2019-20 OHSAA General Media Regulations
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2019-20 OHSAA General Media Regulations
Contents Contact Information
Pg. 1 - Introduction and Commonly Asked Questions Web site: www.ohsaa.org (News & Media)
Pg. 2 - Exclusive Tournament Video Coverage Twitter: @OHSAASports
Pg. 3 - Section 1, General Broadcasting Regulations Facebook: /OHSAASports
Pg. 4 - Section 2, Video Broadcast Regulations Fax: 614-267-2502
Pg. 6 - Section 3, Audio Broadcast Regulations Phone: 614-267-2502
Pg. 7 - Section 4, Webcast Regulations
Pg. 9 - Section 5, Tournament Media Credentials Director of Communications:
Pg. 12 - Section 6, Electronic Lighting & Photography Tim Stried
Phone: 614-267-2502, ext. 124
Email: tstried@ohsaa.org
Note: Underlined text or text with a strike-through (text)
denote changes from 2018-19 media regulations.
Introduction the “News & Media” page at OHSAA.org.
* There are four state tournaments that do not require submission of a
The Ohio High School Athletic Association develops the credential application: golf, tennis, field hockey and bowling.
regulations for media coverage of all OHSAA tournament
contests. Some policies shall also be in effect for regular- 3. What is the policy for photographers at events?
season contests. Besides the following regulations, the During regular-season events, the host school is re-
OHSAA Board of Directors may adopt additional media sponsible for determining which media and photographers
regulations for OHSAA tournament contests. can have sideline access. During postseason OHSAA tour-
nament contests, the site manager or media coordinator are
responsible for determining access. For state tournaments,
the OHSAA’s communications department is responsible for
OHSAA Media Regulations credenialing and determining access.
Commonly Asked Questions Bona fide newspapers may sell photos from any
regular-season or OHSAA postseason tournament contest
1. Is live video (streaming and/or television) permitted through the newspaper’s website or physical office loca-
for high school contests? tion. Individual photographers are permitted to sell photos
Live video (streaming or television) is not permitted for from regular-season and pre-state tournament events if they
any OHSAA tournament contest (in all sports) unless ap- are affiliated with one of the schools participating and that
proved by the OHSAA Executive Director’s Office. Regular- school’s athletic director has given permission for him/her to
season games other than Friday night football games may sell photos. However, the site manager or media coordinator
be shown live if approved by the host school’s Athletic are responsible for determining if the photographer receives
Director (see additional note below). special access.
For regular-season football games, the host school Individual photographers may not sell photos from state
may provide live video if the video will only be shown on the tournaments. See Section 6 for more information.
school-owned website or TV channel, or a school-operated
webpage. The OHSAA suggests that students are involved 4. When is flash photography permitted?
in some aspect of the production. Flash photography is not permitted at any time in the
For regular-season games, there is no fee due to the sports of gymnastics, diving, bowling and any OHSAA
OHSAA for video or audio broadcasts, although schools or tournament contest in volleyball. Flash is allowed in regular-
conferences are permitted to charge a rights fee. For most season volleyball contests only in gymnasiums that have a
OHSAA tournament contests, rights fees apply and can be low light meter reading (see Section 6 for more information).
found on the ‘News & Media’ page at OHSAA.org. In addition, in the sport of basketball, flash is not permitted
from the area immediately behind the backboard (in the
2. How do I request media credentials? free throw lane area). Flash is also prohibited at the start
For regular-season events, media shall contact the of a swimming race (so as to not interfere with the starter’s
host school’s athletic department. For sectional, district and signal) and is not permitted in golf when a player is swing-
regional games (as well as state semifinal games in soccer ing the club or addressing the ball. See Section 6 for more
and football), media shall contact the site manager or the information.
appointed media coordinator. For state tournament games,
media credential requests must be submitted to the OHSAA
by using the official credential application form. The forms
FAQ’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
are found on the “State Finals Media Credentials” page on
2018-19 OHSAA Media Regulations, Page 1OHSAA State Tournaments - Exclusive Video Coverage
Spectrum is the official television partner of the OHSAA. Spectrum’s coverage of an OHSAA postseason tournament
event is exclusive and is permitted to be shown live. Any OHSAA tournament contest selected by Spectrum is not avail-
able for any other video play-by-play coverage (TV or streaming). Live audio is permitted pending access permission
being granted.
2019-20 State Tournament TV Schedule - Subject to Change
FALL 2019 TV
TV Event
No Golf – October 11-12 (Div. II & III) – Ohio State University Golf Club, Columbus & NorthStar Golf Club, Sunbury
No Golf – October 18-19 (Div. I) – Ohio State University Golf Club, Columbus
No Girls Tennis – October 18-19 – Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason
Available Field Hockey – October 31 and November 2 – Upper Arlington High School
Available Cross Country – November 2 – National Trail Raceway, Hebron
Available Volleyball – November 7-9 – Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University, Dayton
Available Soccer Finals – November 9-10 – Mapfre Stadium, Columbus
TBD Selected Football Regionals and State Semifinals (Weekly Game Selections to be Announced Mondays by 2 p.m.)
