Manual: MEDIA POLICY

Manuals provide the most up to date policies, rules, and regulations for Iowa High School Athletic Association sports in the regular season and postseason. Those seeking more information or clarifications on the contents of this manual should contact the IHSAA communications department:

• Chris Cuellar, [email protected]
• Colby Burt, [email protected]

All other inquiries should be directed through athletic directors or coaches at member schools or host schools. 

To search this manual, click a topic header from the Index above or select Find (Ctrl + F) from your keyboard. 

1. INTRODUCTION

The Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Media Policy Manual is intended to provide information and insight into policies approved by the Board of Control for the governance of media coverage at sanctioned events.

Media members and interested parties should carefully review the policies within, which include the issuance of credentials, school/student media, professional conduct, state tournament coverage, and more.

Schools may adopt any or all of these policies to assist in their media relations and event management at regular season or other hosted events.

IHSAA Information

The Iowa High School Athletic Association is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Boone, Iowa for the purpose of promoting, developing, directing, protecting, and regulating amateur interscholastic athletic relationships between member schools and to stimulate fair play, friendly rivalry, and good sportsmanship among contestants, schools, and communities throughout the state.

The IHSAA offers free membership to all schools recognized or registered with the State of Iowa’s Department of Education. The nine-member Board of Control meets regularly in Boone. The 25-member Representative Council meets at least twice annually. Sport and activity Advisory Committees are required to meet at least once a year.

• Approved minutes from Board of Control meetings are published online. Decisions and policies deemed newsworthy will be compiled in “Board Meeting Briefs” and posted through the IHSAA’s News page and released to media members.
• Members of the media who would like to attend Board of Control or Representative Council meetings should notify the IHSAA at least 24 hours before the meeting.
• Inquiries, interview and data request to the IHSAA should be submitted to the communications department:
  • Chris Cuellar: [email protected].
  • Colby Burt: [email protected].
• Bylaws, regulations, and more information can be found on the IHSAA’s General Resources page. 

2. 2025-26 Updates

Below are updated IHSAA policies and practices for the 2025-26 school year. These items should be reviewed by both media members and member schools seeking media access information.

For new state championship updates, please view the new State Tournament Media Rights section below.

Other 2025-26 language and policy updates in the manual below have been highlighted in blue.

IHSAA CREDENTIALS

As sent to media outlets in August, and assisted by both Iowa Newspaper Association and Iowa Broadcasters Association, the IHSAA launched a new credential process. We have created and distributed media credentials for regular season and postseason use for all approved media outlets and member schools.

• Member schools should accept these credentials for complimentary entry and media access.
  • IHSAA indicated in its August memo to schools:
    • “With the understanding that every school, sport, facility, and event is different…We recommend requesting media members identify themselves at your school’s IHSAA events by wearing these… credentials. This can simplify your process for determining ‘who is media?’ at events. A media check-in list at your ticket entry can help with this as well. ”
• Schools received a set number of passes (two students and one staff for Class AA, one student and one staff for Class A) with policies sent to school administrators before the school year.
• Radio outlets (previously under IHSSN) were also included in this pass process for the first time.
• Professional outlets were required to list active EINs with their application, and their passes now include name and photo identification.
• Outlets and schools requesting/requiring these credentials with the school year underway should contact the IHSAA communications team.

STATE TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION

IHSAA will require advance registration for ALL media members for state tournament events. Previously, annual passes were honored on-site for access and entry.

Prior to IHSAA state tournament events in 2025-26, IHSAA will create a registration form with corresponding scannable ticket for these events. This information will be communicated to media outlets and schools leading up to the events and shared on our Media page.

VIDEO COPYRIGHT

IHSAA has reacquired media rights for state tournament events ahead of 2025-26. Full copyright information and video policy will be shared prior to state tournament events. Broadcast partners and affiliates have been shared as available through the How To Watch page.

New Guidelines: Starting with football (2025) semifinals and finals, approved media members will be permitted to share up to two total minutes of video content from any one game/session across any and all platforms. Live video while a game/session is in progress is strictly prohibited.

For more information, please view the new State Tournament Media Rights section below.

