University of Colorado Athletics Credential Policies - University of Colorado Athletics (2025)

I. REQUIRED CREDENTIALS

1. Credentials (press and photography passes) issued by the University of Colorado Athletics Department (CU) are required to cover Colorado Athletics at all regular season events which take place on the CU Boulder campus or an event in which CU has been assigned to distribute credentials, including but not limited to intercollegiate games/matches, scrimmages, practices, media availabilities and press conferences.
2. Credentials are provided to working members of the media to assist in the coverage of CU Events. Credentials do not imply any guarantee to access, are of limited duration, are not transferable, and are revocable in the sole discretion of CU.
3. Loaning or transferring credentials to another may result in immediate permanent revocation of media credentials and ejection from the event of the original holder and unauthorized holder of the credentials.
4. Failure to adhere to the requirements of this policy may result in revocation of credentials for the representative and their entire media outlet. Media outlets will be held accountable for the actions, conduct and professionalism of all their credentialed personnel.
5. All credentials are subject to space availability restrictions in working media areas at various facilities.
6. Credentials must be displayed at all times during the media event.

II. CREDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

1. All media credential applications should be requested in writing or via email to the primary sport contact, or via CU's on-line credentialing system.
2. Each media outlet will be limited to four (4) working credentials for any CU Athletics event, with a maximum of two (2) media credentials and two (2) photo credentials.
3. Requests for excess working credentials (more than four (4) total, more than two (2) media OR more than two (2) photo) must be submitted in writing to the primary sport contact with a copy to the Associate AD / Athletic Communications and detail the special circumstances which justify the request. Any excess credentials granted will be on a limited basis and subject to being bumped by the holders of regular working credentials. Excess credential request for current CU students completing formal University approved internships at media outlets that are credentialed for a CU event will typically be given a preference.
4. Credential applications will be reviewed and granted by the CU Athletic Communications office.
5. Gameday credential requests will be coordinated through sport contacts within the CU Athletic Communications office.

III. CREDENTIAL ELIGIBILITY

1. Media credentials may be issued to working members of the media representing recognized media outlets in the business of news gathering/sports reporting as a primary function of their business.
   1. The types of media outlets eligible for credentials include: newspapers, websites, magazines, wire services, college (sport-specific) publications, television and radio.
   2. The dissemination of editorial content must be a primary purpose of the media outlet and the outlet must demonstrate a record of sustained, original coverage of college sports, on a regular basis (typically at least weekly).
   3. Factors which will be considered in determining if an outlet is eligible for credentials include but are not limited to audience size, market share and editorial structure.
   4. Credentials will not typically be issued to representatives whose outlet exists solely as a platform for distributing unoriginal content (press releases, aggregate news sites, etc.)
   5. Online outlets should typically (a) be affiliated with a national or regional media organization; or, (b) host a website that provides substantial coverage of college athletics and/or CU Athletics, and employs at least one full-time, permanent employee responsible for producing the site’s content. Outlets which are message boards without regular, substantial news/editorial/feature coverage by a full-time writer may be denied credentials.
   6. Credentials will generally not be issued for representatives from an outlet that does not have its own dedicated medium of distribution (e.g. outlets that primarily originate from a YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook account.) unless approved by the CU Athletic Department.
   7. Outlets whose working function is limited primarily to the recording and posting of full media availability sessions without any produced news/editorial/feature content may be denied.
   8. Brokered programming or any personalities or shows that purchase time on a radio station, television network or streaming service does not automatically qualify for media credentials.
2. Representatives should be on assignment for that outlet. Passes used by any member of a credentialed outlet without specific editorial assignment or by non-working members of the outlet are subject to revocation and will affect all future credentialing decisions by CU for that outlet.
3. Representatives should be affiliated with a lawful working business or enterprise with a Federal Tax ID/Employer Identification Number.
4. Outlets must certify that their representatives seeking credentials have completed a background check and that the outlet does not reasonably believe those representatives pose a threat to property or persons. CU reserves the right to verify compliance by the outlet.

IV. PRIORITY

1. CU Athletics may prioritize working media credential requests using the following factors among others:
   1. Broadcast partners, including television and radio personnel responsible for live broadcasts of CU Athletics. (Broadcast partners are not subject to the four (4) credential limit. The number of credentials will be determined by CU taking into consideration contractual obligations.)
   2. Full-time local beat reporters who cover the team on the daily basis for large-scale local print and broadcast outlets, including newspapers, wire services, radio stations and television affiliates that cover CU on a regular basis.
   3. Full-time radio and television personnel producing reports on CU Athletic competitions. Credentials will be reserved for stations with a full-time sports director that provide regular and substantial coverage of CU Athletics.
   4. Large-scale national outlets, including national newspapers, magazines, television stations, websites and more.
   5. University-recognized student publications and student outlets that provide regular coverage of CU Athletics. See “Student Media” section below.
   6. Eligible online-only outlets, with preference given to sites utilizing full-time journalists. Outlets’ affiliations with larger, national networks and the breadth and frequency of their editorial content will also be taken into consideration when prioritizing among online-only outlets.
   7. Outlets or individuals with a separate Memorandum of Understanding within the Athletic Department or University to compile or produce content.
   8. As the result of limited workspace, credentials will typically not be issued to freelance writers or photographers without a specific assignment received in writing by the assigning organization.
2. Credential Duration:
   1. Season credentials will be reserved for organizations that provide consistent and substantial coverage of CU Athletics Events. Please be advised that a season media credential does not guarantee working space in media work areas.
   2. Except for seasonally credentialed beat reporters who produce regular on-site reports during all media availability sessions, all credentials are approved and issued on a daily and/or game-by-game basis. Outlets or individuals denied credentials for competition may still be granted access to other media availability sessions, subject to availability of space and the outlet meeting all criteria set forth in this policy.
   3. All credentialing decisions will be made on a per-game basis. Credential approval for one contest does not guarantee — or indicate likelihood of — approval for future contests.

