DMSUA GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH MEDIA ON THE FIELD

Fastpitch softball is a fan friendly game and we need the media to cover it but they must be respectful of the game. So DMSUA members are encouraged to allow media on the field, in live ball territory, but with certain limitations.

Most fields will not have a media area marked. But if it is, then book rule applies. Media members must stay within the marked areas. If a live ball travels into the media area and hits a media member or equipment, then the ball should be dead and bases awarded accordingly. If a live ball travels into the media area and does not hit a media member or equipment, then its a live ball and play on.

If a media area is not marked, then media members are allowed to work in live ball territory as designated by the umpire and discussed in your pre-game conference. Do not allow tripods or any equipment on the ground, and let both coaches know that if a ball strikes the media member then its a live ball. It is up to the discretion of the umpire where media members will be allowed to work - usually that will be in foul territory and beyond the dugouts. Again that is at the discretion of the home plate umpire.

NOTE - media members must have credentials (i.e., parents wanting action shots are not credentialed media).

Please address questions to your rep.