PHOTOGRAPHY SALES

Photo Regulations, Item 4: Photographers approved through credentialed media outlets are intended for coverage and not commercial purposes. Photographers may NOT independently sell photos from state tournament events through commercial or personal outlets. 

New Guidelines: Photographers found to be in violation of this sales policy will be suspended from IHSAA state tournament events.

RADIO PARTNERS

Prior to IHSAA state tournament events in 2025-26, IHSAA will create a registration form for radio/audio outlets interested in broadcasting from IHSAA state tournament events. In an effort to eliminate the per event fee process, IHSAA will offer a Radio Partner option of $500 per station/signal for two seats at any and all state tournament events their team(s) participates in during the athletic year.

Outlets that decide to opt out of the affiliate program will still be able to obtain radio/audio access for $150 per game/session for two seats.

For inquiries on a corporate fee for those with multiple stations, signals, or platforms in a single market, please contact the IHSAA communications team.

3. Professional Expectations & Tournament Policies

The expectation of approved and credentialed media is to maintain a professional and productive work environment at all state tournament events, whether on the sidelines, conducting interviews, or in the press box. While enforcement may vary by event or sport, the desire to maintain a courteous atmosphere to cover high school sporting events remains the same.

1. Cheering and other reactive behavior is unprofessional and NOT permitted in working media areas.
2. Professional media members should not wear the attire or logo (shirts, hats, etc.) of schools participating in the state tournament event they are covering.
3. Credentials are non-transferrable. Approved media representatives found to have sold or given credentials to unapproved or unauthorized media representatives will have their passes removed.
4. Seating arrangements may be utilized at select state tournament events. Please respect the space and property of those around you at all state tournament events to maintain a clean and professional work area. Limit the use of bags and equipment on tables and chairs in crowded spaces or press areas.
5. Children and non-credentialed family members are not permitted in working media areas unless previously authorized by the IHSAA.
6. No media members are allowed in the locker rooms of participating teams at any IHSAA state tournament event.
7. The IHSAA neither provides nor is responsible for media parking at state tournament venues. If media parking becomes available or is provided by venues, the IHSAA will notify media members.

General State Tournament Policies

1. No pets are permitted at state tournament events, however, select individuals may be accompanied by service or assistive animals. See: Iowa Code 216C.
2. No alcohol or tobacco products are allowed – sold or consumed – on the grounds of any IHSAA state tournament venue. See: Iowa Code 805.8C(3) and 123.46.
3. The unauthorized use or possession of unmanned aircraft or aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any person at any IHSAA postseason event. The IHSAA does not regulate the use of UAS/drones above host school properties during regular season events.

4. PROFESSIONAL Media Credentials

The IHSAA issues credentials to bona fide media outlets for entry and access to state tournament events. Credentials must be visible when attending state tournament events. The sale or unauthorized transfer of credentials is strictly prohibited.

Credentials and/or access will be granted to approved media outlets across various platforms including, but not limited to: daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, other print or web-based publications, and television stations. Other outlets requesting credentials or not receiving any for should contact the IHSAA prior to the event.

1. The IHSAA will only credential bona fide media outlets whose organizations display the following criteria prior to a state tournament event:
   1. Consistent news-gathering;
   2. Editorial oversight;
   3. Original content production;
   4. A record of coverage;
   5. The demonstration of service toward community interest;
   6. Possess EIN (tax identification) of functional organization.
2. The IHSAA and IGHSAU reserve the right to set policies and regulate the number of credentials issued to approved media outlets at their respective state tournament events.
3. Photographers and videographers must be affiliated with approved media outlets and news-gathering organizations to receive access. Independent or commercial photographers will NOT be credentialed for IHSAA state tournament events.
4. Social media content creators and exclusively social media based platforms will NOT be credentialed for IHSAA state tournament events, unless approved through bona fide media outlet (see above).
5. Scouting or recruiting services, college coaches, private club organizations, etc., are not media members and will NOT receive media credentials for IHSAA state tournament events.
6. All credentialed and interested media outlets, including those with a credential pass, MUST complete an online registration form before attending state tournament events.
   1. Registration forms will be made available at www.iahsaa.org before each tournament.
   2. Applications will be confirmed or denied via email by the IHSAA.
   3. Credentialed and/or approved media members, including those with a credential, will be required to check in upon arrival each day at state tournament events that require registration.
   4. Freelance reporters and photographers must have assigning editors/managers submit credential requests on their behalf. Independent media members without approved affiliations will not be credentialed.
7. By accepting and using this credential, the bearer and their outlet agrees to abide by IHSAA policies and regulations. This credential may be revoked or removed at any time at the sole discretion of the IHSAA.

