Media Outlet Handbook & Policies

CHSAA Media Contact: Rob White, Athletics and Activities Information Director, rwhite@chsaa.org

For Media Information: CHSAANow.com

14855 E. 2nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011 · Phone: 303-344-5050

CHSAA Media Credentials

Member schools of the Colorado High School Activities Association request that the CHSAA Office issue all-activities credentials to working members of the media covering their events. These credentials, issued each school year, entitle the bearer entry to all regular season, tournament and playoff events conducted by the CHSAA member schools when providing written, broadcast or photographic coverage of the event.

CHSAA has high expectations for media outlets and their representatives. These expectations address the ethical and appropriate demands of a large and diverse membership.

The proper use and issuance of all CHSAA media passes is the responsibility of the media outlets. When the outlet submits its credential request, that outlet is agreeing to the CHSAA Media Policies. The outlet is required to agree/certify that:

• The outlet liaison has read the CHSAA Media Policies Handbook in its entirety and is familiar with its contents.
• CHSAA media passes are the property of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
• It has properly vetted its representatives and no representative for which a pass has been requested has been convicted of any sexual or inappropriate conduct with minors, and is lawfully eligible to work in Colorado and in close proximity of schools and students.
• Passes are to be used by working members of the media while on assignment only.
• Any unauthorized use of the pass(es) will result in the revocation of current credentials and non-issuance of future passes.
• Provisional passes will be issued at the discretion of CHSAA and limited by outlet size and audience.
• Passes may be revoked by individual schools, school districts or CHSAA personnel for unauthorized use, or inappropriate actions.

Further, the CHSAA membership has a right to expect the bearer of the CHSAA Media Pass to exhibit professional behavior, respect student privacy, provide truth, accuracy, fairness and impartiality in his/her reporting, and accept accountability for his/her actions while covering CHSAA events.

Friends and family members will not receive media credentials because credentials are for bona fide journalists. Credentials are a tool for professional journalists to do their work, not a perk for friends and family. Using them for personal gain or to get friends and family into events is an abuse of the system and will lead to revocation of passes and non-issuance of future passes.

Obtaining Press Credentials

CHSAA press credentials may be requested through the CHSAA office at media.chsaa.org/request. Credentials are strictly limited to working members of the media while on assignment. All credential requests should be submitted on the official form prior to September 30. Any request submitted to the CHSAA office after September 30 or within 72 hours of a CHSAA event cannot be guaranteed to be processed or delivered in a timely manner.

Credential Restrictions

• Credentials will be issued to working members of the media only.
• Unauthorized use of the media credential for that person and the media outlet will result in the revocation of credential and non-issuance of future credentials.
• Each outlet is required to provide the name of a Media Outlet Liaison who will have the authority to request credentials.
• All credential requests, including freelance photographers or stringers, must come from the designated Media Outlet Liaison.
• Credentials requested within 72 hours of any CHSAA event may not be able to be processed in time – PLAN AHEAD.
• All credentials must have the bearer's photo on them. Photos must be current (taken within five years) and be a JPEG file type. Photos are required to verify the identity of journalists, both upon entrance and within the venue. Professional photos, with attire generally worn at events, is expected.
• The person whose photo is on the credential is the only person who may use that credential.
• There is no charge for the first credential. Lost credentials will be reissued after the receipt of a $50 reprocessing fee.
• No credentials will be issued to school photographers, coaches, parents of athletes at any time, unless requested by the Media Outlet Liaison or a school/district Athletic Director.

2026-27 Sample CHSAA Media Credential

Provisional Media Credentials

A provisional credential can be used by a media outlet to credential a freelancer. The person to whom the provisional credential is issued MUST have some form of picture identification/outlet identification and MUST be on assignment by the outlet.

The proper use of the provisional credential is the responsibility of the media outlet. Unauthorized use of the credential will result in the revocation of current credentials and the non-issuance of future credentials. Multiple provisional credentials will be issued at the discretion of CHSAA and limited by outlet size and audience.

