Mark, it's absolutly nothing new in sport, as far as the photography rules go its been more severe in Rugby League and Union for a long time, heck were not even allowed to sell our images to other than media outlets.
C. Photographers’ Terms and Conditions
1
The RFL authorises the photographer (where appropriate on behalf of his employer) to take single, still images of individual players, or groups of players, ('the Images') under the direction of and sole discretion of the RFL Media department if present or the relevant designated host if no RFL representative is present.
2
The photographer agrees that the Images shall not be altered or enhanced, digitally or otherwise, other than for standard editorial purposes (for example to remove minor blemishes or to crop and/or flip). Standard editorial purposes cannot be construed to include alterations for speculative purposes – for example to depict a player in the colours of a team other than those in which he has been photographed. Specifically (but not exclusively) no digital alterations are to be made to any of the following:
(a) Players' or match officials' faces;
(b) The playing uniforms of teams;
(c) Any logos or other marketing marks featured on playing uniforms, perimeter advertising, pitchside advertising and other stadium advertising;
(d) The crowd.
3
The RFL Media department may, at its sole discretion, agree to other types of manipulation if its written permission is [requested and] obtained in advance.
4
The photographer agrees to ensure that, on matchdays, no photograph which he has taken will be published on any medium – specifically including the Internet and mobile telephony – within one hour of the game's conclusion. No images will be transmitted via any electronic or other delivery mechanism directly from the stadium without the express permission in writing of the RFL Media Department, such permission not to be unreasonably withheld. For example, we accept that photographers wishing to transmit from the stadium in order to comply with deadlines for newspaper early editions will be entitled to do so. In this and similar circumstances, written permission can be requested on a tournament-long basis, but can be withdrawn at any time if transmission is deemed to be for any other purpose.
5
The photographer agrees that he will not make available for sale sequences of 'action pictures' such that these pictures could be re-edited to create moving pictures or the appearance of moving pictures. As a guideline we suggest that action sequences should be limited to a maximum of three photographs.
6
The photographer agrees that the Images will be used solely for editorial purposes – that is, to illustrate and/or be incorporated into editorial text in one of the following types of publication:
(a) An ordinary edition of any newspaper and/or a special supplement to an ordinary newspaper provided that the supplement is incorporated within the newspaper and not sold separately. Such supplements cannot be based solely on any individual Team or player or any individual fixture;
(b) A special or local edition of a newspaper;
(c) A magazine or other periodical publication produced at regular intervals which is not based solely on any individual Team or player or any individual fixture;
(d) A book, provided it is not solely devoted to the Rugby Football League or any individual Team or player or any individual fixture;
(e) Advertising, promotional and other marketing materials solely for any of the items set out in a-d above. Images of individual players cannot be used in this way;
(f) A website, the purpose of which is to report on sport and sporting events rather than to engage in commercial activity. For the avoidance of doubt commercial activity in this instance would include – but not necessarily be limited to – sports gambling and/or the sale or other distribution of rugby-related merchandise. We would strongly suggest clarification with the RFL Media department in advance of sale to any website.
7
The photographer expressly agrees that the Images will not be used for commercial purposes, including (but not limited to) the uses set out below, without prior written permission of (at its sole discretion) the RFL Media dept:
(a) Collectable items such as cards or stickers;
(b) Posters;
(c) Calendars;
(d) Competitions;
(e) Video and films;
(f) Any distribution via mobile phone, even if to illustrate an editorial SMS/WAP service, unless that service is offered to the end user free of charge. For the avoidance of doubt this includes logos, wallpaper and screensaver;
(g) To create wallpapers, screensavers or other items for use on personal computers;
(h) Software;
(i) Merchandise including but not limited to t-shirts, rugby shirts and other apparel, flags, mugs, mobile phone accessories including but not limited to fascias;
(j) Games (including computer and video games) – either to illustrate the game, in its packaging, or for use within 'gameplay';
(k) CD-Roms, DVDs (interactive or otherwise), DVD-Roms and other magnetic or electronic storage media, including those which currently exist and those which may exist in future;
(l) Advertising, marketing, promotional or point of sale material for anything other than a newspaper or magazine.
8
The RFL recognises that there may be instances when it is acceptable to use the Images for purposes which seem to contravene the guidelines above (for example to illustrate a player's autobiography with the agreement of that player). In these instances the RFL Media department will be happy to consider written requests for 'Exceptional Use' and may, in their sole discretion, approve such use.
9
The photographer agrees, upon receiving a request from the RFL Media department or any other RFL representative, to provide evidence that he has purchased adequate Public Liability or similar insurance cover.
10
The photographer agrees not to use access to the Events for the compilation, arrangement in a database or dissemination of player performance statistics or live match data compiled during matches or subsequently
