Question about sideline credentials

I've been told by a division I university that it is their policy not to grant credentials to freelance photographers. Is this the norm? Any suggestions?

Get a job with the media. That's what I did.

Join the IFPO I've used them for pro events. You just need to be working for a publication.

http://ifpo.net/

jmiller66 wrote in post #2188150
I've been told by a division I university that it is their policy not to grant credentials to freelance photographers. Is this the norm? Any suggestions?

Yea, you need a source for the photos to get credentials for any major sport. In pro baseball, NFL and I assume other big time teams/leagues like Division 1 football you have to sign a "contract" stating the photos will go to whatever publication or company you shoot for, I know I've signed a few. I only know of one team that allows freelancers and it's only for learning purposes and they must have a credited photog accompany them, also they still have to say they won't use the photos for anything at all because they have no licensced outlets. Best thing to do is get a job with a media source or find a source that could use them...though D1 is covered EXTREMELY well and going to be hard to crack with most outlets I think.

Yes, that is correct. For someone freelancing, you usually need to know someone within the school if you want to get credentials, if you aren't working for a publication. Being in good terms with the SI Director also doesn't hurt.