Final answer:
The judge starts his hand timer to begin the eight second ride as soon as the rider's hand leaves the gate or chute, signifying the start of the rodeo event.
Explanation:
In professional rodeo competitions, such as bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and bareback bronc riding, a judge is responsible for timing the rider's ride. The objective is to stay on the animal for a minimum of eight seconds while executing specific moves.
The judge uses a handheld timer to measure the duration of the ride. The timer is started when the rider's hand leaves the gate or chute, which marks the beginning of the ride. This starting point is crucial because it ensures that the rider has not received any assistance from outside sources, such as a push or pull, before mounting the animal. Once the timer starts, it continues running until the rider's hand touches the ground or animal, signaling the end of the ride.
The judge records the exact time taken by the rider to complete the ride and awards points based on various factors such as style, technique, and overall performance.