Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament

Media

MEDIA GUIDELINES, REGULATIONS & CREDENTIALING RULES

These guidelines apply to all media members attending the Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament. They ensure athlete safety, smooth event operation, brand integrity, and a consistent media experience across hundreds of courts.

Media Director: Eriq Adams

1. Media Application

All media must apply in advance through our Media Credential Request Form.

2. Wristbands & Daily Check-In

All approved media must check in each day at the Media Lounge (above the bar) to receive their wristband for the day. These wristbands confirm you’ve checked in with staff and are cleared to shoot anywhere outside Championship Court.

3. Championship Court Credentials

Championship Court access is extremely limited. Space is tight, athlete safety is priority, and only essential personnel belong inside that footprint.

Championship Court Credentials are issued only for:

Friday: AVP Finals & Grass Coed Quads Finals
Saturday: Grass Triples Finals
Sunday: N/A

You may NOT enter Championship Court without:

being on staff,
being affiliated with a participating team, OR
actively producing content for Waupaca Boatride, AVP, a media outlet, or a partnered brand.

Priority is given to people delivering real, required content.
These credentials are physical badges separate from wristbands.

4. General Shooting Rules

Respect the athletes.
If an athlete is warming up, preparing, or in a match, give them space. Don’t interrupt, don’t coach from the lens, don’t crowd the sidelines.

Respect spectators.
Don’t block views, bump chairs, or set up shop inside crowded walkways.

Respect safety.

Stay far enough off court that you won’t interfere with play.
Be aware of loose balls, dive paths, and players sprinting off-court.
Use common sense — volleyball is fast.

If an athlete asks you to stop taking photos, stop. If they ask you to move, move.

If you are on assignment and have an issue, please contact Eriq to solve the problem.

5. Championship Court Shooting Rules

These are strict. They protect the athletes and the broadcast environment.

During the match:

Shoot from outside the court boundaries unless you’re staff, team-affiliated, or delivering required content.
Stay low and stationary if near the sidelines. No roaming.
Do NOT talk to athletes during play or during warm-up.
Do NOT walk across the court surface at any time unless directed.

After the match:
Athlete interactions (interviews, questions, small talk, posed photos) are allowed only after:

the match is over,
required celebrations are done, and
any tournament or brand content obligations have been completed.

6. Safety Protocols

Media will receive Eriq’s contact number at check-in. If there is any safety concern — athlete injury, unsafe behavior, suspicious activity, lost child, photographer hazard — text or call immediately.

You will receive a small map indicating the safe zones around courts. These are spots athletes won’t sprint into at full speed.

7. Brand Affiliation & Logo Usage

This protects the Waupaca brand and your content.

Waupaca Boatride logos may NOT appear on content unless:

You’re an official partner,
You’re delivering content directly to Waupaca Boatride, or
You’re part of a sanctioned collaboration.

Do NOT place the Waupaca Boatride logo next to any outside brand we are not partnered with. This includes:

clothing brands
energy drinks
supplements
equipment brands
training companies

8. Social Media Tagging & Collaboration Guidelines

To keep social channels clean and consistent:

Tag us: @waupacaboatride
Hashtags: #WaupacaBoatride, #Boatride2026, #BrightonAcres
(You can add others, but use these universally.)

We will accept social collaborations for:

Athlete features
Match highlights
Tournament atmosphere
Vendor features
Staff highlights
Court-side content

We will NOT accept social collaborations for:

Sponsored posts promoting outside brands
Posts showcasing gear, supplements, or apparel from non-affiliated companies
Paid partnerships between you and another brand where Waupaca Boatride is used as a backdrop

9. Content Delivery (Optional for Media)

If you want Waupaca Boatride to consider sharing or reposting your work:
Send to Media using our contact form OR tag us publicly with clearly visible credits.

We do not guarantee reposts, but we appreciate content contributions.

10. Conduct & Compliance

Media is expected to act professionally at all times.

Violations include:

Ignoring safety directions
Blocking athletes or interfering with play
Disrespecting athletes or spectators
Harassing or bothering athletes
Unauthorized use of the Waupaca logo
Entering restricted areas without permission

Any violation may result in immediate removal and credential revocation.