ProRodeo Sports News - November 16, 2018

Entering Online PRCA cowboys will soon be able to enter rodeos via Internet TECH

BY SCOTT KANIEWSKI J acobs Crawley, the 2015 PRCAWorld Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, has dealt with it like any other cowboy, calling to secure a spot in a rodeo but dealing with a busy signal or waiting for the clock to tick until that time that the PROCOMphone lines are open. Crawley and every other PRCA cowboy won’t have to worry about those parameters much longer. The PRCAwill soon be opening online entries, allowing cowboys with Internet connections access to entering rodeos fromwherever and whenever they are and eliminating the need to call in to enter rodeos. “I’m excited for the online entry,” said Crawley, who is also a PRCA Board Contestant Director. “It’ll be a big help for the cowboys. Hopefully it’ll take some of the stress off everybody involved: the guys calling in, the operators during the hectic time of the season. That’s the goal.” The online entries will be

circuit, tour, state and dates, among other options. They will also have the option of choosing a preference for the perf they want. They will be able to official or unofficial rodeos, and will be able to enter their traveling partners. Possibly the biggest advantage will be that competitors can see where they are entered and where they want to enter. As it has been, they’ve had to call in to enter and call back to check on the status of rodeos and entries. Now, they’ll confirm their status simply by logging in. “Now, they’re restricted to the hours we’re open, getting through phone lines, which through the summer, are more than a bit busy,” said Daniel Martinez, PRCA Vice President of Technology. “With this, it’s going to be accessible 24 hours a day. It’s a mobile design, so it will work on their cell phones, computers, laptops. It’s going to be a game changer for them.” Seeing the options and choices could make it easier for younger cowboys to enter.

And it will give more options and more access for cowboys like Crawley. “The handiest part about it, sometimes – and it’s happened forever in the history of calling in for rodeos – you get that busy tone,” Crawley said. “The option to not have to deal with that is pure convenience for the cowboy. Whether it’s 10:30 at night or 6 or 7 in the morning, they can enter the rodeos they need to enter. They don’t have to set reminders. I’m just excited that with Internet access you can take care of your business.”

on a website that cowboys can access via smartphone, computer or tablet. “The goal is to move to a purely online system, which will improve the entry process,” PRCA COOAaron Enget said. “Not only is the objective to help the cowboys, but by going to online entries, it will be more efficient, which also benefits membership.” Among the features will be map links to the sites of the rodeos, ground rules listed and alert settings. Competitors will be able to filter rodeos by

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