Media accreditation information for the upcoming 2012 World Football Challenge was sent out a few days ago. In this case, “football” means soccer.
One of the rules stated: “Media who are approved for credentials should not wear apparel supporting any of the competing teams.”
Normally, one would assume that this rule is so obvious, it need not be said. But the fact that this professional sports event had to actually mention a dress code means a problem exists.
The problem is that some photographers (and reporters) have no idea how to dress for their job, they don’t take their profession seriously, and they don’t understand journalism.
Here in the Toronto area, at some baseball and hockey games, a photographer will sometimes come to the game (i.e. arrive at work) wearing one of the team’s jersey, hat and jacket.
At soccer games, there’s often a photographer wearing a team’s full uniform: jersey, shorts, socks and black sports shoes.
At tennis matches, there’s always a photographer or reporter wearing tennis shoes, tennis shorts, tennis shirt, visor and wrist bands.
At motorsport races, there’s often a photographer wearing a replica racing suit complete with sponsor logos.
I’ve yet to see a photographer dress like a jockey while covering a horse race.
This also happens at music concerts where some photographers show up wearing all the tour merchandise.
Why?
When covering a crime scene, would any of these photographers dress like a police officer? Would they dress like a lawyer or judge when covering a court case? How about dressing like a chef while doing food pictures? Wear a pair of tights while photographing the ballet?
Obviously, such photographers are not journalists but just sports fans. So why do they have media credentials?
Perhaps because they never read or heard about the code of journalistic ethics, where these things are prescribed.