Understanding ProRodeo's Circuits and the RNCFR

(Last updated October 17, 2022) - The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is organized in a slightly complicated fashion into circuits and tours that can be very confusing to those who have no idea about the road to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In 2022, the That Western Life podcast sat down with NFR Steer Wrestler and NFR Open Qualifier Cody Cabral and RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo saddle bronc qualifier Joe Harper to discuss circuits, tours, rodeo counts, strategy and more in a more in-depth breakdown with contestants regarding the circuits, tours, finales, and national rodeos that the PRCA hosts. Click the link below to learn more.

ProRodeo Circuits

Why circuits?

You can liken the circuit idea, which started in 1975, to the motto of the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association of the “Weekend Cowboys” (although the PRCA dubs them the “weekend warriors” – a little more intense). These are people who are able to keep a Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, job and still be able to go rodeo on the weekend and qualify for a finals-eque rodeo.

What are the geographical regions of each of the circuits?

Graphic found online.

• Columbia River Circuit – Located in the northwest consisting of Washington, Oregon, the northern tip of Idaho and parts of Montana.

• California Circuit – The state of California.

• Wilderness Circuit – Located east of California, it includes the majority of Idaho, Nevada and Utah.

• Montana Circuit – The state of Montana.

• Mountain States Circuit – Includes Wyoming and Colorado.

• Turquoise Circuit – Includes the states of New Mexico and Arizona.

• Badlands Circuit – Includes North and South Dakota.

• Prairie Circuit – Includes Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas.

• Texas Circuit – The state of Texas.

• Great Lakes Circuit – Includes the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Kentucky.

• First Frontier Circuit – Is the northeastern most part of the United States and includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. With thirteen states, it's the circuit that holds the most states within it's boundaries.

• Southeastern Circuit – Includes everything in the southeastern part of the United States which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas.

• Mexican Rodeo Federation (added in 2016) - The Mexican Rodeo Federation has 15 PRCA co-approved rodeos and will be eligible to send two champions in each event to compete at the RNCFR. Source.

• Maple Leaf Circuit (added in 2018) - The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association rodeos will allow competitors to earn Maple Leaf Circuit points, with two champions in each event earning spots to compete at the RNCFR. Source.

How does a contestant pick a circuit?

The contestant picks their circuit based off of their preference or off their home address. Meaning that if I am from Louisiana, I could compete in the Southeastern Circuit as my home circuit or I could choose, say, the Wilderness Circuit (or any other circuit for that matter) for my "home" circuit. If a contestant does not determine a separate circuit, the PRCA will allocate them in the circuit that their home address resides in. 

Ram  National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR) is now known as the NFR Open held in Colorado

At the end of the season, each of the circuits will have their own respective Circuit Finals rodeo. These finals are held with some in November of the competing year (remember that the ProRodeo Season runs from October through September) and other in February or March of the next year. The contestants for the finals are competing for the top spot at their circuit finals, as well as the overall top spot in the season standings. These top two contestants will represent their Circuit at the NFR Open held in July in Colorado.

These finals have been held in the past in Idaho before moving to Oklahoma in 2011. In 2015, it moved to Kissimmee, Florida, where they have added more sponsor money for the contestants to win - thus the reasoning for the big move to a not so stereotypical rodeo area. The PRCA expected a surge in rodeo’s fan base as they tapped into an exciting tourist location that is loaded with theme parks and other exciting adventures (not unlike the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Viva Las Vegas!). They are also a heck of a lot closer for all of the Texas cowboys (who compete in circuits all over the country) than, say, Nevada. It will be harder for the northern contestants to make it, but a chance for nice weather for a winter-ish rodeo is more than exciting for these contestants.

Unfortunately, Kissimmee didn’t provide the draw they expected and announced with new PRCA CEO Tom Glause, the RNCFR was rebranded as the NFR Open to match that of “The Open” in tennis. The reasoning was to create a more mainstream sports branding so that fans would understand the event as a top tier competition. Televised through the Cowboy Channel, the NFR Open was hosted at Pike’s Peak or Bust rodeo in July for the first time in 2022.

