02/20/23 – Sweet 16® Media Credentials Now Available

February 20, 2023 2022-2023 News Releases

The media credentialing system for the 2023 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the 2023 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® is now available online and can be accessed via the following link: credentials.khsaa.org

This year’s events will be held inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, with the Girls’ Sweet 16® taking place March 8-11 and the Boys’ Sweet 16® taking place March 15-18. The deadline to apply for credentials to the Girls’ Sweet 16® is March 7 at 3 p.m. ET. The deadline to apply for credentials to the Boys’ Sweet 16® is March 14 at 3 p.m

Credentials to each KHSAA State Championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics in accordance with adopted policies and procedures. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system.

OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

• The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships.
• In addition, the KHSAA is in a long-term agreement with the NFHS Network as the sole source of distribution of the webcast.
• As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a live broadcast during the Sweet 16® (this includes the use of social media streaming platforms such as Facebook Live by media members).

CREDENTIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their organization needing to attend an event.
• Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers 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 KHSAA policies and procedures at the event under the direction of designated staff.
• No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system.
• The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the number of credentials issued to media outlets at these two events when space is considered to be at a premium.
• Failure to adhere to the KHSAA policies and 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 ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION POLICIES

• Credentials will be provided to established and recognized media outlets that cover high school athletics on a regular basis (including, but not limited to, timely reports of regular season competitions);
• In all cases where there is consideration as to whether or not to credential an outlet, the level of regular season interscholastic coverage will be considered when applications are reviewed;
• The distribution of credentials is conducted using the following priorities:
  • Daily newspapers and wire services;
  • Statewide media (TV, etc.);
  • Media covering specific teams on a regular basis;
  • Regional media;
  • All other outlets (non-broadcast radio, weekly media, etc.).
• Due to space limitations, full tournament credentials are not issued to non-daily newspapers or to non-broadcasting radio stations with no specific coverage teams;
• Non-originating radio stations from the markets of participating teams will be issued a maximum of two credentials and will be assigned to the auxiliary media seating area;
• At any time, the KHSAA may request proof of a media outlets’ legitimacy. To help the KHSAA protect access to its events, media members applying for credentials may be asked to provide samples of their work as well as information such as circulation numbers (newspapers/magazines), Nielsen Audio (formerly Arbitron) ratings numbers or similar information (broadcast), page views/hits (online entities);
• 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 or to websites that do not regularly contain Kentucky-based high school regular season content throughout the year;
• Athletic recruiting promotion organizations or media outlets that can be construed as primarily recruiting publications will not be issued media credentials;
• A credential grants the bearer, and only the bearer, access to KHSAA events, and does not include admission for children and family members;
• Media passes will not be issued to persons under 18 years of age (with the exception of the single school media pass issued in compliance with student media policies as detailed);
• Credentials may be revoked at any time for behavior deemed inappropriate for the intended use of the pass, including transferring a credential to someone other than its intended recipient, or using the pass to help others gain access to an event;
• Media members are expected to act professionally and objectively at all times, and cheering or cheerleading during an event is strictly prohibited and can result in removal from the press area;
• Freelance photographers not working for an accredited media outlet will be treated as commercial photographers and will only gain access to an event by paying the media rights fee for the event in question in compliance with published guidelines;
• Each team advancing to a state championship event can be represented by one broadcast team (radio or online), which will be designated by the participating school’s principal and will be considered TEAM RADIO in accordance with these policies;
• The KHSAA reserves the right to grant or deny any requests on an individual basis;
• By accepting your credential you agree to all KHSAA terms and conditions.

MEDIA OUTLET PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Photography 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.
• Media outlet photography passes do not include the rights to sell the photographs unless sold by the outlet as part of its normal business procedures.

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Commercial and freelance photographers can obtain fee-based credentials, space permitting, by purchasing a limited rights license.
• Information regarding rights fee payments will be confirmed through the online credentialing system.
• While photographers own the intellectual rights to individual photos, the KHSAA owns the intellectual property rights to all state championship events; therefore, photos taken during these games are not for resale by individuals unless the requisite media rights fee has been paid by commercial photographers.
• By accepting your credential, you agree to all KHSAA terms and conditions.
• The KHSAA reserves the right to deny credentials to commercial and freelance photographers who do not agree to these terms and conditions.
• Failure to abide by the KHSAA’s policies and procedures could result in having your credential revoked and a loss of access to future events.

 KENTUCKY UTILITIES-LG&E/KHSAA RADIO NETWORK

• Through its partnership with long-time broadcast partners Dick Farmer and Tom Stevens and with the generous support of Kentucky Utilities, the Kentucky Utilities-LG&E/KHSAA Radio Network originates a live audio broadcast of all games of both tournaments.
• Radio stations interested in carrying the KU/KHSAA Sweet 16® Radio Network feed at no charge can make arrangements through Dick Farmer (richardfarmer4@gmail.com).
• There are ad sales revenue opportunities for local stations.
• A listing of the more than forty affiliate stations for the KU/KHSAA Sweet 16® Radio Network will be posted online at KHSAA.org on the basketball page.
• A free audio-only feed of the games is also be available online through Mixlr (http://mixlr.com/khsaa/), which has a corresponding app available for iOS and Android devices.
• In addition, past broadcasts are available through https://khsaa.mixlr.com/recordings

TEAM BROADCAST RADIO/INTERNET

• Each participating team can be represented by one designated broadcast team (radio or online).
• Approved team broadcasts are audio only.
• Once the tournament field is set, the principal at each participating school will complete the online form and submit it to the KHSAA to designate one official team broadcast crew.
• The designated broadcast team will be permitted to originate broadcasts of games involving that specific school, so long as the requisite media rights fee is paid to the KHSAA.
• Absent those stations continuously grandfathered with the formation of the KU/KHSAA Sweet 16® Radio Network, stations not receiving a school designation can make arrangements to carry a feed from the KU/KHSAA Sweet 16® Statewide Radio Network free of charge.
• A radio station not chosen by the participating school may apply for an auxiliary credential to attend the tournament, but will not be given transmission rights.

