How long after you receive my application can I enter a WPRA rodeo?

In order to enter a WPRA barrel race at a PRCA rodeo, application and payment must be received by the "Member Dues" date listed in the approval for each particular rodeo, usually about three days prior to the entry opening date for that rodeo.

For non-PRCA rodeo events, application and payment must be received on the last business day before the entries open if the rodeo is taking entries by phone and the day prior to the event if entries are taken at the event.

Does the money I win at WPRA events count towards filling my permit?

Yes, it will count towards the $1,000 you need to be eligible for card membership. Money won at all WPRA events will count for qualification to the WPRA World Finals Rodeo. Only money won in the 1D at co-sanctioned divisional races will count for standings and for filling your permit.

What number do I call to enter a WPRA rodeo?

For WPRA barrel races at PRCA rodeos, members must call PROCOM to enter, the PRCA's computerized entry system. The number is 800-234-PRCA (7722). Be prepared with WPRA card or permit number as well as the numbers of any buddies. Member will also be asked to give a preference for when she will compete at the rodeo.

For non-PRCA rodeo events, depending on the type, each listing in the listing of approved events will list a specific phone number to call. The entry information begins with the line EO: and will state when the entries open and the phone number to call. EC: designates the entry closing time.

What's the difference between a Card and a Permit?

Full Card membership is reserved for members who have won $1000 on their National Permit. Card holders can enter any WPRA rodeo while some rodeos will not accept permits or may only except permits from within their circuit. Permit holders are also after card members on the priority list for drawing positions at rodeos. Only card holders are eligible to qualify for a Circuit Finals rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Permit holders are not eligible to vote in general elections and cannot hold an elected office in the WPRA.

Does the WPRA still offer a temporary permit good for five rodeos?

No, the temporary permit was discontinued in 2004. In order to run at a WPRA sanctioned event and count points, you must have either your National Permit or Card membership.

I can't find my birth certificate. Can I send some other form of ID?

No, we need your birth certificate to verify your sex at the time of birth. Only persons born female are eligible to be members of the WPRA. If you were born in a hospital chances are you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate either from the hospital or from the County Registrar's Office for a nominal fee. If you are not able to obtain a copy of your birth certificate special arrangements can be made by contacting your circuit director. Not sure which circuit you're in? Have a look at the map below.

How long is my membership good for?

All memberships for the year expire on December 31 of that year no matter when you join. We begin accepting applications for the next year on October 1. Card members must renew before December 31 in order to retain any points they may have earned for the current season during the fall and winter.

What else comes with my membership?

Along with your membership you will receive a subscription to the Women's Pro Rodeo News which is published once a month. You will also receive a WPRA decal and copy of the current WPRA Rule Book. All active members are covered under the Health Special Risk, Inc. insurance plan which provides limited coverage against accidents at the rodeo and while traveling to and from the rodeo. Note: this insurance is for you only and will not protect your horse.

What's a circuit?

The WPRA and PRCA established the circuit system to showcase the talents of regional cowboys and cowgirls. The nation is divided into 12 geographical regions called circuits (see the circuit map above for a graphic representation). At the end of the rodeo season each circuit has a circuit finals rodeo where top circuit cowboys and cowgirls are invited to compete. Permit holders are not eligible to compete at circuit finals rodeos. In addition, the WPRA invites the top 10 barrel racers from each circuit to compete in WPRA World Finals Rodeo in Tulsa, OK.

If permits can't go to circuit finals why do I have to designate a circuit?

Some rodeos will only accept permits that designate the circuit the rodeo is in. Also, some circuits have permit circuit finals at the end of the year where permit holders may compete.

Do I have to designate the circuit I live in as my circuit?

No, you can choose the circuit where you think you will go to the most rodeos. Be aware that non-residents of a circuit will have to compete in a greater number of rodeos in order to qualify for the circuit finals rodeo under the Required Participation rules.

Can I change my circuit in the middle of the year?

Yes, but only if you have not competed in any WPRA approved events for the season. If you have competed in any event, you may not change your circuit designation until you renew for the next season.

Do I have to fill out all the background information?

No, but it is helpful for us to have this information on file for you in case a newspaper needs some background information on you for a story.

What's a "buddy"?

A buddy is someone with whom you enter a rodeo. When you buddy you are guaranteed to get up in the same performance or slack as the person with whom you buddied. The buddy system is helpful for people who are traveling together to share expenses.

Can I buddy with anyone I want?

WPRA members can buddy with other WPRA members as long as there are not more than four people in the buddy group. WPRA members can also buddy with PRCA members but you must either be married to the PRCA member with a marriage certificate on file at the WPRA office or that person has to be a member of your immediate family, i.e. brother, father. Also, when you buddy with a PRCA member you can only buddy with another WPRA member if she is either married or related to another PRCA member in the buddy group or is a member of your immediate family.

Why does the application ask for my name twice?

When the application asks for your name the first time we need your legal name. Then we it asks for your name as you want it announced at rodeos.