Social media is on the rise, and many schools, athletic organizations, student sections and sports teams alike are turning to various platforms to share results and photos. While Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X — formerly known as Twitter — are great communication tools, they come with some precautions. 

All Fennimore High School athletics are under probation for a poster that used a current high school athlete to promote on social media a Fennimore Wrestling Association (FWA) summer camp. Per Article IV of WIAA’s Rules and Regulations regarding amateur status, “a student shall be determined to be in violation if he/she . . . is identified as an athlete, provides endorsement as an athlete, or appears as an athlete, in the promotion of a commercial/advertisement and/or profit-making event, item, plan or service.” According to a Fennimore Times article, the FWA was “unaware this was a violation of the WIAA rules.”

To avoid repercussions, its vital to be aware of all rules regarding photo use. For more information regarding Fennimore’s probation, read the article “Fennimore High School athletic teams placed on probation” in the Fennimore Times. For the full set of rules regarding amateur status, visit the WIAA website: https://www.wiaawi.org/Schools/Eligibility-Rules-Forms#37616-amateur-status. 

The most important takeaway from the rules are athletes can not be used in a promotion, whether or not that promotion is affiliated with the school. Meaning, businesses and organizations — like the FWA — are still required to adhere to these rules to the detriment of said schools. If a community business breaks these rules, the school suffers. 

If you are considering a sports related social media post using a photo of an athlete, the WIAA suggests taking these steps. 

One, ask the school or athlete permission to be featured in your content. The school or athlete will know more about amateur status rules and can make the right decision regarding social media content. 

Two, use athletes that are not currently in high school in your social media content. Younger kids that have not yet reached high school are not affected by amateur status rules.

Three, use models that are not athletes for your content. If you want a picture of a wrestler to promote a camp, take a photo of a non-athlete in a singlet and head gear. 

Another issue to be aware of when using sports photos is proper photo credit. While this concern won’t have as strict of consequences as the former, it’s matter of common courtesy. Photographers put a lot of time and money into their photos, so the very least you can do is tag them or their business in your social media post. 

Again, asking permission first is the best step. While many photographers are happy to have their photos shared, some of them charge for their use. If you get permission — and the photographer has a watermark on their photos — ask if they’d like the watermark to still be in the photo. I’ve seen many gameday promotions on social media that have an athlete outlined without a background, eliminating the watermark entirely. Some photographers are okay with this, as long as they are tagged in the photo and the comments. Others may insist the watermark remains. Whatever the method, open communication with the photographer whose photos you are using is vital. 

Additionally, never assume that one use gives you permission to take any additional photos for your own use. Unless the photographer tells you explicitly you are allowed to use any of their photos in the future, it’s best to ask permission for each individual instance.

Sports photography is a great way to enhance social media posts, but their use comes with some guidelines. If you’d like to use any Monroe Times Sports photos for your social media posts, please contact me directly through email: ndillon@themonroetimes.com. 

— Natalie Dillon is the sports editor for the Times. She can be reached at ndillon@themonroetimes.com.