The Athletics Communications and Public Relations department’s mission is to strategically provide communication between the athletics department and its external and internal constituents, increase awareness of and interest in South Carolina Athletics and to publicize the activities and achievements of the student-athletes, teams and athletics department as a whole.
Phone: (803) 777-5204 | Fax: (803) 777-2967 | General E-mail: athmedia@mailbox.sc.edu
Address: Rice Athletics Center, 1304 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29208
Steve Fink
Associate AD/Communications & Public Relations
17th Year at Carolina
Football
E-mail Steve
Matt Freed
Assistant AD/Digital Technology Services
16th Year at Carolina
Website, Video Services
E-mail Matt
Diana Koval
Assistant AD/Communications & Public Relations
15th Year at Carolina
Women’s Basketball
E-mail Diana
Michael DeBates
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations
6th Year at Carolina
Men’s Basketball, Men’s/Women’s Golf, Football #2
E-mail Michael
Joe Kepler
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations
8th Year at Carolina
Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Women’s Basketball #2
E-mail Joe
Kent Reichert
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations
5th Year at Carolina
Baseball, Football #2
E-mail Kent
Brian Alden
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
1st Year at Carolina
Women’s Soccer, Softball
E-mail Brian
Matt McClain
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
1st Year at Carolina
Men’s Soccer, Track & Field/XC
E-mail Matt
Chase Berley
Communications & Public Relations Assistant
1st Year at Carolina
Men’s Tennis, Swimming & Diving
E-mail Chase
Ashley Jackson
Communications & Public Relations Assistant
1st Year at Carolina
Women’s Tennis, Equestrian
E-mail Ashley
Please visit the respective sport pages on our website to find roster/biographical information, schedule information, historical information, and records/statistics. Contact the respective communications and public relations representative above if you cannot locate what you are trying to find.
The University of South Carolina understands the importance of assisting the media in providing coverage of the institution, its athletics programs, administrators, coaches and student-athletes. Our goal is to disseminate information as widely, uniformly and fairly as possible using normally accepted media standards. To this end, the best attempt will be made to fill reasonable requests by recognized media outlets. Members of the media are encouraged to work with the South Carolina Athletics Communications and Public Relations staff to assist in that endeavor. It is not permissible for media members to contact any athletics department administrator, associate, coach or student-athlete directly without working through the communications department.
PRESS CREDENTIALS
Working press credentials for the 2021 South Carolina home football games must be requested online through SportsSystems. Credential requests must come from the sports editors and the sports directors only.
It is not possible to accommodate all requests. No one under 18 years of age will be issued a credential without prior approval.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to Associate Director of Athletics Communications and Public Relations Kent Reichert at 803-777-5257 or by email. Requests for single game credential requests will begin to be accepted approximately August 1. No season credentials will be available. Requests for single games should be made no later then seven (7) days prior to game day and will be approved the week of the game. Once approved, ALL credentials must be picked up on game day at Media Will Call, located on the west side of the stadium by the press elevators. Media Will Call will open three (3) hours prior to kick-off. A photo ID must be presented to receive the press credential. Photographers must have appropriate equipment on hand to receive a sideline photo vest. (see Sideline Policy).
Note: Credentials will be considered only for those media members on specific assignment for a specific media outlet that meets the criteria below. Credentials are non-transferable and may be revoked at any time.
The granting and number of credentials for daily NEWSPAPERS will be based on the newspaper’s circulation on a space available basis.
Those newspapers publishing more than twice a week, but less than six, will have priority after those in the daily newspaper category.
WEBSITES that meet one of the following criteria will be issued a maximum of three (3) approved press box credentials, which includes the videographer, and one (1) field passes to be used for still photography.
- Is the official website of the home or visiting school or its conference;
- Is the official online service of a national over-the-air or cable television network;
- Has a “national affiliate agreement” with or is an officially licensed site of a national or local news gathering organization and has at least one full-time employee dedicated to writing for the site; or
- Is a local news gathering organization that has at least two full-time employees and is owned by a media company with multiple assets.
