Photographer Guidelines

Regular Season and Playoff General Photographer Guidelines

Game and tournament administrators and officials retain final determination of photographer placement at all events. Media outlets should consult these administrators and officials on photographer placement and flash photography restrictions at local venues. Officials reserve the right to remove anyone from events/tournaments if causing a disturbance.

UIL State Championships Photographer Restrictions

All photographers at UIL State Championship events must request credentials from the UIL by the posted media credential deadlines. The use of electronic flash equipment, other than a remote off-camera strobe flash, is prohibited at all indoor UIL State Championship events including volleyball and basketball. The UIL reserves the right to change its photographer policies to accommodate venue size and configuration. The UIL also reserves the right to remove anyone from events/tournaments if causing a disturbance.

UIL State Baseball and Softball Tournaments: In accordance with National Federation Rules, photographers may shoot on the field ONLY from designated areas. These areas must be marked as dead ball areas on the field. If no designation has been made, photographers will not be allowed on the playing area. Photographers are not allowed in the dugouts at any time.

UIL State Girls and Boys Basketball Tournaments: Photos may be shot from the ends of the court (if room is available). Photographers should be positioned off the playing court to allow both officials and players enough room to maneuver. Photographers may not impede the view of spectators and are not allowed to shoot from the stands.

UIL State Cross Country Meet: Photos may be taken at any point during the race. However, when shooting the start, photographers must give the field a minimum of 50 yards to give time to shoot the start and move to the side before interfering with the contestants. Additionally, photographers may shoot the finish line from inside the chute ONLY in designated media areas. At no time during the race can photographers cause any sort of distraction or otherwise impede the progress of the contestants.

UIL State Football Championships: Photographers may shoot from any point on the sidelines with the exception of the team boxes (25-yard line to 25-yard line). Photographers must remain 5 yards off the sideline in order to allow officials and players room to maneuver. If shooting from the End Zone, one must do so in a kneeling or seated position.

UIL State Golf Tournament: Photographers should observe the etiquette of golf and remain quiet during all shots. Shooting photos from the side is allowed and photographers may shoot putting shots as long as they remain off of the green.

UIL State Soccer Tournament: Photographers may shoot from any point on the sidelines with the exception of the team boxes (approximately 25-yard line to 25-yard line). Photographers must remain five yards off the sideline in order to allow officials and players room to maneuver. No cameras will be allowed behind either goal from each side of the six-yard box.

UIL State Swimming & Diving Meet: Photographers may shoot from the corners of the bulkhead. They must be careful to provide officials with access to walk both sides of the pool. Photographers may only shoot from the awards stand or behind the officials’ lines. No photographers will be allowed behind the starting blocks.

UIL State Tennis Tournament and Team Tennis Tournament: Photographers may only shoot on the court at the net either side of the net while on the court. They may not move from that position until the players change sides. Photographers may shoot from anywhere outside the fence.

UIL State Track & Field Meet: Photographers may shoot all events, giving consideration to the safety of both participants and officials. During sprints and hurdles, photographers may shoot the finish head as long as they provide a minimum of 50 meters cushion. During field events, at no time will photographers be allowed in the shot or discuss area. Photographers should give a reasonable cushion to all competitors to ensure safety. Maps with designated media areas will be available at the event.

UIL State Volleyball Tournament: Photographers should be positioned off the playing court to allow both officials and players enough room to maneuver. All media must stay behind black apron surrounding the court during play. Photographers are not allowed on the side of the court where benches and scoring table are positioned. They may not impede the view of spectators.

UIL State Water Polo: Photographers are allowed to shoot from each goal line (excluding behind the goal and six feet to each side of the goal). Photographers are not allowed to shoot from either sideline, as to not interfere with offcials. Shooting from the speactator areas is allowed as long as the spectator view is not impeded.

UIL State Wrestling Tournament: Photographers must maintain a 4-foot cushion from the mat. Photographers may not shoot from the team corners or interfere with any sightlines.