Spectrum Football Finals – December 5-7 – Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton
WINTER 2020 TV
TV Event
Available Team Wrestling State Tournament – February 15 or 16 – St. John Arena, Ohio State University, Columbus
TBD Swimming & Diving (Finals) – February 19-22 – C.T. Branin Natatorium, Canton
TBD Bowling Div. II – February 28-29 – Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl
No Gymnastics – February 28-29 – Hilliard Bradley High School
TBD Individual Wrestling – March 13-15 – Schottenstein Center, Ohio State University, Columbus
TBD Bowling Div. I – March 7-8 – Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl
Available Ice Hockey Semifinals and Finals – Dates TBD – Nationwide Arena, Columbus
TBD Girls Basketball State Semifinals – March 12-13 – Schottenstein Center, OSU, Columbus
Spectrum Girls Basketball State Finals – March 14 – Schottenstein Center, OSU, Columbus
TBD Selected Boys Basketball Sectional, District or Regional Tournament Games
TBD Boys Basketball State Semifinals – March 19-20 – Schottenstein Center, OSU, Columbus
Spectrum Boys Basketball State Finals – March 21 – Schottenstein Center, OSU, Columbus
SPRING 2020 TV
TV Event
No Boys Tennis – May 28-29 – Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason
TBD Girls and Boys Lacrosse Finals – June 6, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware
TBD Softball State Tournament – June 4-6 – Firestone Stadium, Akron
TBD Track & Field – June 5-6 – Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, Ohio State University, Columbus
TBD Baseball State Tournament – June 11-13 – Canal Park, Akron
2019-20 OHSAA Media Regulations, Page 22019-20 OHSAA General Media Regulations
FAQ’s, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 d.) Broadcast rights for OHSAA tournament contests may not be
sold, leased or given to any other media outlets without permis-
5. Who is the OHSAA’s official television partner and what sion from the OHSAA. A media outlet given permission to take a
rights do they hold? feed from another outlet must apply for broadcast rights approval
The OHSAA’s official television partner is Spectrum. Spec- before accepting a feed from that outlet and must abide by all
trum has exclusive play-by-play video rights to selected OHSAA other OHSAA regulations, including payment of appropriate rights
postseason events. See Page 2 and Section 2 for details. OHSAA fees.
tournament contests not selected by Spectrum may be available Notes: A recording (DVD, videotape, electronic file, etc.) of
for delayed play-by-play video coverage at the discretion of the a contest is considered a “feed.” Therefore, a television station,
OHSAA’s Executive Director’s Office with the payment of a rights even if granted broadcast rights by the OHSAA, may not share
fee. a video with any other station or stations without written permis-
sion from the OHSAA and payment of appropriate rights fees. The
6. What is the policy for the use of the OHSAA logo? airing of a coach’s game or scouting video does not qualify for a
The policy for use of the OHSAA logo by media outlets in rights-fee waiver.
their coverage of school sports is posted on the “News & Media”
page at www.OHSAA.org. Additional information is located in the e.) The OHSAA may enter into an exclusive contract with a com-
OHSAA’s General Sports Regulations. pany to provide live and/or tape-delayed telecasts and/or video
and audio webcasts of OHSAA tournament contests. No other
7. Can student-athletes accept an award from a media outlet, television originations or video or audio webcasts — live or tape-
such as a “Player of the Game” award? delayed — are permitted during contests in which the OHSAA has
Yes, provided the value of the award does not exceed $400. entered into an exclusive contract.
Please see OHSAA Bylaw 5.
f.) Broadcasts of OHSAA tournament contests may not be dupli-
cated in any form for resale without the written permission of the
OHSAA. Should permission for resale be granted, the OHSAA
Section 1 reserves the right to collect a rights fee for such sales at rates to
General Broadcasting Regulations be determined by the OHSAA Board of Directors.
a.) Radio, television and webcast companies may originate broad- g.) During OHSAA tournament contests, advertisements for
casts from regular season and OHSAA tournament contests pro- alcohol, tobacco, drugs of any kind, gambling of any kind, political
vided OHSAA, school and local regulations and OHSAA exclusive parties or candidates or any other advertising considered in poor
agreements are adhered to, space is available and the set-up at taste are prohibited.
the venue is logistically feasible for the host site. Written requests Notes: No tavern or other establishment whose primary busi-
to originate OHSAA tournament contests should be made at least ness is serving or distributing alcoholic beverages will be accept-
one week in advance of each contest, or as soon as qualifying ed for sponsorship. Combination businesses, such as hotels, res-
teams are known, with the contest manager (sectional, district and taurants or convenience or drug stores, which dispense alcoholic
regional contests) or the OHSAA office or designated contest or beverages in a capacity secondary to its primary purpose, may
media managers (state contests). advertise on broadcasts but no part of the advertising message
may refer to the sale of alcoholic beverages, or to a bar, cocktail
b.) All OHSAA tournament contests are the property of the lounge or other facility dispensing alcoholic beverages. Advertis-
OHSAA, and rights awarded to broadcast an OHSAA tournament ing messages for the type of prohibited sponsors cannot be used
contest are limited. Radio, television and webcast companies during the broadcast from the station break preceding the contest
must apply in writing to originate broadcasts of OHSAA tourna- until after the final station break following the contest. Advertise-
ment contests. Rights fees will be assessed in sports and at rates ments promoting the passage of a school levy may be accepted.
to be determined by the OHSAA Board of Directors.
Notes: Rights fees paid to the OHSAA help cover the Associa- h.) The OHSAA reserves the right to terminate a media outlet from
tion’s costs of administering tournaments. Rights to broadcast broadcasting any tournament contest at any time or to prohibit
do not entitle the outlet the right to determine any of the logistical future broadcasts by an outlet if, in the OHSAA’s judgment, there
matters related to the origination or special access to areas or has been an unfair account of the teams or officials in the contest;
individuals. All logistical issues are to be worked out between the if previous broadcasting by an outlet has been in poor taste or
originating outlet and the contest manager of the host venue in incompatible with the educational dignity of the OHSAA, event or
advance of the event (or the OHSAA’s Director of Information for institution from which it originates, or if an outlet does not comply
state tournament events), with the contest manager or OHSAA with the regulations stated herein.
having the final say when the two sides cannot mutually agree.
The OHSAA office will mediate in any unresolved issues. i.) During OHSAA tournament contests, all broadcast equipment
shall not be placed in a position where it could be injurious to
c.) When rights fees are assessed, checks, cash or money orders participants, spectators or other media members. The OHSAA,
must be collected prior to the contest unless alternative arrange- host facilities or host institutions shall not be responsible for any
ments have been made in advance. Checks or money orders unlawful or negligent acts by any authorized or unauthorized
must be made out to the OHSAA unless a tournament contest media outlets or any of their employees or agents. These outlets
manager or the OHSAA office or designated contest or media
managers indicate otherwise.
