictures relating to project

Copy of Breed Essay

Copy of Year-End Essay

Maximum Sizes:

Length – 18” / Width – 15” / Weight – max 35lbs. / Height & Depth 8”

Everything listed must be included in your scrapbook; however, you may add anything else that may highlight your scramble experience. Do not include documents/receipts containing personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc. This is a “Highlight Show” of your year as a Calf Scramble participant. Pictures of previous year books can be found on the Calf Scramble webpage. Be creative and original.

Scrapbooks must be hand delivered to the Calf Scramble Office by February 5 or shipped with a ship date of February 5. The Calf Scramble Office will be open February 5 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If mailing USPS, ship your scrapbook to the PO Box. If shipping UPS or FedEx use the physical address. Both are listed on page 4. Please track your package. No phone or e-mail confirmation will be given when scrapbooks are received. **Scrapbooks that will be submitted for both San Antonio Livestock Show and HLSR will be given additional time to arrive. You must notify the HLSR Scramble Office prior to February 1 if this includes you.

**Items received after the deadline, will not be judged.**

13

Scramblers will have the opportunity to pick up their book during the 2016 Show in Room 106. They can be picked up after the Heifer/Steer Awards Ceremony. There will be a representative to help you at that time. Your scrapbook must be picked up before the end of the 2016 Show (March 20). All scrapbooks remaining in the possession of The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after March 20, 2016 will be disposed of.

6. 2016 Houston Livestock Show

- You are required to bring the heifer or steer, that was purchased with your scramble

certificate, to the 2016 Show. If you are unable to show due to ineligibility, you will be

required to re-pay the value of your Scramble Certificate.

- You must exhibit the heifer in the Scramble Heifer Show or steer in the Scramble Steer Show.

You may not have a substitute exhibitor show your Scramble entry because you are showing a

different animal at the same time.

- You have the option to show your scramble heifer in the Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show or

your steer in the Junior Market Steer show for an additional entry fee.

- Your entry for the Scramble Heifer/Steer Show and Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show, or

Junior Market Steer Show must be made through your AST/CEA prior to December 1, 2015.

You are not automatically entered in any of these shows.

- The Calf Scramble Shows are subject to the Houston Livestock Show General Rules and

Regulations, the Junior Show Rules and Regulations and to the Special Rules listed for each.

Where Special Rules conflict with other rules, Special Rules will prevail.

- Calf Scramble heifer exhibitors must have a copy of their heifer registration paper in their

possession as they enter the show ring or they will be disqualified. This copy should have the

red Bowlegged H stamp on it as provided to exhibitor by the HLSR Scramble Office when the

original paper is received with the Purchase Certificate.

7. Stall Display (upon return to the 2016 Show)

- A decorative stall display should be brought to be hung from the top rail of the panel at the

head of your heifer or steer’s stall for the 2016 Show. Be creative and original.

- Maximum size – 42 inches wide and 30 inches tall. PLEASE SEE DIAGRAM BELOW

- Note: Any displays exceeding the maximum will not be judged.

- The Show will provide an 11”x 17” laminated sign that must be attached to your stall

display. You can attach it on top, below or to the middle of your stall display. Do not

attach on the side of display. Plan ahead to attach the sign.

- You may attach legs for more support, but there MUST be a place to tie the animal

between the legs.

- Decorating is allowed at the head of the stall only. No side panels are

allowed and nothing is allowed at foot of stall.

- Displays should be set up no later than 7 p.m. on the day of heifer/steer

move-in as judging begins this day.

- Show Management has the right to remove any questionable decoration.

- No rear or standing fans will be allowed.

- Displays should be mounted to the metal pole at head of stall. Zip ties

and/or baling wire are easiest methods to attach display. Hooks are

14

discouraged. Displays must be between stall markings. Do not go over into another stall.

- Electricity is available yet limited throughout stalls.

- Shavings are provided in stalls.

- Pictures of previous year displays can be found on the Calf Scramble web page.

- Stalls should be kept clean as exhibitors are judged on both their Stall Display and as a Good

Herdsman.

- Using water or any other substance to clean the rubber mats in the aisles is prohibited.

- Show boxes larger than 21" tall x 24" deep x 40" wide will not be allowed to unload.

8. Donor Reception and Awards Presentation

- Please look for information sent via email and mail in February along with other show

information. You, your parents and supervisor are invited. No RSVP is required.

