Dear Southwest ACTRA members,

We had a successful roping at Chino Hidden Creek Ranch on Saturday February 16, 2008.  The weather was great, the arena conditions excellent and we had a good turn out.  Thanks to all those who came out and supported Southwest ACTRA. We will be roping at Chino Hidden Creek Ranch again on March 22 & April 26, check out our ad in the Ropers Sports News.   Tex Anderson’s in Colton is roping Tuesday night with a practice then draw pot and on Sundays at 11:00 AM.  

You can check out all results, points and qualifying MOR along with calendars, directors, arenas, etc. on either of our 2 new and improved websites www.actra.org or www.actra.theamericanroper.com .   Southwest points are updated immediately upon posting and results can be found in the calendar section by clicking on the date of the roping.   I’m sure all of you have noticed you are no longer receiving the ACTRA newspaper, this was a decision from the National office.  These websites will take the place of the paper giving up to date information, schedules, etc on your computer when you want it.

We have implemented a few changes for Southwest ACTRA for the 2008 year.   First, there are no more regions; all of the 4 old Southwest regions are now combined into one.   As a member, you need only rope in 5 SW ACTRA ropings to qualify to participate in the finals.   There are four divisions for all levels of roping, they are as follows:

              Division 1 - # 1 & # 1.5

              Division 2 - # 2 & # 2.5

              Division 3 - # 3 & # 3.5

              Division 4 - # 4 and above

The point system for year end awards has also changed.  We are trying to make it fair for all to compete, no matter how the parameters of the roping are set.   Points are now given as follows:  10 points for participation, then 1 point for placing in a go and 1 point for every team you beat.  For example, if there are 100 teams in the # 5.5 roping and you win 1st in the go and 1st in the average, you would get 101 points plus 10 for participating for the day so 111 in total.   

Lastly, ACTRA added a new level of membership.   The new membership level will be an “Affiliate Membership”, this membership will give ropers the opportunity to rope in “Member Only” ropings (where applicable), liability insurance, a classification card and will cost $20.00.  There are no other benefits for this level of membership.  The general membership will now be called a “Premier Membership” which provides the full services of ACTRA and will remain $65.00.  This membership allows members all benefits of an Affiliate Member but additionally this member competes for prizes and accumulates points for year end and finals awards and participation.

ACTRA Southwest directors are making changes for the ropers, we would like to hear your views.  We want everyone to be able to come and rope, bring the family and have a good time...and if it get a little competitive in the process all the better.   We are trying to schedule more ropings and bring more arenas on board.   Thanks to all those who have supported us through these changes.

Your Southwest Board of Directors