The SDHSRA approves several different types of high school rodeos throughout the year for high school contestants.

The rodeo season begins in the spring with the opportunity to compete in many Practice Rodeos. Each contestant can choose to attend as many or as few Practice Rodeos as they want.

Next come the qualifying rodeos in June. There are two weekends of Regional Rodeos and then the State Finals where contestants earn points to qualify for Nationals.

The National High School Finals Rodeo is held in July. The top four qualifiers from each state compete for the title of National Champion in each event.

High School contestants may also have the opportunity to compete at two invitational rodeos during the year. The first is the 20X Extreme Showcase High School Rodeo during the Black Hills Stock Show. The second is the Fall High School Extravaganza, held during the SDRA Finals.