BY RICK NAGEL
The Illinois High School Association in recent weeks has denied photo credentials to newspaper photographers who refuse to sign an IHSA waiver form.
The waiver requires newspapers to give up the rights to their photos to the IHSA.
That's just plain wrong.
The Illlnois Press Association has said "enough is enough" and taken the IHSA to court. The outcome of the lawsuit is pending.
The IPA also drafted House Bill 4582, which would make it illegal for any school or school association to regulate the use of news photos and video shot by Illinois newspapers and other media.
“It’s important to note that this is not an anti-school bill,” IPA Executive Director Dave Bennett said. “All we’re asking the Legislature to do is to allow us to do what we have always done – to provide fair and unfettered coverage of public events.”
In repeated cases since November, newspaper photographers who did not sign the waiver have been denied press access to football, track and other state-level tournaments. Many have chosen to purchase tickets to the game or sporting event and shoot from the stands.
With the bowling state finals under way Friday (Feb. 8) at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford, The Beacon is faced with a difficult situation.
We are blessed this year to have three area schools represented: East Aurora, Waubonsie Valley and Oswego East. Brooke Peterson represents Aurora East as an individual. Six team members from Waubonsie Valley and eight from Oswego East represent our area, as well.
The Beacon News, and all publications of the Sun-Times News Group, will not sign the IHSA waiver at this or any other event.
As editor-publisher of The Beacon News, it is my direction to the photo staff to shoot photos of the state bowling finals and other sporting events from whatever access the IHSA allows. They are to follow the rules, be polite to authorities and be especially considerate of the fans who have come to see the athletes compete.
More access issues might arise in coming weeks, as the IHSA hosts state-final events in wrestling, gymnastics, boys swimming, and girls and boys basketball.
We will monitor this situation closely and continue to evaluate our coverage options for future events.
It is our hope that these access issues are resolved so that we can continue to provide the quality sports coverage and photography you expect and deserve.
WHO TO CALL
If you agree or disagree with the new IHSA policy and wish to express your opinion, contact:
IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman, (309) 663-6377, mhickman@ihsa.org
The Illinois Press Association's Director of Government Relations, Beth Bennett, (217) 241-1300, bbennett@illinoispress.org.
Beacon News Sports Editor Todd M. Adams, (630) 844-5954, tadams@scn1.com.
AREA TEAMS
Aurora (East) (Lane 25)
Coach: Jason Lawrence
Brooke Peterson (Sr.)
Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) (Lane 9)
Coach: Amy Rymer
Asst. Coach: Melissa Maher
Katie Dupuis (Sr.)
Samantha Johnsen (Sr.)
Sarah O'Brien (Jr.)
Molly Reinle (Jr.)
Rachel Rymer (Jr.)
Hallie Szott (Sr.)
Oswego (East) (Lane 21)
Coach: Jeremy Hillman
Asst. Coach: Darrin Tackitt
Amanda Edwards (Jr.)
Kelsey Johnson (Fr.)
Krystina Johnson (Sr.)
Krystyna Johnson (Sr.)
Amanda Karnuth (So.)
Stephanie Stefanski (Sr.)
Jordan Varzino (Sr.)
Memie Williamson (Jr.)
How about providing both sides of the argument by posting the reasons IHSA created the rule, and explain why the Beacon News thinks it is wrong. Stating "Thats just plain wrong" explains nothing, except that the Beacon News does not like it, sounds like some lazy reporting to me, post the facts and let the public decide.