2020 PRCA Committee Guide

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An official publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

PRORODEO COMMITTEE GUIDE

Generate MORE REVENUE

ProRodeo OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE PROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION

with the PRCA’s PRORODEO SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Rodeo Roots ProRodeo spans generations for families

RODEO NAME HERE • RODEO DATES HERE ANYTOWN, U.S.A.

RODEO BASICS

KNOW YOUR RODEO LINGO Barrier: a lineat theendof thebox that thecontestantandhishorsecannot crossuntil thecalforsteerhasahead start Box: ina timedevent, theareaahorse and riderback intobeforemakinga run Bulldogger: asteerwrestler Calf roper: a tie-down roper Chute: thepen thatholdsananimal safely inposition; the timed-events chutesareusuallyacross thearena from the roughstockchutes Covering: stayingon forat leasteight seconds; “Hecoveredall threebroncs.” Flankstrap: in the roughstockevents, asheepskinplaced in theareawhere

Thebasic seven events at PRCAProRodeos are in three categories: TIMED EVENTS Steerwrestling, team roping and tie-down roping require highly trainedhorseswho workwith their riders to catch and control cattle. ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding andbull ridingmatch a cowboy’s skill in staying aboard for eight seconds against a buckinghorse’s orbull’s determination to removehim.

WELCOME

SOPHISTICATED PROGRAMS FOR PROFESSIONAL RODEO

• Customize your front cover • Insert local ads and content • Full-color pages

ahuman’sbeltwouldgo,which encourages theanimal tokickout behind itsbody rather than “hopping” vertically,providingashowier,safer ride Judges: trainedprofessionalswho check the livestockandarenabefore the rodeo,score ridingevents, flag timedevents,anddetermine whetherall ruleswere followedby the contestants Left (or right)delivery: eachbucking horseorbull isplaced inachutewhose exitgate faces thedirection itprefers touse

PRCAProRodeo photobyBillie-JeanDuff

BARREL RACING Horse and rider complete a cloverleafpattern around threebarrels; fastest timewins.

CALL800.763.3648TOSUBSCRIBETO PRORODEOSPORTSNEWS– OFFICIALMAGAZINEOFPRORODEO Nowealthy teamowners: Most rodeo committees are staffed entirely or almost entirelyby volunteerswhoput inhundreds of hoursproducing the rodeo. YOUR FIRST RODEO? You’re at an exciting anduniqueAmerican sports event!How it differs from otherprofessional sports: Westernheritage: Most rodeo events are tieddirectly to skills that cowboysused tomanage cattle on the open ranges of the frontier, andmany of those skills are stillused today. Animalathletes: All rodeo events involve theparticipation of animals – somehighly trained, others operating on instinct.Owners take great care of their animals to ensurepeakperformance. Pay toplay: Contestantspay entry fees in order toparticipate. If theyplacehigh, they’llprobably show aprofit for theday. Ifnot,well, wehope you clap for their efforts anyway,because every contestant isdoinghis orherbest. Cooperativecompetitors: Cowboys frequently advise each other onhow to rideparticularhorses orbulls, loan each otherhorses and equipment, and share travel expenses – evenwith their closest rivals. RODEO SUCCESS MEASURED IN MONEY ManyProRodeo contestants compete indozensof rodeos across the country each year.Arenas vary greatly in size,whichparticularly affects results in the timed events.Each rodeo canuseoneormoreof thePRCA’s80-plus stock contractors,manyofwhomownhundreds ofbuckinghorses andbulls.Theonly consistentmeasurement across all these variables is the amountofmoney earned.