Not everyone has the time, nor money, to travel the large tours that the big names (think Trevor Brazile, Tuf Cooper, Bobby Mote, Kaycee Fields, etc.) compete on all around the United States. The circuit system allows a huge opportunity for these people to be rewarded for their time, dedication, and hard work to the sport and it's sponsors. Don't be confused though, the big name contestants will most likely qualify in a circuit for the Ram National Circuit Finals so you will get to see some of the fan favorites competing against the Weekend Warriors.

One of the great attributes of the circuit system is that it allows a younger cowboy or a "weekend warrior" to find success through the ranks, winning larger and larger purses to help fund them down the rodeo trail. It is not a surprise to see someone win enough money through the circuit system to put them on a the national tour and a run for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

As of 2016, monies won at each of the twelve circuit finals and the Ram National Circuit Finals counts towards the PRCA's world standings for that next year. Doesn't make sense? Here's the breakdown: 
- Compete in circuit rodeos in 2016
- Qualify to respective circuit finals in 2016 or 2017 (depending on the circuit finals timing)
- Win either your circuit finals or finish the season #1 in the standings for your circuit to qualify for the National Circuit Finals - This money counts toward the 2017 World Standings
- Win money at the 2016 National Circuit Finals (held April 2017 in Florida) - Count the money towards the 2017 World Standings.

This has been an added benefit for competitors to stay closer to home, saving money on gas and travel time. An ever-changing beast, the circuit systems opened up in 2017 to include one new circuit based off the Mexican Rodeo Federation. Stay tuned over the next few years as the PRCA looks to include potentially Canada, Brazil, and more to the RNCFR. 

Advancing through the Circuit Finals

All 28 competitors (two from each of the fourteen circuits) compete in two preliminary rounds over the course of two days. In this tournament style finals, the top eight contestants from each event advance to the semifinals. For the semifinals, competitors will see a clean slate start where the previous times and scores will be thrown out. After one semifinal round, the top four for each event advance to the championship round. 

The championship round is the "Wrangler Round" where contestants again see a clean slate start with previous times and scores thrown out. Contestants are now competing for the RNCFR title and any of the four who qualify to this championship round are eligible to win. 

Stay tuned to the Wrangler Network and the PRCA to find out how your circuit contestants placed at the 2017 Ram National Circuit Finals. 

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This article was originally published on the blog PNW Country Girl and updated and reposted via their permissions.
Updated April 5, 2021 to include circuit additions and updates.  

Tiany Schuster 'Bumped' From #1 Back Number Spot

Las Vegas, Nevada (October 25, 2017) - The much anticipated back numbers were released for the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas at the beginning of December. Excitement for the official listing of the WNFR back numbers is to find out "who will be number 1?" The back numbers are based upon the amount of money earned towards the finals, with both cowboys and cowgirls competing for that elusive spot. 

Only three cowgirls have ever held the elusive number one position. Those three cowgirls are Mary Burger, Sherry Cervi, and Charmayne James. It was assumed that the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo would be the inclusion of a fourth cowgirl to earn the number one back number: Tiany Schuster of Texas.

Fans thought wrong.

The reason this number is so minimal is because the odds are stacked against them as cowgirls are technically only eligible to compete in one event in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (girls barrels), which is co-sanctioned through the Women's Professional Rodeo Association. Cowboys, however, are eligible to compete in any of the seven other events, as well as all around monies won. 

In a record setting season, Tiany was as much as $100,000 ahead of her second place competitor in her event.  Hot on the pursuit, it was her goal for that number one back number and to be only the fourth cowgirl to hold the position. 

So on October 25th, when the listing was created, the social world was inspired by the move of the PRCA to reserve the number 58 back number for the 58 victims of the mass killing at a Las Vegas country music concert. An honorable move, it may have proved for enough of a distraction from some other peculiar on the back number standings. 

1. Tuf Cooper (All Around, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Steer Roping) 
2. Tim O'Connell (Bareback)
3. Trevor Brazile (All Around, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Steer Roping) 
4. Jacobs Crawley (Saddle Bronc) 
5. Tiany Schuster (Girls Barrels - WPRA Co-Sanctioned)

In a strange mix of events, the PRCA took the monies won at Calgary (Canada), Houston (Texas), and the WPRA Finals money off all the girls' totals. They also took the money won at Xtreme Bulls events (the PRCA's version of the PBR) off the bull riders' totals. 