- This reception/presentation honors your donor for their generosity. It also honors you, your

parents, and your supervisor for a year’s worth of dedication and hard work.

- You are required to attend unless your particular breed is showing concurrently in the Junior

Breeding Beef Heifer Show or Junior Market Steer Show. Contact with your donor regarding

your attendance is encouraged.

15

IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND UPDATES

Check the Calf Scramble webpage and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Exhibitor Facebook

Page often for updates throughout the year.

All correspondence must be uploaded through the online reporting system with the exception of the

thank you note.

If you have any online technical or processing errors, you must email your monthly report to

calfscramble@rodeohouston.com before the deadline for that month in order for the report to be

accepted. Reports submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

If you miss the deadline for a monthly report, you are still encouraged to send correspondence

to your donor for that month. The missed report will still need to be in your scrapbook to

fulfill the requirements for the scrapbooks.

If you need help locating resources to be able to access the internet, please contact your

AST/CEA or your Calf Scramble Greeter.

If any of your contact information changes, you must email the Calf Scramble Office and your Greeter

with those updates.

Your Calf Scramble Greeter can answer questions you have regarding updates or guidelines.

All 8 requirements listed on pages 10-14 are to be completed to receive your $250 bonus upon

completion of the 2016 Show.

You must contact the Calf Scramble Office should any of your contact information change or if

you encounter any problems throughout your project.

Your first report is due by May 10th.

16

CALF SCRAMBLE PROGRESS SHOW

The Calf Scramble Committees will host the 8th Annual Calf Scramble Progress Show in the fall. This show will

provide educational seminars on raising cattle to scramblers and allow them to gain show experience at no

cost. More information will be available on the Calf Scramble web page this summer. Entry forms will be

mailed to your AST/CEA in September. Mark your calendars and plan to be there. It is not a requirement of

the Calf Scramble Program but strongly encouraged for all scramble certificate recipients.

Progress Show Rules

(Rules are subject to change. Please read 2015 Progress Show Entry Form and Rules when distributed.)

1. Registration

a. Heifers entered in this show must be registered in the records of their respective breed association

(in the name of the exhibitor). Registration papers must be on file in the Calf Scramble Office and

heifer exhibitors must present a stamped copy of the registration papers at check-in and have them

in their possession when entering the ring to show their heifer.

b. Steers entered in this show must have an official and visible Texas Validation ear tag and electronic

ID in the steer’s ear. The EID number must be on file in the Calf Scramble Office.

2. Classes

a. Heifer classes will be broken by age within three divisions; American, European and British (no

individual breed classes).

b. Steer classes will be broken into 6 classes by WEIGHT ONLY (no breed classification will occur.)

3. Clipping - No clippers which must be plugged into an electrical outlet are allowed to be used on Scramble

Breeding Beef Heifers or Scramble Steers once they arrive on Show grounds. Cordless clippers are

allowed.

4. Grooming Material - This is a Blow and Go Show for both heifers and steers. No grooming material, paint

or dye is allowed on any animal.

5. Fans - No fans will be allowed in the barn.

6. The Calf Scramble Progress Show is limited to HLSR calf scramble and dairy/livestock judging certificate

winners only. Winners are only allowed to bring their scramble heifer or scramble steer that is registered

with the Calf Scramble Office.

7. There is no entry fee.

8. Stall displays are not allowed.

9. Preprinted stall cards with your name and your donor’s name will be distributed upon arrival.

10. Family is invited to attend.

11. Your donor will be invited to attend.

12. The Calf Scramble Greeters Judging Team will be available to give tips on the year-end essay, scrapbook

and stall display projects.

13. Only small show boxes are allowed. They must be no larger than 21" tall x 24" deep x 40" wide.

17

RETURNING TO THE 2016 SHOW

Your AST/CEA is responsible for submitting your junior heifer or steer show entries online prior to the December 1st deadline. You must enter the Scramble Heifer or Steer Show. It is optional but strongly encouraged that you enter the Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show or Junior Market Steer Show.

You are only allowed to bring your scramble heifer/steer to the 2016 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. If you enter the Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show, you must show your scramble heifer in that show. If you enter the Junior Market Steer Show, you must show your scramble steer in that show.

Please review the rules in the exhibitor handbook at www.rodeohouston.com for exhibiting your heifer or steer at the Houston Livestock Show™.