• Action-packed photos • Relevant information for avid rodeo fans and first-time attendees

Markout: acowboy’s feetmustbe aboveabuckinghorse’sshoulders when thehorsemakes itsfirstmove outof thechute– ifso, thecowboy “markedout,”but ifnot,he “missed out”and the ride isdisqualified Pickupmen: twomountedcowboys whohelp ridersdismount, release the buckinghorse’ssoftflankstrap,and escortbuckinghorsesandbulls to the exitgateaftera ride Rank: anadjectiveofpraiseand respectused todescribeespecially challenging roughstock Roughstock: horsesandbulls that possess the instinctanddesire tobuck off their riders Sponsors: rodeosareexpensive to produce,butsponsorshelpdefray costs to the local rodeocommittee; audiencemembersareencouraged to reward themwithbusiness Stockcontractors: ranching professionalswhobring livestock to the arena–buckinghorsesandbulls,plus steersandcalves for timedevents Try: thedeterminationdisplayedbya dedicatedcontestant

Questions?

Call or email Amber Baillie at 719.528.4713, abaillie@prorodeo.com for more information.

CONTENTS

1. PRCA BASICS

6. RESOURCES

10. COMMITTEE PROGRAMS

12. RODEO APPROVALS

14. SPONSORSHIPS

16. PROMOTING YOUR RODEO

20. LIVESTOCK WELFARE

RODEO COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Your elected representatives who facilitate communication between the PRCA Board of Directors and rodeo committees.

Larry McConnell 580.821.2203

George Combs 208.573.7353

James Miller 423.506.1879

For rodeos 20K-50K

For rodeos at large

For rodeos 50K +

David Petty 918.798.3201

Steve Gander 319.400.1064

For rodeos 10K-20K

For rodeos 10K and under

To access the QR codes throughout the publication, search your mobile app store for QR CODE READER. iPhone users: simply scan the codes with your camera and click on the notification to open the content.

Specialty Act Madison MacDonald presents the American flag during the 2019 Ute Stampede in Nephi Utah, July 12. –Matt Cohen photo ON THE COVER

SCAN ME

PRCA BASICS

Cowboys’ Turtle Association:

In 1936, a group of cowboys and cowgirls created the first true national cowboys’ organization after boycotting a rodeo in Boston, forcing the promoter to improve judging and increase the prize money.

HISTORY

Cowboys’ Turtle Association

1936

Rodeo Cowboys Association

1945

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

1975-present

STRUCTURE

The PRCA is made up of contestants, rodeo committees, stock contractors and contract personnel. Each group elects executive councils, and each council appoints a representative to the PRCA’s Board of Directors. The executive staff of the PRCA is led by CEO George Taylor. Since 1988, the PRCA staff has been organized into two entities: Rodeo Administration, which is the nonprofit membership organization and PRCA Properties Inc., which includes sponsorships, marketing and media relations. Both divisions are housed at PRCA headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.

CONTACTS

PRCA

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

719.528.4764

Women’s Professional Rodeo Association

719.447.4627

Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

403.945.0903

ProRodeo Sports News Advertising | 214.883.1466 ProRodeo Programs | 719.528.4713 Livestock Welfare | 719.528.4782

Miss Rodeo America 719.313.9063

PRCA rodeo committees that have been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame:

• Cody (Wyo.) Stampede, 2019 • Black Hills Roundup (Belle Fourche, S.D.), 2018 • Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days, 2017 • Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Rodeo, 2016 • Redding (Calif.) Rodeo, 2016 • Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo, 2015 • Iowa’s Championship Rodeo (Sidney), 2015 • Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up, 2015 • Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo, 2014 • Greeley (Colo.) Stampede, 2014 • Rowell Ranch Rodeo (Hayward, Calif.), 2014 • Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho), 2014 • Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup, 2012 • Deadwood (S.D.) Days of ‘76, 2011 • Buffalo Bill Rodeo (North Platte, Neb.), 2008 • Calgary (Alberta) Stampede, 2008

The Cody (Wyo.) Stampede Committee Board at the 2019 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

PRORODEO TODAY

PRORODEO’s mission is to unify membership in providing an innovative fan experience, to grow the sport and provide opportunities for membership and sponsors. PRORODEO’s vision: The best cowboys; the best rodeos; delivering the best fan experience while positively impacting our communities and embracing the spirit of the West.

The PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry, from improving working conditions for contestants and livestock, to boosting entertainment value and promoting sponsors. The PRCA enforces more than 60 rules that govern the care and treatment of the livestock at in PRCA-sanctioned events. In 2018, the PRCA’s membership consisted of 4,618 contestants (including permit holders) and 1,211 contract personnel. with educational camps and financial assistance to young standouts preparing to enter the professional ranks. For 30 years the National Finals Rodeo has sold out with approximately 170,000 rodeo fans in attendance over the 10 days each December. The PRCA proudly supports youth rodeo

More than 43 million identify themselves as PRORODEO fans.

In 2018, the PRCA sanctioned 644 rodeos, paying out $49 million in prize money.

The circuit system is an integral part of the PRCA. Every contestant belongs to one of the 13 circuits across the U.S. and Canada and allows them the opportunity to advance to a national championship.

RESOURCES

DAYSHEETS/STOCK DRAWS

• PROCOM produces free, alphabetical contestant lists, stock draws and daysheets. • Call PROCOM at 719.548.4800 to request in an email or faxed format. • Reprint sheets for your rodeo programs or inserts. • Near the time your entries close, contact PROCOM to find out the dates that your daysheets, contestant lists and stock draws will be available.

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

PSN ads are a way to draw attention to your rodeo from a targeted audience. Call Nathan Vodehnal 214.883.1466 at least one month before you would like your ad to appear. Run a free, 100-word notice to contestants in the Cowboy Column several weeks before your rodeo. Email Daidra Sims at dsims@prorodeo . com for deadline and submission information.

The PSN is available online in flip-book format for your mobile phone, tablet and computer to keep you updated on the latest rodeos, events and stories. The printed edition is published once a month and is a combination of the digital magazines. To view the latest edition of the PSN scan the code :

ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORTS Locally–Regionally–Nationally PRORODEO can help committees understand the impact their PRCA event has on the community in which they live, work and love. • If your visitor bureau, chamber of commerce, or tourism

The 39 committees that have elected to participate in the economic impact analysis (or that we have obtained data on) have a combined economic impact of: $743,867,786 NEEDED INFORMATION: Tourists: Approximately how many adults (19 and older) and youth (18 and younger) attend your rodeo? What is the average number of nights spent at a hotel, campground, etc.? LOGO STANDARDS INCLUDE: At all times the PRCA logo should be visible on any publication, digital asset, or event in association with the PRCA. Under no circumstances is the bronc or shield to be redrawn, re-proportioned or modified. The PRORODEO shield must always be surrounded by a field of clear-space. Locals: Approximately how many adults and youth attend your rodeo?

council has already conducted an economic impact analysis of your PRCA event, we hope you will share your information with us so we can better understand our reach.

• If you don’t have an analysis available, we can help you determine your event’s economic impact.

• Committees provide us with details on attendance at their rodeos. You may want to contact your local tourism board, chamber of commerce or visitor’s bureau for assistance.

To fax, mail or email your information, please contact:

Amy Jo Fields PRCA Rodeo Administration 101 Pro Rodeo Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919 719.264.4937 (F) | afields@prorodeo.com

BRAND GUIDE

In 2018, the PRCA introduced a new logo and set of brand standards. These guidelines must be implemented with care, consistency and good design judgement. Scan the code on the left or visit prorodeo.cld.bz/PRCA-Brand-Guide to access the full guide.

PRORODEO.COM, ORG

The PRCA’s two websites, ProRodeo.com and ProRodeo.org, include many pages that are helpful to rodeo committees such as: • Further information on becoming a PRCA rodeo • Annual convention details • An updated copy of the PRCA’s Contract Personnel Directory • PRCA rodeo schedule • Media guidelines for your local press and an advertising kit • Logos, brand guidelines and commercials for committee use • Required documents and tools for sponsorship • ProRodeo.com contains the latest news stories, world standings, rodeo results, cowboy bios and more

PRCA NATIONAL CONVENTION The PRCA hosts a four-day convention in Las Vegas just before the first performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. PRCA rodeo committees can attend informative workshops and a trade show, where they can meet with hundreds of PRCA contract personnel, rodeo insurers, national sponsors and vendors of rodeo equipment. PRCA staff and rodeo committees also put on workshops with topics such as volunteer retention and recruitment, social media strategies, ticketing promotions and engaging the next generation. PRCA PRORODEO APP Receive the latest PRORODEO news and Wrangler NFR information by downloading the free app at Google Play or Apple’s App store. The app allows you access to photos, updates and standings, and connects you to the PRCA’s social media outlets.

