Code of Conduct

This code of conduct is intended for the guidance of members of the ITPA and other professional photographers working at tennis tournaments.It is also intended to inform others who deal with the photographers of the conduct which may be expected for members of this association, and which may be required by others.

1. DEALINGS WITH COURT OFFICIALS:

In all circumstances members should avoid obstructing court officials and ball people from carrying out their jobs. Requests made by the chair umpire should be complied with provided that these relate directly to play. In circumstances where facilities for photographers have not been previously agreed, the tournament director's or referee's approval should be obtained before taking a position on court.

2. DEALINGS WITH OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS:

A member should assist fellow members and other photographers whenever possible, with due allowance for the competitive aspects of the profession and in no circumstances obstruct another photographer from carrying out his duties. Members should support other members in situations requiring a united effort and make every attempt to communicate on matters of general interest. Where working conditions at a tournament are particularly unsatisfactory, collective action is more likely to be successful and should involve a committee member if present. Photo-call times and locations should be communicated to other photographers present as far as possible, particularly when the member is acting in an official capacity or has been directed by an official. Lost equipment belonging to fellow professionals should be handed in at the press office and a receipt obtained.

3. DEALINGS WITH SPECTATORS:

Members should remember that spectators have paid to watch a match for their own enjoyment. They should therefore avoid obstructing a spectators view as far as possible. If this is impossible the problem should be communicated to the tournament organizers. Should a spectator be found occupying a position allocated to photographers, he should be asked to move to his own seat or area. If he or she does not wish to cooperate, assistance should be sought from an official. The spectator will otherwise be assumed to be a photographer by others and any misdemeanor or interference with play will be attributed to photographers.

4. CONDUCT ON COURT:

(a) On court, members should keep to working positions allocated or approved by the tournament organizers. On the court side these will normally be between the two service line judges, either behind or facing the umpire, however members should comply with the rules of each individual tournament. It should be noted that players become used to the usual locations and therefore less likely to be distracted by camera noise from those areas than from unexpected sources. Members should avoid obscuring sponsors court side advertising unless such a position has been approved by tournament officials. When a member has completed his work he should vacate the position so that it may be used by another photographer.

(b) Members should avoid unnecessary or excessive movement during play.

(c) Members must avoid making remarks to players, umpires, and ball persons during play. Members should not call out during a match.

(d) Members should show due care and consideration and should avoid obstructing or walking in front of television cameras remembering that they may be on live transmission.