COOPA Derby: 2026 Season Rules & Standard Operating Procedures

 By submitting birds to our facility, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to adhere to all athletic procedures and policies listed below.

• Intake Period: We are accepting athletes from March 1st, 2026, to June 15, 2026. Capacity is strictly capped at 300 birds to ensure top-tier care and maintain a premium, healthy environment.
• Perch Fee: (UPDATE: FREE PERCH) 

$100/bird at arrival or $500 for a team of 6 – NON-REFUNDABLE. Pigeons without settled perch fees may be removed from the roster and rehomed at the loft manager's discretion.

• Digital Media Add-On ("NEW!"): To post a photograph alongside your bird's performance data on the Wincompanion platform, there is a one-time service fee of $3 per bird, or $15 for a team of 6 (payable at initial entry only).
• Payment Terms: We do not hold checks for perch or activation fees. Returned checks will automatically incur a $35 NSF fee. ZELLE payments to email coopaderby@gmail.com.
• Syndicates & Teams: When forming a team, nominate one primary contact. This individual handles all COOPA Derby correspondence and consolidated payment collection. Only one combined payment per team is accepted; our office will not chase down partial payments. * To receive separate award disbursements, you must list all active syndicate members on entry form.

• Vaccination Protocol: We highly encourage breeders to administer vaccine(s) minimum one week prior to arrival. This practice has shown to provide better results. All birds will be vaccinated for PMV/SALMONELLA upon intake and treated for POX shortly after, followed by a mandatory temporary quarantine. (Please include prior vaccination documentation and dates so we can administer our regimen at the appropriate time).
• Strict Disqualification: Any breeder caught providing their birds with outside food, drinks, supplements, or boosters will be AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED from the season and forfeit any claim to performance awards. We ensure a level playing field and standardized care for every athlete involved.
• Facility Security: ONLY LOFT MANAGERS MAY ENTER THE ACTIVE LOFT. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Liability: COOPA Derby is not liable for bird losses at any stage of training, conditioning, or during major performance events.

• Training Schedule: Official athletic conditioning kicks off in September (the exact date will be determined by Loft Manager Tito Medel based on flock readiness).
• The 100-Mile Qualifier: This milestone hits hard! Each bird that successfully completes this stage requires a $300 Performance Activation Fee. If a bird doesn’t return from this qualifier, the fee is refundable.
• The "All or Nothing" Rule: You MUST activate your entire qualifying team. Breeders must settle the activation payment within 7 days after the 100-mile flight. Any birds left unactivated will result in the breeder forfeiting their rights to those birds.
• Public Roster Placement: Unactivated birds, will be made available for "Public Activation." The new sponsor assumes ownership, pays the activation fee, and retains 100% of any performance awards the bird achieves. 
• Milestone Communications: Post-flight data will hit your inbox and the website immediately following the 100-mile qualifier, detailing payment options and strict deadlines.

• The Season Layout: The official series features 5 major performance events: 100, 125, 150, 235, and 325 miles.
• The Grand Finale: The 325-mile event serves as the ultimate test of endurance. Flight parameters and release dates are fully adjustable by Tito Medel to ensure safe weather conditions.
• Average Velocity: Average speed metrics will be calculated strictly from cumulative data across the 100, 125, 150, 235, and 325-mile flights.
• Performance Ranking: For 2026, ALL merit awards and recognition are determined strictly by electronic clocking order. The system runs continuously until the event officially concludes.
• Event Closure: Flight day wraps up one hour after sunset, though the scanning system will remain active overnight. On the second day post-release, any remaining performance awards in the tier structure will be distributed equally among the returning birds.
• Tie Breakers: In the event of a timing tie, the designated awards for those placements will be combined and shared equally among the tied athletes.
• Event Cancellation: If a natural disaster forces the cancellation of the season, birds will be shipped back to breeders at their expense. The currently accumulated award structure will be distributed equally among the remaining active competitors.

• Tax Documentation: Breeders must submit a valid W-9 form to COOPA Derby. A 1099 will only be filed for cumulative performance awards exceeding $1,999, in strict accordance with Arizona state law. Performance awards must be claimed immediately—have your W-9 ready for all participants including syndicate members!
• Award Distribution: For team awards, the primary contact must provide a finalized list of names and addresses for check distribution. Ensure all contact information on Wincompanion is 100% accurate.
• Dispute Resolution: Any performance discrepancies will be resolved by Liz Medel following a thorough data review and consultation with Tito Medel.
• Bird Retrieval: Owners have 7 days post-finale to claim and arrange transport for their birds, costs are owners responsibility. After day 7, unclaimed birds become the property of COOPA Derby and will be rehomed to local flyers, with placement fees donated to local pigeon organizations chosen by COOPA Derby.
• Shipping Policy: COOPA Derby is not liable for shipping complications or lost packages via USPS and will not pursue postal refunds. We will, however, provide best practices for secure transit (e.g., using dividers when shipping multiple birds in one box to prevent injury).

• Exclusive Access: The Final Race Events at COOPA Derby are exclusive to participating fanciers and their immediate families. If you do not have active birds on the roster this season, please skip attending. COOPA Derby Management reserves the right to deny any breeder’s participation to protect the integrity of the event.
• Basketing Night: Breeders may view their birds on basketing night but must be accompanied by a loft manager at all times. Handling other breeders' birds is NOT permitted. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Family-Friendly Vibe: Alcohol consumption on-site may be limited to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Kids are highly encouraged to attend—they are the future flyers of the sport!
• RSVP Requirements: Parking is limited, and carpooling is highly encouraged. Please call ahead of time to RSVP. Failing to RSVP means you may miss out on dining, community activities, and raffles.