Lost or misplaced provisional credentials will not be re-issued. Therefore, the use of the provisional credential remains the responsibility of the media outlet.

Friends and family members of journalists are not allowed to use provisional credentials unless they are also on assignment.

On-Site Provisional Media Credentials

Select CHSAA events will have provisional passes that may be used for that specific event. A request for use of one of these passes must be submitted to the CHSAA Communications Office by the Media Outlet Liaison at least 24 hours in advance of an event.

On-site provisional passes must be returned when coverage is complete, preferably to CHSAA staff on site. Failure to do so may result in a $75 fine and future credential privileges could be revoked.

CHSAA Media/Photo Credentialing Policy

While the Colorado High School Activities Association has been directed by its membership to issue media credentials, CHSAA Media Credentials will be issued to the state's recognized media outlets that provide the following information, and (if requested) under the following limitations:

• Circulation numbers (newspapers/magazines), Arbitron Rating numbers or similar information (broadcast), page views/hits (on-line entities).
• CHSAA shall contact all media outlets in its database prior to the start of the school year. All outlets should request the passes it needs at that time.
• A current headshot photo is required for all passes issued.
• NO athletic recruiting organizations or media outlets that can be construed as recruiting publications will be credentialed (unless prior authorization is granted by CHSAA's Director of Communications).
• The number of passes issued may be limited based on the size and audience of the outlet.
• Media passes will be issued to persons 18 years or older only; NO CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE ISSUED CREDENTIALS; THEY MUST USE A STUDENT MEDIA PASS.
• Coaches may not request passes and will not be issued passes if requested by media outlets.
• Passes may be revoked by schools, school districts or CHSAA personnel at any time for behavior deemed inappropriate for the intended use of the pass (including use of a pass to gain admission to an event that person is not working), cheering or cheerleading during an event, or using the pass to help others gain access to the event.
• The CHSAA Office may request, at any time, proof of the outlets' legitimacy through required submission of tear sheets and/or broadcast tapes or other demonstration of the outlet's media standing.
• NO Freelance photographers will be credentialed for "freelance" work. Freelance photographers and stringers credentials must be requested by a Media Outlet Liaison.
• No "official" school photographers will be credentialed except as allowed under the CHSAA School Employee Media/Photo Pass Policy.
• Media representatives who may receive a CHSAA courtesy card (for serving a role in an area other than media) will not be given a media pass unless the courtesy card is returned.
• No commercial photography outlets will be credentialed unless a contract with CHSAA has been negotiated and signed. These agreements shall be done through CHSAA corporate sponsorship personnel.

NOTE: There is a $50 reprocessing fee for replacement of a lost credential. Remittance must be received by the CHSAA office prior to the reissuance of any pass.

CHSAA Postseason/Playoff Information

Media Credentials

No member of the media will be admitted to a CHSAA event without a CHSAA media credential.

Media Releases

Media releases will be e-mailed to outlets throughout the school year to provide championship-specific information, when necessary. All postseason and playoff format information can be found at www.chsaanow.com. The media update targets upcoming events and special CHSAA projects.

Media Facility Management - Championship Events

CHSAA is responsible for media accommodations and press facility operations at state championship events. These services include making arrangements for seating and interviews, when necessary. In addition, CHSAA provides the public address script, message board announcements (where appropriate), pre-game notes, programs, statistical data and game results. If the event is to be broadcast on radio, televised, or via webcast of some kind, CHSAA's Director of Communications or Assistant Director of Communications will act as liaison between game management, the competing teams and the producer. Any needs prior to the state championship level should be addressed to the site host. Contact CHSAA for any assistance at any level prior to the state championship.

Note: CHSAA state championship sites occasionally create media seating concerns. CHSAA will do all in its power to facilitate proper access to its events. However, specific circumstances at some sites preclude this assistance, and seating and access to the floor or playing surface must be restricted.

Phone Service at Championship Events

Media outlets requiring temporary phone service at CHSAA championship events are responsible for making their own orders.