V. TYPES OF CREDENTIALS

1. The University of Colorado issues three types of media credentials for access to cover events: media, photo and TV/Radio.
   1. TV/Radio credentials are for broadcast partners including the television outlet, home and visiting radio outlets and national radio, if applicable.
   2. Media credentials are for writers credentialed with newspapers, websites, magazines, wire services, college (sport-specific) publications and non-photographer/videographer television sports reporters and non-broadcast partner radio personnel, and professional scouts and personnel. For football, media credentials are allowed on the field pregame until the end of Ralphie's run and postgame starting with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
   3. Photo credentials are for photographers and videographers approved to cover the game. Those approved to cover a football game with a photo credential must also wear a vest while on the field, possess professional photo and/or video equipment and be actively gathering content at all times on the field.

VI. STUDENT MEDIA

1. University of Colorado Boulder students enrolled full-time and are members of a University of Colorado recognized student media organization (such as the CU Independent, The Bold and Sko Buffs Sports) who are assigned to cover CU Athletics are eligible to apply for media credentials under this policy. All other undergraduate students seeking media credentials must be affiliated with an approved media outlet, serve in a working role, and will count in the total allotment provided to the outlet and be treated under as regular working media.
2. CU will aim to foster an environment conducive to the career growth of student media by providing students with first-hand experience and insight into the working relationship between athletic organizations and professional media. As such, student journalists seeking credentials will be subject to this policy. Students are strongly encouraged to connect with CU Athletics sport contacts and full-time beat reporters for protocols relating to media availability and conduct for each sport to ensure their seamless integration into this professional environment.

VII. CREDENTIAL HOLDER REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS

1. Credentialed media representatives and their outlets, including student representatives and their outlets (“Credential Holders”), are asked to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional codes of conduct and ethics (such as one provided by the Society of Professional Journalists) in terms of their actions, decorum, dress, etc.
2. Credential Holders are expected to adhere to all requirements of this policy, the applicable rules, regulations, and policies of the University of Colorado including venue specific rules, and all applicable local, federal, and state laws. Failure to do so may result in revocation of credentials.
3. Any persons applying for media credentials must be assigned by that outlet to do so, and any media applying for credentials who are not assigned by said outlet will face permanent revocation of media credentials for any future events at the University of Colorado.
4. Credential Holders are not permitted to seek autographs, request personal photographs/videos, solicit/take equipment, etc. from CU student-athletes or coaches. Such actions or requests will be viewed as a breach of professional conduct and are grounds for credential revocation.
5. Credential Holders are responsible for the conduct of their representatives including any damage caused by the negligent, reckless, or malicious act of their representative.
6. Credentials issued hereunder authorize the use by the Credential Holders of any descriptions, accounts, photographs, films, audio or video recordings, or drawings of the University of Colorado event solely for news and editorial coverage of the event in accordance with this policy. Any other use or attempted use of any coverage of the CU event by the Credential Holder is prohibited, unless the Credential Holder has obtained the prior specific written permission of the University of Colorado for such other use. Any secondary or commercial use of any picture, audio description, film/tape, or drawing of any CU Athletics Events taken or made by the Credential Holder (including, but not limited to use in delayed editorial, advertising, sales promotion, or merchandising) is prohibited without prior specific written approval of CU.
7. Unless otherwise expressly permitted by the NCAA at an NCAA Championship event, all lockerroom or private team areas occupied by the team at all home and away venues are off limits to all media, unless approved by the CU Athletic Department.

VIII. RISKS

By applying for credentials outlets and their representatives acknowledge and assume the risks that comes from viewing sporting events including being struck or injured by participants, and flying objects such as balls, and other sports equipment.

IX. ACCESS, ISSUANCE, AND REVOCATION

CU reserves the right to deny or revoke credentials at any time in its sole discretion. No guarantee of availability of credentials, space, viewing, telephone, or internet access is made. Scheduled events may be canceled or rescheduled in CU’s sole discretion.

X. ACCESS AND MEDIA USE GUIDELINES

Media members must abide by all media policies and guidelines set forth by the Conference and NCAA, including but not limited to the Digital Media Use and Guidelines and all NCAA digital and social media policies.