Event Media Guidelines

Media credentials and access will be granted only to individuals with a legitimate working function at a match, training session or league-sanctioned event. Credentials are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold or used for personal purposes. Unauthorized use of credentials is grounds for removal from the venue and permanent revocation.

The following actions may result in ejection and/or credential seizure:

  • Requesting autographs
  • Taking photos with players or coaches
  • Using credentials for friends, family or guests
  • Conducting unauthorized interviews
  • Unprofessional behavior (e.g. cheering in the press box, consuming alcohol, or disregarding venue rules)
  • Posting photos of media credentials on social media

Media Access at Training

  • Clubs may designate one (1) training session per week as fully open to the media. For all other sessions, a minimum 15-minute open window must be provided.
  • Coaches and players must be made available for interviews following training during the designated access period.
  • Clubs must make every effort to honor reasonable media requests during these windows.
  • All media requests should be directed to the communications lead at each club.
  • Failure to accommodate requests may result in fines.

Matchday -1 and -2 Media Access

  • Clubs must provide pre-match press availability on Matchday -1 or -2, featuring the head coach and one to two players.
  • Additional interview requests should be accommodated where possible.
  • All media requests should be directed to the communications lead at each club.
  • Lack of compliance may result in disciplinary action.

Post-Match Media Access

  • All players must be available for post-match interviews upon request.
  • Clubs to designate interview spaces within the venue. Locker room access is not permitted.
  • Each team must make two players and the head coach available in a press conference setting.
  • Home teams must provide in-person access to media.
  • Visiting teams may opt for virtual press conferences if travel prohibits in-person,  but are encouraged to accommodate in-person interviews.
  • Players should be available 10 minutes post-match, head coaches approximately 20 minutes post-match.
  • Club PR staff must manage and communicate which players will be available to media before the end of the match.
  • All post-match access procedures must be clearly communicated to media, security, and staff.
  • All media requests should be directed to the communications lead at each club.

Media Seating and Work Areas

  • Accredited media must be granted access to designated stadium seating, press boxes, and professional workspaces.
  • Press boxes must seat a minimum of 10 working media and include:
  • Power outlets and high-speed internet
  • Distinct areas for broadcasters and print journalists
  • Protection from weather, where applicable
  • Overflow or alternative seating must be provided for additional working media, observers, or referees.
  • Player agents, VIPs, and non-working guests must not be seated in press areas.

Traveling Media

  • Home teams must provide press box seating for the visiting team media.
  • Visiting media must apply for accreditation through the hosting club’s accreditation site for the game they are attending.
  • If any issues arise, traveling media should contact the communications lead of the team they cover for support.

Photography & Camera Access

  • All photographers must remain behind field boards, within zones marked from the top of the 18-yard box to the endline.
  • Photographers must not move behind goals or benches during match action.
  • One monopod per photographer is allowed. No tripods.
  • Photographer access requires credentials and club-issued bibs.
  • A work area with high-speed internet and power must be provided for photographers.
  • photographer's movement from one end of the field to the other is only permitted at halftime.

Video Access and Footage Rights

  • All match footage is the property of the NSL and its official broadcast rights holders.
  • No individual or organization may record or distribute match footage without written permission from the NSL Communications Office (media@nsl.ca).

Television Broadcasters (Non-Rights Holders)

  • May use up to two minutes of footage for news programming within one week of the match.
  • May record the first 15 minutes of each half of televised or streamed matches strictly for use in editorial storytelling or match coverage. This footage may not be streamed or posted in full on any social or digital platform.

Online Video & Usage

  • Match action may not be filmed or posted online without NSL approval.
  • Non-match content (training, interviews) is limited to eight (8) minutes of video per day.
  • All online video must be professional in quality and must include links to NSL official platforms.
  • Embedded advertising and monetization of NSL-related video content is prohibited.

Professional Conduct

  • All credentialed media must act professionally and adhere to league policies.
  • Media members found in violation of access, conduct or usage policies may face credential suspension or revocation.

Media Inquiries and Contact Information

For use of official NSL match footage, interviews with league management, or other broadcast-related inquiries, please contact the NSL Communications Office at media@nsl.ca.

National media and broadcast partner media must apply for accreditation directly with the clubs to ensure clubs retain full oversight of who is present in their stadiums and are actively managing on-site access.

For all other media requests — including interview availability with players, coaches, and club personnel, as well as credentials — please contact the communications lead at the relevant club:

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