SAFETY ADVANCES
PBR has mandated onsite concussion testing
and protocols for BFTS riders, establishing
requisite baseline testing with known
competitors in order to create a return-to-
competition protocol administered by trained
medical staff.
Due to the independent contractor status
and the free-choice entry system at other
events, baseline testing is not possible for
bull riders outside of those competing in
PBRs premier tour.
PBR has medical professionals onsite at every
PBR event.
If a rider is suspected to have suffered a
RIDER SAFETY
concussion during the event, he is not
allowed to return to competition.
Professional bull riding is Americas original personal health and well-being. Often, riders demonstrating concussion
extreme sport. Rider health and welfare always symptoms are transported for additional
has been and remains of utmost importance to PBR was founded by bull riders, who knew better medial evaluation and testing.
the PBR, and the organization continually seeks than anyone else that safety is the key to the
ways to make the sport safer. PBR has medical sports success. Throughout the year, PBR Expanded medical team at all events produced
personnel present at every event it produces, is provides the most extensive medical, health and by PBR, including an onsite specialist who
working with experienced organizations to wellness resources and outreach of any specifically evaluates athletes for possible
develop advanced protective equipment, and is organization involved in western lifestyle sports. concussions or concussive symptoms which
engaging with riders regularly in new research may not be readily visible to EMTs and other
and development initiatives. While many of PBRs efforts remain focused at onsite personnel.
the events that the organization owns, operates
PBR is a unique sports business competitors are and controls, because that is where it can legally The onsite medical professionals ultimately
independent contractors who freely choose to and logistically implement them, PBR continues decide if a rider is allowed to return to
compete in PBR-promoted and sanctioned events to invest in safety measures, including the competition.
around the world. In any given season, more than addition of more medical professionals and
800 riders will apply for a PBR permit with intent resources at events PBR produces. They will report results to PBR, which may
to compete. Thousands of riders compete in bull result in further requirements from our
riding events, ranging from PBRs premier tour to PBR is working with protective equipment independent contractor athletes before
local jackpot bull riding events. PBR only manufacturers and suppliers, including helmet being allowed to return to competition at
controls or sanctions a fraction of the bull-riding manufacturers, to improve the safety equipment PBR events.
events around the world and only a fraction of all available to all bull riders. As appropriate
bull riders secure a PBR permit/card. Because advancements are made in technology, PBR cannot prevent athletes from
PBR cannot possibly monitor events it does not manufacturing processes and other relevant competing at any non-PBR controlled or
sanction or operate, the organization therefore criteria, PBR is committed to evolving its rules to sanctioned event.
expects and relies heavily on independent require the use of approved safety equipment at
contractor athletes to manage their careers, PBR-controlled events to the extent legally All bull riders born on or after October 15, 1994
possible with respect to independent contractors. are required to wear a helmet in PBR
competition.
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