Media

NFMSS Media Policies and Procedures

General: These Media Policies and procedures set forth the policies promulgated by
the National Federation of Middle School Sports (NFMSS) concerning the release
of information about NFMSS business and activities, the issuance of media
credentials and broadcast rights for radio, television and other media to NFMSS
playoff, championship and other special events (described herein as “NFMSS
events” or “NFMSS-sponsored events”), as well as general operating procedures for
news media at NFMSS events. These policies are designed to protect the NFMSS,
its associate member schools and student athletes in accordance with the Association’s by
laws and its Memorandum of Understanding with the educational governing bodies we partner with. School administrators, print editors and broadcast directors should
carefully review these policies and procedures applicable to their organization.
NFMSS reserves the right to amend this policy at any time and in any manner
deemed necessary. No exception to this policy may be made by a media outlet, host
school principal or contest manager except by written permission of the NFMSS.

Providing Information to the Media

Any member of the news media may purchase, when available, NFMSS publications at a reasonable cost to be established by the NFMSS. Such publications are being printed on a limited basis.
Playoff pairings for each NFMSS team sport will be posted on the NFMSS website immediately after such pairings have been completed and verified by the NFMSS.
The NFMSS will not comment about an eligibility situation prior to it being resolved within the framework of its rules and regulations. At no time will the NFMSS divulge personal details of the eligibility situation which might compromise the privacy of the student-athlete involved.
The principal of the member school involved or the person(s) involved may release information about an eligibility case as they see fit.
The NFMSS will not release by telephone, fax, mail or otherwise the names of student-athletes involved and/or implicated in any investigation into alleged violations of NFMSS rules or regulations. Such information may be obtained from the principal of the member school involved or the person(s) involved, if they see fit.
The NFMSS will not comment on any investigation into any member school or individual. Should a decision be made at the conclusion of an investigation involving the enforcement of the Penalty Code as outlined in the NFMSS handbook, the administrators of the member school involved or the person(s) involved may release information as they see fit.
Generally, media members can expect to receive media notes and rosters upon arrival at NFMSS Championship events. When available, statistics will be distributed to media members after each game as soon as possible. Priority will be given to those media members still on the air producing a live broadcast and those on deadline.

Policy for Photography, Film, Video and Audio at NFMSS Regionals, Playoffs and Championship Events

Copyright/Ownership Rights: Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the
NFMSS, NFMSS is the owner of the rights to and the copyright holder of all
NFMSS audio-visual work, which includes all still photographs taken of NFMSS
playoff and championship events, all film, videotape and audiotape of NFMSS
playoff and championship events and the live audio and visual broadcasts of
NFMSS-sponsored events. Still photography, filming, videotaping and audio
recording is prohibited at NFMSS competitions and/or and championships, except as expressly
and specifically authorized by the NFMSS. All video, broadcast and title rights
for NFMSS-sponsored events are the exclusive property of the NFMSS. The
selling or redistribution of photographs, film, videotape and audiotape from
NFMSS events for personal or commercial gain is strictly prohibited without the
express written permission of the NFMSS, and discovery of any unauthorized
distribution will result in the revocation of credentials and/or possible civil
damages.

Participating Schools

Representatives of participating schools are authorized to take still photographs, film, video tape and audio tape at NFMSS events so long as the representative is recommended by the participating school’s principals or other appropriate administrator and receives proper photography credentials.
Under no circumstance may still photographs, films, videos or audio tapes, in full or in part, be used for any commercial purpose, unless authorized by, and a rights fee has been paid to the NFMSS.
Non-Commercial Recordings: The NFMSS does not restrict the recording of audio or video for personal, non-commercial use at any game, including playoff or state championship games, by any parent of a student participating in the game or any employee of the school competing in the game or event.

