Lineworkers Rodeo

Registration, judges and auditors meeting and the apprentice written test and the rodeo competition will take place at the John Hunt Park, 2180 Airport Road, SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.

The rodeo banquet will be held at the Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. 

Friday, March 27, 2026

Saturday, March 28, 2026

The rodeo competition takes place at the John Hunt Park, 2180 Airport Road, SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Competitor Events

Apprentice Events (apprentices compete individually)

1. Single Phase Twi Wire Arrestor Replacement
2. Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/Untie
3. Load Transfer
4. Hurtman Rescue
5. Written Test

* The test will be based on the 17th edition of the APPA Safety Manual, which can be purchased through the APPA Product Store.

Journeyman Team Events (Teams include two lineworkers and one groundsman)

1. Storm Restoration
2. URD New Install 12KV
3. OCR Replacement
4. Pin and Insulator Change Out 12 KV
5. Hurtman Rescue

Banquet

The 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo Awards Banquet will be held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, March 28 at 5:30 pm.

Banquet Tickets

All competitors (apprentices, team members, and alternates), judges, and auditors receive one banquet ticket as part of their event registration. Sponsors receive a set number of banquet tickets, depending on sponsor level. Banquet tickets include a meal, a seat for the awards ceremony, and entertainment.

Rodeo attendees can purchase additional banquet tickets for colleagues, family, and friends. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase; as such, APPA recommends purchasing tickets in advance. As available, additional banquet tickets can be purchased at the sales area at the rodeo grounds on March 27 and 28. 

Banquet Tables

Rodeo participants can reserve a table at the Rodeo Awards Banquet. Each reserved table has eight chairs and is labeled with the utility's name. A table reservation does NOT include banquet tickets for admission. It is recommended that organizations place table orders as early as possible, as quantities are limited and we cannot guarantee availability. 

Contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org for additional information.

Important Dates

Early Registration Deadline: February 6, 2026 
Final Registration Deadline: March 6, 2026
FAQ Submission Deadline: March 6, 2026 

Registration Fees

Registration Help

Check out our Registration FAQs for answers to the most common questions and help with all your registration-related issues. 

Competitor Registration

Competitor registration (apprentices, teams, and/or alternates) includes registration for each competitor, event t-shirt, and a banquet ticket. Banquet ticket includes admission to awards ceremony and dinner. 

The competition is open only to public power utilities, joint action agencies, and state/regional associations.

An individual can only register in one of these categories: Team, Alternate, Apprentice, or Judge/Auditor. For example, a Judge cannot also serve as an alternate; or an apprentice who is competing in the Apprentice competition cannot also serve as the part of a Team. 

Team: A team consists of two journeyman lineworker and one ground support person. This three-person team is permitted to rotate roles between events. An apprentice can serve as the ground support person on the team. To the extent possible, utilities should strive to register at least one judge or auditor per team registered.

Alternates: If a team member can no longer continue to participate, that individual is out of the competition for the remainder of the event. The team can then substitute a registered alternate for the missing team member. The groundman can be an alternate if he/she is a journeyman lineworker. The activation of an alternate within the team must be approved by the Journeyman Master Judge. 

Apprentice: A person is considered an apprentice for four years after he/she enters an apprentice program. To the extent possible, utilities should strive to register at least one judge or auditor per three competitors registered.

Judges and Auditors

Utilities should strive to register at least 1 judge or auditor for each team or per 3 competitors registered. All judges and auditors must be employed by an APPA member municipal utility, joint action agency, or state/regional association. Judges and auditors may not register as competitors in any category (team members, alternates or apprentices). Judges and auditors will receive a t-shirt and a banquet ticket with their registration.

Judges are responsible for observing, evaluating, and assigning a score to competitors based on the safe, accurate, and timely performance of the technical aspects of linework as detailed in the event rules, as well as their conduct upon entering, during, and prior to exiting the event.

