Hello All,
As we prepare for the highly anticipated 2025 Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo, our committee has been hard at work reviewing competitor feedback, performance data, and fairness guidelines. In our ongoing efforts to promote competition and ensure a level playing field for all teams, especially those brave enough to travel across state lines, we will be implementing a few exciting new score modifiers and rule changes for this year’s competition.
We ask all competitors to review the following carefully:
New Fairness Modifiers for 2025
Golf Handicap Feature
To ensure that out-of-state teams and apprentices aren’t disadvantaged by unfamiliar terrain, unpredictable weather patterns, or local coffee jitters, a 10-second bonus will be randomly applied to one of three pre-selected events (to be revealed at the Rodeo). Example: A lineman team finishing the HurtMan Rescue event in 2:03 might actually receive a score of 1:53 instead! You’re welcome.
Weather-Based Time Credits
On event day, if it rains during any event, local teams will be assessed a 3 second penalty for “familiarity with dampness.” Meanwhile, out-of-state competitors from dry regions will receive a 3-second bonus for “resilience in soggy conditions.”
Utility Humor Bonus
During any event safety check, competitors may tell a utility-themed joke. Example: “Why did the lineman break up with the transformer? Too much resistance!” An event judge will score the joke. A score of 4 or higher (out of 10) will earn 2 bonus points. A perfect 10 gets a custom sticker: “I Sparked Joy!”
Golf Ball Substitution Lottery
Immediately following the Opening Ceremony, a lottery will determine which teams and apprentices (10% of each) will have their Egg Toss Relay “egg” replaced with a regulation-sized golf ball. This will eliminate the fragile egg penalty and reward true hand-eye coordination and grip strength.
Additional Competition Enhancements
Musical Trivia Bonus Events
Between events, spontaneous musical trivia pop-ups will test competitors’ knowledge of 80s power ballads, 90s country hits, and classic rock anthems. Correct answers = 2 bonus points. Incorrect answers = -2 bonus points.
Safety Bingo
As part of your registration packet, you will receive a bingo card. Throughout the day, our master of ceremonies will announce safety reminders ( for example, “Hard hats save noggins!”), and the first competitors to complete a “Bingo” will earn 15 bonus points.
Apprentice Spirit Animal Selection
Prior to the beginning of the written test, all apprentices must declare their Lineman Spirit Animal (e.g., Bald Eagle, Grizzly Bear, Honey Badger, Squirrel, etc.). A panel of seasoned retirees will assess each competitors alignment between their declared spirit animal and their individual performance during the day. Mismatches (e.g., a “Sloth” on the Speed Climb) will result in a 5-point deduction for the day.
We believe these enhancements will elevate the competition, increase camaraderie, and reinforce the Northwest tradition of fairness, fun, and just the right amount of unpredictability.
Before we go, a few housekeeping items to mention. Registration will open soon once we finalize the events for this year. Stay tuned for the official announcement and remember: only the well-prepared, well-balanced, and musically-inclined shall prevail.
And finally…
Happy April Fools’ Day!
Yes, this message is entirely in jest, and we hope it brought a laugh or at least an eye-roll. The real 2025 PNW Lineman Rodeo info packet and registration will be released very soon, minus the golf balls and spirit animals (probably).
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, keep your ropes tight and your stories taller than the poles.
Sincerely,
The Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo Committee