5. School Media Representatives

The IHSAA welcomes members of school media organizations to state tournament events. School media representatives must abide by policies established within this manual.

1. School media organizations include, but are not limited to: newspaper, magazine, yearbook, television station, district publications, or website. Representatives may be reporters, photographers, or videographers.
2. State tournament access is complimentary for approved school media representatives.
3. School media representatives at state tournament events may be students and/or adult staff employed by the school. Credential quantities will vary by event.
4. Students serving as school media representatives are welcome at state tournament events and encouraged to learn in a professional media environment. Varying numbers of credentials can be issued to each school’s working students per event, space permitting.
   1. Only schools with finals competitors will be allowed access for the state wrestling traditional tournament finals.
   2. Should the parent/guardian of a participant also be the staff’s school media representative, member school administrators must clearly share professional media guidelines and expectations prior to arrival. 
5. School radio or audio outlets should apply as professional outlets, where applicable.

6. State Tournament Media Rights

Information regarding IHSAA’s media rights for state tournament or championship events, as well as related video, audio, photo policies.

IHSAA MEDIA RIGHTS & COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The Iowa High School Athletic Association holds the exclusive media rights to its championship events.

The pertinent rights include, but are not limited to: video, audio, in-venue display, streaming platforms, marketing, and distribution of all IHSAA championship events.

IHSAA championship events featuring video broadcasts for 2025-26 include: football (semifinals, finals), wrestling (dual team tournament, traditional tournament), swimming (state meet), basketball (quarterfinals, semifinals, finals), track & field (state meet), soccer (semifinals, finals), and baseball (quarterfinals, semifinals, finals).

Use of these rights by any individual or organization without the express written consent of the IHSAA is prohibited.

Copyright Notice

Video broadcasts of Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) state championship events are copyrighted property of the IHSAA. Reproduction or re-transmission of these broadcasts without the express written consent of the IHSAA is prohibited.

Below are media rights related rules and regulations for media members with approved IHSAA championship credentials.

EVENT POLICIES

1. On-site expenses should be managed through the venues of IHSAA championship events. IHSAA is not responsible for phone lines or Internet connectivity at rental locations, unless previously specified.
2. Venues may determine when facilities are opened and closed for media members. IHSAA or assigned site managers may be responsible for communicating these times, as requested.  
3. Equipment wagons and carts are not permitted for media members unless approved via prior request to IHSAA.
4. Equipment on playing surfaces must be handheld. Unmonitored equipment (computers, lenses, tripods, protective cases) is not permitted on playing surfaces or in competitive areas.
5. IHSAA is not liable for any equipment brought into a championship event by media members.
6. Media members may not use organizational or promotional signage at a championship event without express written consent from IHSAA.
7. IHSAA media (official broadcast, official photography) receive priority access to participants during all requested awards presentations. Media members should remain behind IHSAA media during trophy presentations, team pictures, etc.

VIDEO POLICIES

1. Approved media access assumes complying with all shared and published IHSAA media guidelines. The IHSAA may revoke credentials at any time.
2. Approved media outlets are permitted to share up to two total minutes (2:00) of video content from any one game/session across any/all platforms.
   • Refers to action video or game/event content, not interviews, crowd, etc.
   • Two minutes (2:00) of video is in totality, per credentialed individual.
     • Example 1: Clip #1 at :30 on TV and Website; Clip #2 at 1:00 on Facebook and Instagram; Clip #3 at :30 on Website.
     • Example 2: Clip #1 at 1:15 on Facebook, Instagram, later on Website; Clip #2 at :45 on YouTube, Website, TV.
   • Individuals and outlets may request more than 2:00 per game through written commercial license agreement with IHSAA. Please contact the IHSAA communications team for more information.
3. The distribution of live video of events in progress is strictly prohibited.
4. IHSAA provides designated work and video/photo shooting zones at each site. Credentialed individuals must be in these zones while events are in progress.
   • Sitting or kneeling may be required depending on the event and venue.
5. IHSAA provides designated workspace, where available, for radio/audio outlets. Video from game/event in progress is not permitted from radio/audio spaces.
6. As with all IHSAA events, video access to locker rooms or changing areas is strictly prohibited.
7. Video and audio devices may not be placed on any event personnel – coaches, players, referees, team and event staff – without prior written consent from IHSAA.
8. As IHSAA holds copyright to championship event video, media members may not sell or commercially repurpose video without express written consent from IHSAA.
9. IHSAA reserves the right to withdraw permission for the publishing of video content from IHSAA championship events with appropriate notice.

