Thursday, January 09, 2014

Cowboys, cowgirls clarify possibility of new organization

The story continues to take more twists. Just days after the Facebook page, "Support Rodeo Contestants" released a statement from a select group of cowboys and cowgirls regarding the possibility of disbanding from the PRCA, a new statement has been released.

In the statement, the organizers clarified how they have reached this point:

"Our original plan was not to form a new organization. We put everything we had into working over the Christmas break to try and create some meaningful change within the PRCA structure that would have given the top contestants a direct voice on the PRCA board. We want to be more involved with the direction of our sport.
This new effort resulted only after our proposal to the PRCA Board was rejected. As a result we are still in the early stages of formation."

The statement also explains that these talks will have no effect on the 2014 rodeo season, but the effort would begin in 2015.

Here is the full statement as released by the Support Rodeo Contestants Facebook page.


1/8/2014
    On behalf of the cowboys and cowgirls who issued yesterday's statement, we want to thank everyone for their support. We understand that everyone would like further answers and details. We ask for your patience as we continue to move forward during this exciting time.
    We also would like everyone to understand that our original plan was not to form a new organization. We put everything we had into working over the Christmas break to try and create some meaningful change within the PRCA structure that would have given the top contestants a direct voice on the PRCA board. We want to be more involved with the direction of our sport.
    This new effort resulted only after our proposal to the PRCA Board was rejected. As a result we are still in the early stages of formation. Our purpose is to create a model that is better for the fans, committees and top contestants in the sport, but that also has a fair process for people to work their way to the top. Our group is committed to protecting the integrity of the sport of professional rodeo and the meaning of a gold buckle by making sure there is one, true championship.
    Some people have expressed an opinion that the current National Finals Rodeo is "just a rodeo" and "it doesn't really matter which cowboys you put out there." We believe people that express that opinion do not understand the loyalty of true rodeo fans. We know that true rodeo fans respect the talent and drive it takes to make it to the top of this great sport. We ask you to step up, as we have, and let your voice be heard. It did not work when the NFL tried to have games with replacement players and while we respect every contestant who rodeos, we believe that fans deserve the right to see the very best cowboys and cowgirls compete for a true championship. We are equally committed to making sure that rodeo remains a true sport with a level playing field that allows advancement through the ranks.
    Know that we are taking this effort seriously and have involved smart professionals with a strong background in both rodeo and professional sports. You would not see the names quoted in the release supporting this effort if we did not believe it was being done in a thoughtful and first-class way.
    Also, we want to make clear that this is an effort that begins with the 2015 season. No one is talking about any disruption to the 2014 season. For that reason, we ask you to understand that rather than throw out details and get bogged down in an open debate on everything wrong with the sport of professional rodeo, we are working systematically to build a system that advances the sport and we look forward to working with everyone who wants to see the sport move to the next level.
    Thank you again for your support, trust and patience and please join us in letting everyone know that the cowboys and cowgirls do matter.

The Organizing Top Cowboys and Cowgirls

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