Websites that are an extension of a non-digital local media outlet (newspaper, radio, television) will not be issued credentials independent of their originating organization.
Sport-specific websites with more than two full-time writers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
No credentials will be issued to any website that is not deemed by the Athletics Communications department to have adequate editorial oversight. Credentials will not be approved to anyone who writes or posts under an alias.
TELEVISION stations will be issued a maximum of two (2) approved press box credentials. However, press box seating is not guaranteed for both credentials. Television stations will receive a maximum of one (1) field pass.
Local RADIO stations will be granted one (1) approved press box credential for a full-time host of a daily sports show that is a minimum of 30 minutes in length. In addition, one (1) press box credential will be distributed per station for the sports director. Field passes will not be issued to radio stations. Non-daily local radio sports shows and out-of-market radio stations that have a daily sports show will be granted a maximum one (1) credential on a game-by-game space available basis to the show’s host or the station’s sports director only.
STUDENT MEDIA outlets for the home and visiting schools will be issued credentials in accordance with the policy for their format (newspaper, website, radio, television). To be considered student media, the outlet must be sanctioned as such by the university, have full-time university staff overseeing the training of staff or be governed by a university-appointed board, and receive some portion of its funding from student fees.
PHOTO WIRE SERVICES that distribute nationally and retain all rights for sale and usage of any image taken at the event will be issued one (1) field pass with an option for a second on a game-by-game, space-available basis. Any wire service that sells/shares its images for non-editorial uses must provide the University of South Carolina Athletics Communications and Public Relations department with a statement indicating how it ensures that non-editorial clients use its images within NCAA regulations.
All other credential requests, including weekly newspapers, magazines, specialty publications, etc. will be considered on a game-by-game and case-by-case basis at the discretion of Steve Fink, Assistant AD/Communications. All credential policies are subject to change, and final approval of all credentials is at the discretion of the Assistant AD/Communications.
Non-affiliated bloggers, podcast staff and freelance photographers will not be credentialed.
Media outlets that cover the visiting school will be considered using the credential criteria established and in consultation with that school’s media relations staff.
SIDELINE POLICY
The University of South Carolina adheres to the NCAA and SEC guidelines regarding media representatives on the sidelines:
- Accredited photographers must check in at Media Will Call and present photo ID. Those photographers working on the sidelines will be issued a vest. The vest must be worn at all times on the sidelines. No other type of photo or media credential will allow an individual access to the sidelines during the game. The vest must be returned to the South Carolina communications staff.
- Only working photographers/videographers with professional-grade cameras will be allowed on the field. A cell phone is not considered appropriate equipment. Those without proper equipment or not shooting the game will be escorted from the sidelines regardless of credential. “Runners” will not be issued a sideline pass.
- Working photographers/videographers are permitted to shoot in the designated area (between the two marked dotted lines outside the team bench area). All other media representatives on the field must stand behind the designated area to ensure that photographers/videographers have the appropriate space to work. Media will not be allowed to shoot from either end zone.
- A limited number of photographers will be assigned space to work in the photo work room, located on the field level of Williams-Brice Stadium. Wired and wireless internet are available. While security in this area is provided, the University of South Carolina is not responsible for the loss of any items.
- According to NCAA policies, the presence of any type of photographer/videographer in the bench area is strictly prohibited with the exception of one (1) institutional videographer in the football bench area. According to the NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations Manual (Rule 1, Section 2, Article 4b): “the team area shall be limited to squad members in full uniform and a maximum of 60 other individuals directly involved in the game. The 60 individuals not in full uniform shall wear special team area credentials.” (Rule 1, Section 2, Article 4e): “No media personnel, including journalists, radio and television personnel, or their equipment, shall be in the team area or coaching box, and no media personnel shall communicate in any way with persons in the team area or coaching box.”
