2012-13 Media Regulations

Stadium Diagrams

Football Credential Application Form

Credential Requests for Regional and State Semifinal Games: Media shall request credentials from the game site manager or the designated media coordinator. Go to the Football web page at OHSAA.org to access the brackets and the site managers and media coordinators.

State Finals Media Information: The following information was prepared to assist you with your coverage of the upcoming OHSAA football state championship games. Please contact Tim Stried (tstried@ohsaa.org or 614-267-2502, ext. 124) at the OHSAA office should you have additional questions. Previews, team information, probable starters, statistics and additional information will be posted on the OHSAA web site the week of the state championships.

Coaches and Media Teleconference: The head coaches of the state finalists will participate in a media teleconference on Monday, Nov. 26. Contact Tim Stried at tstried@ohsaa.org for details.

Dates and Locations: November 30 and December 1, with three games at Canton Fawcett Stadium and three games at Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. This year marks the 23rd-consecutive year that the two nationally-acclaimed Stark County stadiums will host the championships. Fawcett Stadium is located at 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton 44708, while Tiger Stadium is located at 1 Paul Brown Drive, Massillon 44646.

Format: In 2012, the three Friday games include Division VI at 11 a.m. at Tiger Stadium, Division IV at 3 p.m. at Fawcett Stadium and Division II at 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium. The three Saturday games include Division III at 11 a.m. at Fawcett Stadium, Division V at 3 p.m. at Tiger Stadium and Division I at 7 p.m. at Fawcett Stadium.

Media Credentials for the State Championships: Media shall use the OHSAA’s official football credential application form and fax it to Tim Stried at 614-267-1677 (or scan and email it to tstried@ohsaa.org). The deadline is noon on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Credentials will be held for pickup at the media entrance of either stadium. At Fawcett Stadium, media check in at the gray shed beside Gate 3-4 in the northwest corner. At Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, go to the main ticket office on west side of the stadium under the main grandstand. All media must show their company identification to pick up their credentials. No credentials will be issued to school, parent or freelance photographers.

Confirmation Email and Approved List: Upon processing a credential application, the OHSAA will send a confirmation email to the media outlet. In addition, a list of those media members who have been approved for credentials will be posted on the credential information page at OHSAA.org.

Parking: The confirmation email sent to media outlets approved for credentials (see previous note) will contain specific parking information.

Photographers Work Space and Hospitality: Both stadiums have designated work rooms for photographers that also contain food and beverage. Both rooms also host the postgame press conferences. At Fawcett Stadium, the room is located on the second level of the brick building behind the east end zone (beside the video board, closest to Interstate 77). At Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, the room is located on the second level of the east press box (opposite the roofed side, use the northeast corner entrance, furthest away from the scoreboard). The main press box at both stadiums is also available for photographers following each game.

Press Box Work Space and Hospitality: The OHSAA will produce press box seating charts for each game. Media assigned to the press box are asked to sit in their assigned seat or booth. Media may continue to work in the press box after each game. It is expected that media will conclude their work within 90 minutes after the postgame press conference of each game.

Wireless Access and Telephone Lines Available: Wireless internet access is available in both stadiums free of charge. The pass code will be posted around the work room for photographers or will be available from press box personnel. Telephone lines are also available for media use, with usage to be done through collect, credit card or toll-free calls.

Postgame Press Conferences: Locker rooms are not open to media at OHSAA tournament contests. There is an official press conference after every game, which will include the head coaches and at least two players from both teams. At Fawcett Stadium, press conferences will be held on the second level of the brick building behind the east end zone (beside the video board, closest to Interstate 77). At Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, press conferences will be held on the second level of the east press box (opposite the roofed side, use the northeast corner entrance, furthest away from the scoreboard). Media are permitted to be on the field after each game, but must not interfere with the post-game awards ceremony. Media (specifically television outlets) may conduct brief interviews on the field while OHSAA personnel escort the head coach and selected student-athletes to the interview room.

Audio Broadcasting Permitted: Live or tape-delayed radio and audio webcasting is permitted for all OHSAA tournament contests per rates found on the 2012-13 OHSAA Broadcast Fees chart (posted on the ‘News & Media’ page at OHSAA.org). At the state finals, radio stations needing a phone line should indicate that on the credential application form, and the OHSAA will follow up with further details. Telecasts are not available per the OHSAA’s exclusive contract with SportsTime Ohio.

OHSAA Radio Network Available: Radio stations and websites may carry the OHSAA Radio Network’s feed of any football championship game, free of charge. The OHSAA Radio Network is a commercial-split broadcast feed delivered either online via a 48K stereo broadband audio stream or from an 800 number (32K mono). For more information, please log on to www.ohsaa.org/news/Radio/radiohome.asp or contact Tim Stried.

Statistics and Recaps: Game statistics will be distributed to media in the press box and will be posted on the OHSAA web site as soon as possible following each game, along with recaps. The same information will also be posted in the Associated Press Marketplace for AP members.

Photographs Available
Media outlets needing photographs from a state tournament are encouraged to contact the OHSAA’s official photographer, Impact Action Sports Photography. Their website is www.ImpactActionPhotos.com (click on the media request form), or contact Joe Maiorana (photojoe2707@yahoo.com, 614-266-1674) or Ben Barnes (barnziben@gmail.com).

Coaches, school staff, freelance photographers and parents of competitors are not permitted to receive media credentials. Media outlets found to be in violation could be subject to reduced access at future OHSAA state tournaments.

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