PRCA Team Roping Controversy

Is the PRCA about to allow 16 competitors again?

Just announced yesterday, November 20, team roper, Coleby Payne will get a chance to compete at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo despite ending up 17th in the official standings. 

Payne filed a grievance with the PRCA after being told multiple times that his rodeo count would include money won at the Cinch Playoffs in Sioux Falls, SD at the end of the season. When the official standings came out though, Payne’s winnings were not included – leaving him on the outside looking in.

Qualifying in the 15th position with $93,983 in winnings and earning back number 117 for the WNFR was Tyler Worley. 

Now the question remains – with the decision of the grievance board to allow Payne in, is Worley out? Worley only counted the rule setting number of rodeos – 75. Payne would have to count 76 to be eligible but according to the PRCA rulebook, the limit is 75.

An exception is being made for Payne due to what The Team Roping Journal reported as an error by PRCA staff when Payne called in to verify his rodeo count.

There is no doubt this story is not over, and we will stay on top of it as the countdown is on for the Wrangler National Finals.