Hello Team Ropers,

In the fall of 2011 we announced that WSTR will be using TRIAD classifications in 2012, just as we did from 2006 to 2009. It was a mutual decision that will be described in detail below, but as part of the deal we continue to offer WSTR memberships but will also accept current USTRC memberships cards to collect winnings at our ropings.

The roping advertisements will read as follows, WSTR Membership or USTRC memberships required: You may purchase your 2012 WSTR card for $60 onsite, online, or by calling 505-898-1755. WSTR Memberships are free to ropers 70 and older.

This announcement in every ad will have no impact on ropers who don't play the USTRC game. The remainder will still need a WSTR membership to collect winnings. However because we are accepting TRIAD classifications, if you are already a 2012 USTRC member, you will not be required to purchase a WSTR membership to attend WSTR qualifiers. We will continue to offer the benefits of a WSTR membership and you may want to join both, but we are providing this as a money saving service to you.

This arrangement began January 2nd. If you show up to any WSTR qualifier without a membership to either organization, you will be required to purchase a WSTR membership before you can rope.

Extended Explanation

It was no surprise that the WSTR business model we started with in 2006 did not involve an association membership and especially not classifications! Most of you are familiar that my exhaustion over the problems with classifications was the primary reason we sold USTRC. The WSTR business goal we started with (06 thru 09) worked well in the first four years of operation, however, by the end of 2009 we had ropers refusing to rope with WSTR because we were requiring USTRC membership.   The big problem for us was the exclusive USTRC membership requirement. We just couldn't live with it.

The dilemma we faced at that point.. should we do the one thing in this business we dislike the most (classifications), or.should we try to live without a significant percentage (40%)of our customers. So in 2009 we went to USTRC and tried to work out a possible solution to our dilemma. Their business policy of 20 years was still working and they did not want to abandon it just for us. We had no choice but to create a membership organization with classifications as we never even considered trying to operate without 40% of you. We gritted our teeth, developed an IT department, event software, set up a classification office, found a communication tool (Spin To Win), and despite our personal dislike about getting back in the association/classification business, here we are today.

We were unsuccessful again in 2010 in reaching a compromise with USTRC. However, during the summer of 2011 USTRC and WSTR were able to compromise on all the major impediments to operating under one handicap system. For you folks who really get into the rumor stuff and general BS, don't get carried away with this announcement. This is simply about classifications and the two organizations haven't jumped into any partnership deals. If there are things that can be mutually beneficial to both groups and the roping customers, then obviously they will happen. As an example, your winnings at WSTR qualifiers will get you to the big show in Vegas and will also count toward the USTRC program. We have no opposition to this at all, as it benefits a significant portion of our customers and solidifies roper data for classifications.

The WSTR memberships will be powered by TRIAD. Arkie Kiehne will still be involved with classifications, but his role will change. He will have no role in USTRC handicaps but will act as a liaison between WSTR and USTRC in double-checking classifications and appeals for those ropers who have a WSTR membership only. Every effort will be made to make sure that the two organizations agree and have codified classifications.  In rare instances where USTRC and WSTR absolutely cannot agree on a classification, an official EXCEPTIONS list will be posted online at WSTRoping.com and with every qualification secretary.

In 2011 World Series of Team Roping had over 13,000 ropers participate in our qualifiers. This agreement is a big deal for the 8,000 ropers who participate in both associations. It will simplify the process for those ropers. Considering these tough economic times, it makes no sense for the two largest associations in the industry to duplicate the same services when the outcome of classifications is the same in 90% of the cases. This lets us get back to focusing our attention on producing the best paying, richest and most elite ropings in World! Thanks for roping with us.

Sincerely,

Denny Gentry

World Series of Team Roping