Illinois high school athletic association sees the light - photos OK at sporting events
The Illinois High School Association dropped its silly policy preventing newspapers from taking photos at high school sporting events. The Illinois Press Association sued the high school group over the issue and had been working toward legislation allowing photography at high school events. In return for ending the restrictions the suit and legislation will be dropped. The high school group had wanted to grant a private company exclusive rights to photograph photos and sell them to parents and athletes at high prices. It was all about milking more money out of parents and students (while saying the press just wanted to make a buck off sporting events). While newspapers typically charge for photo reprints, the cost is basically a public service that covers the expense of paper and printing time. The media make their money from advertising, not from photo reprints. This is an issue that has spread across the country. If your state high school association is restricting photography at sporting events or championships, challenge them. Illinois set a good precedent. See story.