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Abington Heights Athletics Media Procedures
Purpose
The Abington Heights School District welcomes members of the media to cover our athletic programs and recognizes the importance of fair, accurate, and responsible reporting. The following procedures ensure that media coverage is conducted safely, respectfully, and in alignment with PIAA and school district regulations.
Coach & Student-Athlete Interview Procedures
All interview requests for Abington Heights coaches or student-athletes must be made through the Athletic Department by contacting:
- Athletics Operations Assistant: ahsdathletics@ahsd.org
- Enrico Mastroianni, Director of Athletics: mastroiannie@ahsd.org
- Becky Davis, Assistant Director of Athletics: coachbeckydavis@ahsd.org
Requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Media should not contact student-athletes directly for interviews under any circumstances.
During school hours (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM), media members must check in at the Main Office to receive a visitor’s pass and will be directed to the Athletic Directors, Coach, or a member of the administrative team.
After school hours, media must check in with the Athletic Director or a coaching staff member upon arrival.
All player interviews will be conducted before or after practice or games, coordinated by a member of the Athletic Department or coaching staff.
Team locker rooms are off-limits to all media at all times.
Practice Media Coverage
- Media wishing to attend an Abington Heights practice must submit a request to the Athletic Department (see contact information above).
- If approved, access will be limited to the first or last 45 minutes of practice for collecting b-roll, photos, or interviews.
- Interviews may only take place before the start or after the conclusion of practice.
- No live streaming or posting of practice content is permitted without prior approval.
Gameday Media Coverage
- All media must be pre-registered prior to covering any Abington Heights athletic event.
- Complete the online credential request form at least 3 hours before the scheduled start time.
- Event start times can be verified at ahsdatheltics.org (subject to change).
Credential Pick-Up
Indoor Events
Basketball & Wrestling: See the ticket table attendant
Volleyball: Report to the scorer’s table
Outdoor Events
HS Turf Fields / The Pit: Report to designated media ticket booth
Return your credential to an Athletic Department Staff Member before leaving the event.
Interviews on Game Day
- Coaches and student-athletes are not available for pregame interviews unless pre-approved through the Athletic Department.
- Postgame interviews may occur approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game in a designated interview area.
- Locker rooms remain closed to all media on game day.
Photography & Video
No photos or videos may be sold, shared, or redistributed for profit (including to parents, coaches, or athletes) without written consent from the Abington Heights Athletic Department.
Sideline Credentials & Access
- Sideline access is limited and subject to venue capacity and safety regulations.
- Credentials will be issued based on outlet verification, historical coverage, and assignment confirmation.
- Priority will be given to verified journalistic outlets and long-standing partners.
- Requests from non-professional media, including independent social media creators, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Student Media Access Procedure
Student media credentials will be issued only to officially recognized student journalists or photographers representing either:
- Abington Heights High School, or
- The opposing school’s official media program.
Eligible students must:
- Be currently enrolled, and
- Work under the supervision of a faculty advisor, media coordinator, or school administrator.
Requests from students representing other high schools, colleges, or unaffiliated programs will not be granted access to sidelines or media areas.
Personal, class, or social media projects are not permitted.
Approved student media must:
- Submit credential requests through their school representative, and
- Present student ID and proof of assignment upon arrival.
Field & Court Sideline Conduct
To ensure the safety of all participants and maintain professional standards:
- Media must remain behind designated lines or in assigned areas at all times.
- No crossing into team boxes, benches, or coaching zones.
- Do not obstruct officials, staff, or spectator views.
- No direct interaction with players, coaches, or officials during play.
- Repositioning may occur only during timeouts, halftime, or between plays.
- No flash photography or distracting equipment.
- Tripods, monopods, or large equipment may not be used in high-traffic or restricted areas.
- All gear must be portable and free of tripping hazards.
- Media must yield to players, referees, and live play at all times.
- Presence on the field/court is at your own risk — remain alert.
- No children, assistants, or guests permitted with credentials.
- Do not photograph or assist injured athletes without explicit permission from medical staff or coaches.
- No behind-the-scenes access (hallways, buses, locker rooms, or warm-up areas) without prior written approval.
- Unprofessional behavior — including argumentative conduct, ignoring staff directions, or interference with operations — may result in immediate removal.
- Media access may be revoked at any time at the discretion of the Athletic Director, Game Manager, or school officials.
Contact
Abington Heights Athletics Department
📧 ahsdathletics@ahsd.org
Enrico Mastroianni, Director of Athletics
📧 mastroiannie@ahsd.org