Photographing HS football, basketball and such I see so many who have no clue as to what can happen while they are not paying attention to the field or gym floor.
Basketball and baseball are probably worse than football. With those using cameras usually having their attention rivited on the action or their kid through the lens they have the other eye closed and are not watching for threats. Dangerous stuff like a hard pass in basketball that misses and slams a head into the back wall behind the basket. Not watching each pitch so they are ready to dodge the screaming foul ball about to nail their head/camera/lens.
Football has the parent/idiot with a camera who thinks the marks on the field a yard or more behind the sideline are there for decoration and steps into the area as their private photo zone. Worse, when a play happens they even walk onto the field. For those working these idiots block our view and mean no images of big plays. A ref's butt is one thing but an idiot with a camera on the field blocking view is unacceptable. Worse, many schools let this behavior go.
Anyone have a printed list of rules/guidelines for various sports venues to share here? Am trying to put together some to present to our High School Activities Assn so they can have them in place to ward off the lawsuit that is sure to hit one of these days when the 'idiot with camera' is in the gym or sideline and gets nailed. Their first reaction with the lawyer will be "they let me in and knew I was there so it is OK - and they are liable for my injury". With a written policy/guideline and actual knowledge of restrictions the schools will have something to work with.
Personal peeve are photographers who stand and block paying fans view of the game. NFL - you don't do it. Many colleges - your don't do it. Smaller venues it goes on a lot.
So, any guides you know of or policies/whatever you have seen or know from experience are welcome.
