Competition

See below for details on the hands-on trainings to be offered in Huntsville, as well as information on this year's apprentice and journeyman events.

Hands-On Training Courses

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: Zach Britton, and Matthew Hubbard, Journeyman Lineman, Huntsville Utilities, Alabama

Proper Care and Use of Hot Sticks

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

This hands-on class will focus on the essential practices for maintaining and safely using hot sticks. We’ll start with the fundamentals — how to properly clean, inspect, and store your hot sticks to ensure reliability and longevity.

Next, we’ll demonstrate how to install a single hot tie on an overhead conductor using two different hot stick attachments, giving you practical experience with multiple techniques.

Finally, we’ll cover the correct use of a telescoping switch stick, including best practices for operation and safety.

By the end of this session, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to handle hot sticks effectively and maintain them for optimal performance.

Instructors: Keno Grigsby, Journeyman Lineman, and Michael Munn, Manager, Transmission & Distribution Line Construction and Maintenance, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, California

Apprentice Events

The 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo Apprentice event photos will be available by January 31.

Arrestor Replacement Single Phase Two Wire

Description: The Apprentice will be replacing two (2) lightning arresters that are mounted on an 8’ wooden crossarm, 30” below the top crossarm at the top of a 40’ wood pole. There will be a neutral conductor 7’ down from the top arm with a stick bag pre-hung and an 8-foot shotgun stick in the bag, located on an eye nut on the back of the neutral clevis bolt. The Apprentice SHALL wear primary rubber gloves ground to ground.

Mean Time: 10 minutes Drop Dead Time: 14 minutes

Hurtman Rescue

Description: This event will be simulating the rescue of an injured worker. Construction will consist of an 8’ wooden crossarm mounted on a 40’ wood pole. Time starts at the judge’s signal with apprentice standing at least an arm’s length from pole in any direction. Note: The lineman’s belt, hooks and rubber gloves in bag will be lying on the ground at arm’s length from the pole. (You may tool up bare handed) Rubber gloves required before touching pole!

Mean Time: 4 minutes Drop Dead Time: 6 minutes

Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/Un-Tie

Description: The apprentice will have a 5-minute set-up time to prepare for the event and ask any questions. This event is considered a Re-conduct of #2 primary, and leather gloves can be used. Framing on this event will be Two-phase. On both sides of a 10 ft fiberglass arm, the apprentice will need to remove the #2 ACSR wire from the roller and tie it onto the top of the insulator with #6 aluminum tie. After tying in the conductor, the apprentice will remove the roller and move it to the opposite side of the arm. Once done, untie the #2 conductor and lay it in the roller. The apprentice will need to use a handline to pull materials up and down.

NOTE: The Apprentice can prepare the #4 aluminum tie wire during the 5-minute setup.

Mean Time: 6 minutes Drop Dead Time: 8 minutes

Load Transfer

Description: This event will consist of moving the transformer cutout jumper from one outside phase to the other outside phase. The load must be removed from the transformer by opening the cutout with an extending stick from the ground retracted completely and placed on tarp before ascending the pole. All extending stick operations will be completed before climbing gear (gaffs and belt) is put on. Once the fuse is open, the competitor must ascend the pole and attach handline to pole at working height by means of a sling. The competitor must pull up at least one (1) line hose to cover the neutral at work zone. Transfer the high-side jumper from one outside phase to opposite outside phase with a shotgun stick hung below the neutral. After the work is done the competitor must remove the hose and lower it to the ground with the handline. The competitor must then remove handline, descend the pole and remove all climbing gear (gaffs and belt) then re-energize the transformer with the extending stick. Time will stop when stick is completely retracted and placed on tarp. Line is to be considered energized at 15kV and APPA approach distances must be maintained. Competitors must provide their own handline, line hose and long (extend-o) stick.

Mean Time: 6 minutes Drop Dead Time: 10 minutes

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.1 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

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, see the Competitor FAQ section below. To submit an event-specific question, please complete the 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo FAQ form.
For general rodeo questions, contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org.

Journeyman Events

The 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo Journeyman team event and photos will be available by January 31.

URD New Install 12KV

Description: This event will consist of a single-phase riser made up complete with the hot line clamp not attached to the primary. The cutout door will be placed by the pole on the ground fused. This is feeding a new transformer that is partially made up except the elbow and the secondary connections. The elbow will need to be terminated and plugged on the primary bushing and the secondary conductors will need to be stripped and connected to the secondary bars. The meter that this transformer is feeding is a simulation and is considered pulled already. The climber will need an 8-foot stick to attach the hotline clamp onto the stirrup (already attached to the primary conductor) and close the cutout. The climber must be below the neutral before closing the cutout. Neutral shall be covered properly. MAD distance will need to be maintained to hang the door by hand. Voltage will be checked at the transformer after the cutout is closed. The climber can work on the ground fully tooled up as long as gaff guards are on.