Members of the media are authorized, without paying a fee, to take still photographs and take short film, video and audio clips of NFMSS-events for print and electronic news coverage.
Under no circumstance may still photographs, films, videos or audio tapes, in full or in part, be used for any commercial purpose, unless authorized by, and a rights fee has been paid to the NFMSS.
The filming or taping of the majority of an NFMSS event is prohibited, unless prior approval is secured. The media outlet may not air a total of more than three (3) minutes of footage and any such footage must include visual credit to the NFMSS and the championship rights holder, if any.
The media outlet will not lend, give away or sell the film or videotape, in whole or in part, except only for the purposes hereinabove specifically set forth and/or in such cases as NFMSS requests for use by NFMSS.

Spectators

Individual spectators are allowed to personally take still photographs at events, for strictly personal use only.
Under no circumstance may still photographs, films, videos or audio tapes, in full or in part, be used for any commercial purpose, unless authorized by, and a rights fee has been paid to the NFMSS.
Any still photography, filming, videotaping and audio taping shall be conducted from the seating area, or, if space available, from a designated area. No one will be allowed in the playing area without proper credentials.
Live streaming of NCHSAA events through social media or other internet-based technology by spectators is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized transmission of accounts, descriptions, video or audio, of NCHSAA events could result in civil damages.
In no event may a spectator interfere with a game play or violate this policy. The NFMSS and/or school representatives reserve the right to ask any spectator to leave the game/facility in the event they violate this aforementioned policy.

Internet Real-Time Policy:

The NFMSS grants a media outlet a limited license to use certain
gathered information on the media outlet’s website beginning at the start
of an NFMSS event and up to the conclusion of such event, all subject to
the following limitations and conditions:

No more than ten (10) still photographs may be used for news
coverage of the game and other editorial purposes. Such still
photographs must be used on a time-delayed basis, that is at least
thirty (30) minutes after the happening of the event depicted by
the still photograph.
Unless otherwise authorized in writing by the NFMSS, video is
NOT to be used on the website (except the video may be shown as
part of a single, online “simulcast” of a television station’s
regularly-scheduled news program).
While a game is in progress, the use of textual statistical
information is time-delayed and limited in amount (e.g., updates
pertaining to score, injuries and national, conference or
institutional record-breaking performances, a condensed half-time
story) so that an organization’s website game coverage does not
undercut the authorized and rights-paying fee organization’s rights
to play-by-play accounts of the game and/or exclusivity as to such
rights.

Flash Photography: The use of electronic flash equipment is prohibited at all
indoor NFMSS events. The NFMSS and officials covering and NFMSS event
reserve the right to have strobe flashes removed from any NFMSS events at
their discretion.

Photographers in Bench Area: The presences of any type of photographer (video
or still) in the bench area for all sports is strictly prohibited and no media
personnel shall communicate in any way with persons in the team area or
coaching box. The NFMSS prohibits photographers (video or still) from stopping
and shooting behind the bench area. In no event may a photographer interfere
with a game play and the NFMSS reserves the right to revoke a photographer’s
credential at its sole discretion if it believes the photographer is interfering with
the game.

Media Area/Press Box: Unprofessional conduct or “cheering” in the working
news media area at NFMSS events will not be permitted. Children are not
permitted in the working news media area without written permission from the
NFMSS. These areas will be maintained to offer a working atmosphere
conducive to productivity and concentration. Violation of this regulation may
result in loss of credentials and ejection from the news media area.

Distribution of Materials/Publications: Unless prior written approval is given by
the NFMSS, in no event may a media outlet distribute publications or print outs
on the premises of an NFMSS event, whether before, during or after a game.

No Review: Still photographs, films, videos or audio tapes may not be used to
review decisions of game officials at any live contest.

Broadcast Rights:

Live Television & Live Video Internet Streaming: The NFMSS holds the rights to
over-the-air and digital distribution whether by cable, satellite, internet streams
or other means tantamount in nature to broadcasts of all NFMSS Playoff and
Championship Events. The NFMSS has no authority over television or streaming
rights for regular season contests.

