Gaff-n-Go Event Participants

A team consists of three participants in any combination of equipment operators, apprentices, and journeymen. First, second and third-place winners will receive prizes and awards at the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening.

Each team will consist of two Journeymen (anyone who has or had the classification can compete) and a Groundman. Scoring is based on correct work procedures and safety. Utility supervisors and past Rodeo contestants are the judges and will follow very strict criteria. Each team participates in multiple mandatory events. The name of events and event construction information can be found here.

A Groundman is a non-climbing participant of the team. He will be allowed to climb if one of the climbing lineworkers should have to drop out for any reason. The Groundman must be a Journeyman to replace a climbing member of the team. If the Groundman were to replace a Journeyman, an alternate, as Groundman, must replace him to keep the team as a whole unit.

All team members must be sponsored and employed by a cooperative/muni/investor-owned utility/contractor/military and covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

The top three teams will receive paid entry to the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition held in Kansas City, KS from October 15 – 17, 2026. Outstanding individuals and teams will receive awards at the conclusion of the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo.

2026 Senior Division. All 3 team members must be age 45 or older as of May 12, 2026. If at least 4 Senior Division Teams are entered, the highest-scoring Senior Division Team will receive paid entry to the International Lineman’s Rodeo Competition held in Kansas City, Kansas from October 14-17, 2026. A Senior Team will be a team whose members are all 45 years of age or older. An award will be given to the highest scoring Senior Team for each event, provided at least 4 teams compete.

Apprentices also compete in the Lineworker’s Rodeo. They compete as individuals in multiple events.

The written test will be at 4:30 P.M. on Friday and the questions will be taken from the 14th edition of The Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook.

The names and descriptions of the other events can be found here.

• No cell phones or electronic devices will be allowed in the testing area.  Using a cell phone or electronic device during testing will result in disqualification.

A person is considered an Apprentice up to four years after they enter an Apprenticeship.  That definition will be used as the criteria for eligibility in entering the Lineworker’s Rodeo.

If a person has been an Apprentice over four years they will not be allowed to enter the Apprentice events.  If a person who is classified as a Journeyman with one company was to obtain employment with another company in an Apprentice classification, that person will not be permitted to enter the Apprentice event.

The highest scoring three Apprentices will receive paid entry to the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition and also will receive awards at the conclusion of the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo.

If you are or ever were a qualified practicing, working lineworker, you are eligible to be a judge. When you volunteer to be a judge, it is important to attend the Judges’ Meeting at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, May 15. In this meeting, each event is reviewed and final instructions are given so that our judging can be fair and consistent.

The journeyman teams and apprentices participating in the rodeo have spent many hours preparing to compete and deserve dedicated judges interested in fair and consistent judging. Please review the list of items below to see what is expected and needed to participate as a judge.

• Prior experience in the Electrical Lineworker Trade

• Attend the Judges’ Meeting on Friday

• Wear Hard Hats

• Wear Long Pants

• Wear Hard Sole Shoes

• Inclement Weather Gear is not required; however, it is a good idea to be prepared because the rodeo will be held – rain or shine.

Judges will receive a complimentary lunch on Friday and Saturday, and a ticket for the awards banquet on Saturday evening, where they will receive recognition for their contributions.

We need and welcome judges from all participating utilities and companies. Thank you for your support!!

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Where do the lineworkers/equipment operators have to be employed?
All linemen/equipment operators must be sponsored and employed by a cooperative/muni/investor-owned utility/contractor/military and covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Will any events use aerial buckets?
Yes.

Will we have to sign a liability release?
Yes.

General Event Q&A

In order to ensure your name is included in the Rodeo Program, please have your entry form and fees returned by April 3, 2026. If you miss the April 3rd cut-off, you may still be able to compete. We will accept check, VISA, or MasterCard, or American Express for entry fees.

CONTESTANTS AND JUDGES registration check-in is on Friday, May 15, from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR’S RODEO registration check-in will be held at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia, on Friday, May 15,  from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.