As the National Finals Rodeo unfolds in Las Vegas, Nebraska is proudly represented by Paul Cleveland, a native of Keystone and a seasoned ProRodeo official, in his fourth stint at the prestigious event.
Cleveland is a vital part of a dedicated team of 12 officials who oversee a comprehensive range of tasks, from judging rides to ensuring the well-being of the livestock. The hectic days leading up to the first performance are filled with detailed preparations. “Our schedule is kind of hectic,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of pre-rodeo checks, verifying ownership, and focusing on animal welfare to guarantee the health and readiness of the animals.
The path to becoming a professional rodeo official is paved with decades of experience. With an average age of around 60 within the team, Cleveland highlights that each member contributes a lifetime of rodeo expertise. However, he aptly noted that the arena maintains its unpredictability. “You go really prepared and all of a sudden something happens and you go, ‘Wow, I haven’t seen that in 30-some years,’” he remarked.
Preparation for the 10-day championship event begins long before the gates of the chutes open. After spending about a month at home, officials like Cleveland stay sharp by reviewing rides on the Cowboy Channel and taking time for mental resets. “The main thing is focus. There’s a lot going on here, so we do what we can to stay in the moment,” he noted.
The team’s responsibilities extend beyond officiating the nightly rounds; they also manage open arenas, prepare livestock, and ensure the appropriate pens of calves and steers are assigned for each timed event. “There’s a lot that goes into preparing our livestock,” said Cleveland. “Calves get tied every day, steers get ran through, and we check numbers each night.”
For fans watching from home, many of the officials’ decisions occur at an intricate level that is often unseen. Cleveland explained, “We have to split these rides down and look for the smallest intricacies to get the money in the right place. Our goal is to make sure the winners are the winners.”
Despite the demanding hours and high-pressure environment, Cleveland expresses that the privilege of being part of the “Super Bowl of rodeo” never diminishes. “You’ve worked really hard, and there’s a lot of preparation, dedication, and sacrifice that goes into this. When it’s your turn to step up and be included in this group, it’s truly an honor.”
The dedication of officials like Cleveland enhances the integrity and excitement of the National Finals Rodeo, making it a celebration of skill and passion for the sport.