Circuit cowboys -- or "weekend warriors", as they are sometimes known -- typically work normal jobs just like the rest of us. But when the weekend comes, they hit the road to compete in a few rodeos close to home.

While they aren't less serious about their sport, their families or professional obligations require them to stick closer to home instead of traveling for weeks or months at a time.

In 1975, the PRCA recognized the need for an award system for those cowboys who might never qualify for a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Association created the PRCA's Circuit System, consisting of 12 geographic regions that include as few as one state or as many as 13. Each PRCA cowboy in the United States chooses a home circuit at the beginning of the year or is assigned to one that corresponds to his home address. Cowboys compete for points throughout the year and points earned within his circuit are applied toward the standings of his respective circuit.

Each circuit's top cowboys in each event qualify for that circuit's "Finals" at the end of the season. After all 12 circuit finals are completed, the top regular-season cowboys in each event and the winners of the circuit finals qualify for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

(Information from the PRCA website.)