Mean Time: 10 minutes Drop Dead Time: 15 minutes

Storm Restoration

Description: This event simulates the repair of a downed single-phase primary line. Fuse will be open at source pole (simulating blown) and conductor will be broken on load side of single phase double dead end. The conductor will be broken midspan with both ends lying on ground between double dead end and dead-end pole. A new section of conductor must be attached using an automatic sleeve. The conductor must be pulled up, sagged, and dead-ended using an automatic sleeve. Each team will be provided a hand coil of #2 ACSR and 2 sleeves. Each hand coil will have more wire than needed to complete the repair. Primary Conductor will be required to test and ground using Class 2 rubber gloves. No contact will be made with the down conductor until grounds are applied. Grounding rules must be followed per APPA Safety Manual section 514.1. Handline must be tagged by groundman while climbing poles, and headache must be called when rail roading handline. The fuse must be changed and closed back in - this is when your time stops. All general rodeo rules will apply to this event.

Mean Time: 10 minutes Drop Dead Time: 12 minutes

OCR Replacement

Description: This event consists of replacing a pole mounted oil circuit recloser (OCR) on a single-phase distribution line. Electric continuity must be maintained at all times. A single-phase OCR with an approximate weight of 205 lbs. will be used. Orientation of the OCR with source/load direction is indicated on the event diagram. The hood covering the open-close/auto-manual switches is on the right, or source side of the device (see diagram).

Mean Time: 15 minutes Drop Dead Time: 23 minutes

Pin and Insulator Change Out 12KV

Description: This is a 12kV simulated energized event. Teams will replace the polymer insulator and metal pole top pin and re secure the #2 ACSR with a single #4 aluminum “Hot” tie. Hot sticks must be used to perform this event. Wire tongs and saddles or lay out arms shall be used. Teams must provide their own live line tools.

Mean Time: 8 minutes Drop Dead Time: 10 minutes

Hurtman Rescue

Description: This event will simulate the rescue of an injured worker. Construction will consist of an 8’ wooden crossarm mounted on a 40’ wood pole. The climber will be required to perform a full transfer over the neutral line when ascending and descending the pole. The climber’s belt, hooks, and rubber gloves in glove bag will be lying on the ground at arm’s length from the pole. Climber may tool up bare handed, but rubber gloves are required before touching pole!
Note: Both journeymen will compete in this event. Scores and times will be averaged and entered as one score.

Mean Time: 4 minutes Drop Dead Time: 6 minutes

Competition Eligibility Requirements

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

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

Questions

For answers to event-specific questions, see the Competitor FAQ section below. To submit an event-specific question, please complete the 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo FAQ form.
For general rodeo questions, contact Rodeo@PublicPower.org.

Eligibility and Policies

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.

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.

Utility Class Categorization: Utilities are placed in the three size categories according to the most recent (2024) EIA data.

Note: If a team includes competitors employed by multiple utilities, that team will compete in the size category based on the largest utility on that team.

Rodeo Policies

General Competitor FAQ

To submit an event-specific question, please complete the 2026 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo FAQ form.

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.
What size conductors will be used for Apprentice and Journeyman events? All event conductors will be sized 2# ACSR.
What type of pole will be used? TBD
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 1	Apprentice 2	Apprentice 3
Hurtman Rescue - 3rd place = 3 points	Hurtman Rescue - 10th place = 10 points	Hurtman Rescue - 1st place = 1 point
Written Test - 21st place = 21 points	Written Test - 2nd place = 2 points	Written Test - 18th place = 18 points
Single Phase Two Wire Arrestor Replacement - 4th place = 4 points	Single Phase Two Wire Arrestor Replacement - 7th place = 7 points	Single Phase Two Wire Arrestor Replacement - 6 points = 6th place
Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/Untie - 2nd place = 2 points	Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/Untie - 6th place = 6 points	Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/Untie - 10th place = 10 points
Load Transfer - 5th place = 5 points	Load Transfer - 4th place = 4 points	Load Transfer - 3rd place = 3 points
Overall Total Points = 35 points	Overall Total Points = 29 points	Overall Total Points = 38 points

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.

What is the approximate spacing between poles at the event? The spacing between the poles will vary depending on the layout of the yard.
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.

