WPRA VS PRCA

PRCA VS WPRA   

 by Sheila Totten

For years rule of thumb has been that Barrel Racers in the PRCA also held WPRA cards.Many even though of the WPRA  as a sister organization or as a feeder for the PRCA.Now ,unless they can come to terms it seems that this 60 year  partnership is on the point of dissolving  in a bitter battle. This is because on August 16th the PRCA's Board of Directors voted  to end this partnership while forming their own barrel racing subsidiary. The WPRA  to say the least is incensed over this.

While the PRCA has a membership of over 6,000  the WPRA  which is open only to women has a membership of nearly 2,000.It has fought for the rights of women in rodeo since its inception in the late 1940's. Jymmy Kay Davis , President of the WPRA has issued a 'National Call To Action' for the WPRA's women. Tammy Key, a top barrel racer and Director  of the WPRA  stated that the WPRA has represented women in rodeo for years and has standardized the competition  while ensuring a true professional environment .

The WPRA filed for a Preliminary Injunction with respect to the PRCA's creation of a competing barrel racing subsidiary after attempts to reconcile the issue favorable for both sides failed. As a reporter I  have to question this action. After all several years ago the PRCA formed their own bull riding subsidiary and neither the CBR,PBR,NABA or other bull riding organizations filed against them.PRCA riders continue to compete in the Xtreme Bulls tour,PRCA Rodeo,CBR,PBR and other groups .I don't feel as if the PRCA is trying to put the WPRA out of business because that would not benefit the PRCA.WPRA puts on all women rodeos and  you do not see their women trying to compete in the PRCA in other categories aside from the barrels.WPRA will still have its own events  so that argument just does not feel right. WPRA is not like the NBRA strictly a barrel racing entity. Being closed out of the PRCA and the NFR starting in 2007 is not the end of the WPRA. They need to take a page from the bull riding  associations and allow their members to ride in both associations if they want to join the PRCA's  subsidiary.

According to a WPRA news release they requested information from the PRCA on the rules for this new subsidiary but the PRCA did not respond.They sent a letter to the PRCA on August 22 which offered a  status quo condition through the end of the 2007 season and the formation of a committee made of three Board of Directors members from each of the two associations who would work out  a long term solution. According to the WPRA the PRCA refused to compromise and the WPRA President calls it an attempt made by a men's organization to strip the power,control and money away from a women's organization. Again I don't see it this way but view it like the PRCA's setting up their Xtreme tour. Personally I hope they do compromise because I think they could work something out. After all ,look how Tuff Hedeman and Terry Williams have worked out  a compromise  with PRCA to have several of their  CBR events each season sanctioned also by the PRCA.This benefits riders and both organizations.