Tips for Temporary Phone Service Orders: Outlets requiring phones at championship events should make their service order a minimum of two weeks in advance. A follow-up call to review the order a few days before the event is also recommended. Be sure to have your line and equipment clearly marked for easy identification at the event site. Additionally, make sure that your reporter is briefed on all details pertaining to the service order. Remember, once you arrive at the event site, it is usually too late to rectify the situation, so plan ahead.

Colorado Broadcasters Association

For the basketball championships, members of the Colorado Broadcasters Association should contact the CBA at 720.536.5427 for information on telephone arrangements. The CBA will make all necessary arrangements at the tournament sites. Non-members should contact the site directly to arrange for telephone lines. Seating for non-members will be completed after CBA members have been placed on media row. Membership in the CBA is required to access CBA telephone lines. For the wrestling championships at Ball Arena there are no phone lines available.

Streaming

CHSAA and its broadcast partners (NFHS Network) own all postseason/playoff broadcast and streaming rights. The use of any live streaming apps, such as Periscope, Meerkat, GameChanger, Hudl, etc. by any person is expressly prohibited unless CHSAA has approved a broadcast request.

Broadcast Policies, Regulations and Fee Schedules

Colorado High School Activities Association

Radio, Television and Webcast Broadcast Rights

(Approved by Board of Directors)

General Policies and Regulations

1. Although rights to regular season broadcasts belong to the home school or its school district, CHSAA member schools have determined that all television and video webcast negotiations be handled by the CHSAA office. Regular season radio and audio webcasts remain the province of the school and/or school district.

2. Requests for postseason broadcast rights close 8 hours before the game, at every level, from district play to the state championship. A game without a start time yet counts from the start of its date. CHSAA may accept a late request in exceptional cases. Contact Rob White.

3. Exclusive rights during the regular season may be granted for radio broadcasts. Exception: No station that has been identified by a school or school district as its station of record may be denied broadcast rights. All regular season video streaming or television rights must be negotiated through the CHSAA Office.

   Note: A school's granting of exclusive radio broadcast rights extends only through the regular season. The CHSAA office will grant rights for the playoffs on behalf of the membership.

4. Fees for all sports, including football playoff games and district and regional basketball and wrestling tournaments, are required charges:

   • NFHS NETWORK PARTNERSHIP – TELEVISION & VIDEO WEBCAST INFORMATION

     The Colorado High School Activities Association is a partner of the NFHS Network. The NFHS Network holds the broadcast rights to every CHSAA postseason event. When the NFHS Network is producing an event with a full crew, no one else may stream or televise it live. Radio is still open. An automated NFHS Network stream (such as a Pixellot camera) does not restrict the event. Otherwise, a school or outlet may broadcast it live once CHSAA has approved a request. Outside outlets request at media.chsaa.org/broadcast. Member schools broadcasting on their own request in School Center under Broadcast Requests. The Google Form is no longer used.

     CHSAA and NFHS Network broadcasts could be live or tape-delayed linear television, live and delayed streaming, and/or video on demand.

     Only a school's or outlet's own live broadcasts need a request. This covers live radio or audio, a live internet stream and live television. A delayed or on-demand broadcast, such as a replay posted after the game, needs no request and carries no fee. Neither does an automated NFHS Network stream (such as a Pixellot camera).

     CHSAA has developed this relationship to ensure that a broader range of events are televised than in the past. NFHS Network agreements will not affect radio broadcasts or audio broadcasts unless determined by the CHSAA office.

   • TELEVISION/VIDEO/AUDIO WEBCASTS

     All district, regional and state-level fees must be paid. Note: Webcast and streaming refers to any broadcast over the World Wide Web.

   • VIOLATIONS

     Live video of an event the NFHS Network is producing with a full crew is a violation of the NFHS Network's rights. The school or outlet responsible is fined twice the full live fee for that sport, medium and site.

     A live stream of any other postseason event without an approved request is billed as though it had been requested: 25% of the full live fee when an automated NFHS Network stream (such as a Pixellot camera) of the game also runs, and the full live fee otherwise. The automated stream itself is not a violation and needs no request.

