Media credentials are available only for the news and editorial purposes of legitimate news-gathering organizations, which are media organizations engaged in the regular gathering and timely publication or transmittal with editorial oversight of original, objective news coverage of current events of general interest to the communities served by those organizations.

News-gathering organizations eligible for media credentials include, but are not limited to, traditional media organizations such as newspapers, radio stations, television stations, wire services and pool reporters meeting these criteria. As described in this section, legitimate Internet organizations may also qualify as news-gathering organizations eligible for media credentials.

Media of a personal, recruiting or rankings nature, or whose demographic audience are fan-based or focused primarily on one school or a small number of schools do not qualify as news-gathering organizations for purposes of media credentials.

Media credentials and accommodations for Regional and State Championship competitions are not transferable or for sale or resale under any circumstance.

Credentials for all regular season and Section level competitions will be issued by the respective local Section office. All media are required to contact their local Section office in advance of the event to make arrangements for credentials. Failure to contact the local Section office in advance may result in denied media privileges at events within that local Section.

No credential requests or accommodations will be approved for persons not employed on staff or as freelance by contract of a legitimate media organization. Credentials SHOULD NOT be requested for and will not be granted to coaches, former coaches, family of media, friends of media, or family or friends of participants not employed by the requesting media organization.

Once the online form has been submitted an email verifying your credential application has been received will be sent within 24 hours. THE SUBMISSION OF A COMPLETED MEDIA CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM DOES NOT ENSURE APPROVAL FOR MEDIA CREDENTIALS. You will be notified if your request is approved once the requested deadline has passed.

Credentials must be worn and displayed at all times while at the Championship venue for which the credential is issued.

2025-26 Credential Request Deadlines

(No credentials needed for Golf, Tennis, and Badminton)

Sport-Championship Date-Credential Request Deadline

FALL Sports

Water Polo - 18, 20, 22, 2025 -  For all Regional Water Polo games, including finals, please bring your credential issued by the CIF Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the game you wish to attend

***Girls Volleyball (State Championships) - Nov. 21-22, 2025 - Deadline: Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 19

Cross Country - Nov. 29, 2025 - Deadline: Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 25 

SoCal Regional Football - Dec. 5-6, 2025 - For all Regional Football games please bring your credential issued by your Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the game you wish to attend

NorCal Regional Football - Dec. 5-6, 2025 - For all Regional Football games please bring your credential issued by your Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the game you wish to attend

State Football (State Championships) - Dec. 12-13, 2025  - Deadline: Noon, Tuesday, Dec. 9 - A separate request form for all three (3) State Championship locations

WINTER Sports

Traditional Competitive Cheer - January 31, 2026  - Please bring your credential issued by your Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the event you wish to attend

SoCal Water Polo (Girls) - Feb.  24, 26, 28, 2026 - For all Regional Water Polo games, including finals, please bring your credential issued by your Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the game you wish to attend

Wrestling - Feb. 26-28, 2026 - Deadline: Noon, Monday, Feb. 23

***Soccer (State Championships) - March 13-14, 2026 - Deadline: Noon, Tuesday, March 10 

***Basketball (State Championships) - March 13-14, 2026 - Deadline: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11

SPRING Sports

Swimming and Diving - May 14-16, 2026 - Deadline: Noon, Tuesday, May 12

***Boys Volleyball (State Championships) - May 30, 2026 - Deadline: Noon, Tuesday, May 26

Track and Field - May 29-30, 2026 - Deadline: Noon, Tuesday, May 26

Baseball - June 2, 4, 6, 2026 - For all Regional Baseball games, including finals, please bring your credential issued by your Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the game you wish to attend

Softball - June  2, 4, 6, 2026 - For all Regional Softball games, including finals, please bring your credential issued by your Section and respective media outlet to display for entry into the game you wish to attend

***NOTE:  

For basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball, CIF Section-issued media passes will be accepted for all rounds PRIOR to the State Championships.

CIF Section media passes are secured and issued through your local CIF Section office.