• Requirements: Judges for the journeyman and apprentice events must have experience with linework and/or judging similar events in the past.
• Commitment: Judges must attend a meeting at the John Hunt Park, 2180 Airport Road, SW, Huntsville, AL 35801 on Friday, March 27 from 2 – 4 pm, proctor the apprentice written test on Friday, March 27 from 4 – 5 pm and judge events during the rodeo on Saturday, March 28. Judges will be required to be on the rodeo grounds from 7 am to approximately 3 pm on Saturday.

Auditors are responsible for checking each team and/or apprentice into a specific competition event during the rodeo upon their arrival, in addition to orienting them to any event-specific instructions as directed by the chief judge. Auditors ensure all paperwork related to the event is accurate, accounted for, and distributed to the appropriate parties. Scripts and guidelines are provided for Auditors.

• Requirements: Auditors must have strong organizational skills and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Commitment: Auditors must attend an in-person Auditors meeting (1- 2 pm, Friday, March 27) and a Judges & Auditors Meeting (2 – 4 pm, Friday, March 27) at the rodeo grounds and are needed at the grounds on Saturday (March 28) from 7 am to approximately 3 pm.

Hands-On Training Classes

Hands-on training classes are open to journeymen and apprentice lineworkers. These interactive courses will be held on Friday, March 27 at the rodeo grounds. Find more information about the 2026 classes in the Hands-On Training Courses tab.  

Banquet Purchases

Banquet Tickets: All competitors, judges, and auditors receive a banquet ticket as a part of their event registration. Sponsors receive a set number of banquet tickets, depending on sponsor level. Rodeo attendees may choose to purchase additional banquet tickets for colleagues, family, and friends. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase; as such, APPA recommends purchasing tickets in advance. (Discounted tickets are available for children age 12 and under. Children 2 and under do not need to purchase a ticket). The deadline to purchase banquet tickets in advance is March 6. Banquet tickets will be available for sale on site at the Rodeo grounds while supplies last. 

Banquet Tables: Rodeo participants can reserve a table at the awards banquet on Saturday night. All reserved tables will be assigned and labeled with the utility’s name and include up to eight chairs. A table reservation does NOT include banquet tickets for admission. Table orders are limited and should be placed as early as possible. 

Tent & Trailer Survey

Once you register, please complete the Tent & Trailer survey to let us know if you will be bringing a tent and/or trailer for your competitors. This will help organizers map out the Rodeo Grounds. Please complete this survey whether you are bringing your own tent/trailer or if you are renting a tent.

Code of Conduct and Release

All participants will be required to sign the Code of Conduct and Release Form when they check in on site at the rodeo. Participants should review this form in advance. 

Cancellation Policy

Registrants who cancel in writing on or before March 20, 2026, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after March 20 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for the 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel on or before March 20 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund. 

Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to: Rodeo@PublicPower.org.

Contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org for additional information.

Registration, judges and auditors meeting and the apprentice written test and the rodeo competition will take place at the John Hunt Park, 2180 Airport Road, SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.

The rodeo banquet will be held at the Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. The hotels below are walking distance from the rodeo banquet. 

Hotel Information

Hotel details will be available in November 2025.

Reservations & Cancellations

Room blocks may sell out before the reservation cutoff dates, so early reservations are encouraged. Make your reservations directly with the hotel using the links or telephone numbers above.

Cancelled reservations that are not resold may become a financial liability for APPA, so please make your reservations thoughtfully.

Questions & Assistance

For questions or assistance making your hotel arrangements, contact Meetings@PublicPower.org. 

Contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org for additional information.

Hands-on training will be held at the Rodeo grounds. These hands-on, interactive training classes are open to lineworkers of all experience levels (journeyman and apprentice lineworkers; individuals participating in the Rodeo as judges or in other roles are also welcome to participate). Registration fee is per person, per class.

Live Electrical Safety Demonstration Overview

Friday, March 27, 8 - 9:30 a.m.  

This live demonstration trailer is energized using 120/240-volt secondary power, which is then stepped up through a transformer to 7,200 volts — the same voltage carried on real primary distribution lines. All demonstrations are performed at live primary voltage to provide a realistic and impactful learning experience.