Note: Underlined text or text with a strike-through (text) denote changes from 2018-19 media regulations. 2019-20 OHSAA Media Regulations, Page 32019-20 OHSAA General Media Regulations
and/or their agents shall hold the OHSAA harmless from any ac- p.) Stations are reminded that athletic staff representatives of
cident claims which arise from such causes, but not limited to, as NCAA-member schools (all divisions and including members of
malfunction of equipment, collapse of platforms or tables or any a school’s coaching staff) are not to appear as commentators
structure or device which is the property of or under the care of or for guest interviews during regular season or OHSAA tourna-
these outlets or agents. More information is described in “condi- ment contests since this is a violation of NCAA rules. Violation of
tions for media credentials” located in Section 5. this rule could result in penalties to the NCAA school involved or
jeopardize the eligibility of athletes participating in the game being
j.) During OHSAA tournament contests, all broadcast equipment originated. This is not an OHSAA regulation but is provided as
is to be placed in a position where it does not interfere with paying information and to prevent violations from occurring.
spectators. When contests are sold out, the originating party may 1.) While athletic staff representatives of NCAA-member
be required to pay for any seats which are made unusable by schools are permitted to comment about recruits after the
equipment set-up for the origination of a broadcast. The OHSAA recruit has signed a National Letter of Intent, NCAA regulations
office will mediate if needed. prohibit coaches and institutional staff members from making
any appearance, live or video-taped, during a broadcast of a
k.) During OHSAA tournament contests, all costs, including instal- contest featuring prospects.
lations, wire charges, etc., incurred in connection with broadcasts
are to be met by the media outlets concerned. There are to be no
expenses to the OHSAA or tournament contest managers in con-
nection with such broadcasts.
Section 2
Television Regulations
l.) During OHSAA tournament contests, radio, television and
webcast companies may utilize sideline reporters in the sport of Television, Section 1. — Definitions
football provided school and local regulations are adhered to, a.) For the purpose of these regulations, a live telecast shall be
space is available and it is logistically possible at the host site’s defined as one in which the origination occurs simultaneously with
venue. Sideline reporters in all other sports are not permitted the event being covered.
unless approved by the OHSAA, which will determine the areas
sideline reporters may work. b.) For the purpose of these regulations, a delayed telecast shall
be defined as one which is telecast after 10:00 p.m. on the day
m.) At the discretion of the OHSAA, stations may be required to the contest is played, and includes more than three minutes of
provide a minimum of 60 seconds per tournament game broad- game-action footage.
cast for public service messages provided by the OHSAA. Each
message shall be 30 seconds in length, with recommended inser- c.) For the purpose of these regulations, an over-the-air com-
tion order for one in each of the first and second halves of each mercial station shall be defined as one which is freely available
contest, or one during the contest and one during the pre-game, to anyone with a television within the broadcast area and accepts
halftime or post-game segments. Stations may be required to payments for advertising of any programming, even if a broadcast
provide affidavits of performance from each game broadcast to is not sponsored.
document this regulation.
d.) For the purpose of these regulations, a cable television station
n.) Other than adhering to the regulations that are described in shall be defined as one which requires a subscription to receive.
this section, conferences/leagues or OHSAA member schools Subscribers receive cable stations through local cable system
hosting contests own the right to enter into exclusive contracts or operators, who receive the programming from the networks and
charge rights fees for broadcasts of regular-season contests. transmit them into homes.
Notes: The OHSAA highly encourages schools to, at a mini-
mum, allow the “home” audio broadcast from each of the partici- e.) For the purpose of these regulations, a low power station shall
pating schools access to broadcast a contest. Schools are also re- be defined as one which provides television service for locally-cre-
minded that every effort to accommodate the media will enhance ated and community-oriented programming in both rural locations
public relations. When deciding whether or not to charge rights and individual communities within larger urban areas. Low power
fees or enter into exclusive agreements, consideration should be stations cannot employ transmitter powers in excess of 1,000
given to the value of services that broadcast outlets traditionally watts.
provide at no cost to schools (such as announcements of clos-
ings, delays, contest postponements, ticket availability, etc.). f.) For the purpose of these regulations, an educational access
station shall be defined as one which is not-for-profit, non-com-
o.) During OHSAA tournament contests, stations approved for mercial (funding is obtained from community governments or
broadcast may display one banner if space is available at a venue cable franchise fees; there are no sponsorships or advertising)
for that purpose; the displaying of banners does not violate school and broadcasts are primarily produced by volunteers.
or local regulations, and the displaying of such banner does not
conflict with a contract the OHSAA has in place with an exclu- g.) For the purpose of these regulations, a school station shall be
sive corporate or media partner. If approved, banners should be defined as one which is school-owned and operated, non-com-
displayed at the station’s broadcast location, and the banner may mercial (accepts no sponsorships or advertising) and some of the
only be displayed while the station is broadcasting. production and broadcast crew is comprised of students.
