MPA Media Credentials Policies and Procedures

MPA Championship Credential Guidelines
Credentials to each MPA Championship event are issued by the MPA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics. All media must obtain media credentials in order to gain admission to MPA tournament events and have access to areas designed for the media, such as sidelines and press boxes/tables.

Credential Application Procedures
Credentials must be requested through the online form which can be obtained by emailing mpa@mpa.cc. No credentials will be issued outside of the online form credentialing system. Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their organization who need to attend an event.

Credentials for freelance photographers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing.

Media outlets are responsible for the actions of all individuals representing their organization, including compliance with procedures at the event under the direction of the MPA's designated staff.

The MPA reserves the right to limit the number of credentials issued to media outlets at its events when space is considered to be at a premium.

Failure to adhere to the MPA guidelines, as well as unauthorized use of the media credential, will result in the revocation of the credential and non-issuance of future passes.

General Credential Policies
At any time, the MPA may request proof of a media outlet's legitimacy. To help the MPA protect access to its events, media members applying for credentials may be asked to provide samples of their work.

Credentials may be issued on a limited basis to valid websites, that report timely results and have regularly covered and promoted interscholastic events.

Credentials are not issued to message board websites, Facebook, Instagram, podcasters, or to websites that do not regularly contain MPA-based high school regular season content throughout the year.

Media passes will not be issued to anyone under 18 years of age (with the exception of the single school media pass, per activity, and requested at least one week prior to the activity). Photos taken are for school use only and will not be sold. School athletic administrators can access the application through the MPA's Chalk Talk or by emailing the MPA at mpa@mpa.cc.

The majority of MPA tournament sites will have a media pass list at the main admissions area where new media personnel can obtain a pass or present the previously issued pass.

Media members are expected to act professionally and objectively at all times. Cheering and inappropriate comments made during an event is strictly prohibited and can result in removal from the activity.

The MPA reserves the right to grant or deny any requests on an individual basis.

By accepting your credential, you agree to all MPA terms and conditions.

Radio Broadcasting
Radio stations interested in broadcasting MPA tournament games must have a Radio Broadcast Agreement on file at the MPA office. Those stations which elect not to submit a Radio Broadcast Agreement must gain approval from the MPA and pay the $100 per event rights fee.

Media Outlet Photography and Photographers
Photography media passes are provided to accredited news media outlets that meet the credentialing policies in conjunction with print and television outlets and their directly affiliated websites. Any photos taken by the media will be used for the sole purpose of print/electronic news coverage.

Media outlet photography passes do not include the rights to sell the photographs unless the media outlet is an MPA corporate partner.

Webcasting/Video Streaming
Live video streaming of MPA events will be available through the NFHS Network or WHOUlive, which are subscription-based services.

Public Access 72-Hour tape delay agreements can be obtained by contacting the MPA and submitting the required signed broadcast agreement. The tape delayed broadcasts will not commence until a minimum of 72 hours after the activity(ies) have concluded.

Post Contest Interviews
Due to the limitations of some tournament sites, at the discretion of the tournament director, interviews may be held on the contest field or court. In such instances, all reporters and photographers are to respect the privacy of the team bench areas and the official post contest ceremonies. All people are to respect the decisions of the athletic administrators and coaches regarding their rights to privacy for post contest team meetings. Team locker rooms are absolutely off limits to any media.