Disclaimer: The information contained in these HCS General Media, Photographer, and Videographer Guidelines is subject to change without notice. This page will be updated with changes as they come.
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General Media Guidelines
Explains who the rules apply to and how different types of media are defined.
Traditional media includes TV, radio, newspapers, and news magazines with editorial staff.
New media usually refers to independent online creators, bloggers, or influencers without editorial review.
Commercial media focuses mainly on making money through ads, sponsors, or product placements.
Freelance photographers/videographers are independent professionals hired for specific projects.
Media Sign-In and Access
Media must check in at the gate.
Media passes must be worn and shown when asked.
All interviews with athletes or coaches should be requested after the game.
Live streaming or broadcasting must be approved by the Home School (WVSSAC for post-season events) before the event (See Event Coverage below).
Photography and Video Rules
Photos and videos are welcome for news coverage.
No flash photography.
No drones are allowed on school campuses without permission by the home school. Local restrictions may apply.
Photographers may not enter the playing surface (field, court, mat, pool, etc.) unless approved by staff.
Stay clear of athletes, coaches, and officials at all times.
Do not block the view of fans in any sport.
Remote cameras may not be placed on goal posts, nets, baskets, or other equipment unless approved by the school. Units outside the field of play may be allowed if approved by the school.
Breaking any rules may result in removal from the event or future HCS athletic events.
Photography and Video Rules
Photos and videos are welcome for news coverage.
No flash photography.
No drones are allowed on school campuses without permission by the home school. Local restrictions may apply.
Photographers may not enter the playing surface (field, court, mat, pool, etc.) unless approved by staff.
Stay clear of athletes, coaches, and officials at all times.
Do not block the view of fans in any sport.
Remote cameras may not be placed on goal posts, nets, baskets, or other equipment unless approved by the school. Units outside the field of play may be allowed if approved by the school.
Breaking any rules may result in removal from the event or future HCS athletic events.
Event Coverage
Explains how approved journalists should request credentials before an event.
Advance Requests
Sports journalists from approved TV, newspaper, radio, or magazine outlets should contact the school’s Athletic Director at least 24 hours before an event to request credentials for press box access.
Advance notice helps schools plan seating in the press box or at the press table.
Same-Day Check-In
Journalists (reporters, videographers, photographers) with a valid press pass from an approved news outlet may check in on the day of the event without advance notice.
Seating in the press box or at the press table is not guaranteed without a prior request.
New Media and Freelance Coverage
New media outlets (such as blogs, podcasts, or independent online channels) that request credentials will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Priority will always be given to approved traditional media outlets.
Freelance photographers and videographers may only be credentialed if an approved media outlet requests access at least 24 hours in advance of the Event.
Live Streaming and Radio Guidelines
Explains how live broadcasts are handled and who may stream or air events.
Harrison County Schools (HCS) wants our games and events to be accessible to families and the community. We allow live coverage, but only when it follows district and conference rules and WVSSAC regulations.
HCS Official Streaming
HCS provides regular-season live streaming through Hudl Fan for select sports via the Hudl Focus Camera, an automated camera that requires no input from a human.
Families and fans are encouraged to view these official streams.
Each school will decide whether or not to stream post-season events.
Outside Media Requests
Any live streaming, radio broadcast, or other live coverage of HCS athletic events must be approved in advance by the Home Team.
Approval is based on:
WVSSAC rules and restrictions
Existing conference broadcast agreements
Space and equipment needs at the event
Restrictions
No personal live streaming by spectators from the stands or sidelines (including Facebook Live, Instagram Live, TikTok, or similar).
Equipment may not block fans’ view, interfere with scoreboards, or affect officials, coaches, or athletes.
No live coverage may be used for profit (ads, pay-per-view, promotions) without district approval.
Sport-Specific Guidelines
Cross Country
Stay clear of timing equipment.
Baseball
Must remain outside the fence.
Basketball
No shooting from in front of or directly behind benches, the scorer’s table, or press row.
Football
Team-only areas span from 25-yard line to 25-yard line
Must stay outside the restraining lines.
Stay in the designated area. Photographers are not allowed in the Team area on the sidelines.
Soccer
Must stay outside the fence.
No access to end-line areas.
Softball
Must remain outside the fenced area.
Swimming
Allowed on the pool deck but must stay clear of timing equipment.
Tennis
Must remain outside the fence.
Track & Field
Must stay clear of running lanes and timing equipment.
Volleyball
No shooting from in front of or behind benches or the scorer’s table.
Volleyball
No shooting from in front of or behind benches or the scorer’s table.
Wrestling
Must remain off the mat.