1. Membership Requirement
Photographers and videographers must be active PSA members to be permitted on the official trial field. Membership status must be verified prior to the event by checking in with the trial secretary, who will confirm the member’s status is active.

2.  Filed Access

Access to the trial field is a privilege, not a right. PSA trial officials and PSA national officials may revoke on-field access for any photographer or videographer at any time, for any or no reason, at their sole discretion.

Only one (1) photographer and one (1) videographer will be permitted on the official trial field, defined as the designated and marked area where the trial takes place.

Every reasonable effort should be made to maintain the same photographer and videographer throughout the trial to ensure consistency and minimize disruptions.

3. Annual Agreement
Photographers and videographers must sign this MOU on an annual basis, as the terms and conditions may change. Updates to the MOU will be communicated via email (to the address on file) and PSA social media posts if changed mid season.

4. Coordination with the Judge
Photographers and videographers must coordinate with the trial judge prior to the event and during the trial. The judge has ultimate authority on the field and may issue instructions that must be followed immediately, even if it conflicts with planned photography or videography.

5. Competitor Removal Requests
Competitors have the right to request the removal of photographers or videographers from the trial field. Such requests must be made to the judge or trial steward before the competitor’s entry onto the field. The judge or steward will then notify the photographer or videographer of their removal.

6. Sideline Photography

PSA recognizes and respects the right of spectators to take their own photographs and videos of the event from public spaces. PSA Trials are public events. Nothing in this MOU shall be construed to infringe upon or limit that right, provided that such activity does not interfere with the trial, obstruct the view of others, or violate venue rules.

PSA clubs may designate an Official Event Photographer or videographer, who will be granted exclusive on-field photography access. This photographer will be the only photographer permitted on the field of play and will therefore have the best vantage points for images. The Official Event Photographer will also be allowed to:

Advertise photography packages in advance of the event; and
Post promotional materials on PSA event pages and the official PSA Facebook page, subject to PSA’s usual content standards.

Other photographers and spectators are welcome to operate from spectator areas or other non-field locations as permitted by the venue. PSA does not charge any fee to photographers and does not regulate their business practices outside the scope of this MOU. Photographers remain free to set their own prices, packages, and terms with their clients.

All photographers, including the Official Event Photographer, are expected to interact courteously and professionally with spectators and event staff, and to respect spectators’ right to take their own photos. Repeated complaints, unprofessional conduct, or conflicts with spectators or staff may, at PSA’s sole discretion, result in the photographer being removed from the list of approved photographers for future events.

7. Timely Delivery of Content
Photographers and videographers must make every reasonable effort to deliver photos and videos in a timely manner. Delays leading to complaints from competitors to PSA must be avoided. Refer to the PSA Rulebook for specific requirements regarding providing content to PSA for promotional purposes or any fees in lieu of providing content.

8. Confidentiality
Photographers and videographers must maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive or private information overheard or observed during events, including but not limited to competitor discussions, trial-specific strategies, or scoring discussions. Breaches of confidentiality will result in removal from current and future events.

9. Appropriate Attire and Equipment
Photographers and videographers must adhere to the following dress code and equipment guidelines:

- Wear professional attire that ensures safety and does not resemble training gear or bite suits.

- Avoid bright colors or clothing that may distract dogs.

- No dog training or reward objects may be part of on-field gear.

- Closed-toe shoes are required to ensure safety on the field.

10. Prohibited Actions
Photographers and videographers must refrain from the following actions:

- Interfering with competitors, judges, or animals during the trial.

- Using flash photography unless explicitly approved and discussed with the judge prior to the event.

- Running on the field during routines or engaging in any behavior that may draw the dog’s attention or disrupt the trial.

11. Intellectual Property and Content Rights
Photographers and videographers retain ownership of their photos and videos but agree to the following conditions:

- PSA reserves the right to demand the removal of any photo or video deemed to portray PSA negatively from public display (e.g., websites, social media).

- Photographers/videographers who wish to sell their content to competitors must provide PSA with no fewer than five (5) digital photos or five (5) minutes of video for promotional use or pay a $150 fee per event for on-field access.

- Refer to the PSA Rulebook for additional details regarding promotional services, fees, and advertising policies.

- Credit will be given to photographers/videographers who provide photos or videos for PSA promotional purposes.

12. Assumption of Liability
Photographers and videographers assume all liability for their equipment and actions on the trial field. PSA is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to equipment.

13. Waiver of Liability
By signing this MOU, the undersigned agrees to release PSA, its affiliated clubs, members, officials, and property owners from any liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred while working on the trial field. This waiver applies to all PSA trials the undersigned participates in during the calendar year.