What does the term "slack" refer to in rodeo events?

The term "slack" in rodeo events specifically refers to the situation when there are excess entries for a competition that cannot be accommodated in the main performance schedule. In rodeos, each event has a limited number of contestants that can compete at a given time due to the constraints of the venue and the organized schedule. When more entries are received than can fit into the primary show, a separate time is designated to allow those additional contestants to compete, which is known as "slack." This setup ensures that all entrants have the opportunity to perform, without overly extending the length of the main event.

While the other options mention different aspects of rodeo events, they do not accurately define "slack." Downtime during events, for instance, may occur for various reasons but does not directly relate to excess entries. An intermission for contestants could refer to breaks in the schedule rather than accommodating more entries. The contestants' waiting period might describe time spent before their turn in a performance but again lacks the specific definition of managing excess entries that "slack" entails.