Athletics Communications

ALABAMA ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS INTERVIEW POLICIES

All interview requests by members of the media for University of Alabama student-athletes, coaches, athletic department staff or administrators are to be requested and arranged through the Athletics Communications Office. It is the responsibility of the Athletics Communications Office to arrange interviews in a timely and professional manner.

• All interviews for coaches, athletes and administrative staff should be coordinated through the Communications Office.
• The Communications Office must have an understanding of the student athlete’s class schedule, practice schedule, team policies and the head coach’s rules regarding interviews and other commitments the individual already has regarding the media.
• It is understood as well, that all student athlete living, dining, training and dressing areas are considered private areas and that no member of the media is to be present in any of these areas unless they are escorted by a member of the communications staff. There are no exceptions to this rule.
• Phone numbers of student athletes are not issued to the media. It is the responsibility of the communications staff to coordinate all phone interviews when they cannot be done in person.
• Every attempt should be made by the communications office to see that all interviews are requested at least 24 hours in advance. This will permit the communications office to contact the student-athlete, get his/her approval and then finalize plans with the media representative.
• As per SEC policy, student-athletes are not permitted to appear live on radio/TV talk shows or Internet chat groups.

Cooperating with the media is an important part of a student-athlete’s and coaching staff’s daily functions. Positive and educated responses to the interview process from student-athletes enhance the image of the University and develop vital communication skills that will help them in their professional or business careers one day. It is important that all representatives of the University Of Alabama Department Of Athletics be punctual and never misses an approved interview without contacting the communications staff first.