Radio or Audio-Only Broadcasts and Streams: The NFMSS holds the rights to
over-the-air and digital distribution whether by AM/FM, Satellite or Internet
streams streams or other means tantamount in nature to broadcasts of all
NFMSS Playoff and Championship Events. The NFMSS has no authority over
streaming rights for regular season contests. An outlet may broadcast a
postseason game when the following conditions are met:

An outlet must complete the Live Broadcast Request form found
Once the form has been completed, school personnel will be notified of the request and will alert NFMSS Staff as to their decision to allow a live broadcast or not.
If the school agrees to the broadcast, the requesting outlet will be given approval to broadcast the contest. Payment must be remitted to the host school athletic director or the NFMSS Staff Representative on site. The Fee schedule is available on the NFMSS’s website on the same web page as the Broadcast Request Form.
The NFMSS will publish a list of approved broadcasts each week on the NFMSS site.

Media Credentialling:

Year Long Credentials (YLC)
The NFMSS will issue Year-Long Credentials for approved media
members that will provide credentialed access at all NFMSS Playoff
events and neutral site championships. The Year-Long Credential (YLC)
will be the only credential issued by the NFMSS. Members of the media
seeking to cover singular events must still request a YLC Card online.

All members of the media must provide a background check history before being approved for a
credential. Therefore, credentials must be applied for by individuals, not outlets.

The background check requirement may be met in one of two ways; 1) Members of the media can register through DragonFly and pay the $12 fee to obtain a background check through that platform or 2) employers can submit proof of a background check but a DragonFly account will still be required so that members can request a YLC Card.
Background checks are only valid for credentialling purposes for 365 days, with some exceptions for late spring applicants.
While the YLC Card will allow members access to all NFMSS Playoff events, media members will still be required to register for specific Championship (Final) events through the NFMSS Website. Members of the media will be notified via email when this registration is open. This process will have no fee but will allow the NFMSS to ensure space is available for working media. When multiple championships are being conducted at the same time, members of the media may register for more than one championship, however the YLC Cards are nontransferable.
The NFMSS will not issue Credentials to individuals under the age of 18 unless they provide a letter of recommendation from their school and/or a letter confirming employment with a bona-fide news organization. Each member school will be provided with two (2) school media passes to be used for school newspapers, yearbooks, or other use at the discretion of the school.
The YLC Cards will be digital and should be presented at the site media entrance on a mobile device. Printed versions of the digital card can be accepted in special cases with approval from NFMSS Staff.

General:

The issuance of all media credentials to NFMSS events is at the sole
discretion of the NFMSS staff. Submission of a YLC card request or Event
Registration does not guarantee a representative a media credential. All
requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the NFMSS staff. The
NFMSS will notify any individual whose request has been denied.

Subject to limitations of space of specific events, registrations may be
limited and will be allocated to accredited media in accordance with the
following general criteria.

Media outlets who have followed the participating schools on a regular basis
The circulation/market size/market penetration of the media outlet in question
Previous coverage of NFMSS events
The date of receipt of the media outlet’s request for credentials
Media outlets that report original and unique content

In allocating space for accredited media organizations to NFMSS events,
priority will be given to:

Media which is statewide in scope (wire services, regional television, etc.);
Media which covers their hometown competing teams (daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, radio stations, television/cable stations, etc.);
Media which covers the site of the host facility (daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, radio stations, television/cable stations, etc.);
All other media (internet sites, specialty publications).

Only those representatives whose registrations are submitted by the
advertised deadline AND have been issued a YLC will be approved. Late
requests will not be guaranteed processing. Media representatives not
approved for credentials in advance will not be issued credentials upon
arrival at the site of the event.

Media representatives who receive a YLC and register to an NFMSS
event must be on assignment for a specific media organization. Credential
requests for freelance reporters, freelance photographers,
correspondents, or stringers must include outlet names that
freelancers have or typically worked with.

Unless otherwise approved by the NFMSS, YLC Cards will not be issued
to commercial photographers.

Credentials or complimentary tickets for spouses, friends, etc. of news
media representatives will not be provided. Individuals who attend an
event with a credentialed news media representative will be required to
purchase a ticket.

YLCs to an NFMSS event are issued for the sole purpose of identifying
and providing complimentary admission and special access to
representatives who have a legitimate working function in connection
with the event. Unauthorized use, sale or other transfer of a credential
will subject the bearer to ejection from the event, revocation of the
credential and the indefinite denial of credentials to future events.