PRCA PUBLICATIONS

ProRodeo Sports News: A full-color magazine and digital product with timely stories and video coverage of PRCA events. The PSN also includes updated standings, results and rodeo advertising. Cost: $45 per year Contact: Call 800.763.3648 for committee discount info.

All-Timers Kimzey,Brazile Post Record Performances

COMPLETE WRANGLER NFR COVERAGE

ProRodeo Programs: A professional 52-page program you can purchase ready to sell or receive in flats, enabling your local printer to bind and insert local ads and content. Custom covers and cover imprints with your rodeo logo and dates are also options. Cost: Varies Contact: Amber Baillie, 719.528.4713 or abaillie@prorodeo.com. Contract Personnel Directory: A phone directory that lists insured PRCA contract personnel in the categories they hold cards in. Cost: Free to committees Contact: Amber Baillie, 719.528.4713 or abaillie@prorodeo.com. PRCA Media Guide: Contains a wealth of information on current PRCA records for each event, yearly champions and records of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, bios of the PRCA’s top cowboys and updated information on the PRORODEO Tour. Cost: $30 perfect bound, $35 coil + $5 shipping Contact: Matthew Castaneda, 719.528.4773 or mhcastaneda@prorodeo.com PRCA Rule Book: The complete reference for contestants, judges and the public on how each run or ride is timed, scored and penalized. Cost: $25 + $5 shipping Contact: 719.528.4773 or mhcastaneda@prorodeo.com Livestock welfare resources: To learn more on the stock contracting business, rules and care of livestock at PRCA-sanctioned rodeos, request printed materials from PRCA Livestock & Governmental Relations Manager Scott Dorenkamp. Cost: Free Contact: Scott Dorenkamp, 719.528.4782 or sdorenkamp@prorodeo.com.

ProRodeo OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE PROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION

RodeoRoots ProRodeo spans generations for families

RODEONAMEHERE • RODEODATESHERE ANYTOWN,U.S.A.

Secretary Success

2018-19CONTRACT PERSONNELDIRECTORY

ProfessionalRodeoCowboysAssociation

ISBN:978-0-9834148-8-9

2019 RULE BOOK

COMMITTEE PROGRAMS

RESISTOL REWARDS The Resistol Rewards program offers rodeo committees discount pricing on Resistol PRCA licensed felt and straw hats. Order forms are available at ProRodeo.org under member services. For more information contact Dayna Buffington at dbuffington@prorodeo.com or 719.528.4719 RESISTOL: SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVE Committees can order Resistol arena banners and feathers . For more information visit www.resistolsalutes.com/products/resistol-feather PRORODEO VISION The video screen sponsorship program provides cash sponsorship to rodeo committees. Up to 12 national sponsor brands are included and does not replace local sponsor obligations. For more information, please call PRCA Properties at 719.528.4860 SOWING GOOD DEEDS PROGRAM The program calls attention to outstanding rodeo committees that serve their community with various charitable assets. Every year, PRCA sponsors Hesston and Massey Ferguson award a Massey Ferguson tractor valued at $35,000 to a rodeo committee that has gone above and beyond. The initiative shares stories of rodeo teams across the U.S. who are sowing good deeds in their WRANGLER COMMITTEE SHIRT PROGRAM Committees can order men’s and women’s shirts and denim jackets. For more information on shirts and other signage such as arena banners, barrel covers and chute decals, contact robert_lever@vfc.com at least three months before your rodeo CINCH COMMITTEE SHIRT PROGRAM Committees can order men’s and women’s shirts and denim jackets. For more information on shirts RAM AFFILIATE REWARDS PROGRAM PRCA committees can receive a discounted price on a purchase or lease of most new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and FIAT vehicles. Call 719.528.4860 for the member code and further information on the program 50/50 CENTRAL 50/50 Central (an official PRCA supplier) is a digital raffle platform that assists rodeos with their fundraising efforts. For more information, visit www.ProRodeo.org or call 719-528-4860 and other signage such as arena banners, barrel covers and chute decals, contact jwahlert@miller-international.com at least three months before your rodeo communities. For more information visit www.hesston.com/sowinggooddeeds/

