Rancho Christian School Media Policy

Athletics & Campus Events

Updated 8-2025

Purpose

Rancho Christian School and Rancho Church value the role of media in celebrating student-athletes and campus life. At the same time, we are committed to protecting the safety, privacy, and integrity of our events. This policy applies to all athletic venues and campus events, including Spogli Stadium, Val Center Gym, the Softball Field, and all Rancho Christian facilities.

1. Media Access & Approval Process

• Approval required: All photographers and videographers must be pre-approved. Please email marcom@ranchochristian.org to request a media pass before the event.

• Check-in: Approved media must check in upon arrival, show valid photo ID, and display their media pass at all times.

• Designated areas only: Media must remain in pre-assigned zones.

2. Designated & Restricted Areas

• Football (Spogli Stadium): Media may shoot outside the 25-yard team boxes only. Team benches, coaching areas, and huddle zones are off-limits.

• Basketball & Volleyball (Val Center Gym): Media must remain behind the baselines only. Sidelines, team benches, and coach areas are restricted.

• Softball & Other Venues: Media may only film/shoot from approved sideline or outfield positions—never dugouts or playing fields.

• No field or court access during the game. At no time may photographers/videographers step onto the playing surface.

• Absolutely no locker room, weight room, or private team gathering access before, during, or after games.

3. Additional Restrictions

• Absolutely no flash photography during games or practices.

• Interviews must be requested in advance and approved by the Marcom Director via marcom@ranchochristian.org.

• Player & coach interaction during play is prohibited.

4. CIF Alignment

These guidelines follow CIF Southern Section standards, which require credentialing, prohibit team box access in football, restrict baselines in basketball/volleyball, and limit locker room access. Media covering CIF playoff or championship events must also hold valid CIF credentials.

5. Conduct Expectations

• Remain respectful, safe, and non-disruptive.

• Follow all staff, coach, and official directions.

• Respect student privacy at all times.

6. Enforcement

Failure to comply may result in immediate removal, loss of credentials, and denial of future access. Rancho Christian reserves the right to amend policies at any time to ensure safety and compliance.