Professional Journalism Policies

Gymnastics Canada strives to maintain a professional work environment for journalists covering events. Credentialed media are required to help protect the integrity of the workspace and environment by agreeing to and signing the professional journalism policies.

1. Media credentials are issued to members of the working press only and are granted at the discretion of Gymnastics Canada. Media credentials will not be issued to sponsors or representatives.
2. Members of the media are granted access to media areas strictly for the purpose of serving as a journalist. Media members are not permitted to pitch to other media or place publicity materials in any media areas without permission from Gymnastics Canada staff.
3. All media must respect the work environment of their colleagues by maintaining a quiet and professional atmosphere in the media workroom and press seating.
4. Those working from the press section will not applaud, whistle, or cheer during competition. The “no cheering in the press box rule” is a long-standing one and has been accepted by professional journalists in North America for decades.
5. Credentialed media shall not ask for athlete autographs or request photographs with athletes while inside the venue.
6. Freelance reporters or photographers will only be credentialed with a specific assignment.
7. Web and broadcast media outlets must adhere to the Gymnastics Canada web and broadcast coverage agreement in addition to the policies mentioned in this document.
8. Any non-editorial or commercial use of any picture, audio, film/tape/digital image or drawing of the events are prohibited without prior, specific, written authorization from Gymnastics Canada.
9. Media may only observe the designated training session on the podium training day; all other training sessions are closed to the media.
10. Athlete seating areas, the field of play, and warm-up gyms are off-limits to the public and accredited media. Interviews must be conducted in designated media areas or be coordinated in advance.
11. Photographers and videographers shooting on the field of play may not communicate with, or signal to the competitors or coaches at any point during the competition.

Gymnastics Canada reserves the right to enforce the above rules including revocation or suspension of accreditation. If you have questions about any of the policies, please contact:

Katia Perin 
Manager, Communications 
Gymnastics Canada 
C: 514.358.4194
E: comms@gymcan.org