BFA Board of Directory Convene in 2009

Barrel Futurities of America Board of Directors met January 19 & 20 to review the 2008 World Championships event and to plan the 2009 BFA Futurity year and Championships.

Two event changes will be implemented at the 2009 BFA World Championships. Jud Little Ranch will be the title sponsor of the Amateur Finals adding an unprecedented $10,000 to this 3rd anniversary event. The top ten amateur contestants who DO NOT qualify as one of the top fifty Futurity finalists will compete in this exclusive incentive finals. The Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded Nick Cunningham Custom belt buckles, and each finalist will receive a BFA cooler sheet. Too, and more importantly, each amateur finalist will receive a check - $10,000 to be distributed among ten contestants! Amateur eligibility requires a copy of an AQHA, APHA, or APHc amateur card to be submitted to BFA Secretary Ross Wright with Futurity entry form. AQHA amateur rules apply.

The second event change will combine the Youth and Junior barrel races. The BFA Junior World Championship will have a 4D format - 1/2, 1/2, full- and will boast a $3000 purse. Eligible contestants must be 18 years or younger.

In 2008, the BFA Board of Directors ruled that BFA-approved futurities must require contestants to be BFA members. This rule supports and promotes the BFA's 2009 year-end bonus program which awards $15 per point accumulated at BFA futurities throughout the year. This bonus program will payout an estimated $35,000 with the cooperation of BFA futurity producers and members. The BFA Board of Directors is estimating that a contestant who accumulates as few as 10 points in the 2009 competition year will be eligible to receive a BFA bonus check of $150. A one-time non-member fee may be utilized at the producer's discretion and the Board's approval. Please contact the BFA regarding membership and bonus program questions.

The 2009 World Championships' event schedule will be similar to the successful and accomodating 2008 schedule. The $uper$takes will be contested on Friday evening, Dec. 11. Sale horse demonstrations will be later in the afternoon Thursday, Dec. 10. The final schedule will not be posted until late October when entries are confirmed.

The BFA Board welcomed new directors Jud Little and Add Waddell. Mary Ellen Hickman submitted her resignation to the Board, and Chris Duke was appointed to fill the vacancy. BFA contacts, schedules, and information can be viewed at www.barrelfuturitiesofamerica.com.