5-Star Sports Media Academy

Code of Conduct

Every student correspondent and mentor in the 5-Star Sports Media Academy operates by these standards. This is what it means to represent the Academy with the 5-Star name.

Our Foundation

Five principles. One standard.

⚖️
Accuracy

Verify before you publish. Names, scores, stats, and facts must be confirmed. When in doubt, don't publish it.

🤝
Respect

Every athlete, coach, official, parent, and fan deserves to be treated with dignity — on the field and on the page.

🛡️
Safety

Student and subject safety comes first in every assignment. No story is worth compromising anyone's wellbeing.

🎖️
Professionalism

You represent 5-Star Sports Media in every interaction. How you carry yourself is part of the story you tell.

✍️
Integrity

Editorial coverage is earned, not purchased. Never let money, relationships, or pressure influence what you report.

🙋
Accountability

If you make a mistake, own it. If you see something wrong, report it to a mentor. We get better together.

The Full Code

Professional Standards for All Academy Members

01
Respect everyone in the sports community
Treat athletes, coaches, officials, parents, fans, and venue staff with respect at all times — whether you are covering them, interviewing them, or simply present at a game. You represent the Academy and 5-Star Sports Media in every interaction.
02
Verify names, scores, and facts before publishing
Always confirm the correct spelling of athlete and coach names. Double-check final scores, statistics, and school affiliations before submitting your work. Errors damage trust — both ours and yours. If you can't verify it, flag it to your mentor before it goes to publish.
03
Do not publish rumors, speculation, or unverified information
Sports media moves fast — but accuracy matters more than speed. Never publish something you heard second-hand, saw on social media without confirmation, or cannot verify through a direct source. One wrong story damages credibility that takes years to build.
04
Do not harass athletes, coaches, or subjects
Interviews are a privilege, not a right. If an athlete or coach declines to comment, accept that answer respectfully. Do not press, follow up excessively, contact subjects through personal social media, or put sources in uncomfortable positions. Professionalism means knowing when to step back.
05
No private or unsupervised interviews with minors
All interviews with students under 18 must take place in a public setting with appropriate adults present. Student correspondents who are also minors should conduct interviews in the presence of a coach, parent, teacher, or Academy mentor. This protects both the subject and the interviewer.
06
Follow all venue, school, and event rules
Each venue, school, and event organization has its own access policies and media guidelines. Before attending an assignment, confirm media access protocols. If credentials or permission are required, obtain them through the Academy before arriving — not on the day of the event.
07
Wear 5-Star Sports Media credentials only when approved
Academy credentials and media badges may only be worn during approved, active assignments. Do not use Academy credentials to gain access to events you are not assigned to cover. Misuse of media credentials is grounds for removal from the program.
08
Represent the brand professionally at all times
How you act in person, online, and in your writing is a direct reflection of 5-Star Sports Media and the Venuewise ecosystem. Conduct yourself with the professionalism you'd want associated with your own name — because it is.
09
Photos must be respectful, appropriate, and consent-aware
Only photograph subjects in public, appropriate settings. Never publish photos that are embarrassing, demeaning, or that a subject would reasonably object to. Action and portrait photos of minors require parent or school permission in accordance with Academy guidelines and applicable media release forms.
10
Editorial coverage is earned, not purchased
No story, spotlight, or coverage on 5-Star Sports Media is available for purchase. Athlete and team features are assigned based on merit, community impact, and editorial value — not sponsorship, relationships, or financial consideration. This is our most important rule, and it is non-negotiable.
11
Report concerns to an adult mentor immediately
If you encounter any situation that makes you uncomfortable, feel unsafe, or are unsure how to handle — stop the assignment and contact your Academy mentor or a trusted adult immediately. No assignment, story, or deadline is more important than your safety and wellbeing.
📋

All Academy members acknowledge this Code

Every student correspondent and mentor formally acknowledges this Code of Conduct upon joining the Academy. It is a shared commitment — to the program, to the subjects we cover, and to WNY's sports community.

Apply to the Academy →