PHOTO POLICIES

1. The IHSAA welcomes photographers from approved media outlets and will make efforts to provide work space and Internet connections for photographers whenever possible at state tournament events.
2. Independent or commercial photographers will NOT be credentialed for IHSAA state tournament events. Photographers and videographers must be affiliated with approved media outlets and news-gathering organizations or have those assigning editors apply on their behalf to receive access. 
3. The use of flash photography equipment is acceptable at state tournament events, provided use does not interfere with the event. The IHSAA reserves the right to prohibit the use of flash equipment if it interferes with any event.
   • Other state tournament situations when flash is NOT recommended include, but are not limited to:
     1. Swimming: Lead up to and start of any race;
     2. Bowling: lead-up and release of participant;
     3. Basketball: Immediately before free throws;
     4. Track & Field: Immediately before and during starting gun;
     5. Golf: Immediately before and during swing.
4. Photographers planning to use mounted lights and/or remote control flash equipment must notify IHSAA and state tournament venue personnel before setting up. 
5. Photographers approved through credentialed media outlets are intended for coverage and not commercial purposes.
   • Photographers may NOT independently sell photos from state tournament events through commercial or personal outlets. 
6. The IHSAA has an exclusive and contracted photographer for each state tournament event. All other photographers and media members must work around the exclusive photographer and their staff during and immediately after each game or event. Failure to do so, or the interruption of contracted awards photos, may result in the removal of credentials.

RADIO/AUDIO POLICIES

Radio Partner Information

New in 2025-26: IHSAA is credentialing radio/audio outlets as media members and has a purchase option for radio/audio outlets interested in broadcasting from IHSAA state tournament events.

In an effort to eliminate the per event fee process, IHSAA will offer a Radio Partner option of $500 per station/signal for two seats at any and all state tournament events their team(s) participates in.

Interested groups should visit the Radio Partner Registration page and adhere to the following information:

1. Must have completed and been approved media outlet through IHSAA credential process.
2. Must complete registration and one-time annual payment ($500 per station) through form below.
3. Must adhere to all IHSAA championship event media policies, published through IHSAA Media Policy Manual and prior to each event.
4. Radio partners may receive two passes for each available game/event in lieu of a per game fee.
   • Registration prior to the event is required.
   • Game/event must include schools previously indicated in market or coverage area.
   • IHSAA reserves the right to review availability of each game/event.
5. Radio partners will receive promotion for IHSAA championship coverage via website and social media.
6. Additional on-site requests and expenses will be managed through the venue. IHSAA is not responsible for phone lines or Internet connectivity on-site.

Event specific radio policies will be shared in media guidelines prior to each 2025-26 event.

7. State Tournament Coverage

Once media members arrive at state tournament events, the IHSAA will attempt to serve, direct, and answer any questions that arise. One complimentary program will be given to each credentialed individual, and at select events, detailed tournament information. Guides, manuals, and postseason information can always be found at www.iahsaa.org.

Schools may adopt any or all of these policies to assist in their media relations and event management at regular season or other hosted events.