- All heifers must be validated through the Texas 4-H and FFA Heifer validation program and should have a clearly legible permanent tattoo or fire/freeze brand that matches exactly to the permanent identification referenced on the heifer's registration papers. Please verify this before coming to the show as tattoos can fade over time. Heifers with an incorrect or illegible tattoo/brand will be disqualified from the show.

- All steers should have a Texas state validation tag. The tag number in the steer must match the tag number submitted to the Calf Scramble Office. If the tag was lost and has been replaced, be sure the new tag number and a copy of the official tag replacement form has been submitted to the Calf Scramble Office.

- Stall space is very tight at the show and there is no room for excessive tack or large show boxes. Bring only necessary items with you. Large show boxes and upright dolly boxes will not be allowed in the stalls. If your show box is larger than your allotted stall space or if excessive feed or tack is brought to the show, it may be moved at the discretion of the Show Superintendent or Show Management. Show boxes larger than 21" tall x 24" deep x 40" wide will not be allowed to unload.

There is not a fee for the Scramble Heifer or Steer Show. The Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show and Junior Market Steer Show have an entry fee. Please refer to the exhibitor handbook for fees, dates, and questions regarding the 2016 Scramble Heifer and Steer Show or the Junior Breeding Beef or Junior Market Steer Show.

Stalling: - All scramble heifers/steers will be stalled together by club or chapter in a designated area.

- Heifers/steers must remain in their assigned stall to be judged, except when in their assigned tie out or in the show ring.

- No side panels are allowed in the designated scramble stall area.

Eligibility: 4-H and FFA members are considered to be eligible by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for participation in the Junior Livestock Show at the time entry applications are received from the AST/CEA. Any AST/CEA who has a member who becomes ineligible to participate, for any reason, must provide written and signed notification to the Calf Scramble Office at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of any Junior Show activity in which the ineligible exhibitor was to participate. If an exhibitor is determined ineligible, then the entry is ineligible resulting in repayment of certificate amount (maximum of $1500).

All Scramble Heifers or Steers must be exhibited by the certificate recipient. Substitute exhibitors will only be allowed at the discretion of Show management. Official written notification must be provided to the Calf Scramble Office 24 hours prior to heifer/steer arrival. If a substitute exhibitor is allowed by Show management, the substitute showman must be from the same county as the original exhibitor. The substitute exhibitor also must meet all requirements of a Junior Livestock Show exhibitor and an official substitute exhibitor form must be filled out and turned in to the Livestock/Superintendent’s Office before the closing of Scramble Heifer and Scramble Steer Show check-in.

18

QUESTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

You have a member of the Calf Scramble Greeters Committee assigned to help you

throughout the year. They are here to assist you with any questions you have regarding the

requirements of the Calf Scramble Program and your obligation. If you have any questions,

contact your assigned committee member at any time throughout the year. If you are unable

to contact your committee member, please e-mail calfscramble@rodeohouston.com.

Refer to the Calf Scramble web page at

http://www.hlsr.com/ExhibitorContestant/CalfScramble.aspx which is updated on a regular

basis.

Still can’t find the answers to your questions?

E-mail the Calf Scramble Office at calfscramble@rodeohouston.com.

Call the Calf Scramble Office at 832.667.1138.

19

MEDIA INFORMATION Donor Photos –

Photos of you and your donor may be found at www.rodeohouston.com

Instructions for finding your photo:

1. Click on Media (top middle of page).

2. Click Search under the Results and Photo Search header.

3. The following screen will appear:

4. The following should be selected from the drop down menu in the designated fields:

Category 1: Calf Scramble

Category 2: which ever event pertains to your

5. Click Search

6. Scroll down until you find your picture.

You may download or save the photo and send to a photo center for processing. HLSR does not

process or sell photos.

If you would like a press release to run in your hometown newspaper, direct them to the website where

they will find a press release for the indicated day and a list of winners.

DVD Request Form –

You can download the DVD order form from the Calf Scramble webpage. Requests must be submitted

before September 30th.

20

ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS

First time log on instructions:

Go to www.rodeohouston.com

Put your cursor on EXHIBITOR/CONTESTANT and then click on Calf Scramble.

Once you are on the Calf Scramble web page, click on Access Monthly Reporting System.

21

Once you are on the Online Reporting System website, click Sign up for a New Account.

Complete all fields in the Authentication page. Your HLSR Member/Customer Number can be found on the

letter enclosed with your 2015 Calf Scramble Handbook. Write your Username and Password down! Once all

required fields are complete, click Submit.

