Bus Roadeo Toolkit

Ensuring the Fairness and Integrity of the Event

A roadeo is a competition as well as a networking and training opportunity; therefore, the fairness and integrity of the event is paramount to the success of the event. For a lot of people, perception is reality, so if there is a perception of unfairness or favoritism, that can become their reality. There are several things that can be done to address this concern, including a clear “rules of conduct” outlining what is acceptable behavior and event dress for participants. 



No one should be permitted on the course prior to it being their turn to compete. This is the purpose of the driver walk-through. The walk-through is the one opportunity for participants to ask questions and learn the layout of the course. The person conducting the walk-through should address questions posed by the participants during the walk-through, but once the walk-through ends, it should be made clear that no further questions may be asked. All drivers must receive the same information and be able to hear the answer to all questions.

Roadeo events are often a time for celebration for participating agencies and drivers, and managers and supervisors may want to capture photos and video of the event and their drivers competing. The rules of conduct should clearly state whether and where spectators are allowed to watch or take pictures or videos. This helps prevent any perception that a participant is being assisted through signaling or walking alongside the vehicle. It is also helpful to post signs and include on pre-event materials that no “coaching” is allowed during the event. 

On rare occasions, it may be necessary to address an occurrence that was not the fault of the driver or the driver's actions. Equipment failures and unforeseen issues can arise during the event that will require a determination on scoring and how to move forward. As an example, if only one vehicle was available for setting the course, but when the event begins, the mud flaps on the second vehicle are found to be a bit wider than those of the vehicle used to set the course. Every participant in the second vehicle is hitting the mini-cones (or tennis balls) on the right tire obstacle with the mud flap, but no participants in the first vehicle are experiencing this issue. 

The Course Marshal is generally the person assigned to determine the outcome when there is an issue beyond the driver's control. A Roadeo Committee can aid the Course Marshal in making more complex determinations on any challenges or incidents that may occur.  In the example provided above, all contestants should receive the score for the right tire clearance to ensure fairness for that obstacle, since an issue was identified that was beyond the driver's control. This is the fairest way to resolve this issue, and all participants should be advised of what occurred and the outcome to eliminate further challenges or misperceptions. A clear protocol should be established for participants and committee members to address such concerns, and it should be made available to participants so they understand the proper avenue to address any concerns they may have.

Rules of Conduct

The CTAA’s Roadeo Committee’s adopted rules of conduct can serve as a best-practice model. The rules of conduct are presented as follows:

1. Uniforms are optional, but professional dress is required. Contestants must wear name badges at all times.
2. Following the initial walk through of the course, drivers will not be allowed on the driving course for any reason (except for their actual competition).
3. Drivers must remain outside of the pre-trip inspection and passenger assistance areas until they are called to participate in these events. Spectators must always remain outside of the stationary element areas.
4. Picture-taking is not allowed within the stationary element areas.
5. Once completed with the competition, drivers are not to discuss the competition with drivers who are still waiting to complete.
6. Each driver will be assigned to a squad. Drivers must follow the instructions of their squad captain.
7. Drivers are not to engage in unnecessary talking with judges.
8. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted at the Roadeo site by any attendee, including spectators.
9. Unsportsmanlike conduct of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes profanity, aggressive behavior toward another contestant or official and unsafe driving maneuvers.
10. Violations of the rules of conduct are to be reported to the Course Marshal as soon as possible.
11. The Course Marshal shall have the sole authority to determine if a violation has occurred and the corrective action to follow. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the corrective action may include either deduction of points from a contestant’s score or suspension from the competition.
12.  Always watch out for vehicles! Avoid endangering yourself and others.
    

Updated August 10, 2026