New information! Be sure to read WPRA Drops Lawsuit Against PRCA.
From an About Rodeo Blog Post October 6th:
The current state of affairs is that until the case can be heard in Federal Court a temporary agreement needs to be worked out. My question is ... is this even possible now? Can a court force an agreement?
From an About Rodeo Blog Post September 28th:
Time has passed and oh what trouble has been wrought... the WPRA has filed a Preliminary Injunction against the PRCA's formation of its own barrel racing subsidiary. The injunction alleges that the PRCA violated federal antitrust laws and state law in Colorado, where the PRCA is based.
A PSN interview with PRCA Commissioner Troy Ellerman has attempted to answer criticism but has seemed to have touched off a firestorm. Meanwhile the WPRA has released a National Call to Action and accuses the PRCA of propaganda.
From an About Rodeo Blog Post September 8th:
In another controversial move, the venerable PRCA seems to be ready to give the WPRA the boot and start its own barrel racing subsidiary. In professional rodeo, the Women's Professional Rodeo Association is its own unique group, with its own events, and women-only rodeos. The WPRA had partnered with the PRCA for 60 years to provide quality barrel racing at PRCA rodeos. This move has prompted the WPRA to issue an Open Letter to its Membership.
Personally, I am disappointed in how contentious this issue has become. The Tucson Rodeo, for example, stands behind the WPRA, so will we see a pick and choose by each individual rodeo committee? Will barrel racers truly be full members in the PRCA? Will this fracture the barrel racing and/or rodeo community irreparably? Time will tell...
Opinion from the Rodeo Guide:I'm no lawyer but I feel this is going to be a long and drawn out mess. I hope this isn't about money but if it is, will someone from the PBR please come and teach the PRCA how to make money since the main complaint seems to be that the PRCA is tired of taking care of the WPRA's bill. The status quo (one that has been in effect for 60 years) appears to be detrimental to the PRCA.
Now let me state now that I am in favor of the idea of barrel racers being full members of the PRCA. There is no doubt the underlying issues need to be worked out, but the way it has shaken out, with apparently no communication is a real shame and reflects badly on the sport.
We are proud of the image of the straight-talking, no nonsense, his-word-is-his-bond cowboy (which to me isn't just a myth) but in our cherished professional sport, must it come down to litigation and the airing of a bunch dirty laundry?
A potentially strong partnership and/or compromise can and should be worked out. But I guess we'll have to hammer it out in the courts. I hope the founders of both associations, those that are still with us and those having gone to greener pastures aren't watching...
Anyone with any inside information can e-mail me at rodeo.guide@about.com. Confidentiality will be maintained and you can remain anonymous.
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