5. Authority for game or tournament directors to approve or reject sponsors and spot announcements during the broadcast and adjacencies is part of each contract or arrangement for broadcast rights. NO TOBACCO, GAMBLING, FIREARM OR ALCOHOL BEVERAGE ADVERTISERS WILL BE APPROVED.

6. Television stations may originate newscasts from game or tournament sites without payment of fee, provided:

   • The game or tournament director is given 24 hours' notice.
   • No more than five minutes of "live" broadcast of the game in progress is included. The rest of the time may be devoted to interviews and other "color" items, reports on previous games, statistics, etc.
   • No event may be shown live in its entirety.
   • No more than :45 of a wrestling match.

7. The criticism of an official, coach, team, player or school during the play-by-play broadcast or telecast serves no good cause and detracts from the educational nature of high school athletics. Announcers are expected to familiarize themselves with the philosophies and purpose of the high school educational athletic program prior to accepting an assignment to broadcast any high school sports activity. Member schools, NFHS Network and CHSAA retain the right to refuse broadcasting privileges to any station or person.

8. Any radio or television station that is delinquent in paying its fees to CHSAA will be barred from broadcasting any CHSAA district, regional and state-level events until that delinquent fee is paid. This includes a declined charge for a later game in a followed team or regional.

Postseason Broadcast Requests

• Which broadcasts need a request:
  • NFHS Network full-crew production: no one files for live video. Any other live stream or telecast of the event is a violation (see VIOLATIONS above). Radio is still open and is requested as usual.
  • An automated NFHS Network stream (such as a Pixellot camera) on its own: no request and no fee, for schools and outlets alike. It does not restrict the event.
  • A school's or outlet's own live stream or telecast: needs a request. It costs 25% of the full live fee when an automated NFHS Network stream of the game also runs, and the full live fee otherwise (see Where the Stream Airs).
• Requests: Each audio or video broadcast outlet must file a request for each game or session it broadcasts at media.chsaa.org/broadcast in advance of the event. Member schools broadcasting on their own file in School Center under Broadcast Requests.
• Host school approval: When a game is at a school, that school's athletic director approves or declines the request in School Center before the deadline. If the host does not answer by the deadline, the request expires and is refunded. Games at neutral and championship sites need no host approval.
• Authorization at the site: When a request is approved, the requester, the host athletic director and the tournament director are emailed the CHSAA Broadcast Authorization. Bring it to the site, printed or on your phone, and show it on request.
• Payment of Fees: Broadcast fees are paid to CHSAA. Outlets pay when they submit the request, by card. Or they can choose to pay by check, due 30 days after the request; the request is invoiced and goes to the host school right away. Schools pay by card when they submit, or choose a Broadcast Rights invoice due in 30 days, which appears on the school's Payments page in School Center. A card payment gets an emailed receipt, also on the outlet's request page or the school's Payments page, and the broadcast authorization shows how the request was paid. Each outlet request has an invoice on its request page, numbered with the request ID; a check payment gets a CHSAA receipt on the same page once CHSAA records the check. The CHSAA media office can also email an outlet CHSAA's receipt for any payment, card or check, or the invoice. If the host declines or the request expires, a card payment is refunded in full and an unpaid invoice is cancelled. For any outstanding invoices at the start of a new year, CHSAA will deny any future broadcasting requests until fees are paid in full.
• Following a team or a full regional: To cover a team's whole tournament run, or every game in a regional, choose Follow a team or Full regional. The first game is charged when you submit. Each later game is charged when the bracket sets it, at that game's fee, up to 5 games in all. Games after the fifth are covered at no charge. Later games are charged to the same card, or invoiced in the same way. If a later charge is declined, you are still authorized to broadcast the game, but the amount is owed, and the outlet's new broadcast requests and credential approvals are on hold until it is paid.

Credentials & Telephone Hook-Ups

• FOOTBALL – Contact the host school (not CHSAA) to arrange for press seating and broadcast facilities. Exception: for all championship games, contact the CHSAA Office.

• BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL AND WRESTLING - If you are a member of the Colorado Broadcasters Association, call the Colorado Broadcasters Association for a telephone. Non-CBA members should call a local telephone provider to arrange a telephone hook-up.

  Wrestling Note: Ball Arena does not have broadcast phone lines available. It is strongly suggested that stations use cellular in that facility.

  • Seating: Stations broadcasting from press row will receive a maximum of two seats.
  • Number of Credentials: Noted earlier in this handbook.
  • Teams Following: In basketball, it is imperative that CHSAA is notified of the teams that media will be following, and on what nights media will be broadcasting. This practice will also assist CHSAA at other events as well.
  • Parking: No press parking is available.

• OTHER STATE ACTIVITIES – Contact the Director of Communications or Assistant Director of Communications at CHSAA for broadcast facility information and other pertinent information.

Radio/Audio Streaming Broadcast Fee Schedule

Football

Denver County, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Douglas County, Jefferson, El Paso, Pueblo, Boulder, Weld, Larimer, Mesa

• Championship Games - $100.00
• Semi-final Games - $50.00
• Preliminary/Quarterfinal Games - $25.00

All Other Counties

• Championship - $50.00
• Preliminary and Semi-final Games - $30.00

Basketball & Volleyball

District, Sectional & Regional Tournaments

• All Classes - Each Game - $15.00
• Five or More Games - $75.00

State Tournament

• All Classes - Each Game - $20.00
• Five or More Games - $100.00

Wrestling

• RADIO - District & Regional Tournament (Per session) - $10.00
• State Tournaments (per session) - $20.00

Track and Field, Swimming and Diving, Cross Country, Golf

• Per session, all levels - $20.00

Baseball/All Other Sports and Activities

• RADIO/AUDIO STREAMING - State Tournament (per game) - $20.00

A sport or round not listed here has no radio fee.

REMINDER: Rights awarded to radio stations limit that broadcast outlet's broadcast area. Awarded rights may NOT be sold, leased, or given to another radio station. Duplicate station broadcasts require fees from all stations involved. No CO-OP broadcast rights will be awarded. Each station files its own request at media.chsaa.org/broadcast.

NFHS Network - Declined Event and Fee Structure

Third Party Productions: Terms and Requirements.

The full live fee for an internet stream or a television broadcast:

Football

Basketball

All Other Sports

For wrestling, track and field, swimming and diving, cross country and golf, the fee is per session, at the all other sports rate.

Where the Stream Airs

The fee for a school's or outlet's own live internet stream or TV broadcast depends on whether an automated NFHS Network stream (such as a Pixellot camera) of the game also runs:

• Another network or third party, and the game is also on an automated NFHS Network stream: 25% of the full live fee.
• Another network or third party only: the full live fee.

An automated NFHS Network stream on its own needs no request and has no fee. An event the NFHS Network produces with a full crew cannot be streamed or televised live by anyone else.

Radio and audio have their own fees (above) and no destination choice.

Delayed Telecast/Video Webcast Information

A delayed or on-demand broadcast, such as a replay posted after the game, needs no request and carries no fee.

1. Delayed telecasts must not be broadcast until after the conclusion of the game.
2. All other general policies adopted by the CHSAA Board of Directors, related to advertising (no tobacco, gambling, firearms or alcohol) and criticism of officials shall apply.

SPECIAL NOTE: The purpose of the Colorado High School Activities Association is to approve, promote, develop and direct all activities for all students – male and female – in its member schools. CHSAA urges each broadcast outlet to provide equal opportunity for both genders in its broadcasts.

CHSAA Regular Season Broadcast Policies

CHSAA By-law 2840.3 reads, "Each member school and league grants to the Colorado High School Activities Association the exclusive rights to negotiate on behalf of the member schools and/or leagues any regular season television (linear or web streaming) broadcasts. Any regular season broadcast fees remain with the member school and/or conference for which this negotiation was performed. Any broadcast initiated by a school program would be exempt from this policy."