The SEC also prohibits photographers/videographers from stopping and shooting from behind the bench area or into the bench area. The bench area at Williams-Brice Stadium is covered with a white tarp.
- Photographers and videographers are considered working members of the media and they are to refrain from cheering or talking to players, coaches or officials.
- Any individual regularly violating the sideline policy is subject to having their credential revoked. Revocation of the credential would be to the individual, not the outlet.
SEC INTERNET REAL TIME POLICY
By acceptance and use of an SEC media credential, the holder agrees to the following conditions for any and all athletic events hosted by the SEC and its member institutions:
- The SEC and its member institutions grant a media organization a limited license to use certain gathered information on the media organization’s own Internet or online site beginning at the start of an athletic event and up to the conclusion of such event, all subject to the following limitations and conditions:
- No more than 10 still photographs may be used for news coverage of the game and other editorial purposes during the event.
- Videotape may only be shown as part of a single, non-archived, online “simulcast” of a television station’s regularly-scheduled news program.
- While a game is in progress, the use of statistical information is time-delayed and limited in amount so that an organization’s Internet or online game coverage does not undercut the authorized and rights-paying fee organization’s rights to play-by-play accounts of the game and/or exclusivity as to such rights.
- Any proposed media use on an Internet or online site of the game information that is more detailed and/or more than described above will require separate written authorization by the SEC and/or its member institutions. However, such written authorization will not permit the use of game information in entertainment contexts and will not authorize game coverage that, due to immediacy of detail, constitutes or approaches a play-by-play account of a game.
- Should any of these conditions be breached, the SEC and/or its member institutions will issue a written warning for the first violation. If this violation occurs during the last game of the institutions’ regularly scheduled season, the media organization may not be credentialed for the SEC Championship. A second violation of this policy will result in revocation of credentials to cover future football games hosted by the SEC and/or its member institutions.
PRESS BOX
South Carolina’s press box (P-2 level) has seats for 144 members of the media, along with radio booths, coaches’ booths, scoreboard, replay, public address and stadium operations/security booths. Located just above the press level is the photo deck. All members of the media covering the game are invited to a meal, which is served beginning two hours prior to kickoff. The television booth is located on the P-1 level.
Wireless internet is available for use. Wired outlets for photographers and videographers are available in the back of the press box.
The Athletics Communications and Public Relations department supplies quarterly play-by-plays and quickie stats, halftime statistics, final team and individual statistics and coaches and players quotes. An inside public address announcer also keeps the media informed of play-by-play, records and game notes.
IN-GAME STATISTICS
Media should utilize StatBroadcast for all the latest live statistical information during games. Visit gamecocks.statbroadcast.com for live scoring of all home football games. The password will be provided on game day. The Athletics Communications and Public Relations department supplies final team and individual statistics and coaches and players quotes.
The South Carolina press box is for the working media only. In accordance with the Football Writers Association of America, no cheering will be allowed.
POSTGAME INTERVIEWS
Both South Carolina’s postgame press conference and the visiting team’s postgame press conference will take place via Zoom. Coach Beamer will be available approximately 10 minutes after the game. Selected student-athletes will also be available via Zoom following the cool-down period. No interviews, other than those conducted by the rightsholders, should be conducted on the field following the game.
MEDIA PARKING
Media parking is available in the Key Road parking lot, located southeast of Williams-Brice Stadium. Please contact Associate Director of Athletics Communications and Public Relations Kent Reichert at 803-777-5257 or by email for any parking needs. Parking passes will be distributed in advance via the method indicated on the credential application.
VISITING RADIO
The visitor’s radio network must be designated by the opponent’s athletic director. The visiting radio booth is located at the far north end of the P-2 level. Any non-designated stations will be admitted on a space-available basis. The Gamecock Sports Network will be handled by Learfield/IMG College. Stations requesting information regarding the network should contact: Liz McMillan, Executive Director, Learfield/IMG College, (803) 777-8254.
