Media Guidelines for USA Cheer & STUNT Sanctioned Events

Media Personnel at USA Cheer & STUNT Sanctioned Events, including the College STUNT National Championships, will be required to have proof (USA Cheer Membership Card) of an active USA Cheer Membership including a cleared Background Check to photograph/video events. 

An Active Professional USA Cheer Membership will give Media Personnel access to:

  • Access reserved media parameters during the championship (floor level, side access areas)
  • Have permission to bring and use Telephoto Zoom Lenses during the event

All Media Personnel, including local news, social media/team staff, fans/alumni, etc. will need to have Proof of Active Membership on hand throughout the event, and a Media Lanyard to access the floor (reserved media section). If Proof of Membership cannot be shown, personnel will not have access to reserved Media areas and may be asked to put camera/zoom lens away. Failure to adhere to policies below may result in removal from the event. 

To obtain a Media Lanyard, show Active USA Cheer Membership at check-in. 

Join or Renew Professional Membership

Additional Information on Media Credentials

Photographer/Videographer acknowledgment for STUNT Games/USA Cheer Events

The following rules are set forth by USA Cheer for all photographers/videographers covering media at STUNT games and USA Cheer events. * 

  1. There is no photography/videography allowed in the hotel rooms, public areas such as pools, restaurants, locker rooms, hotel grounds, etc.
  2. Photographers and videographers (cell phones/GoPros/etc.) are not allowed in the warm-up area, or any other area that is not designated for parents and spectators.
  3. No strobe lighting, GoPros, tripods or drone equipment allowed.
  4. Cameras with extended lenses (telephoto, zoom extending beyond 85mm, etc.) may be used only by those with Proof of USA Cheer Membership. 
  5. Content captured with extended lenses should prioritize the safety of athletes and avoid compromising angles of athletes playing. 
  6. Photographers/Videographers must abide by requests of Event Staff. Please be courteous and respectful to our staff and other media.
  7. Active USA Cheer Membership must be accessible at all times while at the event.
  8. This media pass does not permit recording full videos of routines or streaming of events. Exclusive rights to recording and producing audio and video of the event are permitted by the event host. Any guests or media personnel found streaming or video sharing the event may result in removal of the event.
  9. No photography/videography from this event can be ordered for purchase or resold for any purpose.
  10. All team photographers/videographers must purchase either a spectator ticket or be rostered with their designated team.
  11. Team photographers/videographers are responsible for all images that are posted on their team’s official team website/social media channels.
  12. Team photographers will not use this media and media channels to criticize the event officials, results, teams, coaches, athletes, or USA Cheer.
  13. Team photographers may move from designated shooting areas when specified but may be asked to present Proof of Membership when returning to media-only designated areas. 
  14. Designated areas are reserved on the floor space in front of or next to the game floors. Media may not travel behind the game area or enter the game area (including warm-up mats).
  15. USA Cheer reserves the right to approve or revoke media privileges before, during, or after USA Cheer events.

*Please note: Failure to follow these policies could result in removal from current or future USA Cheer events.

If you have a USA Cheer membership and need to show your current membership card, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the USA Cheer Membership page from a desktop/laptop browser or mobile device.
  2. Click “Log In” to get to your account.
  3. Desktop/Laptop: If your membership is current, your card will appear on the page after you log in to your account. Click “Print Membership Card” to show your card on its own page and to access a link where you can download it as a PDF to print or show later.
  4. Mobile Device: Once logged in, click “Membership”, then “Member Cards” (see below).
  5. There will be a card for each membership type you have obtained.

Option 1: Check the public membership list here. This list is updated weekly.

Option 2: Log in to the member portal at usacheer.org/login. If your membership is current, you will see your Member ID card. If you see a popup window, it will show you which requirements are still needed in order to make your membership current.

Media Credentials and active USA Cheer Memberships are required at USA Cheer events (including the College STUNT National Championships) to prioritize the safety of the athletes playing at the event. 

To obtain a USA Cheer Professional, Coach, or STUNT Official membership, an applicant must successfully pass a criminal background check. Background screening is one step to help ensure a positive and safe environment. 

Hosts of STUNT Games are under their own discretion requiring USA Cheer Media Credentials and Membership, but may not be required. Photographers/Videographers may acquire Media Credentials any time throughout the regular season and will remain on record through the duration of their membership and at the STUNT National Championship. 

To find more information and frequently asked questions about the USA Cheer Membership Process, please visit: usacheer.org/membership 

More information on USA Cheer Professional Membership: USA Cheer Professional Membership – USA Cheer

Join USA Cheer Here