VHSL STATE VIDEO/FILMING POLICIES

 Competing Schools -- A competing school desiring to videotape or film an athletic event in which that school competes must receive permission in advance from the tournament director.  Under no conditions may the tape/film be used for scouting purposes by schools other than those involved in the event filmed.  Schools not competing in the event may not film or tape the event.  The film/tape is not to be used to second-guess decisions made by game/meet officials.   The film/tape may not be sold, rented, or loaned for commercial purposes.

 Media Taping/Filming -- The filming/taping of VHSL events must be cleared through the Virginia High School League.  Members of the media may, without paying a fee, arrange with the local tournament manager to take clips of VHSL events for public showing.  Under no conditions may an entire athletic event be filmed or taped for showing without advance clearance through the VHSL and the local tournament director.

 Photography, Filming and Videotaping (5-89) -- The following photography, videotaping and filming proce­dures have been set for Directors of all VHSL State tournaments.

 Photographers shall:
Obtain proper credentials as required by each site director.
Obtain proper credentials as required by each site director.
Follow directives by the site director as to the location limits for working the contest.
Not display conspicuous partisan support during the contest.
Avoid contact with players and coaches and inappropriate involvement with the crowd during the contest.
Not interfere with the action of the contest.
Not take flash pictures of players during the progress of the contest, except when using electronic flash/strobe cameras.
Observe special limitations for the sports of gymnastics.

 Spectator Videotaping/Filming -- Spectators must receive permission from the tournament director for any live action taken of athletic events other than snapshots.  If permission is granted for spectators to film the entire event or take clips, it is to be with the understanding the tape/film may not be sold, leased, borrowed, or rented for commercial purposes.  The tournament manager should not permit spectators to interfere with the view of other spectators or news media personnel covering the activity, and if there is any question as to the purposes of filming or taping, the request should be denied by the local tournament management. 

Charges for radio broadcasts and telecasts are shown below.  No advertising for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or patent medicines may be associated with any broadcast/telecast.  A check made payable to VHSL, Inc. shall be presented to the site Tournament Director prior to the broadcast, telecast, taping or filming.