Note: Underlined text or text with a strike-through (text) denote changes from 2018-19 media regulations. 2019-20 OHSAA Media Regulations, Page 42019-20 OHSAA General Media Regulations
Television, Section 2. — Live Telecasts stream a contest onto a station-owned web site are permitted to
a.) Live telecasts of regular-season high school football games do so as long as this does not conflict with a contract the OHSAA
are prohibited on Friday nights unless done so on the school- has in place with an exclusive media partner. When there is not a
owned station or approved by the OHSAA. Live telecasts of conflict and the station is permitted to stream, the station shall not
regular-season football games on other days of the week are be assessed a rights fee twice.
permitted pending approval from the host school. Live telecasts of
regular-season contests in all other sports on any day are permit- b.) The OHSAA has no control over “park and power” fees,
ted pending approval from the host school. “hookup” fees or any other miscellaneous fees that school or local
tournament sites may assess for broadcasting at their venue,
b.) Live telecasts of OHSAA tournament contests (in all sports) although fees assessed for these services should be kept to a
are prohibited unless approved by the OHSAA. nominal level. The OHSAA shall mediate, if needed.
c.) The OHSAA Executive Director’s Office may waive the regula- Television, Section 6A. — Waiver of Tournament Rights Fees
tion that prohibits live video of Friday night regular-season high Tournament rights fees shall be waived when the following condi-
school football games or OHSAA tournament contests (in all tions are met:
sports) at its discretion on a case-by-case basis. Consideration of
such waivers shall include conflicts with other contests, expected a.) School Stations — All OHSAA regulations shall be adhered to;
attendance at that and other contests (sell-outs), as well as ap- the contest shall not be fed to any other station; formal application
proval by the principals, or a representative authorized by the for waiver shall be submitted by the teacher or school administra-
principals, of the participating schools. Written application must tor in the same manner as other outlets but shall also include a
be made in time for the Executive Director’s Office to act on the full description of the station and its programming, and students
request. Waivers shall be granted with the understanding that involved with the broadcast shall be accompanied at the contest
local regulations are adhered to, space is available and the set-up by a teacher or school administrator.
at the venue is logistically feasible for the host site.
Television, Section 6B. — Majority Waiver of Tournament
Television, Section 3. — Delayed Telecasts Rights Fees
a.) Delayed telecasts of regular-season contests are permitted The majority of tournament rights fees shall be waived when the
provided approval is granted by the Athletic Director of the host following conditions are met (Note: The fee assessed to Educa-
school with the understanding that local regulations are adhered tion Access Stations shall be approved by the OHSAA Board of
to, space is available and the set-up at the venue is logistically Directors):
feasible for the host site.
a.) Educational Access Stations — All OHSAA regulations shall
b.) Delayed telecasts of OHSAA tournament contests are permit- be adhered to; the contest shall not be fed to any other station,
ted provided they do not conflict with an OHSAA exclusive agree- and formal application for waiver shall be submitted by a station
ment and approval is granted by the tournament contest manager administrator in the same manner as other outlets but shall also
(sectional, district and regional contests) or the OHSAA Executive include a full description of the station and its programming.
Director’s Office (for state contests) with the understanding that Notes: Educational access stations and school stations that
local regulations are adhered to, space is available and the set-up accept sponsorships or advertising for coverage of contests must
at the venue is logistically feasible for the host site. pay established OHSAA rights fees.
c.) Approval for delayed telecasts of OHSAA tournament con- Television, Section 7. — One Origination
tests permit stations the right to telecast the stated contest(s) an In the event more than one station is approved to telecast the
unlimited number of times for two weeks following the date of same OHSAA tournament contest(s), said stations may be
the contest. Additional airing of contests following the two-week required to share equipment and announcing positions if the host
period may result in additional rights fees assessed at rates to be site cannot accommodate more than one request. Such sharing
approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors. will be mutually arranged by the stations involved, the contest
manager and the OHSAA. If facilities are not available to accom-
Television, Section 4. — Rights Fees modate more than one station and sharing of equipment and
a.) When the live telecast exception is granted for tournament announcing positions cannot be arranged, consideration shall be
contests, a rights fee shall be determined by negotiation between given first to the home team (as designated by the brackets drawn
the media outlet desiring to telecast the contest and the OHSAA. for the tournaments - not necessarily the host site). With these
When the live telecast exception is granted for regular-season factors being equal, priority shall be given first to stations which
contests, a rights fee and other requirements shall be determined have previously televised OHSAA activities. Sharing equipment
by negotiation between the media outlet desiring to telecast the and announcing positions means that only one production unit
contest and the host school. and set of cameras are allowed at the site. Additional announcer
set-ups are permissible should the originating unit provide a “split
b.) For OHSAA tournament contests, rights fees will be assessed feed” to another outlet desiring the game video and desiring to
at rates approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors. Tournament use its own announcers, provided the local site can accommodate
rights fees for the 2019-20 school year are posted on the OHSAA the personnel.
News & Media web site (www.ohsaa.org). Notes: While recognizing the value of providing educational
opportunities for students at its member schools, the OHSAA will
Television, Section 5. — Additional Tournament Fees make all efforts to accommodate school stations. However, space
a.) Outlets approved for a television broadcast that desire to also limitations at OHSAA tournament contests will likely result in the
Note: Underlined text or text with a strike-through (text) denote changes from 2018-19 media regulations. 2019-20 OHSAA Media Regulations, Page 52019-20 OHSAA General Media Regulations
priority for accommodations going to “traditional” broadcasting vided that local regulations are adhered to, space is available and
outlets. the set-up at the venue is logistically feasible for the host site.
Television, Section 8. — Spot News Coverage b.) Live broadcasts of OHSAA tournament contests (all sports) are
a.) Reporters and photographers from over-the-air stations, cable permitted — unless the OHSAA enters into an exclusive contract
stations or web sites approved for credentials shall be granted ac- with a company to provide live and/or delayed broadcasts of state
cess to OHSAA tournament contests for spot news coverage and tournament contests — with the understanding that local regula-
may broadcast, cablecast, air, televise or display game highlights tions are adhered to, space is available and the set-up at the
only on a bona-fide newscast or approved web site. A bona-fide venue is logistically feasible for the host site.
newscast is one that is regularly scheduled on an OHSAA-ap-
proved media outlet. Guidelines for approved web sites are listed Radio, Section 3. — Tournament Rights Fees
later in these regulations. a.) For OHSAA tournament contests, rights fees will be assessed
in sports and at rates approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors.
