Northgate High School in Georgia is charging a “media credential fee” for all photographers and videographers who request access to sporting events. There are three different payment options depending on the sport, including high school football.
The policy is designed to improve safety, security and event operations.
It appears as though the fee only applies to sideline access. The goal is to cut down on the amount of unqualified and unprofessional personnel on the sideline during high school football games.
Northgate High School competes in 22 varsity sports.
Established in 1996, Northgate High School enrolls ~2,000 students in Grades 9-12. It is located in Newnan, Georgia, approximately 30 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta.
The Vikings will compete in Class 7A, Region 2 for the 2026-2028 Georgia High School Association reclassification cycle. Class 7A is the largest classification in the state. Regional opponents include Carrollton, Douglas County, East Coweta, Paulding County and West Lake. Northgate has 22 varsity athletic programs.
- Baseball
- Boys and girls basketball
- Bass fishing
- Cheerleading
- Cross country
- Dance
- ESports
- Football
- Flag Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Boys and girls lacrosse
- Boys and girls soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Recent accomplishments include the 2024 boys golf championship, girls soccer championship in 2013, softball championships in 2007 and 2011, multiple individual titles in track and field, and cheerleading championships in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The football team finished at 8-3 in 2025 after five losing seasons in the six years prior.
The Vikings are charging a media credential fee.
Northgate High School recently announced a new policy for 2026. It will charge a “media credential fee” of $25 per event for football, volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, and wrestling. A $15 fee will apply to baseball and softball. A full-season pass that includes every sport is available for $200 per year.
As far as I can tell, this policy only applies to videographers and photographers who request access to the sideline. They must be approved by the school and pay the fee before the event.
The policy was met with widespread criticism, because legitimate journalists should not have to pay to do their jobs, so Northgate released a statement of clarification. This does not apply to legacy media. It only applies to outside media.
“This policy does NOT apply to official media outlets, such as the Newnan Times-Herald and other recognized news organizations. We value the important role they play in showcasing our student-athletes and will continue to welcome them at Northgate athletic events.
“The policy is designed to improve safety, security, and event operations by managing the growing number of individuals requesting sideline and court access to photograph or film events for private clients or commercial purposes. Limiting access to essential personnel and approved credentialed media helps us provide a safer environment for our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.
“We also believe in creating opportunities for our scholars who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in sports photography, videography, broadcasting, communications, social media, and event operations. Our goal is to give students meaningful opportunities to develop real-world skills while supporting Viking Athletics.”
Steve Solis shared an interesting anecdote from Southern California that corresponds to the ethos of Northgate’s media credential policy:
“A few years ago, I watched a parent buy his own ‘MEDIA’ vest just to get sideline photos of his son. In one instance, as he photographed from the opposing sideline, he trash-talked the chain crew after hearing them criticize his son’s play on the field. That’s just one example.”
The Vikings are trying to cut down on the amount private photographers and videographers who are hired to film a specific team or player from the sidelines. They most often seek content for social media.
Although a required fee does not guarantee professionalism, this new media credential process will help. In addition to the slight revenue stream for Northgate High School, it should cut down on overcrowding and poor behavior from unqualified parties.