Important Information for News Media Covering the 2010 FHSAA Boys Basketball Finals
FHSAA Media Relations Contact
FHSAA Membership/Media Specialist Seth Polansky will be on-site directing the media relations operation at this event and is the first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns.
Credential Requests
All media representatives covering this event must submit a credential request via the online credential request form. If your outlet is planning to send representatives to cover this event, please submit a credential request so we can make sure to have adequate press materials and appropriate seating available. Please note that photographers must secure a separate "Photo" credential.
Media Hotel Accommodations
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce has provided a list of participating hotels.
Media Parking
Media parking is available in the reserved lot on the northern side of George Jenkins Arena. Please have proper media identification ready to present to the parking attendant prior to your first session; afterward, your media credential will gain you access.
Media Will Call
Media will call is located on the northwestern side of George Jenkins Arena at the "Competitor Entrance/Pass Gate". To pick up your credential or to enter the venue, you must present both a valid driver’s license and proper company identification (provided by the representative outlet). For correspondents and free-lance photographers, etc., a short validation letter from the outlet’s sports editor, printed on company stationery, will suffice. School-based media should have a validation letter signed by the principal.
Event Security
All persons entering the venue are subject to search by law enforcement. Early arrival is suggested. Proper credentials must be displayed at all times.
Phone Lines & Internet Access
Four phone lines will be available both on press row and in the media workroom. These phone lines are reserved for working media only and are restricted-access lines (local, toll free and credit card calls only). One high-speed Ethernet line will be available in the media workroom for photographers covering the event. Though connecting cords should be available on-site, media representatives are encouraged to bring their own, just in case. High-speed wireless access may also be available.
Press Coverage Area
The media workroom is located on the second floor in the northwest corner of George Jenkins Arena. Post-game statistics will be available in the media workroom as soon as possible after the conclusion of each game. Seating in the media workroom is first-come, first-serve. Seating on press row is assigned by the FHSAA prior to the event based on pre-registered credential requestees. Press row seating assignments are designated with event placards at each seat placement. Individuals tampering with press row seating assignment placards are subject to credential revocation without appeal.
Press Interview Procedure
The head coach and up to three players from each team will be available for interviews at a press conference following a short cooling-off period after each game. Please be advised that each head coach is required to attend, but participation by student-athletes is strictly voluntary and at the discretion of the head coach. Press conferences will be held in the interview room adjacent to the media work room. One-on-one interviews may be conducted only after the conclusion of each press conference. Post-game access to the court is restricted to phototographers and videographers only. All other media representatives must remain off the court at all times. No interviews will take place post-match prior to the press conference, including during the awards ceremony following each championship game. Individuals violating this policy are subject to credential revocation without appeal.
Locker room Access
Lockerrooms are closed to news media representatives at all times. The FHSAA may grant limited access to a team's lockerroom under certain circumstances, with prior written permission from the school's principal on school stationery. Lockerroom access requests received on-site will not be considered. To make a primary inquiry, e-mail media [at] fhsaa [dot] org or call ext. 170.
Photo Coverage
Photographers must secure a separate "Photo" credential. Photographers may shoot from behind press row or from the endlines of the basketball court, but not from behind the team benches or head table. No flash photography is permitted. Post-match access to the court is permitted for photographers and videographers only. Individuals attempting to attain interviews at this time are subject to credential revocation without appeal.
Miscellaneous Information
• Official media materials prepared by the FHSAA, including team rosters, team schedules with results, and up-to-date statistics, will be available upon arrival to each credentialed media member on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only one packet per credentialed media member is guaranteed.
• Live stats of each match will be webcast on FHSAA.org.
• FHSAA Radio Network broadcast of selected games, including all six championship games, will be webcast on FHSAA.org.
• Hospitality, including lunch, dinner and refreshments in the media work room, will be provided to working media covering the event.