b.) Stations or web sites shall be limited to show a maximum of The same rates will be assessed whether the contest is broadcast
three minutes of game highlights from each OHSAA tournament live or is delayed.
contest for a bona-fide newscast or on an approved web site.
b.) Tournament rights fees for the 2019-20 school year are posted
c.) No live feeds from an OHSAA tournament contest may be on the OHSAA News & Media web site (www.ohsaa.org).
shown on a newscast or posted on a web site if they conflict with
a company that has an exclusive agreement with the OHSAA to Radio, Section 4. — Additional Tournament Fees
air a contest live or by tape-delay. a.) Outlets approved for a radio broadcast that desire to also
stream the audio of a contest onto a station-owned web site or
d.) So long as highlights of OHSAA tournament contests are onto a cable television system (audio only) are permitted to do so
limited to three minutes or less, no rights fees will be assessed by long as this does not conflict with a contract the OHSAA has in
the OHSAA. place with an exclusive media partner. When there is not a conflict
and the station is permitted to stream, the station shall not be
e.) Rights fees established by the OHSAA Board of Directors will assessed a rights fee twice. Outlets approved for a radio broad-
be assessed whenever highlights of OHSAA tournament contests cast which originates an audio broadcast exclusively onto a cable
are sold. television system shall be subject to the rights fees as posted on
the OHSAA web site.
b.) The OHSAA has no control over “hookup” fees or any other
miscellaneous fees that school or local tournament sites may
assess for broadcasting at their venue, but fees should remain
nominal. The OHSAA will mediate, if needed.
Section 3
Radio Regulations Radio, Section 5A. — Waiver of Tournament Rights Fees
Tournament rights fees will be waived when the following condi-
Radio, Section 1. — Definitions tions are met:
a.) For the purpose of these regulations, an over-the-air com-
mercial station shall be defined as one which is freely available a.) School Stations — All OHSAA regulations shall be adhered to;
to anyone with a radio within the broadcast area and accepts the contest shall not be fed to any other station; formal application
payments for advertising of any programming, even if a broadcast for waiver shall be submitted by the principal or athletic adminis-
is not sponsored. trator in the same manner as other outlets but shall also include
a full description of the station and its programming, and students
b.) For the purpose of these regulations, a public radio station handle the majority of the broadcast and are accompanied at the
shall be defined as one which is not-for-profit, non-commercial contest by a school administrator (teacher, advisor, etc.).
and privately funded.
Radio, Section 5B. — Majority Waiver of Tournament Rights
c.) For the purpose of these regulations, a low-power station shall Fees
be defined according to FCC regulations as one which provides The majority of tournament rights fees shall be waived when the
radio service for locally-created and community-oriented program- following conditions are met (Note: The fee assessed to low-pow-
ming. These stations are non-commercial (accept no sponsor- er stations shall be approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors):
ships or advertising) and broadcasts are produced by volunteers.
a.) Low-power Stations — All OHSAA regulations shall be ad-
d.) For the purpose of these regulations, a school station shall be hered to; the contest shall not be fed to any other station, and for-
defined as one which is school-owned and operated, non-com- mal application for waiver shall be submitted by a station adminis-
mercial (accepts no sponsorships or advertising) and some of the trator in the same manner as other outlets but shall also include a
production and broadcast crew is comprised of students (technical full description of the station and its programming.
assistance provided by school or station personnel). Notes: Low-power stations and school stations that accept
sponsorships or advertising for coverage of contests must pay
Radio, Section 2. — Live Broadcasts established OHSAA rights fees.
a.) Live broadcasts of regular-season contests are permitted pro-
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Radio, Section 6. — One Origination Per School e.) The OHSAA Executive Director’s Office may waive the regula-
a.) In the event that more than one radio station is approved tion that prohibits live video webcasts of Friday night regular-sea-
to broadcast the same OHSAA tournament contest(s) for each son high school football games or OHSAA tournament contests
school, each school shall be required to designate just one radio (all sports) at its discretion on a case-by-case basis. Consider-
station to cover the contest should the host site not be able to ac- ation of such waiver shall include conflicts with other contests,
commodate more than one station per school. Should each school expected attendance at that and other contests (sell-outs) and
not be able to designate one radio station, priority shall be given approval by the administrative heads of the participating schools.
first to stations which have previously broadcast OHSAA events. Written application must be made in time for the OHSAA to act on
Notes: While recognizing the value of providing educational the request. Waivers shall be granted with the understanding that
opportunities for students at its member schools, the OHSAA will local regulations are adhered to, space is available and the set-up
make all efforts to accommodate school stations. However, space at the venue is logistically feasible for the host site.
limitations at OHSAA tournament contests will likely result in the Notes: Additional announcer set-ups are permissible should
priority for accommodations going to “traditional” broadcasting the originating unit provide a “split feed” to another outlet desiring
outlets. the game video and desiring to use its own announcers, provided
the local site can accommodate the requesting media outlet.
Webcast, Section 3. — Delayed Video Webcasts
a.) Delayed video webcasts of regular-season contests are
permitted provided approval is granted by the Athletic Director
Section 4 of the host school with the understanding that local regulations
Webcast Regulations are adhered to, space is available and the set-up at the venue is
logistically feasible for the host site.
Webcast, Section 1. — Definitions
a.) For the purpose of these regulations, a live webcast shall be b.) Delayed video webcasts of OHSAA tournament contests are
defined as the placement of an audio or video broadcast on-line permitted provided they do not conflict with an OHSAA exclusive
that occurs simultaneously with the event being covered. agreement and approval is granted by the tournament contest
manager (sectional, district and regional contests) or the OHSAA
b.) For the purpose of these regulations, a delayed webcast shall Executive Director’s Office for state tournament contests with
be defined as the placement of an audio or video broadcast on- the understanding that local regulations are adhered to, space is
line that occurs following a contest. Provisions of this agreement available and the set-up at the venue is logistically feasible for the
permit the webcast of the stated contest(s) an unlimited number host site.
of times.
