2019 PRCA Media Guide - Intro

Youth Outreach The PRCA continues to support and reach out to young people who are interested in participating in professional rodeo, whether as contestants, bullfighters or contract acts. Those outreach efforts take several forms:

RODEO CAMPS For roughstock contestants, one of the best decisions they might make during their years on junior high, high school and/or college rodeo teams is to attend at least one free PRCA Championship Rodeo Camp. Camp curriculum includes an introduction to roughstock events with an

emphasis on safety, fundamentals, chute procedures, livestock safety, fitness and goal setting – all in a fun, positive atmosphere. Instructors deliver encouragement to participants as they pursue both their rodeo careers and scholastic endeavors. In 2018, 15 camps were held in towns throughout the U.S.; 656 youth participated, along with a number of ProRodeo champions who provided instruction and mentoring. The camps are free, thanks to sponsorships, contributions from PRCA members and the hard work of rodeo committee volunteers. PERMIT PROGRAM The PRCA annually subsidizes the entire dues portion of PRCA permit certificates for College National Finals Rodeo champions, High School National Finals Rodeo champions, National High School Rodeo Association state champions, and Little Britches National Finals Rodeo champions/senior boys division (permit holders must still pay for insurance and the event rep fee). In 2018, 454 permits were awarded. SPONSORSHIP The PRCA is a sponsor of the National Collegiate, National High School and National Little Britches rodeo associations and, through those organizations, has offered educational sessions to their members aimed at smoothing the transition to ProRodeo and developing successful PRCA competitors. PERMIT CHALLENGE The Permit Member of the Year Challenge has operated as a standalone rodeo since 2014. The top 5 permit members at the end of the 2018 regular season in the six standard PRCA events were invited to compete on Dec. 6, 2018 at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The 2018 PRCA Permit Member of the Year Challenge Champions were: • Bareback riding – Jesse Pope, Marshall, Mo. • Steer wrestling – Gavin Soileau, Bunkie, La. • Team roping – Justin Farber, Battle Ground, Wash., and Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. • Saddle bronc riding – Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa • Tie-down roping – Luke Potter, Maple City, Kan. • Bull riding – Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah Permit standings are printed in the ProRodeo Sports News and available on ProRodeo.com and the PRCA app.

32

INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION