Kansas Association of Rodeo Committees

Narrative of Purpose

The sport of rodeo was spawned from an industry, the livestock industry, and is believed to be the only sport to be so created.  It embodies the western way of hard work, honesty and integrity.  Rodeo contestants are known to help fellow contestants even it means they might not do as well in the competition.  The term ‘cowboy up’ is more than idle words in this sport.  The motto of the Kansas Association of Rodeo Committees is ‘Preserving  Our Western Heritage’.  It is to this end that the KARC strives through its member rodeos to preserve all that is good in people and communities.  Each member rodeo committee is made up of volunteers from their communities to band together to create a family friendly event that benefits their community, its history and its growth.  The member rodeos bring to their respective communities world class contestants and any monies raised go back into their communities for its betterment.

 To facilitate the communication, cooperation and growth of these member rodeos the Kansas Association of Rodeo Committees has been formed.  Two annual meetings have been held as the beginning of this organization.  At these meeting in Wichita in January of 2005 and 2006 the interest was gauged and plans made to form this association.  Out of those meetings many communications between rodeo committees have taken place.  Committee members have started visiting each other rodeos in greater numbers and joint ventures have started.  The Dodge City Roundup committee invited other committees to join them in the parade at the Wichita Riverfest and those that could joined in unified entry that was well received by the Wichita community. 

 The number one project of the KARC is to create a Championship Rodeo Series among its member rodeos.  A rodeo series is where contestants who participate in designated rodeos and by their placing earn points toward the Championship of the series.  They are rewarded with monies and other merchandise.  This system encourages contestants to participate in the series rodeos.  In Kansas we have high payout rodeos which have little problems attracting contestants and lower payout rodeos which have some problems attracting contestants.  This system will encourage contestants to participate in all the member rodeos.  In essence the larger payout rodeos are working to help the lower payout rodeos be successful.  This principle is very much the norm in the rodeo industry.

Though the lower payout rodeos may be ‘small’ by payout standards they are ‘large’ in terms of the impact and importance to their communities.  The series concept is in place in several rodeo systems and is part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Wrangler ProTour Series that has been very successful.  In other terms a series is much like a league in other sports and winning the series ‘league’ championship holds the same importance for rodeo contestants.

 The KARC will foster communication and cooperation rodeo committees.  We have already started sharing budget and business information.  Plans have been discussed on co-contracting specialty acts at discounts to the member rodeos making those rodeos more successful.  The acts can reduce their fee because of reduced travel between rodeos.

Information of common good about rodeo and the equine industry has frequently been shared among member rodeo committees.  In the future this conduit of information will be used for all kinds of exchange of goods and services needed by member rodeos.

 In summary, the KARC has been formed to bring together like minded organizations, i.e. rodeo committees, for their individual and collective common good and for the good of the communities that they serve.   As rodeos continue to educate the people about our western heritage values the KARC will be there to assist and promote these rodeos and their dedicated volunteers