PRCA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO CAMP SERIES Rodeo committees recognize the value in giving back to their communities and helping grow PRORODEO by co-hosting rodeo camps that offer free instruction to potential PRCA members. These camps aim to provide a fun, educational rodeo experience for middle schoolers, high schoolers and college rodeo teams interested in roughstock events, and at certain camps, steer wrestling. For more information on co-hosting a camp, download the application on ProRodeo.com (under Rodeo, Junior Rodeo) or contact Anthony Bartkowski at abart- kowski@prorodeo.com or call 719.528.4729.

CAMPS INCLUDE: Hands-on riding instructions

PRCA Industry Outreach partners with rodeo committees every year to co-host rodeo camps. No fees are charged to committees but committees that can provide the following are favored:

Goal setting and achievement

Injury prevention

An arena available at no cost to the PRCA with at least two choices of dates

Livestock safety

Hotel sponsors for instructors

Lunch sponsors for camp participants

A solid volunteer base interested in youth development

Promotions such as free rodeo tickets

PRCA Youth Rodeo photos

Contact Approvals at 719.548.4880 or rodeo_approvals@ prorodeo.com

RODEO APPROVALS

APPLICATION PROCESS

The PRCA’s rodeo approvals process helps ensure that all PRCA-sanctioned rodeos meet the standards of professional rodeo, have rules that are consistent with the PRCA’s other rodeos and are fair to all participants. CONTACTING APPROVALS • Committees should

• It is best to start your application process at least six months before your selected rodeo dates.

• Rodeos must annually apply for approval.

• Rodeos which were not sanctioned by the PRCA the previous year are considered new rodeos, regardless of longevity or earlier PRCA status.

• Rodeos which change their dates by more than 14 days from the previous year are also considered new rodeos.

• Established rodeos must submit applications at least 60 days before the first performance (received, not postmarked).

• After contacting Approvals, you will be sent an approvals packet that includes an application form and sponsorship agreement.

designate a primary contact and sponsorship contact for

• Failure to submit a complete application by the deadline will delay your approval process.

Rodeo Approvals to communicate with.

• An application will not be considered complete until the PRCA has received the committee’s annual committee dues and application fee. • Once you have returned your completed application and your ground rules have been approved, you will receive a committee sign-off form which your primary contact must respond and return. It’s the last step before your rodeo becomes approved.

• Your primary contact is

responsible for notifying the Approvals Department of any corrections or changes to your rodeo application.

• All emails from the

Approvals department will have subject lines beginning with your rodeo’s city, state and rodeo number.

• All contract personnel you hire must be active, insured PRCA members.

• Many contract personnel seeking work place ads in the Contract Personnel Directory. You also can check ProRodeo Sports News classified ads for contract personnel seeking work in your area.

Tips

Discuss with your committee performance and slack dates and times, added money per event, entry limits, ground rules and arena information before applying. If you’re an established PRCA rodeo committee, apply for approval online. Fill out the application form by visiting ProRodeo.org, click on Rodeo Committees, Rodeo Applications and Approvals.

APPROVAL PROCESS

• You can expect the approval process to take between three and eight weeks.

• Documentation verifying approval will be sent to both the com- mittee and its stock contractor of record.

• Returning your committee sign-off is the last step before your rodeo becomes approved.

• After your rodeo is approved, you will receive a finalization packet that includes your committee membership card, a rule book, and entry closing dates.

