Purpose and Authority
This Media Accreditation, Access and Conduct Policy is issued by League1 Ontario under its authority to regulate match operations, commercial rights, and access to League-sanctioned competitions and events. The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent standards for media access, protect the integrity of the competition, and ensure compliance with League, Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), FIFA, and applicable professional league practices.
Scope of Application
This policy applies to all individuals and entities granted media accreditation or access by League1 Ontario, its member clubs, or its venues. This includes journalists, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, digital content creators, freelancers, club media staff, and any other persons granted access to restricted areas for media or content-related purposes.
Discretionary Nature of Accreditation
Media accreditation is a privilege and not a right. The granting of accreditation and access remains at the sole discretion of League1 Ontario. The League reserves the right to approve, deny, limit, suspend, or revoke accreditation at any time, with or without notice, where it determines such action is necessary to protect competition integrity, safety, commercial rights, or operational requirements.
Accreditation Categories and Access
Accreditation may grant limited access to specific areas, including media work areas, mixed zones, technical areas, or field-level locations, as determined by the League and the host club. Accreditation does not provide unrestricted access, and access levels may vary by match, venue, or event. Credentials are issued on an individual basis, are non-transferable, and must be displayed at all times while in restricted areas.
Professional Conduct and Compliance
All accredited media personnel are required to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and non-disruptive manner at all times. Accredited individuals must comply with all League regulations, venue rules, matchday protocols, and instructions issued by League officials, club representatives, venue staff, and security personnel. Failure to comply with such instructions may result in immediate disciplinary action.
Content Capture and Usage
Media accreditation permits the capture of editorial content strictly for news, reporting, and approved editorial purposes. Live streaming of matches, live match audio, or the publication of extended match footage is prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by League1 Ontario or its designated rights holders. Accredited media may not use League content for commercial resale, sponsorship activation, gambling-related purposes, or any use that conflicts with League or broadcast partner rights.
Branding and Representation
Accredited media personnel must not misrepresent their affiliation, accreditation status, or authority. League1 Ontario trademarks, branding, and intellectual property may only be used in accordance with League guidelines and must not imply official endorsement or partnership unless explicitly authorized.
Breaches and Misuse of Accreditation
A breach of this policy includes, but is not limited to, credential sharing, unauthorized access to restricted areas, failure to follow matchday protocols, unauthorized live streaming or content distribution, misuse of League intellectual property, disruptive or unsafe behaviour, or conduct that brings the League, its clubs, or participants into disrepute.
Revocation and Disciplinary Measures
In the event of a breach, League1 Ontario reserves the right to immediately revoke accreditation and access privileges, remove the individual from the venue, suspend access for a defined period, or impose a permanent ban. Disciplinary action may be applied on a match-specific, club-specific, or league-wide basis. Repeated or serious violations may result in denial of future accreditation applications without further notice.
Appeals
Any accredited individual subject to disciplinary action may submit a written appeal to League1 Ontario within a timeframe determined by the League. The League’s decision following review shall be final and binding.
Liability and Assumption of Risk
Accredited media personnel enter League venues and restricted areas at their own risk and agree to indemnify and hold harmless League1 Ontario, its member clubs, venues, partners, and affiliates from any claims arising from their activities, conduct, or misuse of accreditation.
Acceptance of Terms
By applying for, accepting, or using League1 Ontario media accreditation, individuals acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply fully with this policy and all related League regulations.