This philosophy creates a situation where the membership is protecting a property that may have been undervalued in the past. It is in the best interest of the school to manage its property in terms of the value it can bring to the students and institution. In short, schools have the content that broadcasters need and should be compensated for that content.

Because of the level of broadcasts, there are a number of issues to be addressed. Linear television is different than linear taped delayed broadcasts which are both different than the governmental/non-profit linear broadcast outlets. Likewise, there are differences on the streaming level as well.

Those broadcast outlets that do not have advertising and are not sponsored by outside funding may be exempt from any fees. However, it remains the school's option to choose who will broadcast if there is a conflict, or to allow any entities to air the games.

The CHSAA membership believes that the Origination Expense fees will cover the expenses a host school might experience for a broadcast. While the issue is largely a football one, the membership developed a policy that covered all sports.

Part of the Regular Season broadcast agreement is a 30-second drop-in spot promoting CHSAA and its relationship with the NFHS Network and will be furnished by CHSAA with all signed broadcast agreements.

For purposes of clarification, a small production team is considered to be 1-2 cameras and a maximum of 4 people on site. A large production is considered 3 or more cameras and a crew of more than 4 people on site.

Regular Season Broadcast Process

CHSAA requires a Regular Season Letter of Agreement for all regular season broadcasts. That LOA can be located on the CHSAA website (www.CHSAANow.com > Resources > Media Info & Credentials) and must be submitted in advance of any game it plans to broadcast.

Once an LOA is received, the CHSAA staff will forward it on to a school to ensure that the school is aware of the request and approves the broadcast. The Origination Expense for each event will be set at that time, based on the schedule listed on the LOA.

Broadcasters doing multiple games in the season should provide the CHSAA Office with a list of those games on the letter of agreement and the CHSAA staff will ensure that each host school has that information. The broadcaster may also contact the facility in advance if it wishes.

Additional Broadcast Information

Rights to regular season broadcasts belong to the home school or its school district. The following guidelines are presented in order to facilitate dealings with the media.

1. In order to increase the exposure of high school activities, exclusive rights for broadcasts should not be granted. However, please refer to "General Policies and Regulations" Number 3 for the restrictions on exclusive rights.
2. Schools are encouraged to adopt board policies and/or administrative policies related to the broadcast of their contests by radio, television, cable, video webcast and audio webcast outlets. These policies should include:
   • Requirement of insurance.
   • An agreement that the school district shall be "held harmless" for any statements made on the air.
   • The right of the school to approve sponsors (the advertisement of alcohol, gambling, firearms and tobacco shall be prohibited).
   • A requirement that the broadcast include at least 90 seconds of public service announcements concerning the school or high school activities in general.
   • If fees are to be charged, a policy directly related to fees should be established and published prior to the school year.
   • The right of the school to refuse broadcasting privileges to any outlet or individual for failure to follow policies; for the criticism of an official, coach, team, player, or school during the broadcast; or for any conduct inconsistent with the philosophies and purposes of educational high school athletics.

General Photographers' Rules

• Remember: You are shooting high school athletes who do not move as quickly as adults. Also, they do not have the experience with photographers that college or professional athletes do.
• Game and school officials have the final word on photographer placement.
• All photographers must be credentialed by CHSAA.
• No parent of an athlete will be credentialed, except as outlined in the School Employee Media/Photo Pass Policy.
• High school student photographers must have the CHSAA-issued student media pass. No school specific passes will be accepted at postseason events.
• No drones are allowed at CHSAA postseason events without prior authorization.

Photographer Restrictions

Baseball

Media Area – Formal media areas will not be established.

• Media personnel are anyone with a camera or any member of the media who the plate umpire approves to be on the field.
  • For playoff games, only credentialed media will be allowed on the field.
  • For regular season games, it is the plate umpire's discretion to determine who to allow on the field. Such personnel must be mobile and must stay against the fence. For non compliance, they may be asked to leave.
• Anyone who intentionally interferes shall be removed from the confines of the field and reported to CHSAA via the game report. Subsequent violators shall be banned from CHSAA events for the remainder of the season.
• If the media are authorized by the UIC to be on the field:
  • Any intentional act is spectator interference;
  • If the ball does not touch anything it remains live and in play.
  • If the ball touches anything, it is dead and the appropriate award is made.
  • If the media are not authorized by the UIC to be on the field, treat it as spectator interference.

