Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Name	Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Founded	1936
Location	Colorado Springs, Colorado
Key people	Tom Reeves (President)
Website	prorodeo.com

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is the premier sanctioning body for professional rodeo in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1936 as the Cowboys Turtle Association, it establishes the official rules, sanctions hundreds of annual events, and crowns annual world champions across multiple disciplines. The association is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and its marquee circuit culminates each year at the National Finals Rodeo.

History

The organization was formed in 1936 in Boston, Massachusetts, by a group of cowboys frustrated with promoter takeovers and unfair prize money distribution at the Boston Garden rodeo. Initially named the Cowboys Turtle Association, a reference to their slow but determined organizing, its first president was champion bronc rider Everett Bowman. The group was renamed the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1945 and adopted its current name, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, in 1975. Key historical developments include the establishment of a centralized points system for the world championship in 1955 and the creation of the National Finals Rodeo in 1959, first held in Dallas, Texas.

Governance and structure

The association is governed by an elected board of directors consisting of twelve active competitor members and three at-large directors. Daily operations are managed by a commissioner and executive staff at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The structure includes several distinct competition divisions, such as the premier Wrangler National Finals Rodeo circuit, the X-Bulls tour for bull riding, and the ProRodeo Tour for series events. Key committees, composed of member cowboys, oversee rule changes, animal welfare, and disciplinary matters.

Major events and circuits

The premier event is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, held annually at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, which determines the world champions. Other major circuits include the ProRodeo Tour, which features stops like the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and Cheyenne Frontier Days, and the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Specialized series include the X-Bulls tour and the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, which crowns champions from the association's regional circuits. Historic events like the Calgary Stampede in Alberta are also sanctioned.

Rules and event categories

The association sanctions seven standard timed and roughstock events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing (sanctioned through the Women's Professional Rodeo Association), and bull riding. All competitions follow strict animal welfare rules developed with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Timed events like steer wrestling are governed by rules ensuring fair starts and catches, while roughstock events are judged on a rider's control and the animal's bucking performance. Rulebooks are updated annually by competitor committees.

Membership and qualifications

Membership is open to contestants who pay annual dues and adhere to the association's code of conduct. To qualify for the National Finals Rodeo, contestants must finish the regular season ranked in the top fifteen of the World Standings in their event, based on earnings at sanctioned rodeos. Different membership classifications exist, including permit holders, full card members, and life members. Athletes from Canada and other countries often hold dual membership with organizations like the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.

Economic impact and sponsorships

The association generates significant economic activity through its national tour, with major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo contributing hundreds of millions to local economies. Corporate partnerships are a cornerstone, with title sponsors including Wrangler Jeans for the finals and Cinch Clothing for the all-around title. Other major sponsors are RAM Trucks, Boot Barn, and Pendleton Whisky. Media rights deals with networks like CBS Sports Network and The Cowboy Channel provide substantial broadcast revenue.

Awards and recognition

The highest honor is the PRCA World Champion title, awarded in each event and for the all-around cowboy, with the all-around champion receiving the Cinch All-Around Award. Prestigious seasonal awards include the PRCA Rookie of the Year and the PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year. Exceptional contributors are inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The association also presents the PRCA Announcer of the Year and PRCA Clown of the Year awards for non-competitor roles.

Category:Rodeo organizations Category:Sports governing bodies in the United States Category:Organizations based in Colorado Springs, Colorado