Toronto Arrows Media Guidelines

We appreciate your interest and coverage of Toronto Arrows matches, training sessions, and other events. We kindly request you to read carefully and familiarize yourself with the guidelines and policies in this document to ensure your experience on matchdays and training sessions run as smoothly as possible.

If you have questions about the policies listed here, please do not hesitate to contact the Toronto Arrows communications team at [email protected].

Matchday Guidelines & Access

Details regarding credentials, attire, and professionalism.

Credential Process

• Media members may apply for credentials by filling out the form embedded on the Media section of our website.
• The accreditation window typically opens six weeks ahead of season kickoff and closes when the season is complete. Interested members of the media must submit new applications annually to ensure information is current.
• Single-game credential applications must be submitted no later than 24 hours ahead of match kickoff and are only permitted for media outlets that need gameday press box access or photographers / videographers that need access to produce editorial coverage.
  • This includes writers, photographers, videographers, radio and broadcasters, and legitimate digital websites that produce consistent and professional content adhering to accepted journalist principles.
• Credentials and seating space in the press box are limited and priority will be given to those working on a deadline.
• Applications from freelance writers, photographers, or videographers will be considered on a case-by-case basis upon validating professional and editorial need for media access.
• Only successful applicants will be contacted and provided with matchday protocol information.

Media Attire

• While on assignment at either training or matchday, media are expected to dress professionally. Media who are approved for credentials should not wear apparel supporting any competing clubs.
• Failure to comply may result in loss of credential.

Professionalism

• Media members may not use credential for preferential access, such as autographs, non-work-related photographs, or personal requests.
• Violation will result in immediate loss of credential.
• When specifically noted in communications from the club, information provided to media for planning purposes only should not be distributed to the general public.

York Lions Stadium Facilities & Access

Details regarding matchday protocol.

Media Check-In Inside Doors Adjacent to Gate 1

• Please provide your name and outlet at the media check-in desk located inside the doors beside Gate 1 (northwest corner of York Lions Stadium). You will receive a credential, which must be worn at all times while in the stadium.
• For stadium security reasons, media members are asked to not take images of their credentials.
• Media check-in will open 90 minutes prior to the announced kickoff unless otherwise noted.
• All credentials are non-transferable, and any unauthorized use will subject the bearer to ejection from York Lions Stadium and confiscation of the credential.
• Credentials must be worn and visible at all times.
• Photographers and videographers will receive field bibs at the media check-in desk near Gate 1 which must be worn at all times while on the field.
• Bibs must be returned to the media check-in desk before leaving the stadium.

Press Box

• Only working media will be allowed in the press box.
• Photographers and videographers may leave bags in the press box while on the field.
• Cheering, celebrating and loud noises are not permitted.
• The press box will close one hour after the final whistle unless otherwise noted.

On-Field Photographers / Videographers

• Only credentialed members of the media may have access to the field.
• Photographers and videographers must wear a coloured media bib to enter the field area.
• Media members with field access must use professional equipment during matches. Mobile, handheld or “point-and-shoot” style cameras are not permitted.
• Unauthorized use may result in denial of access and/or removal from the field.

Media Credential Review

• A media member may be added to the credential review list and have their credentials revoked if any of the above-mentioned guidelines are not followed
• Excessive verbal abuse towards Toronto Arrows staff
• Requesting autographs at media events (training, news conferences and games)
• Taking photographs with players or coaches
• Using credential for family or friends of working media members
• Conducting unauthorized interviews
• Regular encroachment into restricted areas
• Cheering in the press box
• Unprofessional behaviour (cheering in the press box, consumption of alcoholic beverages, failure to abide by posted rules, etc.)
• Asking inappropriate questions unrelated to sports or the event
• Escorting unaccredited third parties to media areas
• Sharing non-public information provided to media for planning purposes only
• Inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour, after being reminded of media guidelines