Visiting Media

PRCA Media Regulations

The PRCA retains all rights in and to the filming, taping, recording in any media now or hereafter known, still footage/photography, radio or television broadcasting or reproduction in any manner or form thereof of any PRCA-sanctioned event. The only exemption is coverage for local, regularly scheduled newscasts. Any non-local news outlets must first get approval from the national PRCA office and the local rodeo before it can shoot footage at any PRCA-sanctioned rodeo. 

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 Toppenish Rodeo. 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 Toppenish 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 the Toppenish Rodeo are available through the Toppenish Rodeo. Media credentials should be requested well in advance of the rodeo.  Click here for the media credential application.

Security 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.

PRCA Photographers:

Please submit the Media Credential Request Form no later than June 28, 2024 for the 2024 Toppenish Rodeo.

Gerneral 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.  Per the PRCA, all media who have access to the Arena must wear western attire; jeans, a long sleeved shirt and a cowboy hat.

• 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 Toppenish Rodeo Committee.

• 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.

Television, radio and Internet

The PRCA owns the rights to originate live, play-by-play coverage from the rodeo grounds, and in many instances, these rights may have been awarded to a broadcast or cable network and/or an Internet provider. Subject to limitations, local radio, television stations, networks and Internet providers who were not specifically granted those rights are nonetheless encouraged to cover PRCA events with the following limitations.

The PRCA retains all rights to the filming, taping, recording in any media now or hereafter known, still footage/ photography, radio or television broadcasting or reproduction in any manner or form thereof of any PRCA-sanctioned event. The only exception is coverage for local, regularly scheduled newscasts. Any nonlocal news outlets must first get approval from the national PRCA office and the local rodeo before they can shoot footage at any PRCA-sanctioned rodeo.

Liability

Each individual is responsible for his/her personal property. The PRCA and/or the local rodeo committee are not responsible for thefts or damage to personal items.

Check-In

Approved media will need to check in at the Ticket Office to pick up media credentials and instructions.

     Rodeo officials reserve the right to refuse or revoke credentials if dress is deemed unsafe or inappropriate. Dress code is determined to promote safety and to avoid visual distraction.