289. All Cattle Will Be

All cattle will be bunched on the cattle side of the starting line before time begins.

1. The flagman will raise the flag to signal the arena is ready.
   1. Team will be given their assigned number (or color) to pen when the flagman drops his flag as the nose of the first mule crosses the starting line.
   2. Riders are committed once they enter the arena.
   3. Any delay will be disqualification.
2. To call for time, one rider must stand in the gate and raise one hand for the flag.
   1. The flag will drop when the nose of the first mule enters the gate and the rider calls for time.
   2. All un-designated cattle must be completely on the cattle side of the starting line.
   3. If team calls time with only one or two of their cattle penned, the remainder of their un-penned designated cattle do not need to be across the line.
   4. A team calling for time with any unassigned cattle in the pen or on the pen side of line will be judged a no time. (Also see Rule 290.D.)