State Tournament Media Policy
Team Tennis, Cross-Country, Volleyball, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Softball, and Baseball State Tournaments ONLY
It is the goal of the University Interscholastic League to provide the media with comprehensive, hospitable services during state tournaments. We understand the difficulty of covering these state championships, and we appreciate the positive publicity our schools and athletes receive as a result of your work.
In formulating a media policy, we have tried to address as many media groups as possible. We understand that different media outlets have different needs, and we strive to meet the needs of everyone involved.
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY: The use of electronic flash equipment, other than strobe flash, is prohibited at indoor UIL State Championship events including volleyball and basketball.
Only individuals with UIL-issued media credentials will be allowed access to UIL State Championships. In order to obtain media credentials to UIL State Championship Events, certain protocol must be followed.
- Credential requests must be faxed in on company letterhead to Kim Rogers at the UIL office (512) 471-6589 by the deadline for the event. (SEE UIL WEBSITE FOR EVENT DEADLINES.)
- Media outlets must identify school(s) they are covering in their credential request.
- Each person, along with his or her duties (reporter or photographer), must be listed in the request.
- REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE FOR THE EVENT. LATE REQUESTS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED.
- The UIL makes the final determination of whether or not media credential requests are granted. If your request is denied, the UIL will make every attempt at contacting your media outlet via fax. It is your responsibility to assure your credential request has been successfully received. All credentials will be placed on reserve at the state tournament site, and will not be mailed.
- You may check the status of your credential request only by e-mail at: uilpr@mail.uil.utexas.edu
Newspapers
Credentials will be provided only to reporters covering hometown or circulation-area teams. Reporters must present photo identification in order to claim credentials. NEWSPAPERS MUST IDENTIFY SCHOOL(S) THEY ARE COVERING IN THEIR MEDIA CREDENTIAL REQUEST.
Daily newspapers may have up to two writers and one photographer. Weekly newspapers may have no more than one writer and one photographer. Publishing companies that publish weekly newspapers for more than one community will be considered a single weekly newspaper. The UIL must have names for all persons claiming passes, and all persons must bring photo identification. NEWSPAPERS WITH NO VESTED INTEREST IN THE EVENT WILL BE DENIED CREDENTIALS.
Statisticians
Since the UIL provides complete statistics, we will not reserve media credentials for statisticians.
Radio Stations
Radio stations providing a live broadcast of the event will be limited to two credentials per station. Radio stations not doing a broadcast of the event will be limited to one credential. STATIONS WITH NO VESTED INTEREST IN THE EVENT WILL BE DENIED CREDENTIALS. Radio stations must identify school(s) they are covering in their media credential request.
Television
Unless planning to do a live feed, TV stations may reserve no more than two credentials. STATIONS WITH NO VESTED INTEREST IN THE EVENT WILL BE DENIED CREDENTIALS. Television stations must identify school(s) they are covering in their media credential request.
Internet Sites / Magazines
Request will be considered on an individual basis. Commercial for-profit internet sites will not be issued credentials. Paid membership-only sites will not be issued credentials. Credentials for all others will be at the discretion of the UIL.
High School Student Media
Each school will be issued up to three media credentials total. The credentials are intended for use by students in their school's journalism program and should include newspaper, yearbook, and broadcast journalism. Only individuals with UIL-issued media credentials will be allowed access to UIL State Championships. Students must show a valid student identification card from a high school participating in the tournament in order to obtain UIL media credentials - no exceptions.
Commercial Photographers
The UIL prohibits the sale of photographs from UIL State Championship Events, and will not credential any photographers whose photos will be used for any purpose other than media coverage.
Recruiting Services / Scouts
The UIL does not issue media credentials to recruiting services or scouts.
The UIL's goal is to provide the best service possible to the working media. Part of this responsibility is guaranteeing that services are available only to the working media. To request media credentials, please follow the protocol listed above.
We welcome your questions or comments regarding this matter
Kim Rogers
Media Director
University Interscholastic League
(512) 471-5883
(512) 471-6589 FAX