In a post on Facebook, Schuster addressed the problem, stating:

"Ya know perhaps that money shouldn't count. Fine. But don't change the way things have always been awarded and done... Yeah I busted my butt and stayed out there, thinking I was ahead. I was not very happy when I got that, 'Oh by the way...' phone call TWO days before the end of the season. Why wait to the last minute? Why was this such a big secret and why the last second change of venue? No one will answer those questions. It is the 11th year of the 10 year contract. Lots of changes. Just saddens me to know that no matter what, WPRA members have no ground to stand on because we are 'invited guests.' Y'all want to talk about all the woulda shoulda coulda money if it all counted, it would be over $325,000 and there is NO American money for me. ...now we know, don't ever expect something because it will, inevitably, be taken from you. Lots of girls worked hard for rankings. Not just me. To only have it taken from them as well. State flags won't get to be carried, while others moved to the end of the list.... but life goes on... actions speak louder than words and numbers don't lie." 

The reason for not counting rodeos like Calgary or Houston is because they don't have team roping at the event, putting those competitors at odds in the final count for the back number race. With that being said, this should have been known information at the start of the season, not with a few days left in the end. 

After all of this, Schuster's fire should be burning more than ever and, if she's firing on all cylinders like she did with her arena-record setting performance in Calgary, she will be putting in quite a performance at Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. 

**REVISED UPDATE**OCTOBER 27, 2017**

Released from the Women's Professional Rodeo Association on October 26, 2017. 

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That Western Life is a news media company focused on bringing the latest news in the rodeo, ranching, agriculture, agvocacy and western lifestyle to those interested. Join our mailing list today to be updated and follow us on all social media platforms. The opinions expressed on this site are that of the authors alone and do not represent That Western Life or Western Insights Media. 

Cover photo taken and owned by the Calgary Sun (Canada). 

Ivy & Hawkins Have Their Cowboy Christmas Arena Record Style

Lane Ivy, a team roping header out of Adrian, Texas, and Buddy Hawkins II, a team roping heeler from Sedan, Kansas, decided to have their Cowboy Christmas arena record style this year!

"Cowboy Christmas" is a term used by rodeo fans to describe the lucrative number of professional and amateur rodeos held over the 4th of July weekend. Cowboys can move up significant placings in the Weatherguard World Standings of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, allowing them to strategically set themselves up for the sprint to be in the Top 15 to go to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. The Super Bowl of rodeo, the WNFR is the place to be for any western enthusiast. 

On July 3rd, at the Eugene Pro Rodeo in Eugene, Oregon, Ivy and Hawkins smoked a 4.6 second run in Eugene, a place where a 5 flat is considered fast. The time was good enough for first overall with a new arena record. 

The following day, Hawkins and Ivy got to celebrate America's birthday with another arena record at the Molalla Buckaroo in Molalla, Oregon. Stopping the clock in a deadly 3.9 second run, they took the lead at another Cowboy Christmas rodeo. 

Watch Ivy/Hawkins Eugene Pro Arena Record here.

Watch Ivy/Hawkins Molalla Buckaroo Arena Record here. 

Ivy currently sits 36th in the world according to the PRCA Weatherguard World Standings but is sure to move after the books have officially closed on the Cowboy Christmas run. Hawkins currently sits 10th in the PRCA Weatherguard World Standings and is sitting pretty as we head into the final stretch of the year heading into the WNFR.

Team roping is the only true team event for Professional Rodeo where a header and a heeler work together to stop the clock. The header throws their loop first catching the horns, neck or a combination of both on a 350-500 pound Corriente steer. The header must then turn the steer to the left and, once that direction change has been made, the heeler tries to catch both hind legs. The clock stops when both horses are facing each other with their front feet on the ground, as signaled by a judge. Time penalties can be accrued with the breaking of the barrier (the head start for the steer) or by the heeler only catching one leg (+5 seconds). 

