PRCA Committee Guide 2019

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This is an official publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Committee Guide

MORE REVENUE Generate with the PRCA’s

ProRodeo OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE PROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION

PRORODEO SOUVENIR PROGRAM SOPHISTICATED PROGRAMS FOR PROFESSIONAL RODEO • Customize your front cover • Insert local ads and content • Full-color pages

Rodeo Roots ProRodeo spans generations for families

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

WELCOME

KNOW YOUR RODEO LINGO

RODEO BASICS Thebasic seven events atPRCA ProRodeos are in three categories: TIMED EVENTS

Barrier: a line at the endof thebox that the contestant andhishorse cannot crossuntil the calfor steerhas ahead start Box: in a timed event, the area ahorse and riderback intobeforemaking a run Bulldogger: a steerwrestler Calf roper: a tie-down roper Chute: thepen thatholds an animal safely inposition; the timed-events chutes areusually across the arena from the roughstock chutes Covering: stayingon for at least eight seconds; “He covered all threebroncs.” Flank strap: in the roughstock events, a sheepskin-orNeoprene-lined strapplaced in the areawhere ahuman’sbeltwouldgo, which encourages the animal tokickout

Steerwrestling, team roping and tie-down roping requirehighly trainedhorseswhoworkwith their riders to catch and control cattle. ROUGHSTOCK EVENTS eight seconds against abucking horse’sorbull’sdetermination to removehim . BARREL RACING Horse and rider complete a cloverleafpattern around three barrels; fastest timewins. Bareback riding, saddlebronc riding andbull ridingmatch a cowboy’s skill in staying aboard for

PRCAProRodeo photo byPhilDoyle

behind itsbody rather than “hopping” vertically,providing a showier, safer ride Judges: trainedprofessionalswho check the livestock and arenabefore the rodeo, score riding events,flag timed events, and determinewhether all ruleswere followedby the contestants Left (or right)delivery: eachbucking horseorbull isplaced in a chutewhose exit gate faces thedirection itprefers touse Mark out: a cowboy’s feetmustbe above a buckinghorse’s shoulderswhen thehorse makes itsfirstmoveoutof the chute– if so, the cowboy “markedout,”but ifnot,he

• Action-packed photos • Relevant information for avid rodeo fans and first-time attendees Questions? Call 719.528.4713 for more information

RODEO SUCCESS MEASURED IN MONEY

ManyProRodeo contestants compete indozensof rodeos across the country eachyear. Arenasvarygreatly in size,whichparticularly affects results in the timed events.Each rodeo canuseoneormoreof thePRCA’s80-plus stock contractors,manyofwhomownhundreds ofbuckinghorses andbulls.Theonly consistentmeasurement across all thesevariables is the amountofmoney earned.

“missedout” and the ride isdisqualified Pickupmen: twomounted cowboyswho help ridersdismount, release thebucking horse’s softflank strap, and escortbucking horses andbulls to the exitgate after a ride Rank: an adjectiveofpraise and respect used todescribe especially challenging roughstock Roughstock: horses andbulls thatpossess the instinct anddesire tobuckoff their riders Sponsors: rodeos are expensive toproduce, but sponsorshelpdefray costs to the local rodeo committee; audiencemembers are encouraged to reward themwithbusiness Stock contractors: ranchingprofessionals whobring livestock to thearena–bucking horsesandbulls,plus steersandcalves for timedevents Try: thedeterminationdisplayedby a dedicated contestant

YOUR FIRST RODEO?

CALL800.763.3648TOSUBSCRIBETO PRORODEOSPORTSNEWS– OFFICIALMAGAZINEOFPRORODEO • Western heritage: Most rodeoeventsare tieddirectly to skills thatcowboysused to managecattleon theopen rangesof the frontier,andmanyof those skillsare stillused today. • Animal athletes: All rodeoevents involve theparticipationofanimals– somehighly trained, othersoperatingon instinct.Owners takegreatcareof theiranimals toensurepeakperformance. • Pay toplay: Contestantspay entry fees inorder toparticipate. If theyplacehigh, they’ll probably show aprofit for theday. Ifnot,well,wehopeyou clap for their efforts anyway, because every contestant isdoinghisorherbest. • Cooperative competitors: Cowboys frequently advise eachotheronhow to ride particularhorsesorbulls, loan eachotherhorses and equipment, and share travel expenses– evenwith their closest rivals. • Nowealthy teamowners: Most rodeo committees are staffed entirelyor almost entirely byvolunteerswhoput inhundreds–or thousands–ofhoursproducing the rodeo. You’re at an exciting anduniqueAmerican sports event!How itdiffers fromother professional sports:

PRCA5

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

George Combs 208.573.7353

James Miller 423.506.1879

Larry McConnell 580.821.2203

For rodeos at large

For rodeos 50K +

For rodeos 20K-50K

on the cover

Bareback rider Jeffrey Zdziarski holds onto PRCA pickup man Bobby Marriott after an 8-second ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Robinson Bulls’ Sign Language at the 2018 Sheridan WYO Rodeo. –Eva Scofield photo

Steve Gander 319.400.1064 For rodeos 10K and under

David Petty 918.798.3201

For rodeos 10K-20K

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.

