Professional standards governing credentialed sports photography and editorial coverage
Acela Tribune maintains strict editorial standards to ensure accuracy, professionalism, and compliance with NCAA, league, venue, and event credential policies. All contributors are required to adhere to these standards without exception.
All images must be accompanied by accurate, factual captions that include player identification, action description, and event context where applicable.
Captions must be verified for accuracy before submission. Misidentification of athletes, teams, or events is not acceptable.
Images may not be digitally altered beyond standard editing practices (exposure, cropping, color correction). Content manipulation is prohibited.
All photographers must comply with NCAA, conference, league, venue, and event credentialing policies and restrictions.
Credentials are issued for editorial coverage purposes only. Commercial use of credentialed access is prohibited.
Photographers must follow designated shooting positions, respect restricted areas, and adhere to all venue rules and guidelines.
Credential privileges may be revoked for policy violations or unprofessional conduct.
Images captured under media credentials may not be used for commercial purposes, promotional campaigns, or direct athlete marketing without proper licensing and permissions.
Credentialed access is granted for editorial coverage and publication use only.
Photographers may not use credentialed access to solicit commercial photography services from teams, athletes, or staff.
All contributors must conduct themselves professionally at all times while credentialed.
Photographers must respect athletes, coaches, officials, and venue staff. Disruptive behavior, harassment, or unprofessional conduct will result in immediate removal from the contributor network.
Equipment must be used safely and must not obstruct spectators, officials, or event operations.
Photographers must maintain appropriate professional distance and must not interfere with gameplay, coaching, or athlete interactions.
Contributors must respect all intellectual property rights, including team logos, trademarks, and copyrighted materials.
Images must not violate NCAA eligibility rules, conference policies, or athlete privacy rights.
Acela Tribune reserves the right to refuse publication of any image that does not meet editorial standards or compliance requirements.
Acela Tribune takes these standards seriously. Violations may result in suspension or permanent removal from the contributor network, and may jeopardize future credential access for the outlet. All contributors are expected to uphold the reputation and credibility of Acela Tribune as a professional sports media organization.
Questions regarding editorial standards?
[email protected]