RSNC 9-point rating and handicapping system work
The Cinch RSNC levels the playing field by combining a 9-point rider classification scale with a time-based handicapping system for teams.
The 9-Point Rating Scale
Every rider is assigned a numerical rating from 1 to 9 based on their skill level, earnings, and win/loss ratio.
#1 (Beginner): Novice riders on novice horses who are completely new to the sport.
#2 (Rookie): Riders who have moved past the beginner stage but are still developing their cattle-reading abilities.
#3 (Novice): Inconsistent sorters who have advanced past Rookie status.
#4, #5, #6 (Amateur): Experienced riders who range from just below average (#4) to above average (#6). They read cattle well and ride athletic cow horses.
#7, #8, #9 (Open/Professional): Elite sorters, professional horsemen, and trainers who consistently excel and win at the highest levels.
Advancement is self-regulating; riders automatically move up as their earnings and win-loss ratios hit specific thresholds.
Team Class Limits
Ranch sorting is a two-person team event. In a handicapped class (labeled "HC"), the combined rating of both riders cannot exceed the class limit. For example, in a #8 HC class, a #1 Beginner can partner with a #7 Open rider, or two #4 Amateurs can ride together. This system heavily encourages experienced riders to mentor and team up with novices.
The Handicap Time Advantage
To ensure fair competition, lower-rated teams receive extra time on the clock. The standard run time is 60 seconds. A team's handicap is the difference between the class limit and their combined rating.
If a #1 and a #2 ride together in a #8 HC class:
Their combined rating is 3.
The class limit is 8.
Their handicap is 5 (8 minus 3).
This team receives 65 seconds to sort cattle instead of the standard 60. At the end of the run, the 5-second handicap is subtracted from the time they sorted their last cow. This gives them a distinct competitive edge against higher-rated teams who had to sort their cattle without the time bonus.