Webcast, Section 4. — Rights Fees
c.) For the purpose of these regulations, a school webcast shall a.) When a live video webcast exception is granted for OHSAA
be defined as the placement of an audio or video broadcast onto tournament contests, a rights fee shall be determined by negotia-
a school-owned website or school-operated webpage, is non- tion between the media outlet and the OHSAA Executive Direc-
commercial (accepts no sponsorships or advertising) and some of tor’s Office. When the live video webcast exception is granted for
the production includes students. regular season contests, a rights fee and other requirements shall
be determined by negotiation between the media outlet and the
Webcast, Section 2. — Live Audio and Video Webcasts host school.
a.) Live audio webcasts of regular-season contests are permitted
provided that local regulations are adhered to, space is available b.) For OHSAA tournament contests, rights fees will be assessed
and the set-up at the venue is logistically feasible for the host site. in sports and at rates approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors.
Tournament rights fees for the 2019-20 school year are posted on
b.) Live audio webcasts of OHSAA tournament contests are per- the OHSAA News & Media web site (www.ohsaa.org).
mitted — unless the OHSAA enters into an exclusive contract with
a company to provide live and/or delayed webcasts of OHSAA Webcast, Section 5. — Additional Tournament Fees
tournament contests — with the understanding that local regula- a.) The OHSAA has no control over “hookup” fees or any other
tions are adhered to, space is available and the set-up at the miscellaneous fees that school or local tournament sites may as-
venue is logistically feasible for the host site. sess for webcasting at their venue.
c.) Live video webcasts of Friday night regular-season high school Webcast, Section 6. — Waiver of Tournament Rights Fees
football games are prohibited unless the video only appears on Tournament rights fees will be waived when the following condi-
the school-owned website or the school-controlled webpage. Live tions are met:
video webcasts of regular-season football games are permitted on
other days of the week, and live video webcasts of regular season a.) School Webcasts, Live Audio and Delayed Video — All
contests in all other sports on any day are permitted if approved OHSAA regulations shall be adhered to; the contest shall not be
by the host school’s Athletic Director. networked to any other outlet; formal application for waiver shall
be submitted by the principal or athletic administrator in the same
d.) Live video webcasts of OHSAA tournament contests (all manner as other outlets but shall also include a full description of
sports) are prohibited unless approved by the OHSAA Executive and the station and its programming
Director’s Office. Notes: School webcasts that accept sponsorships or advertis-
ing for coverage of contests must pay established OHSAA rights
fees.
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Webcast, Section 7. — Combined/Limited Originations to help determine priority. Those who have not followed a school
a.) Video, One Origination — In the event that more than one on a regular basis will be eliminated first. In addition, the compet-
outlet is approved to video webcast the same OHSAA tournament ing schools’ athletic administrators, the sports or managing editor
contest(s), said outlets may be required to share equipment and of a newspaper or the news or sports director of a broadcast
announcing positions should the host site not be able to accom- company may be asked to answer questions concerning the legiti-
modate more than one request. Such sharing will be mutually macy of a media request.
arranged by the outlets involved, the contest manager and the
OHSAA. If facilities are not available to accommodate more than c.) When media members arrive at OHSAA tournaments, they
one outlet and sharing of equipment and announcing positions may be requested to present employee identification or a letter
cannot be arranged, consideration shall be given first to the home from a supervisor to verify legitimacy.
team (as designated by the brackets drawn for the tournaments
- not necessarily the host site). With these factors being equal, d.) Unprofessional conduct or “cheering” in the working news me-
priority shall be given first to outlets which have previously video dia area at OHSAA tournament contests is not permitted. Children
webcasted OHSAA events. Sharing equipment and announcing are not permitted to receive media credentials or be in the working
positions means that only one production unit and set of cameras news media area without written permission from the OHSAA.
are allowed at the site. Additional announcer set-ups are permissi- These areas will be maintained to offer a working atmosphere
ble should the originating unit provide a “split feed” to another out- conducive to productivity and concentration. Violation of this regu-
let desiring the game video and desiring to use its own announc- lation may result in loss of credentials and ejection from the news
ers, provided the local site can accommodate the personnel. media area.
b.) Audio, One Origination Per School — In the event more than e.) Radio, television and webcast companies that originate broad-
one outlet is approved to audio webcast the same OHSAA tourna- casts from OHSAA tournaments may be limited to two seats for
ment contest(s) for each school, each school shall be required play-by-play talent. A third seat may be available if space permits
to designate just one outlet to cover the contest should the host but is never guaranteed. In addition, a credential may be granted
site not be able to accommodate more than one outlet per school. to a station engineer who may need to set up equipment before or
Should each school not be able to designate one outlet, prior- after a contest for the broadcasters, but a third seat in the press
ity shall first be given to outlets which have previously broadcast box (or on press row) is not guaranteed.
OHSAA activities.
Notes: While recognizing the continued growth and validity f.) Media outlets which are not originating broadcasts may be pro-
of webcasting, the OHSAA will make all efforts to accommodate vided credentials for no more than two reporters and two photog-
outlets that are webcasting. However, space limitations at OHSAA raphers for each tournament contest. Attempts will be made to be
tournament contests will likely result in the priority for accom- flexible, especially when space is available and for those media
modations going to “traditional” broadcasting outlets. In addition, outlets that have shown in the past to provide extensive coverage.
while recognizing the value of providing educational opportunities 1.) Due to space limitations, radio reporters not originating
for students at its member schools, the OHSAA will make all ef- broadcasts may apply for single game credentials at the
forts to accommodate school webcasts. However, space limita- OHSAA state football, girls basketball and boys basketball
tions at OHSAA tournament contests will likely result in the priority tournaments. Space and other factors will determine if the
for accommodations going to “traditional” broadcasting outlets. OHSAA can grant all-tournament credentials to non-origi-
nating broadcast media.
g.) Credentials or tickets for spouses, children, friends, etc., will
not be provided, and those who attend an event with a media
member will be required to purchase a ticket.