SCHOOL MEDIA

• In an effort to assist its member schools with obtaining archival information about the school participation, and in an effort to support education curriculum opportunities for students desiring to enter journalism in any form, school media passes are available through the online system.
• Each participating team can be represented by one designated faculty or staff member to shoot photography.
• Any faculty or staff member approved for photography may not allow any sales of the photography to any individual and if sales are provided, the applicant should apply as a commercial photographer.
• Each participating team can have student media representatives apply for student media credentials and verification will be made by the school as to the legitimate curriculum and school interest in the approval.
• These credentials will not as a matter of practice be provided to these individuals not connected to a participating team.
• Any student media credential approved for media access other than photography will be assigned seating in the auxiliary seating area with other media representatives, and only for the games involving that school.
• Any student media credential approved for photography may not allow any sales of the photography to any individual and if sales are provided, the applicant should apply as a commercial photographer.
• Individuals granted photographer access will have access in the same manner as other media outlets, including restrictions to courtside press row access.

WEBCASTING/VIDEO STREAMING

• KHSAA.tv is the exclusive home for video webcasts of all KHSAA state championship events.
• Live video webcasts of all games will be available at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network (https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/), which is a subscription-based service.
• Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $11.99 a month or $79.99 per year.
• A monthly subscription entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 40 participating state associations.
• The NFHS Network also has an app for iOS users (NFHS Network Live in the Apple store) or for Android devices (NFHS Network) in the Google Play store.
• All webcasts are produced by the KHSAA in partnership with First String Media and PrepSpin.

2023 TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH MINGUA BEEF JERKY

• Mingua Beef Jerky is in its fourth year as title sponsor of the Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16®.
• When referring to the KHSAA Girls’ Basketball State Championship, the tournament’s full name (Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16®) should be used in all first references, without exception.
• Sponsorship of KHSAA State Championship events is vital to the livelihood of the Association.
• Please help us thank our corporate sponsors by recognizing their commitment to the KHSAA with proper identification of our events in printed materials, broadcasts, etc.
• The Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® has an event-specific tournament logo which should be used with any accompanying articles, graphics, newscasts, etc., and can be provided for authorized uses on request.

TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH UK HEALTHCARE

• UK HealthCare is in its second year as title sponsor of the Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16®.
• When referring to the KHSAA Boys’ Basketball State Championship, the tournament’s full name (UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16®) should be used in all first references, without exception.
• Sponsorship of KHSAA State Championship events is vital to the livelihood of the Association.
• Please help us thank our corporate sponsors by recognizing their commitment to the KHSAA with proper identification of our events in printed materials, broadcasts, etc.
• The UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® has an event-specific tournament logo which should be used with any accompanying articles, graphics, newscasts, etc., and can be provided for authorized uses on request.

MEDIA CHECK-IN

• The media check-in/pass gate will be located on the main concourse area of Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center, under the wall of televisions located near the section of the old Rupp Arena playing floor.
• Media members will enter via the main High St. entrance and check in inside the lobby.

PARKING

• Persons who are approved for media credentials will be sent information related to parking which must be purchased in advance of arrival through the arena.
• A week-long and daily pass will be available and is managed through the Rupp Arena ticket office.
• All parking will be digital passes that must be purchased in advance.
• The parking link and information will not be distributed until a credential is approved.

CREDENTIAL PICK-UP

• Credentials will not be mailed to media outlets.
• Credentials will be available for pickup from 2-7 p.m. one day prior to the start of each tournament.
• Proper identification will be required to pick up media passes.
• Credentials can also be picked up at the media pass gate beginning three hours prior to tip-off of the first session each day.
• All credentials are issued on a daily basis.
• You will need proper identification each day.
• Credentials are non-transferrable.
• The location of the media pass gate will be distributed to those with approved credential requests.

RADIO PHONE LINES

• The KHSAA will utilize Rupp Arena’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system again for this year’s events.
• Rupp Arena will be able to provide an analog converter (creating an analog phone line) for those needing it for broadcast purposes.
• No telephone handsets will be available.
• In addition, the KHSAA will continue to provide an Ethernet line for each station upon request.

AUXILIARY MEDIA SEATING

• All passes issued for auxiliary media seating will only be distributed for access to the upper arena press row (at the bottom of sections 230-232 and 212-215).
• The upper arena press row area is serviced with an elevator that is just outside the media interview area at floor level for those in the seats below 230-232, as well as the new elevator nearest the club seating.
• The upper arena press row area is also serviced by an elevator at floor level for those in the seats below 212-215.
• Those members assigned to the area will have full access to all media work and interview areas.

LIVE STATS

• Live stats for all games of the Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® will be provided by WL Stats and available for media and fans at KHSAA.org.
• Links to the live stats will be on the KHSAA website as well as through statbroadcast.com.

POSTSEASON TOURNAMENT BRACKETS/INFORMATION

• The brackets for both tournaments are posted on the KHSAA website (khsaa.org/basketball).
• Outlets can also view district and region schedules/results on the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard by clicking on the scoreboard icon at khsaa.org.