The following guidelines (these “Media Guidelines”) have been developed to accommodate media outlets and assist with their coverage of PuckGoldBiz (PGB) League events. PuckGold will issue credentials to approved individuals (“Credential Holders”), as determined in its sole discretion. PuckGold reserves the right to approve or deny a credential request in whole or in part.
Compliance: Credential Holders agree to abide by these Media Guidelines. Failure to abide by any of the Media Guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of credentials and immediate removal from the venue.
Editorial Independence: Nothing in these terms is intended to undermine or restrict the editorial independence of Credential Holders or the outlets they represent, or to prevent normal journalistic activities — including expressions of views or comments — regarding PuckGold events.
Credential Holders also need to abide by general event / ticket terms published by PuckGold. To the extent there is a conflict, these Media Guidelines prevail. This is the official PuckGoldBiz Media Hub policy.
I. Credentials
- Credentials are reserved for professional, working members of the press who represent bona fide media organizations.
- Credentials are limited to the duration of the event, are not transferable, and may be suspended or revoked by PuckGold at any time in its sole discretion following a breach of these Media Guidelines.
- Credential Holders must clearly and visibly display credentials at all times during the event.
II. Area Access
- Credentials do not imply any guarantee of access. PuckGold reserves the right to determine, on an event-by-event basis, the specific areas of a venue that each Credential Holder may access.
- PuckGold may provide limited boards / ice-level / mixed-zone access at its sole discretion. Credential Holders must remain within designated zones and follow marshals at all times.
- Credential Holders are prohibited from accessing player locker rooms at all times unless escorted by PuckGold media staff.
- Credential Holders are expected to adhere to the event’s spectator photo, video, audio, and personal conduct policies at all times, unless otherwise permitted.
III. Player Access
- Credential Holders must not distract or interrupt players during warmups, practice, or competition.
- Credential Holders may not position themselves in the line of play or in a position that may disrupt a player, official, or event staff. If requested to move, they must do so without delay or discussion.
- Unless expressly pre-approved by PuckGold, Credential Holders may not conduct an interview with a player until after the period / game window designated by media staff (typically mixed zone or post-game press conference).
- Credential Holders are prohibited from requesting player autographs, personal photographs and videos, and player equipment at all times.
IV. Content and Devices
- Copyright in material created by the Credential Holder will be owned by the Credential Holder or commissioning entity/employer. PuckGold may make reasonable requests to view content captured at the event; supply terms are subject to separate agreement.
- All content captured by the Credential Holder at the event is for editorial use only (regardless of platform). Content may be disseminated to third parties for end-users’ editorial purposes and used to promote the Credential Holder’s coverage. All other uses are strictly prohibited.
- Credential Holders shall take reasonable steps to include an acknowledgement identifying PuckGold / PuckGoldBiz as the event organizer.
- Credential Holders may not live stream footage of competition at any time without a rights agreement.
- Should PuckGold determine that use of content violates these Media Guidelines, it may notify the Credential Holder; breaches must be rectified as soon as reasonably practicable.
- Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be kept in SILENT mode at all times when play (or related ceremony) is taking place.
- Credential Holders are prohibited from using strobe photography at all times.
- Each Credential Holder grants permission to PuckGold and its media partners to use their image and likeness as it may incidentally appear in any live or recorded transmission of the event.
- For social content captured on site, Credential Holders shall use reasonable endeavors to include PuckGold tags / hashtags / links (e.g. @puckgoldbiz).
V. Prohibited Items / Equipment
Credential Holders are prohibited from using the following items at all times absent the express written consent of PuckGold:
- Individual carts and other similar motorized vehicles (unless ADA / approved media carts);
- Ladders and other items that provide an elevated viewing position;
- Drones and other remote-control aircraft / small flying devices;
- All other non-industry-standard equipment; and
- All other items listed in the event’s spectator policy.
VI. Assumption of Risk / Release / Indemnity
Credential Holders (and their respective media organizations) assume all risks and dangers associated with ice hockey and their attendance at the event, and waive and release PuckGold and its employees, representatives, vendors, and the players from liabilities and claims for damages that may result from attendance. Credential Holders and, where relevant, their media organizations shall indemnify and hold harmless PuckGold from expenses, damages, and liabilities arising from willful misconduct or negligence by the Credential Holder.
Broadcast Guidelines
The following broadcast restrictions apply from the start of competition until the conclusion of play at standard PuckGold events (including Founding Four and Expansion Weekend):
- Accredited broadcast and digital media (non-rights holders) are allowed within the event precinct for news-gathering purposes but are not permitted to capture competition and practice areas (including warm-up ice and tunnel) without escort, except as designated.
- Daily tournament highlights, interviews, condensed games, and recaps will be available via the PuckGold Media Hub Videos desk and Transcripts.
- Non-rights holder usage is capped at an aggregate of two (2) minutes per day, per program, for news and information purposes only. Credit: PuckGoldBiz / PGB League. For territory broadcast partners, see Partners.
- Takedown: 24 hours. No archive. No commercial billboard. Footage cannot be altered from the original transmission without prior consent.
- PuckGold reserves the right to change these terms at any time.
- Digital and social use of content originating from PuckGold platforms must embed or clearly credit PuckGold’s original post where practical.