<P> Public health researchers found evidence suggesting that bull riding helmets are protective, when riders wearing one particular type of helmet suffered approximately 50% fewer head and facial injuries . In 2004, at the 1st International Rodeo Research and Clinical Care Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a group of top rodeo medicine researchers and clinical care providers came to a consensus on the use of helmets declaring that all youth rodeo participants should wear helmets, and that helmets should be recommended for adult bull riders . </P> <P> For competitors under the age of 18, protective headgear incorporating a helmet and ice hockey style face mask are worn . While optional at the upper levels of the sport, it has become mandatory at younger levels, and riders who use helmets and face masks as youths tend to continue to wearing them as they reach adulthood and turn professional . </P> <P> The flank strap is a rope made of a soft cotton rope at least 5 / 8" in diameter is acceptable as a flank strap and does not require extra padding with sheepskin or neoprene . It is tied around the bull's flank . Contrary to popular belief, the flank strap is not tied around the bull's testicles . This rope is to encourage the bull to use its hind legs more in a bucking motion, as this is a true test of a rider's skill in maintaining the ride . If it is applied improperly a rider may request to ride again, as the bull will not buck well if the flank strap is too tight . The flank strap is applied by the stock contractor or his designate . </P> <P> The arenas used in professional bull riding vary . Some are rodeo arenas that are used only for bull riding and other rodeo events . Others are event centers that play host to many different sports . Common to all arenas is a large, open area that gives the bulls, bull riders, and bull fighters plenty of room to maneuver . The area is fenced, usually 6 to 7 feet high, to protect the audience from escaped bulls . There are generally exits on each corner of the arena for riders to get out of the way quickly . Riders can also hop onto the fence to avoid danger . One end of the arena contains the bucking chutes from which the bulls are released . There is also an exit chute where the bulls can exit the arena . </P>

Where does the flank strap go on a bull