1. Coverage boundaries vary by venue and sport. Media members are never allowed to provide coverage inside locker rooms at IHSAA state tournament events. Positioning on team benches and inside in-game huddles are also off-limits. A list of boundaries will be updated and provided as thoroughly as possible before each state tournament. The most common areas of concern by sport include, but are not limited to:
   • Football: Stay behind dashed media safety lines on sidelines and end zone; stay out of team bench area.
   • Wrestling: Stay out of team warm-up areas; mats provided on floor for photo zones; on-deck seating provided out on competition floor.
   • Swimming: No photographers or media allowed on bulkhead directly behind starting blocks or on turn-around bulkhead between pools.
   • Bowling: Stay out of team seating areas during competition; no photographers allowed out on lanes or on bumpers between lanes.
   • Basketball: Stay within provided tape or markers when filming or shooting on baseline.
   • Track & Field: At race starts, do not block line of sight of starter or officials; at race finishes, do not go within boundary lines for Finish Lynx camera system; infield turf available for use, except taped off warm-up section on north end; do not go over stadium fencing to the track at any time; Drake’s Fieldhouse is for student-athletes and coaches only.
   • Soccer: Do not set up or photograph near or directly behind goalposts while game is in progress; press box and work space is extremely limited.
   • Baseball: Photographers are allowed in outer equipment dugouts on first and third base lines; no media personnel are allowed in team dugouts.
2. Press box, work space, and interview space varies by venue and sport. Media members will be advised before each tournament and/or upon arrival of provided arrangements.
3. To select participants for interviews after state tournament events in football, basketball, and baseball, IHSAA personnel will be available to receive requests in assigned media work spaces. IHSAA personnel may also provide assistance in finding participants for interviews after state tournament events in other sports.

8. Postseason Lead-Up Recommendations

Each IHSAA sport has postseason “lead-up” activities prior to a state tournament event. These include: district and substate games, playoffs, regional events, and state qualifying meets. Host schools and host sites remain responsible for determining policies and/or practices for media at these events.

1. Professional media organizations should give host schools and administrators notice of their attendance prior to events. The IHSAA provides media sign-in sheets to be used upon entry at postseason activities.
2. Both professional and school media members should wear their IHSAA provided credentials, as possible.
3. Media outlets are responsible for confirming work space and/or expenses as determined by a host school or host site for a postseason lead-up event, including, but not limited to: Internet, work tables, production costs, parking, etc.
4. Radio, television, and web-based streaming outlets may originate live broadcasts from IHSAA postseason events.
   1. Radio outlets producing audio broadcasts are subject to any fees and regulations of a host site and do NOT require IHSAA approval.
   2. Any video broadcast must following the IHSAA’s Video Access policies, fees, and application structure.

9. Regular Season Recommendations

The Iowa High School Athletic Association oversees and sanctions 11 boys’ sports, but member schools determine their own media policies and/or practices for regular season and hosted events.

1. Professional media organizations should give host schools and administrators notice of their attendance prior to events, whenever possible.
2. Host schools and administrators may determine their own policies and practices, e.g.: photography shooting zones, media entrances, press box seating, interview locations, etc.
3. It is the responsibility of host schools and administrators to coordinate work space for media members and ensure the safety of that work space for media members, participants, and spectators.
4. It is the policy of the IHSAA that media members may not set up video devices or tripods in bleachers or stands where they may occupy seating and/or block the view of spectators.
5. Radio, television, and web-based streaming outlets may originate live regular season broadcasts with approval from host schools and administrators. IHSAA approval is NOT required.
6. The IHSAA is available to answer questions or serve as a mediator for school and media relations.

10. Postseason Lead-Up Video

Access for live video broadcasts of IHSAA postseason lead-up events that are not claimed by NFHS Network – which holds rights and right of first refusal – are eligible for purchase by media outlets and other interested parties. These lead-up events include: district and substate games, playoffs, regional events, and state qualifying meets.

1. Media outlets and interested parties must apply to the IHSAA. IHSAA will seek confirmation from host school, with both parties’ approval required for each application.
   • Host schools will receive 50% of each access fee.
2. Applicants for postseason lead-up live video broadcasts or streams must abide by IHSAA policies. Exclusive rights to an event will not be granted to any applicant.
3. Baseball, basketball, football, and soccer are priced per game. Golf, swimming, tennis, and wrestling are priced per day. Coed events are available for postseason broadcast upon request.
4. Applications, policies, and fee formats are available through the Media page on the IHSAA website. Check for the “Video Access and Livestreaming” section at www.iahsaa.org/resources/media.
5. Pricing and availability are subject to change.