Basketball

Photos may be shot from the ends of the court (if room is available). Photographers should be a minimum of 10 feet off the playing court to allow both officials and players enough room to maneuver. No photographing of play may occur between the free throw lines extended or along the sidelines, per NFHS rules.

Cross Country

An additional media credential will need to be obtained at the media check-in.

Photos may be taken at any point during the race. However, when shooting the start, the photographers must give the field a minimum of 50 yards to allow time to shoot the start and move to the side. Additionally, photographers may shoot the finish from either side or from the designated media box behind the finish line, but photographers may NOT be in the finish chute with the runners.

Field Hockey, Flag Football, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer

Photographers may shoot from any point on the sidelines with the exception of the team boxes (approximately 40 yard line to 40 yard line). Photographers must remain 2 yards off the sideline to accommodate the game.

Football Note: No media other than one's own team media is permitted within 5 yards of the team box. Media covering one specific team (student media included) are not permitted to shoot from the opposing team's sideline.

Golf

Photographers should observe the etiquette of golf and observe quiet during all shots. Shooting photos from the side is allowed and photographers may shoot putting as long as they remain off the green. Be sensitive to the sounds and distraction motor drives on cameras can create and do not use if they distract the golfer.

Gymnastics

Always give the competitors a minimum of 10 feet from each apparatus and mat. Judges' sight lines may not be broached. No flash photography is permitted.

Ice Hockey

Photographers may not shoot on the ice. When shooting from the seating area, please take care not to interfere with sight lines of ticketed customers.

Skiing

Photographers may shoot at any point on the side of the course, including the start and finish. Photographers must remain OFF the course at all times.

Softball

In accordance with National Federation Rules, photographers may shoot on the field ONLY from designated areas. These areas must be marked as dead ball areas on the field. If no designation has been made, photographers will not be allowed on the field.

Spirit

Photographers must remain 10 feet off the competition mat and may not shoot between the mat and judges, reserving uncluttered sight lines. Photographer boxes may be required at some sites.

Swimming and Diving

Photographers may shoot from the corners of the bulkhead. They must be careful to provide officials with access to walk both sides of the pool. Photographers may only shoot from the awards stand or behind the officials' lines.

Tennis

Photographers may shoot on the court at either side of the net, and either side of the net post. They may not move from that position until the players change sides. Shooting areas also include the corners of the court.

Track & Field

An additional media credential will need to be obtained at the media check-in.

Photographers may shoot all events, giving consideration to the safety of both participants and photographers. In the sprints and hurdles, photographers may shoot the finish head on as long as they provide a minimum of 50 meters cushion. For the field events, at no time will photographers be allowed on the shot or discus fields. Photographers should give a reasonable cushion to all competitors.

Volleyball

Photographers may shoot on the court, but must allow a 10-foot cushion off the playing court. Photographers must remain behind officials if shooting at the net.

Wrestling

An additional media credential will need to be obtained at the media check-in.

A minimum of 4 feet must be given from the mat. Photographers may not shoot from the team corners or interfere with any sight lines.

Student Media Note: Student media will NOT be able to access the floor during Sessions 1-5 of the CHSAA State Championships. A designated area will be determined for the Session 6 finals.

CHSAA NOTE: The use of flash photography must be done appropriately while minimizing the risk to game participants. Game officials and game management may elect to prohibit the use of flash photography. Monopods are approved in designated photographer areas at outdoor contests. No drones are allowed without prior approval.

GAME AND TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS RETAIN FINAL DETERMINATION OF PHOTOGRAPHER PLACEMENT AT ALL EVENTS. CHSAA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ITS PHOTOGRAPHERS' POLICIES TO ACCOMMODATE VENUE SIZE AND CONFIGURATION.