PRCA

Contacts

Rodeo Administration | 719.548.4870

Rodeo Approvals | 719.548.4880

Member Records | 719.528.4747

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

PROCOM | 719.548.4800

719.528.4764

Judging | 719.528.4703

Properties (TV, sponsorships) | 719.548.4860

Women’s Professional Rodeo Association

Media | 719.528.4840

719.447.4626

ProRodeo Sports News | 719.528.4746

ProRodeo Sports News Advertising | 214.883.1466

Canadian Professional Rodeo Association

ProRodeo Programs | 719.528.4713

403.945.0903

Livestock Welfare | 719.528.4782

PRCA rodeo committees that have been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame for their histories of producing high-quality rodeos: • 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

–Photo courtesy, Black Hills Roundup

The PRCA Today

In 2017, the PRCA sanctioned 650 rodeos, paying out $48 million in prize money

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

Last year, 6.3 million ProRodeo fans attended PRCA rodeos

The PRCA sanctions rodeos in 38 states and in Canada, Mexico and Brazil

The PRCA is the oldest and largest sanctioning body in the world ProRodeo, as both a sport and industry, bridge the traditions of the old West with the tools of the 21st century

The PRCA enforces more than 60 rules that govern the care and treatment of the livestock at in PRCA- sanctioned events The PRCA’s membership includes 4,657 contestants (including permit holders) and 1,195 contract personnel

More than 43 million identify themselves as ProRodeo fans

PRCA rodeos annually raise more than $16 million for local and national charities

In 2017, PRCA World Champions had season earnings ranging from $136,419 to $436,479

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 Every two weeks a new 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.

PSN ads are a way to draw attention to your rodeo from a targeted audience. Call 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

Latest version of the PSN: www.prorodeo.com/ PSN

Economic Impact Reports Locally–Regionally–Nationally

35 committees that have elected to participate in the economic impact analysis (or that we have obtained data on) have a combined economic im- pact of:

The PRCA 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 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

$792,095,097

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

Needed information:

• 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)

Tourists: Approximately how many adults (19 and older) and how many youth attend your rodeo (18 and under)? What is the average number of nights spent at a hotel, campground, etc.? Locals: Approximately how many adults (19 and older) and how many youth attend your rodeo (18 and under)?

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

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

Brand Guide # WeAreProRodeo

The PRCA will introduce a new brand in December 2018. It will include a new set of brand standards, sponsor and committee lockups, and approved styles

ProRodeo.com, org

The PRCA’s two websites, www.ProRodeo.com and www.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, logo 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 as well as 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, sponsor valuation, ticketing promotions and engaging the next generation

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle

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 up-to-date standings, results and rodeo advertising. Cost: $45 per year Contact: Call 800.763.3648 for committee discount info

KimzeyTakes Fourth Straight WorldTitle Sage Slam !

ProRodeo Programs: A professional 48-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’s logo and dates are also options. Cost: Varies Contact: 719.528.4713 or abaillie@prorodeo.com Contract Personnel Directory: A phone directory that lists insured PRCA contract personnel members in the categories they hold cards in Cost: Free to committees Contact: 719.528.4713 or abaillie@prorodeo.com PRCA Media Guide: Contains a wealth of information on current records for each event, yearly champions of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, bios of the PRCA’s top cowboys and updated information on the PRCA tour and series. Cost: $30 perfect bound, $35 coil + $5 shipping Contact: 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: $30 + $5 shipping Contact: 719.528.4773 or mhcastaneda@prorodeo.com

ProRodeo OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE PROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION

BEHIND THE SCENES

A GLIMPSE AT RODEO PASSION, PEOPLE AND PREPARATION

your rodeo’s name ANYTOWNU.S.A. v YOURRODEODATES

Your

rodeo’s logohere?

Professional RodeoCowboysAssociation

Funny & Fearless

2017-18 CONTRACT PERSONNEL DIRECTORY

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association 2018 Rule Book

Livestock welfare resources: To learn more on the stock contracting business, rules and care of livestock at PRCA-sanctioned rodeos, request free pamphlets from PRCA Livestock Program Administrator Jed Pugsley. Cost: Free Contact: 719.528.4782 or jpugsley@prorodeo.com

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 719.528.4728 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 program recognizes that PRCA-sanctioned rodeos contribute significant support for local, regional and national charities. The initiative shares stories of rodeo teams across the U.S. who are sowing good deeds in their communities. For more information visit www.hesston.com/sowinggooddeeds/ 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 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 719.528.4719 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 719-528-4719

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 are geared toward middle school, high school and college rodeo teams interested in roughstock events, and at certain camps, steer wres- tling. For more information on co-hosting a camp, download the application on ProRodeo.com (under Youth Rodeo) or call PRCA Industry Outreach at 719.528.4729.