Section 5
Tournament Media Credentials h.) Generally, media members can expect to receive a program
(and/or rosters) upon arrival at OHSAA tournament contests. Sta-
a.) Working media credentials are issued for OHSAA tournament tistics will be distributed to media members when possible. Priority
contests by a tournament contest manager or media coordina- will be given to those still producing a live broadcast and those on
tor (for sectional, district and regional contests) or the OHSAA deadline.
Executive Director’s Office for state tournament contests to a
representative of an accredited media organization recognized by i.) Priorities in Issuing OHSAA Tournament Media Credentials
the OHSAA for the sole purpose of providing access to cover a 1. In allocating space for accredited media organizations to
tournament contest. OHSAA tournaments, priority will be given to:
a.) Media which is statewide in scope (wire services, re-
b.) Written requests for OHSAA tournament credentials shall gional television, etc.)
be made prior to the established application deadline. Because b.) Media which covers their hometown competing teams
of demand, credentials will be issued on a priority system ap- (daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, radio stations,
proved by the OHSAA Board of Directors within these regulations television/cable stations, etc.)
(Section 6). All requests may not be honored. Size of circulation, c.) Media which covers the site of the host facility (daily
market sizes, number of subscribers and content will be the main newspapers, weekly newspapers, radio stations, television/
determining factors. Requests must be made in writing. cable stations, etc.)
Notes: If space limitations prohibit all requests from being d.) All other media (internet sites, specialty publications)
filled, the competing schools’ athletic administrators may be asked
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2. In allocating space for the print media at the state wrestling, a.) Publishing game stories and game statistics in a timely
state girls basketball and state boys basketball tournaments, basis about individual contests;
priority will be as follows: b.) Publishing scores on game days;
a.) The Associated Press and daily newspapers with circula- c.) Streaming audio, video or other content on a real-time
tions of 35,000 or more may request two (2) all-tournament basis of contests;
credentials. Additional credentials will be granted only if d.) Publishing feature stories about high school sports
space is available. teams, coaches and student-athletes.
b.) Other daily newspapers may request one (1) all-tour-
nament credential. An additional single-session credential 6. The following internet sites will not be granted credentials:
may be requested should a wrestler or school qualify from a.) Social media webpages
your normal coverage area and as space allows. Additional b.) Sites in which the majority of the content is personal in
credentials will be granted only if space is available. nature (such as a diary, blog, fan-based, etc.) rather than
c.) Weekly newspapers may request one (1) single-session edited news content
credential should a wrestler or school qualify from your c.) Internet sites associated in any way with alcohol, tobac-
normal coverage area. Additional credentials will be granted co, drugs of any kind, gambling of any kind, political parties
only if space is available. or candidates or any other advertising considered in poor
taste or not in compliance with the mission of interscholastic
3. Television stations requesting credentials for their athletics as determined by the OHSAA;
videographer(s) and their on-air talent to cover a state tourna- d.) Sites developed solely to list/profile/rank recruiting pros-
ment contest for news-gathering purposes only (non-broad- pects or teams and/or to provide chat rooms/forums/blogs.
cast) will be approved, but seats on press row are not guaran- The OHSAA reserves the right to determine if a website falls
teed. into the category of a recruiting site.
Notes: The OHSAA will use a number of criteria to de-
4. Radio stations requesting credentials for their reporter(s) to termine if state tournament credentials will be granted to
cover a state tournament contest for news-gathering purposes webcast companies not originating a broadcast. Reasons
only (non-broadcast) shall be limited to one credential unless for a denied credential application include, but are not lim-
additional space permits multiple credentials. ited to, lack of sustained coverage of high school sports,
lack of suficient bona fide news content, lack of editorial
j.) Guidelines for Credentialing Websites (Non-Originating Broad- oversight or an emphasis on recruiting.
casts) at OHSAA Tournaments
1. Internet sites desiring OHSAA tournament media credentials 7. Internet sites must furnish, upon request, certifiable traffic
must submit requests using the OHSAA’s approved credential numbers from an established auditing firm and/or from its ser-
application form. For state tournaments, and earlier rounds vice provider. Hit counters on pages will not fulfill this require-
of the tournament when possible, the OHSAA will review the ment. The following information may be asked to be provided:
website and its content to determine legitimacy. a.) The average number of “unique viewers/visitors” to the
site in the last 30-60-90 days;
2. Internet sites desiring media credentials must have a unique, b.) The average number of “page views” by each visitor;
registered domain name, ending in one of the recognized c.) The name and contact information of the auditing firm
extensions (.com, .co, .cc, .org, .edu, .net, .us). and/or service provider to discuss/ensure the accuracy of
the numbers.
3. Internet sites staffed by full-time employees with the intent of
reporting on tournament contests for bona-fide news purposes k.) Guidelines for Credentialing Specialty Publications at OHSAA
will be considered for one credential, or more if space allows. Tournaments
Assigned seats on press row may not be available. 1. Specialty publications desiring OHSAA tournament media
a.) Websites run parallel by traditional media (i.e. newspa- credentials must submit requests using the OHSAA’s approved
pers, radio stations and television stations) may be issued credential application form. For state tournaments, requests
credentials if the request is for unique content that can only must include samples of the specialty publication and must
be accommodated by fulfilling the credential request. be made with enough time to allow the OHSAA to review the
publication and its content to determine legitimacy.
