ARTICLE 11 RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCAST Section 1. PHILOSOPHY The Rhode Island Interscholastic League sponsors statewide tournaments in various locations across the state of Rhode Island. The RIIL strongly believes that these events foster opportunities for developing school and community spirit and support. The RIIL feels that media broadcasting of these activities is not absolutely essential to furthering these goals. However, the RIIL does not wish to exclude coverage of these activities from the media who feel that such broadcasts would be in the best interest of their communities and the student athletes. The terms of this agreement have been developed to provide the parameters within which interested media may broadcast an RIIL event. Section 2. RADIO BROADCAST AGREEMENT
“The rights to this broadcast have been granted by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League representing member high schools across the State and the boys and girls who participate annually in RIIL sponsored athletic competition. Any rebroadcast or republication of the programming without the written consent of the RIIL is strictly prohibited.”
Section 3. TELEVISION BROADCAST AGREEMENT
The fee for a television broadcast of a RIIL sponsored contest shall be negotiated with the Executive Director of the RI Interscholastic League.
“The rights to this broadcast have been granted by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League representing member high schools across the State and the boys and girls who participate annually in RIIL sponsored athletic competition. Any rebroadcast or republication of the programming without the written consent of the RIIL is strictly prohibited.
Section 4. NFHS NETWORK: POLICY ON STREAMING VIA SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS The ability of fans or news media companies streaming events through new streaming technologies is becoming more of an issue around the country and is only going to increase. These platforms include but are not limited to Facebook Live, Instagram Live and Periscope. When fans broadcast events via social media or alternative streaming platforms the Network is adversely affected financially. The people watching the illegal stream are the fans most likely to be interested in buying a pass to watch the event and therefore the Network suffers a reduction in subscription sales. We expect credentialed news organizations to know and follow policies, but fans are a different story. We assume that the majority of fans using these streaming technologies are unaware of the rights they are infringing upon. Therefore, we have outlined a strategy for States that focuses on building awareness to protect the rights of the NFHS Network. While States have limitations in what they can enforce during an event, here are the four recommended courses of action to educate schools and fans:
Association Media Policies States should update published media policies with language that makes schools, fans, and other media outlets aware of the rules. The NFHS Network is the exclusive broadcast rights holder of this postseason event. Any individual streaming a game is strictly prohibited and in direct violation of the RIIL’s agreements with the NFHS Network. Any violation of NFHS’s exclusive broadcast rights may result in disciplinary action by the RIIL or legal action by the NFHS Network. Association Website Posting Since it is unlikely that a fan would ever read the media policy in the by-laws, States should also put messaging on the pages on their website where parents and fans would go to find the event information (i.e. event page or tournament page). This will ensure that interested parties are aware of the rules ahead of the event. The NFHS Network is the exclusive broadcast rights holder of this postseason event. Any individual streaming a game is strictly prohibited and is in direct violation of the RIIL’s contract with the NFHS Network. Any violation of the NFHS Network’s exclusive rights may result in discipline by the RIIL or legal action by the NFHS Network. Pre-Event Communication States should notify schools ahead of time through information packets they send out to participating teams as well as host sites. This is the most effective way to ensure all participating schools are made aware of the rules. The same messaging needs to be sent to anyone who has been granted a media pass for the event. The NFHS Network is the exclusive broadcast rights holder of this postseason event. Streaming all – or any part of – the game is strictly prohibited and in direct violation of the RIIL’s contracts with the NFHS Network. Please notify your fans and parents of this policy, and encourage fans who can’t attend to visit NFHSnetwork.com to watch the game live. In Venue Announcements PA announcements will need to be implemented during the events. Multiple times. Physical signs with similar messaging would be ideal where it is feasible. Fans are reminded that the broadcast and streaming rights of this event belong exclusively to the N-F-H-S Network. Any individual streaming of this game is strictly prohibited. To watch this game live please go to N-F-H-S-NETWORK-DOT-COM. Section 5. MISCELLANEOUS
Section 6. Media Credential Policy The RIIL has exclusive rights to all still photographs at all RIIL State Tournament events (including all Boys and Girls Indoor Track events and hockey games). Selling of any photographs (electronic or print) at either the venue or by the internet without the written consent of the RIIL is strictly prohibited. Note: Media may only post on their website for commercial purposes those photographs that have been published in their newspaper.
Media Reminders
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League shall own the copyright of all broadcasts (live and delayed, excluding highlights – which are not longer than five (5) minutes in duration), films, videotapes, web casts, other electronic reproductions and recordings of events telecast pursuant to agreement. Notice of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League copyright shall be included as part of every Rhode Island Interscholastic League sports event telecast made pursuant to agreement. The notice shall consist of the symbol or the word “Copyright”, followed by the year that the event is first telecast and the name “Rhode Island Interscholastic League.” and shall appear in the opening and closing credits.
Please note: The RIIL will not issue Media Credentials the week of the event.
Revised 6/21/17 |