State Finals Media Information: The following information was prepared to assist you with your coverage of the upcoming OHSAA football state championship games. Please contact Tim Stried ([email protected] or 614-267-2502, ext. 124) at the OHSAA office should you have additional questions. Previews, team information, probable starters, statistics and additional information will be posted on the OHSAA web site the week of the state championships.
Coaches and Media Teleconference: The head coaches of the state finalists will participate in a media teleconference on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Contact Tim Stried at [email protected] for details.
Dates and Location: December 5-7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton (1835 Harrison Ave NW, Canton, OH 44708).
Format: One state championship game will be played on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. The other six divisions will play their state championship games on Friday, Dec. 6 (three games) and Saturday, Dec. 7 (three games). Game times on Friday and Saturday are at 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Media Credentials for the State Championships: Media shall use the official OHSAA football credential application form and send it to Tim Stried at [email protected] or fax to 614-267-1677. The deadline is noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Credentials will be held for pickup at the media check-in trailer in Parking Lot A. Media must show photo identification to pick up their credentials. No credentials will be issued to parents of competitors or persons under 18 years of age. One school photographer per team is permitted as approved by the school’s athletic director.
Confirmation Email and Approved List: Upon processing a credential application, the OHSAA will send a confirmation email to the media outlet, specifically to the editor or assigner who submitted the application. In addition, a list of those media members who have been approved for credentials will be posted on the credential information page at OHSAA.org.
Media Parking: The confirmation email sent to media outlets approved for credentials (see previous note) will contain specific parking information.
Photographers Work Space and Hospitality: The work space and hospitality area for photographers is under the home side stands (press box side). The main press box is also available for photographers following each game (see media assistants for seat assignment).
Press Box Seating Charts and Work Space: Seating charts will be created for each game. Media are asked to sit in their assigned seat or booth. Media may continue to work in the press box after each game, although it may be necessary to change seats in order to accommodate media covering the next game. The press box closes 90 minutes after the postgame press conference following the last game each day.
Wireless Access and Internet Lines Available: Wireless internet access is available free of charge. The pass code will be posted around the work room for photographers or will be available from press box personnel. Broadcast media needing an internet line should mark the appropriate line on the application form and confirm the request with Tim Stried. A $50 charge will apply.
Postgame Press Conferences: Locker rooms are not open to media at OHSAA tournament contests. There is an official press conference after every game, which will include the head coaches and at least two players from both teams. The press conference room is located at field level under the home side seating area (press box side). Media are permitted to be on the field after games, but must not interfere with the post-game awards ceremony. Media (specifically television outlets and radio sideline reporters) may conduct brief interviews on the field while OHSAA personnel escort the head coach and selected student-athletes to the interview room. The winning team goes second into the press conference.
Statistics and Recaps: Live statistics are available at ohsaa.statbroadcast.com. Printed game statistics will be available online and paper copies will be distributed to media in the press box and in the postgame interview room.
Photographers Note: Coaches, parents of competitors and persons under 18 years of age are not permitted to receive media credentials. Media outlets found to be in violation could be subject to reduced access at future OHSAA state tournaments.
Audio Broadcasting Permitted: Live or tape-delayed radio and audio webcasting is permitted for OHSAA tournament contests per rates found on the OHSAA Broadcast Fees chart (posted on the ‘News & Media’ page at OHSAA.org). At the state finals, radio stations needing a hook-up connection should indicate that on the credential application form, and the OHSAA will follow up with further details. Video telecasts and webcasts are not permitted per the OHSAA’s exclusive contract with Spectrum News 1.