YLCs, once issued, remain the property of the NFMSS and are subject to
revocation and confiscation at the discretion of the NFMSS
Commissioner and/or his/her designees.

Grounds for revocation and confiscation of a credential include, but are not limited to, misuse,
abuse and/or transfer of the credential to anyone other than to the
person to who the credential is issued. Any media outlet whose
representative has a credential revoked for any reason is subject to being
denied credentials to future NFMSS events.

Acceptance of a YLC constitutes an agreement by the bearer and his or
her organization to abide by the foregoing policy, as well as the following
conditions:

Conditions Placed on Use of NFMSS-issued Media Credentials
This working credential is issued for the sole purpose of providing facility access
to a representative of an accredited media organization recognized by the
NFMSS who has a legitimate working function in connection with this NFMSS
sponsored event. It is non-transferable. Any unauthorized use of this credential
subjects the bearer to ejection from the facility and/or his/ her organization to
forfeit future privileges. Issuance and use of this credential is subject to the
following conditions:

This credential shall be used solely for news and editorial coverage (bona-fide
news purposes) of this NFMSS-event.
Any use of news and editorial content or photographs/electronic images for
entertainment and commercial purposes and not for bona-fide news purposes is
strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the NFMSS. The selling of
news and editorial content or photographs/electronic images is exclusive to the
NFMSS and/or any other company so designated by the NFMSS.
The accredited media organization and bearer shall indemnify, defend and
save harmless the NFMSS, its officers, agents, employees and each of its
member schools, their officers, agents and employees, from and against any and
all expenses, lawsuits, damages costs and liabilities (including reasonable
attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by, arising from, or in connection with:

The unauthorized use of news and editorial content or
photographs/electronic images, whether such unauthorized use is by the
bearer, or some third party to whom the bearer distributes news and
editorial content or photographs/electronic images.
any injuries resulting from acts or omissions by the bearer or some third
party to whom the bearer directly or indirectly distributed news and
editorial content or photographs/electronic images;
any cameras, wires, cables, computers, telephones or any other
equipment brought to the premises by the bearer, or
the use of any news and editorial content or photographs/electronic
images or any other matter other than coverage of this NFMSS event.

Irrevocable permission is granted to the NFMSS and its assignees to utilize the
bearer’s voice, image and likeness in connection with any broadcast, other
recording or print reproduction of the event without compensation.

Bearer assumes all risk and danger incidental to this NFMSS event, whether
occurring prior to, during or after the event, and releases the NFMSS and all
agents thereof from any and all liabilities resulting from such event.

This credential is the property of the NFMSS and may be revoked at any time
at the sole discretion of the NFMSS and will automatically terminate if any term
hereof is breached. In cases deemed unique by the NFMSS, these policies and
any other NFMSS media policies may be amended. The accredited media
organization and/or bearer that breaches the conditions of use of this credential
is subject to legal liability as well as all costs incurred in enforcing the terms of
these conditions including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Newspapers

Registrations will be approved only for reporters covering hometown or circulation-area teams. Newspapers must identify the school(s) they are covering in their event Registration form.
At specific events, daily newspapers may have up to two (2) writers and one (1) photographer. Weekly newspapers may have no more than one (1) writer and one (1) photographer. Publishing companies that publish weekly newspapers for more than one community will be considered a single weekly newspaper. Requests for more than the above allotment will be at the discretion of NFMSS Staff.
Newspapers with no vested interest in the event may be denied registration to championship events

Radio Stations

Radio stations not providing a live broadcast of the event will be limited to one (1) Registration for specific events. Requests for more than the above allotment will be at the discretion of NFMSS Staff.
Stations that are providing full live coverage will be required to remit payment to either the host school Athletic Director or the NFMSS Staff Representative on site prior to the beginning of each streamed contest.
Radio stations must identify school(s) they are covering in their event registration form
Stations with no vested interest may be denied.

