New Mexico Activities Association Media Policies & Procedures
The NMAA acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of bona fide media representatives as they cover and report on NMAA sponsored events. We appreciate the interest generated by media coverage and the publicity given to the achievements of our member schools and students.
Reputable news-gathering organizations will understand the need for the NMAA to have the following policies and procedures for media attending and covering our tournament events.
Please note that the following policies apply only to competition conducted by the NMAA member schools during the NMAA championship events. Failure to comply with the following polices and procedures will result in your outlet having its credential privileges suspended by the NMAA.
Media Credentials:
The NMAA Championship events are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of the participants and as such, the NMAA and its site management personnel must demand stricter clearance and behavioral standards.
All credentials must be worn and displayed at all times and are only to be used by (1) full-time and/ or significant part-time employees. Those employees (2) must be 18 years or older and (3) must be in a legitimate working capacity. NMAA media credentials are not for the use of children, sponsors, friends, family, spouses, parents or other individuals not representing a legitimate media outlet.
Applying for Credentials:
A media outlet may request media credentials for the year (July 1-June 30). The credential request form can be requested from the NMAA's Director of Communications; Click here to request a credential request form. The request form must be faxed at least one week prior to the beginning of the State Championship Event. The NMAA fax number is (505) 923-3114 (Attn: Robert Zayas). No credential requests will be accepted after the deadline. Credentials are typically mailed to the media outlet, unless other wised arranged.
Media Credential Limits:
The NMAA establishes a limit on the number of media credentials a media outlet can request for regular season play depending upon the media outlets purpose and coverage. If additional passes are required for State Championship event coverage, see Credential Limits and Additional Requests, below.
- Weekly Newspapers will be limited to one media credential.
- Bi-Weekly Newspapers will be limited to one media credential.
- Television News Stations will be limited to two media credentials.
- Radio Stations (covering class A or AA schools) will be limited to two media credentials.
- Radio Stations (covering class 3A-5A schools) will be limited to three media credentials.
- Daily Newspapers will be limited to three media credentials.
Credential Limits and Additional Requests:
If additional media credentials are needed for NMAA State Championship coverage, a letter must be sent to the NMAA (Attn: Robert Zayas) (1) clarifying what championship event will be covered, (2) who will use the additional pass and (3) in what capacity he/she will work. Additional requests will only be accepted by the NMAA one week prior to the beginning of the championship event for which the additional pass is being requested. The NMAA will stop accepting requests for additional passes, 48 hours prior to the beginning of the championship event.
Postgame Press Conference Interviews:
At the NMAA State Basketball Championships a formal postgame press conference will take place in an interview room. In most instances, the winning coach will precede the losing coach in the rotation, and all immediate postgame interviews must take place in the interview room. All one-on-ones, etc. must take place after the press conference.
Postgame interviews at all other State Championship events must be conducted off the playing court or field. These interviews may not begin until the official trophy presentation has concluded.
Photography
The New Mexico Activities Association prohibits photography for sale at all NMAA State Championship events. Photography is only to be used and/sold by legitimate news gathering agencies. Kim Jew Sports Photography is responsible for distributing and selling photos at State Championship events.
Radio Stations:
The NMAA does not install phone lines or arrange for press box space for radio personnel for NMAA State Championship Events. The New Mexico Broadcasters Association handles all phone line installation. The NMBA can be contacted at (505) 881-4444. Press box space may be arranged by contacting the individual facility manager at the event.
Print Media:
The NMAA will make every effort to provide a phone line for the purpose of filing stories and photos at State Championship Events. For questions regarding phone lines for print media, please contact Robert Zayas, NMAA Communications Director, at (505) 923-3274.
Television Stations:
Television stations must make prior arrangements with the NMAA Communications Director (Robert Zayas) when setting up a live remote or stand-up shots at all Championship Events. We appreciate and encourage such shots, but want to ensure the easiest arrangements for all parties involved. This will save everyone time and help alleviate potential problems with event security.
For delayed TV broadcasts please make prior arrangements with the NMAA Communications Director (Robert Zayas) and have appropriate rights fee paid before you go on the air. A delayed television broadcast is also available at a reduced rate. Please contact the NMAA for specific rates and more information.
School Yearbook/ Newspaper Personnel:
A letter must be submitted to the NMAA (Attn: Robert Zayas) from the school’s principal (at least three calendar days prior to the beginning of the tournament) requesting one tournament pass for a yearbook and/or newspaper staff member. The media credential may not be used by a parent or friend. The purpose of the “School Yearbook/ Newspaper” credential is to permit a complimentary entrance into the event for which the person is gathering information. Photos and video can be taken from the spectator seating section only.
Photos taken during an event may not be sold or used in any capacity outside of the purpose(s) of their school’s yearbook and/or newspaper. The NMAA has an exclusive photography contract with the Sports Photographers Alliance of New Mexico. The Sports Photographers Alliance of New Mexico is responsible for the distribution and selling of State Championship Event photography.
Parking, Food, Drinks:
Unfortunately, parking at most of the NMAA Championships is at a premium, and media specific parking is only available at select venues.
Drink refreshments and food are available at some events when possible, but representatives should be prepared to provide their own meals. All NMAA Championship Events have easily-accessible concession stands or vending areas, so be prepared to plan your food needs around the event itself.
NMAA Contact Information:
New Mexico Activities Association
Main Phone: 505.923.3274
6600 Palomas NE
Main Fax: 505.923.3114
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Media E-Mail: rzayas@nmact.org
Communications Director Robert Zayas
Media Phone: 505.923.3274 (Office) 505.977.5386 (Cell)