During the demonstration, we show:

• Rubber Protective Equipment: How even a small hole in a rubber glove or boot can allow electrical current to pass through, emphasizing the importance of daily inspection and proper use of PPE.
• Fire Hose Conductivity: How fire hoses can conduct electricity, creating a serious hazard for firefighters and first responders.
• Kite String and Current Flow: How electrical current can travel down conductive materials like a kite string, demonstrated by bridging a 100-amp switch.
• Mylar Balloon Hazards: The dangers Mylar balloons pose when they contact power lines and the potential for outages or flashovers.
• Vehicle Accident Simulation: What happens when a vehicle becomes energized after contacting power lines. This includes a discussion and demonstration of step potential and touch potential to show why it’s safest to stay in the vehicle until help arrives, if safe to do so.
• Trees in Power Lines: How trees can become energized when in contact with power lines, and why maintaining safe clearance is so important. We show that current can flow through wood without having obvious signs.
• Generator backfeed: We demonstrate a generator backfeeding through a transformer, showing how the primary side becomes energized from the secondary. During this, we show that the generator breaker does not trip when a fault occurs between the primary and neutral, explaining the dangers of improper generator connections and backfeed hazards to lineworkers.

Our goal is to educate, promote, and reinforce electrical safety for utility workers, first responders, students, and the public — helping everyone understand the real dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around power lines.

Instructors: TBD

Hands-On Training #2 (TBD)

Friday, March 27, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

The 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo Apprentice Event descriptions, specs, and photos will be available by December 1. 

Single Phase Two Wire Arrestor Replacement 
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/ Un-Tie  
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Load Transfer
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Hurtman Rescue
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Written Test
Description: The written test is a timed 20-minute test given annually to encourage safety at all times when working in the field and during competitions, such as the Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo. This written test event takes place on Friday afternoon before the Saturday field events. Competitors should bring their scorebook with them to the test.
The test will be based on the 17th edition of the APPA Safety Manual which is available for purchase through the APPA Product Store. Safety Manuals are not automatically included in your Apprentice registration and must be purchased separately. 

Drop Dead Time: 20 minutes

• Event Overview (TBD)

Competition Eligibility Requirements

APPA Member Utility: All participants must be employed by an APPA member municipal utility, joint action agency, or state/regional association.

Team: A team consists of two journeyman linemen and one ground support person. This three-person team is permitted to rotate roles between events. An apprentice can serve as the ground support person on the team.

Alternates: If a team member can no longer continue to participate, that individual is out of the competition for the remainder of the event. The team can then substitute a registered alternate for the missing team member. The groundman can be an alternate if he/she is a journeyman lineworker. The activation of an alternate within the team must be approved by the Journeyman Master Judge.

Apprentice: A person is considered an apprentice for four years after he/she enters an apprentice program.

Questions

For answers to event-specific questions, visit the Competitor FAQ page. For general rodeo questions, contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org.

The 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo Journeyman team event descriptions, specs, and photos will be available by December 1.

Storm Restoration
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

URD New Install 12KV  
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

OCR Replacement
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Pin and Insulator Change Out 12KV
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Hurtman Rescue
Description: TBD
Mean Time: TBD  Drop Dead Time: TBD

• Event Overview (TBD)
• Event Specs and Pictures (TBD)

Competition Eligibility Requirements

APPA Member Utility: All participants must be employed by an APPA member municipal utility, joint action agency, or state/regional association.

Team: A team consists of two journeyman linemen and one ground support person. This three-person team is permitted to rotate roles between events. An apprentice can serve as the ground support person on the team.

Alternates: If a team member can no longer continue to participate, that individual is out of the competition for the remainder of the event. The team can then substitute a registered alternate for the missing team member. The groundman can be an alternate if he/she is a journeyman lineworker. The activation of an alternate within the team must be approved by the Journeyman Master Judge.

Apprentice: A person is considered an apprentice for four years after he/she enters an apprentice program.

Questions

For answers to event-specific questions, visit the Competitor FAQs tab.
For general rodeo questions, contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org.