Apprentice Event FAQ

Arrestor Replacement Single Phase Two Wire

Will there be new stingers for this event? Yes.
What size wire will be used for the high side of the arrestor and the ground side? A # 6-sol copper will be used on both the high side and low side of the arrestor.
Does the apprentice need to replace the L bracket that goes around the crossarm or is it just the arrestor? The Apprentice will need to replace the arrestors only, Not the L brackets.
Will there be any type of washer on the 3/4" nut for the arrestor? There will be NO washer on the arrestor.
Are apprentices allowed to hang bag with hook on braces? Yes, they will be able to hang the bag from the braces.
On the Arrestor replacement event, can we reuse the stinger from an old arrestor? New stingers and hot line clamps will be provided and must be used on the new arrestors. They can be prepped during the five-minute setup time.
Will there be new hot line clamps available? Yes, there will be new hotline clamps available, and the apprentice can assemble during the five-minute setup time.
Can the apprentice grab the hot taps with rubber gloves to put them in the shotgun in order to go on high sides? Yes, as long as they are NOT within the MAD.
Can the apprentice send the handline to the ground before descending to the neutral and re-energizing? No, the handline must be taken and placed at each stopping point on the pole. It can be sent down after the arrestors are re-energized.

Single Phase Two Wire Tie-In/Un-Tie

What tie spec will be used for the phase tie-in/un-tie? On the insulator tie-in, it is a 1,3,2 tie. Please refer to page 460 in the 14th edition of the lineman and cableman handbook or reference this tie illustration.
Will the tie wire be #4 or #6 aluminum? This event will use a #4 tie wire.
What will be used to dead end the wire? The event summary says an automatic sleeve and the event specifications says a new bell and shoe will be installed. Automatic sleeve will be utilized for sleeving conductor and new deadend shoe and bell shall be used to dead end conductor to pole
Are the fiberglass arms on each event ten-foot or eight-foot arms? This event uses ten-foot arms.

Load Transfer

Will the fiberglass arm be an 8 ft or 10ft? For the Load Transfer event, a 10’ fiber glass arm will be used.
Why do I have to cover the neutral if I'm not crossing over it? The neutral will be covered in case of incidental contact.
Will the shotgun stick be a six-foot or eight-foot stick? This event will use an eight-foot stick.

Written Test

Will the test cover the entire APPA Safety Manual, or will there be specific sections? The questions will be based on the following sections of the 17th edition of the APPA Safety Manual:
- Definitions
- Section 115.5 Job Briefings
- Section 115.7-115.10: Rescue
- Section 503.1 – 503.7: Vehicle Operations
- Section 503.12: Aerial Devices
- Section 506: Tools and Equipment
- Section 507: Overhead Distribution and Transmission
- Section 509: Underground Lines and Equipment

Journeyman Event FAQ

URD New Install 12KV

What is the Brand and Catalog Number of the 25 KV cable, and is it a solid or stranded conductor? It is a stranded conductor (photo #1, photo #2):
Okonite: Kerite
302835
1/0 25KV 1PH (260 MIL) EPR insulated-cable
Will the primary conduit be on stand offs and if so, how many? What size conduit? The conduit will be three inch and will have four straps on the pole. One strap will be at ground level and the other three will be space out equally.
How far will the padmount transformer be placed away from the pole? It will be eight feet from the pole to the center of the padmount.
What side of the pole is the underground transformer on? If you are looking at the cutout, it is eight feet back and eight feet to the right of the pole. It is going to be on the opposite side of the neutral. Reference the site photo for a visual.
Is a knife acceptable to skin wire, or will we be required to use a four-way skinner tool for the secondary? You can use whatever you would like to skin the wire as long as you don’t damage the conductor.
Will the event start with the xfmr lid open or closed, and, if closed, will it be pentled down? The door will be closed but not locked.

Storm Restoration

How much tail will be required to leave on the end of the line on the dead end pole? Enough to go through shoe.
Can you be clear on the proper way we will be required to ground? Per the APPA safety manual 514.1, when EPZ grounding can not be maintained, you must bracket ground.

OCR Replacement

Can you provide the manufacture/model of the OCR and/or get a picture of top. Is there a lifting eye on top for rigging? Refer to event photos (image 1, image 2, image 3).

Pin and Insulator Change Out 12KV

Will the two saddles and one wire tong be considered two positive points of control, or is a clamp stick required? Yes, that is considered two points of control. If this method is used a clamp stick is not required.
Can you be more specific about what sticks and what methods of moving the wire can be used? For more details, please refer to the event photos.
Can the tag line be an extendo stick with a pigtail down to the ground? An extendo stick is not considered an appropriate live-line tool for the scope of work being performed and should not be used for this application.
When using the layout arm method, do you still have to use the clamp stick and wire tong, or can you use a shotgun stick? If a competitor utilizes the layout arm method, two clamp sticks must be used to move the wire. When using this method, a wire tong will not be required. Please refer to Item #8 of the event description, which clearly states “NO SHOTGUNS” are permitted.
When using the lay out arm method, is a handline attached to an insulated clamp stick controlled by the ground man sufficient control of the phase when tying and untying? In the description it says an insulated tag line must be used when using the lay out arm method; do we need both that and a lineman on the pole controlling the wire with a stick to be able to un tie? The use of a hand line for a tag line is not considered a safe work practice and will not be permitted as a method to control the conductor. This approach does not provide the level of control and protection required to maintain proper safety standards in the work zone.

More Information