• Remember to submit proof of insurance at least two weeks before your rodeo’s first performance.

• Any rodeo, regardless of the duration of its PRCA sanction, may be required to put purse money and judges’ fees in escrow with the PRCA one month before the event.

• After your rodeo is approved, it will appear in the schedule list for free on ProRodeo.com.

• Run a free, 100-word notice to contestants in the Cowboy Column several weeks before your rodeo. Email Daidra Sims at dsims@ prorodeo.com for deadline and submission information.

• The Livestock Welfare application must be submitted before your rodeo’s first performance.

• Visit ProRodeo.org, select PRCA Business and click on the current year’s rule book for a complete list of requirements.

SPONSORSHIPS

Contact Properties for any sponsorship-related question or concern at 719.528.4860

BELT BUCKLES Any belt buckles awarded or sold by rodeo committees showing the PRCA logo must be produced by national sponsor Montana Silversmiths, exclusive licensee for belt buckles PRCA Properties, Inc. is the sales, marketing and broadcast division of the PRCA. The department manages all national sponsorships from acquisition to fulfillment.

NATIONAL SPONSORS

Types of national PRCA sponsors: • exclusive sponsors • other official national sponsors

Each type has a different relationship with the PRCA, and these relationships may affect your potential agreements with organizations that sponsor your local rodeo. It’s the committee’s responsibility to abide by the PRCA’s national sponsor agreements.

Contact information for each sponsor is in your sanctioning agreement, or you can call Properties at 719.528.4860 for assistance.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES A3 Merchandise is the exclusive PRCA licensee for clothing, accessories, patches, and novelty items such as water bottles and keychains. Rodeo committees can contact A3 Merchandise directly to purchase items for resale, or Properties for information on how to bring the PRCA’s ProRodeo Gear retailing trailer to their rodeo

Contact information:

Jon Elliot A3 Merchandise 615.823.5517 jon@way-entertainment.com

Callie Adams Montana Silversmiths 800.548.4511 cadams@ MontanaSilversmiths. com

The PRCA encourages rodeo committees to use the national PRCA sponsors, affiliates and licensees, all of whom have demonstrated their commitment to PRORODEO and supporting its goals. DEMOGRAPHICS Rodeo committees can use fan demographic information to show potential advertisers and sponsors what kinds of audiences they can reach by sponsoring their rodeo or advertising in their program. The graphic below shows 2019 data. For current/specific demographics, please call: 719.528.4725

PRCA SPONSORS For a complete list of current PRCA National Sponsors, PRCA National Affiliates and Licensees please visit: www.prorodeo.com/ prorodeo/rodeo/ prca-sponsors

HISPANIC 15.6% WHITE 67.5% AF. AMER. 10%

9.7% 18-24 49.2% 25-54 41% 55+

WOMEN 47% MEN 53%

ASIAN 1.8% OTHER 4.9%

AGE

GENDER

ETHNICITY

27% Have camped in the last 12 mo.

32% More likely than general pop.

2x More likely to go hunting/fishing

53% Familieswith 3 or more

82% Households own a pet

19.1 M+ Own a domestic vehicle

70% More likely to work in

12.5M Make more than $75k/year

Farming/Fishing/Forestry

6% more likely to be the business decision maker in their company 14% own their own business

Our website is the most comprehensive source for everything PRORODEO. Find the latest news, stats, standings, profiles and up-to-date results at your fingertips. PRORODEO.com is the only place for real-time scoring, average, stock draw, projected world standings and the RAM Top Gun standings for the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. VISIT PRORODEO.COM TODAY!

26.7M fans are active on social media with 86.5% owning a smart phone. PRORODEO fans are 65% more likely to follow teams on social media than general population

*2019 Nielsen/Scarborough Research

PROMOTING YOUR RODEO

Make it easy for people to talk about

your rodeo in as many places as possible.

PROMOTION • An effective committee will have a publicity chairman who is accustomed to leading a group, has experience working with media and advertising, and ready to start working hard at least six months before your rodeo.

