The popularity of the NOWRA National Backhoe Roe-D-Hoe has generated a host of inquiries from state onsite organizations that
want to hold similar competitions at their annual conferences or other events.

While it is not that difficult to take on such an event, there are a number of steps involved. To help avoid pitfalls, NOWRA has developed a Roe-D-Hoe kit available to state affiliates at no cost (and at only a modest cost to non-affiliated organizations). The kit contains detailed instructions on rules and event hosting, customized sign-up sheets, game equipment, scoring software and other items.

For organizations that follow the officially sanctioned Roe-D-Hoe format, the state champion is automatically entered in the finals of the national competition, which lately has been held at the annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo. In both 2011 and 2012, the national champions were first the champions in their own states.

Step by step

If you are interested in holding a Roe-D-Hoe event, here are the steps involved in putting on the competition:

Equipment. While it is relatively easy to secure a gasoline- or diesel-fueled backhoe, that means the competition must be held outdoors. In NOWRA's experience, holding the competition inside the exhibit hall generates far greater interest and is very effective at driving traffic into the hall. Typically, this means using an electric backhoe, which can be difficult to locate. NOWRA has contacts that can be helpful in finding one.

Games. It is usually best to offer more than one game to measure contestants' ability to operate the backhoe quickly and precisely. NOWRA's competition typically involves at least two of three games:

Basketball – Three miniature basketballs rest on traffic cones. The operator must scoop each one up and drop it through a basketball hoop.

Golf – A golf ball is attached by a string to a tooth of the excavator bucket. The operator must place the golf ball so that it rests on the top of a traffic cone.

Bowling –Three bowling pins are used, each with an eyebolt affixed to the top. Each pin rests inside a piece of plastic pipe so that the top of the pin sticks out. An extension is added to an excavator bucket tooth. The operator must thread the bucket extension through the eyebolt, lift each pin out of the pipe and deposit it into a similar pipe on the other side of the machine.

Other games may be played, as long as they are sufficiently challenging.

Rules. The rules need to be printed and distributed in advance. Items to address in the rules include how each game should be played, tiebreakers, disqualification criteria, and how the winner will be determined.

Entry/liability release forms. Each participant should sign a form releasing your organization from all liability in case of an accident. It's a good idea to have an attorney review your release/waiver statement. You should require participants to fill out the form in full and sign and date the release statement before they participate.

Entry form and fees. For the NOWRA Roe-D-Hoe, contestants typically pay $5 per attempt at the games. Many contestants make multiple attempts to get the best possible time.

Staffing. At a minimum, you need three people to run the Roe-D-Hoe: an emcee, a timer, and someone to register participants.

Other equipment. You will want at least one stopwatch for timing contestants. You also need some type of scoreboard. NOWRA tracks scores on an Excel spreadsheet and projects the results on a screen, but a dry-erase board can work equally well.

Marketing. Include the event in your conference promotional materials and make repeated announcements during the meeting itself.

It's official

NOWRA holds the trademark for the Roe-D-Hoe name. Only organizations that hold officially sanctioned events may use the name. (In case you were wondering, close variations on Roe-D-Hoe are also covered under the trademark.)

Have some fun! Give it a try. If you have questions, call NOWRA at the number above.