Inclusion of Calgary Stampede in Standings Draws Scrutiny From Rodeo Community

There has always been a debate on whether or not limited rodeos should count towards the world standings and the Calgary Stampede is no different.

The Stampede is an incredibly lucrative event and is arguably the best outdoor rodeo in North America, but does that mean the money won there should count towards the world standings? Not necessarily.

The main issue that stands out is the rulebook. Calgary sets their own rules and while the general concept of each event is the same, the Stampede does not follow the PRCA rulebook in its entirety. How can it be a PRCA event, but not follow the same rules?

For example the tie-down roping doesn't use a six-second count for how long the calves have to stay tied. They don't even offer the team roping which is an official PRCA event. The showdown round was changed to the thousandth in the barrel racing to avoid a tie.

The Calgary Stampede is not the only rodeo which is incredibly limited, but has the biggest payout of any rodeo throughout the year. RodeoHouston is another. These two both cater to the top 15 in the world from the previous year.