• The committee should include a few volunteers who write well and communicate promptly and professionally with the media.

• Promote your rodeo as an exciting community event that is rich in history, entertainment and action.

• For further tips, log in to ProRodeo.org and click on Rodeo Committes, Rodeo Publicity. PR & DEVELOPING CONTACTS

• Work with your committee to make contact with local businesses that already support your rodeo and set a goal to reach new businesses each year.

• Develop educational presentations you can deliver at any time and anywhere. Include signifcant details such as audience demographics, your rodeo’s impact on local businesses and contributions to the community including gifts to charities.

• Contact area organizations such as the chamber of commerce, rotary club and business networking groups requesting to give a brief presentation on your rodeo.

• Share more on your rodeo on social media, with friends, teachers, work colleagues, customers and create business cards.

• Set up meetings with the general managers of your local radio and TV stations, and the publisher of your local newspaper(s).

• The purpose of a press release, from your perspective as a rodeo committee, is to get your story published for free.

PRESS

CONTACT PRCA PROPERTIES 719.528.4860 Publicity & Promotional Materials

• Put in the work to initiate press coverage. It’s free, so you want as much press as possible.

• Let media know when and how to get a hold of you, and answer their requests as quickly as possible.

PRCA Logos

PRCA patches and volunteer shirts

• There are a range of story ideas you can pitch to reporters. For example, a few months before your rodeo, pitch a story about the preparations your committee is making for the rodeo. Allow a newspaper photographer to shoot arena preparations or let a TV station interview your rodeo president on the subject. Other ideas include: your rodeo’s economic impact, local contestant features and how animals are safeguarded during the event.

PRCA chute decals

PRCA banners

PRCA 3’ x 5’ flag for grand entries and victory laps Advice on marketing and branding

• Ask a newspaper to cover your rodeo’s results in the sports section.

• Very few reporters are rodeo experts. Offer your local media as much information as you can, especially about events and livestock welfare.

CONTACT PRCA MEDIA 719.528.4840

• For more information on media guidelines for rodeo coverage, visit ProRodeo.com and click on Media.

Media Guides

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • Inform your town on your rodeo’s contributions to the community such as gifts to charities, scholarships and hosting other events.

ProRodeo Programs

Media CDs

Contestant interviews

• Share information on your sponsors and partners, such as local businesses that have donated to your rodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News subscription questions

• Provide information on the economic impact your rodeo has on the community.

Photo requests

Rodeo records

• Visit a school and talk to kids about the western lifestyle, the sport of rodeo and why it’s exciting. Bring along a rodeo queen or contestant.

PROMOTING YOUR RODEO

ADVERTISING

• Try to secure a local TV station as a sponsor. The terms could include free air time for a commercial.

• You will get six free PSAs in your marketing kit from Properties that you can use. Their topics include the PRCA, ProRodeo.com, ProRodeo Sports News , the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and more. • On ProRodeo.org, committees can download a 75-second video commercial highlighting the sport of PRORODEO. • Try to recruit your local newspaper as a sponsor. They can help with printing posters and flyers, as well as producing ads. • Create your own posters for display in store windows, or start with the PRCA’s posters and add your rodeo’s information at the bottom.

RELEVANT INFORMATION FOR MEDIA The number of rodeo attendees and total number of community volunteers at your rodeo. Information on nationally- ranked PRCA contestants at your rodeo. How long your rodeo has been a part of the community. How much impact your rodeo has had on the local economy. What makes your rodeo unique and distinctive from other rodeos in the area.

• To place ads in the ProRodeo Sports News contact Nathan Vodehnal in Advertising at 214.883.1466 .

• The most prominent aspects of your ads should show the what/when/where of your rodeo.

• Create flyers and put them in clear plastic display units. Ask businesses to display them on counters and in hotel rooms. • Radio commercials and radio station sponsorships work similiarly to TV commercials. Many also offer free space on their website to public events. Your rodeo announcer or the talent at local stations may be willing to help you produce a radio commercial. • Some members of your committee might have land that adjoins a highway or interstate, allowing you to put up a 4’ by 6’ or larger (lumber or plywood) sign to advertise your rodeo.

