Opportunities for Student Media at State Tournaments

The presence of student media at state tournament events can be a significant and valuable opportunity for both students and the event as a whole. Allowing student media at state tournaments has several advantages, including educational and networking opportunities, increased visibility for the event and building school spirit.

The educational opportunities students can acquire include hands-on experiences in fields like journalism, broadcasting, photography and digital media. In addition, they will develop skills within the various fields, and it will provide networking opportunities with the mainstream media.

For some of the smaller state events that have extremely limited media representatives at their events, it provides increased visibility. Since student media provide local coverage, it will help keep the community engaged and updated with the happenings of that event.

Another advantage is the increased school spirit that comes along with allowing student media at state tournament events. Their coverage will more often than not bring the community together in support of the school. More importantly, their coverage will provide a voice for the students, and provide achievements beyond sports, highlighting talent in areas such as music, art and debate.

With the advantages of having student media at the events, there will undoubtedly be a few challenges. While this is a learning experience for the student, it should be communicated to the student that it is crucial to maintain a professional standard of coverage. The student must be reminded that the same rules of the mainstream media apply.

The students must understand that it is crucial to remain neutral, not cheering, and understand their role as media professionals rather than fans. It should be started that they are there to cover the event, not to participate. An added insurance of guaranteeing the student follows the event protocol is having a faculty advisor or media mentor accompany the student.

Another issue to consider is who and how the students are credentialed. When asked about the procedures used for credentialing student media, several associations outlined similar procedures. A few procedures that were consistent across the board include:

• The credentials are intended for school organizations (i.e., yearbook staff, student media programs, etc.).

• The student credential must be requested by the school administrator or the athletic director.

• There is a limit on the number of credentials approved for each school-per state event, in some cases two and in others three.