CAMPS PROVIDE: Hands-on riding instructions Goal setting and achievement Getting fit to prevent injury PRCA rules and standards

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

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

Hotel sponsors for instructors

Lunch sponsors for camp participants

A solid volunteer base interested in youth development

Promotions such as free rodeo tickets

PRCA ProRodeo photos by Julie Jutten

Rodeo Approvals

Contact Approvals at 719.548.4880 or rodeo_ approvals@ prorodeo.com

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

• 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)

Contacting Approvals

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

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

• Committees should

designate a primary contact and sponsorship contact for

• 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

Rodeo Approvals to communicate with

• Your primary contact is

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

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

• All emails from the

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

• Many contract personnel seeking work place ads in the Con- tract 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 committee 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 719.528.4728

National Sponsors

PRCA Properties, Inc. is the sales, marketing and broadcast division of the PRCA. The department manages all national sponsorships from acquisition to fulfillment

The three types of national PRCA sponsors: • exclusive sponsors

• first-right-of-refusal sponsors • other official national sponsors

Each of these types of sponsors have 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

Belt buckles

Contact information for each sponsor is in your sanctioning agreement, or you can call Properties at 719.528.4728 for assistance

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

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:

Callie Adams Montana Silversmiths 800.548.4511 cadams@ MontanaSilversmiths.com

Contact information:

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

2018 PRCA Sponsors • American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) • Boot Barn • Boyd Gaming • Carroll Companies • Cinch Jeans • Hesston by Massey Ferguson • Justin • LVCVA • MGM Grand • MillerCoors Brewing • Mirage Hotel and Casino • Montana Silversmiths • Pendleton Whisky • Polaris Ranger • Priefert • Pro Equine • RAM Rodeo • Resistol • South Point Hotel and Casino • The Purple Cowboy • Wrangler

The PRCA encourages rodeo committees to use the list of national PRCA sponsors (see right), all of whom have demonstrated their commitment to ProRodeo and supports its goals Demographics Rodeo committees can use 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 table below shows 2017 data. For current demographics, please call 719.528.4860

For financial institutions and mortgage companies:

• 82 percent of PRCA rodeo attendees used a credit card in the last three months • 67 percent own their own homes • 55 percent used a debit card in the last three months • 55 percent report a median household income of $50,000 or more

Retailers:

Watch the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, view video on-demand with 50 years of PRCA rodeo archives, or watch top PRCA rodeos that will be livestreamed in 2019. Subscribe to ProRodeoTV.com today. It’s the best way to stay connected to the sport of ProRodeo

• 90 percent of PRCA rodeo attendees own a computer/tablet • 85 percent own a smartphone • 66 percent hunt, fish or camp • 12 percent own an ATV

Promoting Your Rodeo

Make it easy for people to talk about

your rodeo in as many places as possible

PRCA logos & trademarks

• As a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo you must use the PRCA trademark and logo to brand your event as a truly professional production with the best cowboys and fan experience

• You must use the PRCA logo in conjunction with your own committee logos on all printed promotional material that is not offered for sale, including rodeo tickets, committee ads, press releases, program inserts and personnel ID badges

• You must use the PRCA logo on large displays including billboards, signs and bumper stickers

• The PRCA logo should be prominent and distinguishable from other symbols

• Do not use the PRCA trademark or logo in any manner that suggests the PRCA is affiliated with any event not sanctioned by the PRCA

• Ensure all of your outreach efforts include PRCA trademarks

PRCA primary logo

Promotion • An effective publicity committee will have a publicity chairman who is accustomed to leading a group, has experience working with media and advertising, and is willing to put in long hours doing hands-on work • The committee should include a few volunteers who write well and communicate promptly and professionally with the media

Contact PRCA Properties 719.528.4860 Publicity & Promotional Materials

PRCA Logos

PRCA patches and volunteer shirts

PRCA chute decals

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

PRCA banners

PRCA 3’ x 5’ flag for grand entries and victory laps 30-second TV commercials (available for download on ProRodeo.org) Advice on marketing and branding

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

Contact PRCA Media 719.528.4840 Media Guides

ProRodeo Programs

Media CDs

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

Contestant interviews

• 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

Sample press releases

ProRodeo Sports News subscription questions

Photo requests

Rodeo records

Promoting Your Rodeo

Advertising • The PRCA makes 20-second spots with great rodeo action available for you to use in commercials. You can download these spots on ProRodeo.org • Also on ProRodeo.org, you can download a 30-second clip of George Strait talking about rodeo that can be used in your commercials • 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, ProRodeo Hall of Fame and more • 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 • Try to secure a local TV station as a sponsor. The terms could include free air time for a commercial

Relevant information for media 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 • 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 Approvals 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

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle

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

Injuries and emergencies

For livestock welfare materials, questions and issues at your event, please contact Jed Pugsley at 719-528-4782 or email at jpugsley@prorodeo.com

• 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 • PRCA Rule 9.1.2 requires committees to 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

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

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

Animal rights Animal rights is the philosophy that animals have rights identical or similar to those of humans. The strictest animal rights proponents believe that humans should not use animals in any way – including recreation, sport, industry or entertainment.

Animal welfare A human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal wellbeing, including proper housing, management, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane eu- thanasia. -American Veterinary Medical Association

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