Media
Guidelines

Media Guidelines for Rodeo Coverage


NOTE:
 
The following guidelines govern media covering PRCA events, as well as those co-sponsored and approved by the association. All media must review these guidelines. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may, at the discretion of the PRCA and/or the respective rodeo committee, result in forfeiture of media credentials and an immediate escort from the premises, as well as refusal of accreditation for future events. Unless specified otherwise, journalists and media are general terms for print, electronic, television, Internet and photo journalists.

General Media Guidelines and Regulations

Credentials are distributed on an as-available basis to journalists of recognized news outlets who are on assignment to cover the event and/or the PRCA. Journalists must represent recognized daily or weekly newspapers; news services; recognized publications and outlets that regularly cover rodeo; recognized national/regional radio and television networks; local radio and television stations; and/ or recognized Internet sites. In each case, this determination is at the sole discretion of the PRCA and the respective rodeo.

Accreditation badge must be worn at all times. Freelance journalists and photographers must provide proof of assignment to be considered for accreditation. Freelance photographers must sign a form agreeing that the images they take will only be used for that specific publication and for that specific story – they cannot be sold over the Internet or used in any other way.

Credential applications and approved credentials to cover individual PRCA rodeos are available through each individual rodeo. Media credentials should be requested well in advance of the rodeo.

Security checkpoints and procedures have been implemented in the interest of safety for everyone. Accredited media are expected to cooperate with the procedures and requirements implemented for access to the media, photographer and broadcast areas. Media access will vary by rodeo, and the media rules of the respective rodeo must be followed.

Contestants May Be Available for Interviews After They Compete

Many of the individuals staffing media areas are volunteers, and accredited media and broadcasters are expected to treat them with courtesy and respect.

Where provided (the Wrangler NFR, the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour and Justin Finale and other major rodeos), the media workroom and other media areas are the workplace for accredited media. To ensure a positive working environment for all, please avoid making excessive noise in working areas; do not leave belongings in the common work area overnight; and dispose of unwanted papers, etc., to assist in keeping the area neat. A media workroom is not a gathering place for staff and volunteers.

 

PRCA Social Media Policy

General Photography Guidelines

  • Only PRCA member photographers are granted a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display and distribute images taken during PRCA-sanctioned events. No other photographer is allowed to shoot a PRCA-sanctioned event without written approval from the PRCA or the rodeo committee.
  • Only PRCA-member photographers are permitted to shoot from inside the arena and behind the chutes during PRCA events. An exception may be made for in-arena awards or presentations, if applicable and coordinated with the PRCA Photographer and the rodeo committee before the rodeo performance.
  • Freelance and media photographers must shoot from designated areas and may not shoot behind the bucking chutes (on the chute platform). Proper western attire (long sleeve shirt with collar) is recommended. Cowboy hat is not required, but ball caps are not permitted.
  • Freelance and media photographers will not be approved to photograph a PRCA-sanctioned event without proof of assignment for a specific media outlet and without signing an agreement to limit usage of the images to the specified assignment.
  • News media are encouraged to obtain photographs/images from PRCA Photographers where available.
  • All photographers who are not PRCA members must sign the PRCA license form agreeing that photographs may not be used, sold or reused in any other manner including, but not limited to, broadcast or streaming in any format (to include any websites) or for any other purpose without the prior written consent of the PRCA. Freelance and media photographers must not interfere with contestants or judges during the performance. The PRCA license agreement for media and freelance photographers is available through the rodeo committee or by calling PRCA Media at 719.528.4736.
  • Any secondary, non-editorial or commercial use of any picture/image, film or drawing of a PRCA-sanctioned event or competitor is prohibited without prior written consent of the PRCA and the contestant.
  • Commercial photography is prohibited unless prior written approval and the proper clearances have been obtained from the PRCA, rodeo committee, and contestant before the first rodeo performance.
  • Photographers who do not comply fully with the above regulations may, without warning, have their credentials withdrawn for the remainder of the rodeo and may be banned by the PRCA from photographing future events.