Vassar College encourages photographic coverage of sports events by the news media. Furthermore, we are happy to have students, faculty, staff, and their families - as well as community members - attend and photograph intercollegiate events with the understanding that the images are intended for personal use only and not for any commercial use, general distribution and/or sale. Admission to spectator areas at athletics events assumes compliance with this policy.
Still and video photography from any area other than spectator seating requires a Vassar College Athletic Communications-issued Photo Pass. These are issued only to news photographers, videographers and College-contracted professional photographers who are insured by their employers against physical injury and other hazards - or who knowingly assume such risks - and who are equipped to take pictures without an on-camera flash. NCAA rules prohibit the use of on-camera flash in many types of varsity athletic events, particularly indoor sports.
A Athletic Communications-issued Photo Pass is also required if spectators plan to do still and video photography with professional-quality equipment from the spectator area, due to potential disruption and visual obstruction to other spectators. Point-and-shoot cameras and small video cameras usually do not require a pass when used in the spectator seating area, although flash and video lights are not allowed by NCAA rules from spectator areas in many sports events, regardless of location.
Athletic Communications-issued Photo Pass requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will generally require an official request submitted on the employer's letterhead or be issued upon contractual agreement with Vassar College no later than 24 hours prior to the event. Issued on an event-by-event basis, passes may be revoked at any time by the College.
Freelance, commercial, and non-College amateur photography is not permitted at athletics events.
Requests for a Athletic Communications-issued Photo Pass must be submitted to the Athletics Communications Office at least one day prior to the athletic event. Please contact:
Steven Merritt
Phone (845) 437-7469
E-mail:
stevenmerritt@vassar.edu
Vassar College reserves the right to place further restrictions on access to athletic facilities and events when necessary to protect the safety and security of the College community, ensure enjoyment of events by other fans/spectators and to comply with league/national directives.