22

Once you have clicked submit, you will return to the original login page. Enter the username and password

that you created and click Login.

Enter your Member Number AND One Time Key Code which can be found on the letter enclosed with your

2015 Calf Scramble Handbook. Then, click Link My Account.

23

Enter your Username and Password. Click Login.

Your homepage, as shown below, will have all your contact, animal, club/chapter, donor, and seller information

displayed. If you have not purchased your heifer/steer yet or if your paperwork is not yet complete, animal and

seller information will be blank. If any of this information is incorrect, please e-mail

calfscramble@rodeohouston.com with the changes.

24

General Information about the Online Reporting System:

There are 3 parts to your monthly reporting: expenses, correspondence and photos. (See pictures above.)

25

Expenses:

- Enter each expense, quantity and unit cost, then click Add Expense. You may add expenses throughout

the month. If you have no expenses, you may enter “0”.

Correspondence (Monthly Report):

- First, write your donor a monthly letter in a word processing program prior to logging on to the website.

When logged on, browse to the letter and then click the “Upload” button to attach the file.

- Then, write a brief note as the body of the email and answer the question concerning contact with a Calf

Scramble Greeter committee person.

- Click Submit Monthly Report when all is attached and completed. Clicking this button will send the brief

note along with your monthly report and photos attached via e-mail to your donor, AST/CEA, your greeter,

and your personal email address. If there is not an e-mail address under your donor information section on

your Home tab, you need to print off your report and mail it to them.

Photos:

- You may upload up to 3 photos each month.

- Attach from 0 to 3 photos each month by following the same process as the correspondence.

- Once you click Submit Monthly Report, you cannot make changes or additions to the monthly report or

photos. You may only add expenses continuously throughout the month.

- The current month’s reporting period will be available from the 11th of the current month to the 10th of the

following month (Ex: June report is due July 10th; it will be available for entry from June 11 to July 10.)

- Reports will only be accepted through the online reporting system. Reports mailed to the Calf Scramble

Office will NOT be accepted.

26

The Summary tab will show by month the links to all the reports and photos that have been

submitted along with the date they were uploaded and the date the correspondence was submitted.

Pick a desired month to see what was uploaded. Click on the desired link to load the report or photo.

YOU MUST CHECK YOUR SUMMARY EACH MONTH TO MAKE SURE ALL OF YOUR

INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPLOADED FOR THAT MONTH.

An expense grid displays the expenses added for the month.

27

The Essay tab will allow you to submit your Breed Essay and Year End Essay.

- Review all guidelines for both essays on pages 11 and 12.

- Create your essays in a word processing program. Upload the file to the website. THERE IS

NO SUBMIT BUTTON. Once uploaded, it’s submitted. Once you upload each essay, you

can delete it and attach another file until the due date.

- Once the deadline has passed to submit your essay, the ability to upload the file will not be

available.

- Essays will only be accepted through the online reporting system. No mailed submissions will

be accepted.

- A confirmation email will not be sent once uploaded; however a link to your essay should

appear.

Reminders:

Your first report is due May 10 for the month of April.

If you do not have any expenses, you are still required to submit a report for that month.

Make sure that you are keeping a copy of your correspondence to put in your scrapbook.

You are encouraged to communicate with your donor in addition to the monthly reports that

you submit through the website.

Sample E-mail that will be sent to your donor and AST/CEA:

28

2015 CALF SCRAMBLE PROJECT CHECK-OFF SHEET

Thank-You Letter – Mail ASAP, copy due to Calf Scramble Office April 30

April Report - due May 10

May Report - due Jun. 10

June Report- due Jul. 10

Heifers: Original registration papers and certificate – due Jul. 15

Steers: Purchase certificate and EID number (sent via email) – due Jul. 15

Breed Essay – due Jul. 15

July report - due Aug. 10

August report - due Sept. 10

September report - due Oct. 10

Heifers: Registration paper uploaded to verification site by AST/CEA by Nov. 1

October report - due Nov. 10

All 2016 HLSR Show entries submitted by AST/CEA by Dec. 1

November report - due Dec. 10

December report -due Jan. 10

Year-End Essay – due Feb. 1

January report - due Feb. 10 (LAST ONE!)

Scrapbook – postmarked February 5 or hand-delivered by Feb. 5

2016 Scramble Heifer or Steer Show – Mar. 2016

Stall Display – set-up upon return

Donor Reception/Awards Presentation – upon return to 2016 Show