WEBSITE & EMAIL BLASTS • You should have a website for your rodeo. Include its URL (eg., www.yourrodeo.com) with your Approval forms so that it will be posted on ProRodeo.com’s rodeo schedule page.

• At minimum, your website should include your rodeo dates, location, schedule, ticket prices and contact information.

• Tell your local fairs, state and county tourism agencies about your website and ask them to link to it. Also link it to your social media accounts.

• If you have some way to collect your audience’s e-mail addresses, you can use programs such as Constant Contact to set up e-mail blasts (promotional e-mails that can go to a mass of recipents) to promote your rodeo. SOCIAL MEDIA Please follow and like the PRCA’s social media accounts and tag the PRCA in any applicable posts to help cross-promote your event. We recommend setting up a Facebook, Twitter and Instagram account for your rodeo.

TIPS:

• Keep text short and concise in posts. • Always post a picture or video for fan engagement.

• Shorten any URL’s you are sharing (bit.ly is a great service). • Post consistently leading up to your rodeo (at least once a day). • Social media coverage during your rodeo is key for fan engagement. • Utilize hashtags (#WeAreProRodeo), giveaways, tagging, and getting people to share your posts. • Please refer to our social media policy on ProRodeo.com for do’s and don’ts.

To view the most updated version of the PRCA’s Social Media Policy scan the code on the left or visit prorodeo.com/social- media-policy.

LIVESTOCK WELFARE

FIRST STEPS

• Appoint a spokesperson to handle all livestock inquiries.

• Fill out your PRCA Livestock Welfare Approval Form and return to the PRCA with your application.

PRCA rodeo committees should provide safe accommodations and facilities for all rodeo livestock. They should also be prepared to handle all livestock welfare situations and animal rights issues promptly, professionally, honestly and compassionately.

• Set up a contract with a veterinarian to ensure that you are in compliance with PRCA rules.

• Give your veterinarian’s name and contact information to your stock contractor.

• Ensure you are aware of any local or state laws governing rodeo.

• Create a detailed written procedure for dealing with livestock injuries at your rodeo that takes into account PRCA rules and your arena facilities. • Law enforcement should handle protestors. Limit your own interaction with them as much as possible, but be sure you’re ready to discuss the matter with media. GROUNDS AND PERSONNEL • If your holding pens and chutes are permanent installations, arrange for inspection three months ahead of time, and ask your veterinarian to join in the inspection if possible.

• Be sure to document all of your work in providing for livestock welfare.

• Double check that all hired help who assists the stock contractor with livestock handling is experienced and trained, agreeing to abide by all PRCA rules for livestock handling.

SECURITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS • Arrange for 24-hour security on your rodeo grounds for the safety of livestock and to make sure there are no unsupervised visitors. • Prewrite a statement about the steps your rodeo is taking to provide a safe environment for livestock in case the media inquires. • Offer behind-the-scenes tours to give the public a glimpse of the effort your committee and stock contractor are putting into the care for rodeo livestock.

For livestock welfare materials, questions and issues at your event, please contact Scott Dorenkamp at 719-528-4782 or email at sdorenkamp@prorodeo. com

INJURIES AND EMERGENCIES

LIVESTOCK WELFARE RESOURCES:

A Guide to Veterinary Service at PRCA Rodeos, pamphlet PRCA Rodeo Committee Guide to Livestock Welfare, pamphlet

• Be sure your vet brings all medications and equipment to the premise.

• Have a designated pen out of the main traffic area with clean bedding where you can take any injured animal for treatment by the veterinarian. • Committees must have a conveyance – a sled or an animal ambulance – to transport injured rodeo livestock from the arena.

• Designate a nearby facility that will accept an injured animal who needs further care but not hospitalization.

• Decide ahead of time how the announcer will address the crowd if an animal is injured (neither overdramatizing the incident or downplaying it).

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