To Our Members,
Unfortunately the National Football League’s response to our letter requesting that they reconsider their new policy requiring sideline photographers to wear vests that include corporate logos has been less than encouraging. Rather than address the ethical concerns that we raised they chose instead to try to justify their position using a number of rationalizations.
We, however, remain opposed to journalists being put in a position where our objectivity and independence may be called into question and have told them as much in our reply to their letter.
According to the NFL (please see a .PDF file of the rules), the vests serve a safety and security purpose. Because the vests have a large identifying number on the back we believe that any attempt to obscure that number (such as wearing the vests inside out) will result in a confrontation and may lead to removal from the sidelines.
While the regulations make no mention of the sponsors’ logos, we do not endorse altering the vests in any way. Should you decide to somehow cover the offending logo you do so as a personal choice. For those of you who work for a media outlet we strongly suggest that you consult with your employer before taking any action with regard to these new policies.
In any event you should do nothing to permanently alter the vests as they are the property of the NFL and must be returned to them after each game. Whether you disagree with the policy or not, please remember to treat the property of others respectfully and always return the vests in the same condition in which they were issued.
Only by carefully considering all of the ethical considerations as well as the policies of your employers can you uphold the integrity of our profession while still carrying out your assignment.
We are truly disappointed in the NFL’s response to our letter, but we will continue to uphold the journalistic standards that have held our organization and the professionals it represents in high stead for more than sixty years. We will never give up in our mission to promote freedom of the press in all its forms. NPPA remains dedicated to the advancement of photojournalism. To that end, we encourage all photojournalists to reflect the high standards of quality in their professional performance and in their personal code of ethics.
Tony Overman
NPPA President
August 7, 2007