To ask a question about the rodeo events, please contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org. 

• What class of rubber gloves is required? Class 2 rubber gloves.
• What are the rules on long cuff leather gloves for ground hands during rodeo events? The rule has been relaxed by removing the verbiage that required a specific length of gauntlet on the work gloves. The general rules states that work gloves must be worn while working on the ground and/or any event where rubber gloves are not required. See “General Rules” #3, #18 and “2 Point Deductions” #21, #22.
• Does the Rodeo provide any tools or equipment? The competitor must supply all equipment and tools.
• Can the handline be hung on the arm? Yes, the handline can be hung on the arm.
• Can the nose bag be hung on the belt? No, the nose bag cannot be hung on the belt.
• Can your own nose bag be used for every event? Yes, a lineworker's own nose bags can be used for every event.
• Do the linemen need to have a Journeyman card? You do not need to have a Journeyman card to compete as a journeyman. You must be working in a journeyman role or higher.
• Are plastics okay? If you are talking about the primary cover, then yes, as long as it is rated for the voltage.
• Is plastic extension hand legal? If so, what length? Yes, as long as it is a rated hot stick, you can maintain your MAD, and the tool is not modified.
• What is the minimum approach distance per voltage? Listed in the 17th edition APPA Safety Manual
• What tools do you supply for the event? None, unless stated in the description.
• Do we need to bring all the tools for the events? Yes, unless otherwise stated in the description.
• Can the public come and observe? Yes, the public can come and observe at no charge.
• How are apprentice events scored? To determine Overall Apprentice results, apprentices will be awarded points equivalent to their placement in each event. The lowest total points across all events will determine the overall winner. For example:

Apprentice 2 would win 1st Place Overall based on the lowest overall total points. Apprentice 1 would receive 2nd Place Overall and Apprentice 3 would receive 3rd Place Overall. If total points result in a tie, overall time will be the tiebreaker. This will be applied to overall results ONLY. Individual event results will continue to be based on actual score and time.

• Does each apprentice need to control their own handlines for sending materials up and down or are they allowed to have a groundman control it? Apprentices need to control their own handline.
• What brand and model is the mannequin that is used in the Rodeo? The mannequin used for the competition is manufactured by Buckingham and the model is the Toughbuck Rescue Dummy 6934-154.
• How much does the mannequin weigh that is used in the Hurtman Rescue? Approximately 150-160 lbs.
• Do all apprentice events, besides the Hurtman Rescue, start with belt and hooks on and arm length from the pole? Yes.
• While working can I hang a material bag from my climbing belt? No.
• Are competitors allowed to wear GoPros on their hard hats? Yes, however, it will be treated the same as any article of equipment or tool. If it falls off and comes to the ground, it will be a 2-point deduction as defined in #6 of the general rules.
• Can competitors use an extendo stick to hold a phase from the ground? No.
• Can we install cover up from the ground using an extendo stick? No.
• Can we float the neutral? No, you’ll need to transition over the neutral if the event contains it.
• Are we allowed to two part the hand line before running events? No, not before time starts unless otherwise noted in the event description.
• Can a hand line be hung over the neutral if we are under the neutral and not encroaching on minimum approach distance? Yes.
• Are apprentices allowed to hang hand lines with hooks on braces? No.

Where and when are the upcoming Public Power Lineworkers Rodeos?

• March 27-28, 2026 — Huntsville, Alabama
• April 9-10, 2027 — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• 2028 — Omaha, Nebraska
• 2029 — Raleigh, North Carolina

Competition Eligibility Requirements

Public Power: All participants must be employed by a public power utility, joint action agency, or state/regional association.

Team: A team consists of two journeyman linemen and one ground support person. This three-person team is permitted to rotate roles between events.

Alternates: If a team member can no longer continue to participate, that individual is out of the competition for the remainder of the event. The team can then substitute a registered alternate for the missing team member. The groundman can be an alternate if he/she is a journeyman lineworker. The activation of an alternate within the team must be approved by the Journeyman Master Judge.