4. Credentials for school websites and internet sites affili-
ated with/following a participating team, as approved by that 2. Credentials for specialty publications staffed by full-time
school’s athletic administrator, will receive consideration for employees with the intent of reporting tournament contests for
being granted credentials. bona-fide news purposes will be considered for one credential
a.) This applies to written and/or statistical coverage, not if space allows. Assigned seats on press row may not be avail-
photography. See Section 6-h for policies regarding cre- able.
dentialing photographers for school purposes (yearbook,
website, newspaper) at OHSAA state tournaments in team 3. Credentials for specialty publications affiliated with a partici-
sports (field hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, ice hockey, pating team, as approved by that school’s athletic administra-
basketball, softball, baseball and lacrosse). tor, will receive consideration for being granted credentials.
a.) This applies to written and/or statistical coverage, not
5. Internet sites desiring media credentials must have a dem- photography. See Section 5 for policies regarding cre-
onstrated record of regular, sustained coverage of high school dentialing photographers for school purposes (yearbook,
sports, which should include (but is not limited to): website, newspaper) at OHSAA state tournaments in team
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sports (field hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, ice hockey, below the state tournament level provided parameters estab-
basketball, softball, baseball and lacrosse). lished by the OHSAA Office are adherred to.
a.) Among the parameters that may be required are pre-
4. Specialty publications desiring media credentials must have registration with the OHSAA Office and submission of an
a demonstrated record of sustained coverage of high school annual or seasonal fee.
sports, which should include (but is not limited to): b.) Once parameters are met and credentials are granted,
a.) Publishing game stories and game statistics in a timely these photographers are permitted to respond to and fill
basis about individual contests; requests to reproduce and sell images for sectional, district
b.) Publishing feature stories about high school sports and regional tournaments, but not state tournaments.
teams, coaches and student-athletes. c.) Freelance, school and/or independent photographers
that are credentialed to cover sectional, district or regional
5. The following specialty publications will not be granted tournament contests may not set up an on-site promotional
credentials: display, may not request that public address announce-
a.) Publications that only provide recruiting lists, prospect ments be made and may not distribute promotional material
profiles or rankings of recruiting prospects; at the contest site.
b.) Publications that only provide lists of outstanding teams;
c.) Any publication deemed in poor taste or not in compli- 4. Bearer of the credential agrees that the accredited media
ance with the mission of interscholastic athletics as deter- organization and bearer shall indemnify, defend and hold the
mined by the OHSAA. OHSAA and all agents thereof harmless from and against
any and all expenses, lawsuits, damages, costs and liabilities
6. Specialty publications must declare their coverage plans (including reasonable attorney fees and expenses) incurred by,
with their credential request to determine if the content to arised from, or in connection with:
be printed does not duplicate existing content already being a.) the unauthorized use of news and editorial content or
provided, or violate rights already granted by the OHSAA to photographs/electronic images, whether such unauthor-
another party. ized use is by the bearer, the accredited media organization
designating the bearer to use the credential on its behalf, or
7. Space and facility restrictions, among other factors, will some third party to whom the bearer distributes news and
determine whether credential requests for photographers from editorial content or photographs/electronic images;
specialty publications will be approved. b.) any injuries resulting from acts or omissions by the
bearer or some third party to whom the bearer directly or
l.) Conditions of OHSAA Tournament Credentials indirectly distributed news and editorial content or photo-
Acceptance of working media credentials for OHSAA tournament graphs/electronic images;
contests constitutes an agreement by all media members to abide c.) any cameras, wires, cables, computers, telephones or
by the following conditions established by the OHSAA: other equipment brought to the premises by the bearer, or
1. Bearer of the credential agrees that he/she is engaged in a d.) the use of any news and editorial content or photo-
legitimate working function for an accredited media organiza- graphs/electronic images or any other matter other than
tion, and that the credential shall be used solely for news and coverage of the tournament event.
editorial coverage of the tournament event. Notes: When news and editorial content or photo-
2. Newspapers bearing an OHSAA credential and assigned to graphs/electronic images are used for entertainment or
the state tournament for news-gathering purposes are permit- commercial use, the accredited media organization and/
ted to respond to and fill requests from their readers and/or on- or bearer agrees to obtain all necessary licenses, consents
line viewers to reproduce and sell images that appear in print or releases permitting the use of any party’s proprietary
or in the newspaper’s official web site photo galleries. Auxiliary material, including, but not limited to, any party’s copyrights,
media web sites, web sites established by individual/freelance trademarks, rights of publicity, rights of privacy or other pro-
photographers/photography companies and/or individual/free- prietary or personal rights, however denominated, included
lance photographers/photography companies are not covered in any photograph/electronic image taken or other material
under this regulation. obtained in connection with the credential. The accredited
a.) Should the OHSAA enter into a contract with an official media organization and/or bearer is solely responsible for
state tournament photographer, the official photographer determining which licenses, consents and releases shall be
retains exclusivity regarding on-site marketing and sales obtained.
presence, on-site promotional consideration, OHSAA souve-
nir program and broadcast advertising and staff-level event 5. Bearer of the credential assumes all risk and danger inci-
access. dental to this tournament event which is being covered and
b.) No media representatives will be permitted to directly releases the OHSAA and all agents thereof from any and all
or indirectly market the sale of photography at the state liabilities resulting from such cases.
tournament event site proper. This includes the distribution
of brochures, flyers, signs or promotional apparel worn by 6. Bearer of an OHSAA tournament credential agrees that the
media representatives. Event site proper includes the facility credential is not transferable, may be revoked at any time at
proper and any adjacent facilities or parking locations. the sole discretion of the OHSAA and will automatically termi-
3. Auxiliary media websites, websites established by individual/ nate if any term hereof is breached. In cases deemed unique
freelance photographers and/or individual/freelance photog- by the OHSAA, these policies and any other OHSAA media
raphers may be credentialed for OHSAA tournament contests policies may be amended. The accredited media organization
and/or bearer that breaches the conditions of use of this cre-
Note: Underlined text or text with a strike-through (text) denote changes from 2018-19 media regulations. 2019-20 OHSAA Media Regulations, Page 10You can also read