Television

Television stations may request no more than two (2) registrations for specific events. Requests for more than the above allotment will be at the discretion of NFMSS Staff.
Stations that are providing full live coverage will be required to remit payment to either the host school Athletic Director or the NFMSS Staff Representative on site prior to the beginning of each streamed contest.
Stations will no vested interest may be denied.
Television stations must identify school(s) they are covering in their event registration form

Internet Sites/Magazines:

YLC Card requests will be considered on an individual basis and will be issued at
the discretion of the NFMSS. The following guidelines will be used when reviewing an internet site
credential request:

Internet sites must regularly update news content with unique and original content, and have a demonstrated record of sustained coverage of high school sports.
Internet sites must have a unique registered domain name ending in one of the recognized extensions (.com, .cc, .edu, .net, .org).
Parallel internet sites owned and operated by traditional media (i.e., newspapers, radio stations and television stations) may have approved registrations if the request is for the purpose of reporting unique content that only can be accomplished by receiving the credentials. In instances where space is limited, such credentials may be counted as part of the traditional media outlets’ allotment.
Internet sites must furnish, upon request, certifiable traffic number from an established auditing firm (i.e. Nielsen), Google Analytics or from its service provider. Hit counters on pages will not fulfill these requirements. The following information may be requested: the average number of “page views” by each visitor; and the name and telephone number of the auditing firm or service provider to discuss and ensure the accuracy of the numbers.

Internet sites intending to merely report information already available on the
NFMSS website will not be granted registrations. Internet sites with no vested interest may be denied registrations. Social Media Based Photographers

Social Media Based Photographers:

Social Media only photographers must provide two (2) letters of recommendation from member schools or from a recognized media outlet.
Photographers must be at least 18 years of age
Social Media Accounts must regularly update content with unique and original content, and have a demonstrated record of sustained coverage of high school sports.
Social Media Accounts must furnish upon request their number of followers and average number of likes.
All Social Media Based photographers’ body of work is subject to
review prior to approval of an NFMSS Media Credential.

Participating School Representative: Provided space is available, each participating
school may be issued two (2) photography registrations (one (1) video and one (1) still))
to photograph and/or film their team during an NFMSS event championship event.
School Representatives may utilize the School Media Passes provided to each school and
those will be accepted at all NFMSS postseason events. Provided that the registrant is a
school employee, no YLC or DragonFly account is required. Requests for more than the
above allotment will be at the discretion of NFMSS Staff. The participating school’s
principal or other appropriate administrator must make an online registration request
according to the established deadlines. Participating school representatives granted
credentials are expected to adhere to all NFMSS regulations, may be subject to further
regulations as determined by the NFMSS and may lose credentials and be ejected from
the tournament contest should these regulations be violated. School administrators are
also allowed to utilize VIP or School Administrator Passes, which are distributed to
teams participating in championship events, for the purpose of photography,
videography or other media coverage at their discretion.

Middle School Student Photography/Journalism: The NFMSS is dedicated to the
educational experience of all students and priority will be given to student journalists
when possible. School Administrators may register up to two students at championship
events provided that the school is participating in an NFMSS event. Student journalists
may utilize the School Media Passes provided to each school and those will be accepted
at all NFMSS postseason events. Provided that the registrant is a student at the school,
no YLC or DragonFly account is required. Requests for more than the above allotment
will be at the discretion of NFMSS Staff. School advisors/administrators must make an
online registration according to the established application deadlines on behalf of the
students. Students granted credentials are expected to adhere to all NFMSS
regulations, may be subject to further regulations as determined by the NFMSS and
lose credentials and be ejected from the tournament contest should these regulations
be violated. Schools may not register for-profit businesses and no school contracts for
photography needs will be honored at NFMSS events. This middle school student media
credential is intended for use by students in their school’s journalism program and
should include newspaper, broadcast and yearbook journalism. School administrators
are also allowed to utilize VIP or School Administrator Passes, which are distributed to
teams participating in championship events, for the purpose of photography,
videography or other media coverage at their discretion.

Recruiting Services/Scouts: The NFMSS does not issue media credentials to recruiting
services or scouts.

Special Requests: The NFMSS reserves the right to issue additional credentials to
certain media organizations that submit special requests with the NFMSS. Such
decision to issue additional credentials will be at the NFMSS’s sole discretion.