Apprentice: A person is considered an apprentice for four years after he/she enters an apprentice program.

One Registration Per Person: An individual person may only register in one of these roles: Team, Alternate, Apprentice, or Judge/Auditor. For example, a Judge cannot also serve as an alternate; or an apprentice who is competing in the Apprentice competition cannot also serve as the part of a Team. Individuals who register to participate in any of these roles may also register for the training courses. 

Rodeo Policies

• Rodeo General Rules
• Code of Conduct and Release Form

Onsite Logistics

Competitor Equipment and Parking

Accommodations will be made at the Rodeo Event Grounds to support competitor equipment.

• Teams have the option of renting a tent or being assigned a space for trailer and their own tent by Huntsville Utilities
• Each team renting a tent will have an area to park a trailer and one vehicle by their tent location.
• Teams will be assigned a 30x30 location. If they have a trailer it will be un-hitched at the grounds and parked by rodeo grounds maintenance crew.
  • Teams with assigned location will be able to park one vehicle at their designated space.
• Notes:
  • If you have additional questions about competitor parking, or would like to request a larger space, contact TBD.
  • Access to the Rodeo Event Ground Competitor Parking Area will be available beginning 8 am on Wednesday, March 25 and will end at 5 pm on Sunday, March 29.
  • After-hours access to the Rodeo Event Grounds Competitor Parking Area can be coordinated by contacting TBD.
  • Huntsville Utilities will begin delivering equipment shipments from the warehouse to the rodeo event grounds on Wednesday, March 25.

Parking

General Parking will be available on Friday, March 27 and Saturday March 28 for the weekend activities.

2026 Trailer/Tent Parking Schedule

Twenty-four-hour security will be provided Wednesday, March 25 – Sunday, March 29 at 5 pm.

• Wednesday, March 25
  • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Competitor Trailer Dropoff
• Thursday, March 26
  • 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Competitor Trailer Dropoff
• Friday, March 27 (Hands-On Training Classes, Rodeo Registration, Pre-Rodeo Meetings, Sponsor Showcase and Family Fun Celebration)
  • 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Trailers will not be allowed to be DROPPED OFF on Friday. Please make arrangements if your company will be arriving later than Thursday.
  • 5 - 9 p.m. — Vendor Expo Open
• Saturday, March 28 (Rodeo Competition/Sponsor Showcase)
  • 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Rodeo Competition
  • 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Rodeo Competition

Additional Resources

• Tent/Trailer Survey: All utilities participating in the Rodeo should complete this survey to let us know if they will be bringing a tent and/or trailer for their competitors. This will help organizers map out the Rodeo Grounds.
• Tent vendor order form (if you need to rent a tent or other items)
• Shipping information for rodeo competitors
• Rodeo Event Grounds Map
   

• Sponsorship and expo packages for this event
• Sponsorship and expo packages for all events
• Sponsorship and expo policies
• Information for Confirmed Sponsors & Exhibitors

2025 Results

Apprentice — Overall

1. Ryan Kornegay, JEA, Jacksonville, FL
2. Robert Rivera, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Kissimmee, FL
3. Garrett Accomando, Orlando Utilities Commission, Orlando, FL
4. Donovan Leardini, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sacramento, CA
5. Dustin Zorn, Lakeland Electric, Lakeland, FL

Journeyman — Overall

1. Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sacramento, CA: Richard J. Cancilla, III, Aaron Rudi & Dwight Johnson
2. JEA, Jacksonville, FL: Cody Stokes, Caleb Macabitas & David Hicken
3. Huntsville Utilities, Huntsville, AL: Colby Lipham, Adam Thomas & Cole Border - Corey Hill (Alternate)
4. Lafayette Utilities System, Lafayette, LA: Kody Bodoin, Zan Habetz & Dale Brasseaux
5. Turlock Irrigation District, Turlock, CA: Dustin Krieger, Josh Klikna & Steve Johnson

Access full, anonymized apprentice Results

Access full, anonymized journeyman Results

Rodeo History and Results