Follow Buddy Hawkins II Fan Page on Facebook.

That Western Life was founded in 2017 and promotes the western industry including rodeo sports, agriculture and ranching politics, western lifestyle, and the people that make this great nation what it is. Our thoughts and opinions are our own.

High Desert Stampede Comes Home to the PRCA

The High Desert Stampede rolled into the town of Redmond, Oregon on March 31st for its "debut" rodeo. Though the rodeo started up in September of 2015, it returned to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2017 after being the inaugural tour stop of the Elite Rodeo Association last year. That Western Life was able to speak with Greg Ego, the Secretary and Treasurer of the board, to give some insight into what a budding rodeo has to do to be successful.

How do you feel the rodeo went overall?

"We think it went great. We found out in the middle of December we weren't going to have another ERA rodeo because they decided to suspend their tour for 2017. So we basically started over again this year on the 19th of December; putting on a PRCA Rodeo in 90 days - which is almost impossible. BUT, we did it! We were really happy with the crowd and the contractors; I think it went great. We have a great facility, the fairgrounds was awesome to work with, and the sponsors were awesome to work with." 

What was the biggest difference from last year to this year?

"With the PRCA, we called a lot of the shots; with the ERA they called ALL the shots."
While this has its pros and cons, overall the committee was very pleased and "had a good experience with the PRCA, and we would probably look to do that again."

What specific challenges did you have to overcome being a new rodeo and being the opening rodeo to the Columbia River, and being in your third year of rodeo production?

"Our biggest challenge was the short timeline. There was no room for error, we just had to stay on top of it until the last minute." 
Sponsors are always the hardest aspect to gather together, especially starting so last minute.  "...in December, [businesses] have already decided their budgets for 2017, so we're asking people to sponsor when there isn't really an opportunity." 
However, everything gets a little easier once the show starts since the stock contractors and personnel handle everything. "Our job is to take care of the people," Ego added.

What are some of the highlight features that you do to make your rodeo different from other rodeos in the area like Sisters or the Crooked River Roundup?

"You don't really have a lot of opportunity to be different.  We don't do a grand entry but we do recognize the queens." While the local queens were given free entry and announced during the performance, Ego added that the decision to not have rodeo royalty, besides 2017 Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Vincent, ride in the grand entry was one of the toughest. Unfortunately, "we didn't have time in the window to get it done correctly," Ego said. 

Where do you want to see growth in your rodeo production for future rodeos?

"[In the future] we grow sponsors, we grow prize money, and we connect other things in the weekend, but our focus now is to put on the best rodeo we can." 

The High Desert Stampede has grown by leaps and bounds through the past three years in two different associations (2015 PRCA, 2016 ERA, 2017 PRCA), which means that credit must be given to the dozens of volunteers and sponsors. One of the most resounding struggles for the High Desert Stampede seems to be draw outs and no-shows--something that every committee struggles with from time to time. With something so normal being their biggest struggle, they're well on their way to being a must-see rodeo in the Northwest.

By building their community involvement and growing relationships with business to bring rodeo to the area, this may be one of the greatest times of the year to plan a trip to Mount Bachelor to go skiing and hit the rodeo on a Friday night,  which is scheduled to be the second weekend of spring break every year. 

You can get to know the board and volunteers through useful information and what each director brings to the table on their Facebook page. 

This article was written by Sara Marcus, a rodeo and western lifestyle enthusiast. Read more about Sara in our Authors section.

Stock Contractor: Growney Brothers Rodeo | Sub-Contractor: Bridwell Pro Rodeos | Rodeo Secretary: Haley Bridwell | Officials: Harry Rose Jr., Bobby Davis and Monty Van Komen | Timers: Molly Twitchell and Diana Alexander | Announcer: Steve Kenyon | Specialty Act: JJ Harrison | Bullfighters: Eric Layton and Tim O'Connor | Clown/Barrelman: JJ Harrison | Flankman: Tim Bridwell | Chute Boss: John Wright | Pickup Men: Mitch Coleman and Matt Twitchell | Photographers: W.T. Bruce and Bob Click | Music Director: Jason Buchanan