COOPA Derby 101

1. 2025 Perch Fee: $100/bird at arrival or $500 for 6 birds – NON-REFUNDABLE. Pigeons without perch fees may be sold at the owner's discretion. 
2. Entry Fee: $300/bird, paid after the 100-mile race. If a bird doesn’t return from activation, the fee is refundable. (ALL REMAINING BIRDS MUST BE ACTIVATED BY BREEDER, OR BREEDER FORFEITS RIGHTS TO BIRD(S). BIRD(S) WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ACTIVATION. NEW OWNER KEEPS SURVIVING BIRDS AND RETAINS 100% OF WINNINGS.
3. Accepting birds from March 1st, 2026 to June 15, 2026, with a capacity of 300 birds. (300 is the MAX, to provide equal quality care and provide a healthy environment)
4. "NEW!!" - To post a photograph alongside your birds information on Wincompanion will be a SERVICE FEE of $5 per Bird, or $15 for Team of 6. At initial Entry time only.
5. We encourage breeders to administer vaccines a week before arrival; they’ll be vaccinated for PMV/SALMONELLA at arrival and treated with POX shortly after (+temporary quarantine). *Include vaccination info and date if already done, to administer our dose at an appropriate time.
6. Select birds, bred on the property will compete and be available  for "PUBLIC ACTIVATION". 100% of winning go to public activator. Birds may be purchased for $200, upon request along with pedigree.
7. Training kicks off in September (Loft Manager, Tito Medel will set the date). 
8. The 100-mile Activation Race hits hard! Each bird that finishes owes a $300 “Activation Fee.” Forgetting to pay? Those birds could be sold off, and once sold, they’re no longer yours. You MUST Activate, “All or Nothing”. —
9. Breeders need to settle the Activation Payment within 7 days after the race. 
10. Post-race updates will hit your inbox and the website after the 100 Mile Activation Race, detailing payment options and deadlines. 
11. The Race Series features 5 epic races: 100, 150, 150, 235, and 325 miles.
12. The 325 Mile Race is the grand finale, adjustable by Tito Medel based on weather. 
13. Prize money must be claimed immediately, HAVE YOUR W-9!!
14. Remember, COOPA Derby isn't liable for any bird losses, throughout training or races.
15. For 2026,” ALL” race prizes are awarded by clocking order, and the clock runs continuously until the race wraps up! 
16. Race Day wraps up an hour after sunset. Clock will remain connected throughout the night. On the second day post-release, with leftover prizes split equal parts amongst the returning birds. 
17. In case of ties, the prize pot will be combined and shared equally among the birds involved. 
18. Any issues will be sorted by Liz Medel, but not before reviewing thoroughly and discussing with Tito Medel. 
19. If a natural disaster forces race cancellation, birds head back to breeders at their cost, and prize money will be shared among the remaining competitors.
20. Average Speed will be determined from the 100, 150, 150, 225, and 325 Mile Races. 
21. If breeders or fanciers  will need to submit a W9 form to COOPA Derby. (1099 WILL ONLY BE SUBMITTED for winnings OVER $1,999, according to new state law.)
22. You've got 7 days post-final race to claim your birds; otherwise, they belong to COOPA Derby. After day 7, unclaimed birds will be auctioned off to locals, with proceeds going to local club(s) / organizations chosen by COOPA Derby. 
23. COOPA Derby isn’t liable for any shipping problems or lost packages with USPS and won’t pursue refunds. We will however, provide the best practices if shipping multiple birds in 1 box, with dividers to prevent injury from other birds.
24. No holding checks for perch fees or activation; bounced checks will incur a $35 NSF fee. 
25. Loft name changes won’t be accepted after September 15th—no exceptions! 
26. When forming a team or syndicate, choose one person as the contact. This person handles all team correspondence and payment collection for the COOPA Derby—just one payment is needed, so plan ahead! Our office will not chase down payments.
27. If prize money is involved, the contact must send a list of names and addresses for checks. Double-check that all info on Wincompanion is accurate for contacting. 
28. Remember, COOPA Derby Managers (Liz and Tito Medel) can deny any breeder’s participation. 
29. The Final Race Events at COOPA Derby are exclusive to participating fanciers and their immediate family. If you don’t have birds in this season, please skip attending. 
30. Breeder’s may see their bird(s) basketing night but must always be accompanied by a loft manager. Handling other breeders' bird(s) is NOT permitted.” ABSOLUTELY NO ACCEPTIONS” 
31. Any breeder providing their birds with food, drinks, supplements, or any kind of boosters will be “AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED” from the event. They also lose any claim to prizes. At COOPA Derby, we ensure fair treatment and chances for everyone involved.
32. Alcohol consumption may be limited to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including our family-friendly vibe. Kids are welcome—they’re the future flyers!
33. Parking limited, Carpooling is encouraged. Please call ahead of time. By failing to RSVP, you may miss out on raffle, dining, and activity opportunities.
34. ONLY LOFT MANAGERS MAY ENTER THE LOFT. NO ACCEPTIONS.

BY ENTERING BIRDS IN OUR COMPETITION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND OUR RULES AND ACCEPT PROCEDURES