Theses is no battle! Without permission, accreditation to a specific event or show, photographers, amateur OR all professional have no business at many venues and events. The rules are set by entertainment management, venue management, professions and amateur sports leagues and some have to do with propitiatory rights. Some of the rules have to do with safety of the athletes and the spectators. Some of the aforementioned officials and organizations extend certain courtesies at their option.

This does not mean that a competent amateur or pro photographer can't ever cover theses events but you must take the time to plan, go through channels and secure permission. Here are some logical ideas.

Many of the print publications, even the famous Sports Illustrated and the New York Daily News (New York's "PICTURE" Newspaper) have began to disband their salaried photographic staffs and are utilizing the services of FREELANCE photograhers or "stringers"! Ever think of becoming a "stringer" for you local paper or even a national publication?

You can volunteer your service to local sports teams- minor league teams, and high school or college athletic departments and build a portfolio. You can become accredited to some of theses farm teams or school teams and begin to work your way up. If you becom a stringer you MAY qualify for press credentials. You can do the same with amateur theatrical companies or smaller local theatre groups.

Even "press cards" do not give anyone free entry or run of the event. In New York City, official "Working Press" cards are issued by the police department, upon proof of media employment or accreditation, so photographers can gain access to certin vantage points at parades, public places and buildings, certain ceremonies, and may SOMETIMES cross fire or police lines. They are still somewhat supervised by officials and still need to have specific a permissions to certain private events. Certain press credentials issued by professional organizations kind of request courtesy be extended but there are no guarantees.

Of course there is the money aspect. Some organizations want to share in the profits that others earn from their events so they want to control who photographs their events or shows and what is going to be done with the pictures. The personages and images of sports and entertainment personalities are "commodities" that theses folks want to be paid for.

This business of lens size borders on ridiculous- the concept that a long lens or tripod automatically categorizes anyone as a "professional" is silly ! But somebody made up theses blanket rules and the security folks who enforce them are not usually aficionados of photography, photographic gear or who is or isn't a pro. If you don't have the paper work or a pass you are out! Check your camera t at the door.

Some othere places- tourist attractions, museums, and othere seemingly public places do place restriction on tripods and other gear. Some insist of fees and licenses- some are reasonable other are just cash grabs. It is what it is!

Oftentimes there are very legitimate reason for restrictions. If everyone was allowed to do whatever the wanted to do with their cameras there is the possibility that other spectators, patrons and audience members would be disturbed and distracted by the goings on. At certain events there are serious safety and insurance issues- motor sports, rodeos and situation where someone on or near the field, ring or arena can be struck by a ball, puck, other projectile or a flying athlete. Flash or or entering upon a field can endanger the photographer and/or an athlete. This can also distract the athletes and interfere with the game or match.

Cellphone cameras have nothing to do with the crux of the matter. The may be restricted too, at some events.

If you are an avid sports or entertainment photographer or aspire to become one- do the homework! Research the venue and the restriction long before you attend. Seek out passes, accreditation or permissions in writing! Don't just show up with a camer where they are gonna be totally restricted- it frustrating and disappointing and can even lead to legal problems.

Be courteous, act professional, ask nicely- you would be surprised how much cooperation you can get if you go through the right channels.

Just for the record- I an not talking out of my hat! I worked on a daily newspaper for a couple of years, did "stringer" work for several magazines including "RING" where I covered pro boxing. In my commercial work I do get to do lots of event coverage and I am dealing with the folks in charge all the time- sometimes that is a job in it itself- it's easier to take the pictures! Even in my High School days, I was on the Track Team and also shot their meets for the yearbook and had to obtain an A.A.U. pass to shoot my own team at Madison Square Garden back in 1958- you get used to it!

Good luck and don't be discouraged.

During the time I served as a docent at the mansion in our local arboretum, rules were changed to prohibit photographs inside the house. The reasoning behind the change was that professional photographers were disrupting tours (the only way to get in without paying an additional fee) to photograph clients. The blanket prohibition was thought to be the simplest way to restore order without making us as docents referee who was and who was not a professional photographer. There had been some very unpleasant confrontations between some of those folks and arboretum volunteers trying to maintain order.

So now, the only folks who take photos in the house are those with cell phones who blatantly defy the clearly posted rules. I had suggested that if photographs were no longer to be allowed that photos or booklets ought to be made available, even at a small cost, for those who wanted. I do not believe that was ever done (I'm not currently an active volunteer). Truth is, there is no financial incentive at all for preventing photography there. But a few bad actors ruined the experienced for all who wanted to take pictures of what is really a very interesting place.

Cell phones ARE banned from many concerts, plays, and other performances. Thank goodness! There is nothing more ridiculous than to see a performer in front of 500 people with 300 cell phones held high. (Why the F--- are we there, anyway??? It's a PERFORMANCE, not a photo session.)

Most plays, music, and other performances use copyrighted material that is licensed under strict terms to the performers or company or school sponsoring the performance. Many professional sports organizations license their players' images, uniform logos, and limit recording or broadcasting rights to their games.