I have seen done many times over the years on both social media and in various publications. I bet you have too.

For example, if someone wins the WPRA Barrel Racing World Championship often times you'll see "winner of the 2015 NFR". Actually, if you won the NFR, you'd be the average winner, not necessarily the World Champion..   The NFR is the 10 day event. The WPRA World Champion is the year end highest earner. Have you guys also noticed this happening?

It always happens, but I guess it just doesn't bother me. And, actually, there were two years (I believe in the late 70's) where the NFR Average  winner was considered the World Champion. One of the years that Lynn McKenzie won the world in Barrel Racing and when Chris LeDoux won bareback.