FOOTBALL VIDEO SERVICES
For information on receiving mid-week or post-game press conference videos, please contact Assistant AD/Digital Technology Services Matt Freed by email. Login information to the department’s media FTP site will be provided. Please credit GamecocksOnline when using footage from the FTP site.
LIVE BROADCASTS
It is not permissible for any non-rightsholder to broadcast over the air, stream over the internet (audio or video), or transmit in any other way, including social media apps, any live event without the consent of the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. Live events include varsity contests, press conferences (including but not limited to weekly scheduled and postgame press conferences) and any other group media availability. Exceptions may be made for any major news-breaking event and will be communicated prior to the event. No television live shots, with the exception of the rightsholder, may take place inside the stadium beginning 30 minutes prior to kickoff until the broadcast is concluded.
AUDIO/VIDEO EVENT ARCHIVING
It is not permissible for any non-rightsholder to archive audio or video Event content that exceeds five (5) minutes in length. Events are defined as varsity contests, press conferences and any other group media availability. Archiving may not begin until the conclusion of the entire event. WNKT-FM is the only radio station that can carry press conferences live and/or archived in their entirety.
NON-RIGHTSHOLDER RADIO APPEARANCES
South Carolina coaches will be limited to one appearance from one member of a sport’s coaching staff per week on any radio station or any radio show that is aired as part of a state-wide, regional or national network in the Columbia market. The length of the interview should be no more than one segment, defined as “commercial-break to commercial-break.” In addition, the same member of a sport’s coaching staff or administrator cannot make appearances in consecutive weeks on the same radio station. Media outlets in which the institution or the SEC is contractually affiliated is exempt from this language. Exceptions can be made in the occurrence of a major “breaking news” event. Please work through the team’s communications and public relations contact to help coordinate any request.
GAME DAY MEDIA AVAILABILITY
No University of South Carolina Athletics staff member may appear live on a non-rightsholder radio show on the same day as any USC contractual programming, including live game action or coaches’ call-in shows, without prior consent of Athletics Communications.
RADIO/TV APPEARANCES
South Carolina student-athletes may not participate in any live radio or television show other than during a regularly scheduled newscast and for no longer than four minutes, post-game interview times, conference media days and structured media opportunities during NCAA championships, without the consent of South Carolina Athletics Communications. This policy is in effect year-round and does not apply to institutional networks. It does apply to internet chat rooms that are sponsored by a media outlet for the sole purpose of conducting Q&A sessions with the viewing public concerning the student-athlete’s athletic career.
SEC WEEKLY TELECONFERENCE
The SEC hosts a weekly press teleconference featuring the head coach from every team each Wednesday from Sept. 1 to Nov. 24. To participate, please contact the SEC Media Relations office at (205) 458-3010 for the telephone number and passcode.
11:00 a.m. ET — Ed Orgeron, LSU
11:10 a.m. ET — Kirby Smart, Georgia
11:20 a.m. ET — Dan Mullen, Florida
11:30 a.m. ET — Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
11:40 a.m. ET — Nick Saban, Alabama
11:50 a.m. ET — Josh Heupel, Tennessee
12:00 p.m. ET — Sam Pittman, Arkansas
12:10 p.m. ET — Shane Beamer, South Carolina
12:20 p.m. ET — Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
12:30 p.m. ET — Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M
12:40 p.m. ET — Mark Stoops, Kentucky
12:50 p.m. ET — Mike Leach, Mississippi State
1:00 p.m. ET — Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri
1:10 p.m. ET — Bryan Harsin, Auburn
STUDENT-ATHLETE INTERVIEW POLICY
All interviews must be coordinated through the Athletics Communications department. This allows the staff to arrange the interview when it best suits the student-athlete’s and the reporter’s schedules. Please contact the communications department well in advance to make your interview requests. Media are not permitted to contact student-athletes on their own at any time.
Cell phone numbers for student-athletes will not be provided to the media. Should you need to conduct a telephone interview with a student-athlete, a call will be placed to you from the student-athlete at a mutually agreeable time.
