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SCR 223

REQUESTING THE DELAWARE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO GRANT QUALIFIED MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS AND SCHOOL BASED PROGRAMS ACCESS TO BROADCAST DIAA-SANCTIONED PLAYOFF AND CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Tim Dukes and 5 co-sponsors

DIAA must develop formal policies to grant qualified media and school programs access to broadcast DIAA playoff and championship games.

Passed In House by Voice Vote
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 223

Summary of SCR 223 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

  • SCR 223 requests the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) to develop and implement policies and procedures that grant qualified media organizations and school-based programs access to broadcast DIAA-sanctioned playoff and championship games.
  • The resolution aims to increase visibility and accessibility of high school playoff and championship events by allowing broader media access, subject to DIAA standards.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Obligation for DIAA: Develop and implement formal policies and procedures governing access for:
    • Qualified media organizations (e.g., local and regional broadcasters, newspapers, websites, and other vetted media entities).
    • School-based programs (likely referring to school media programs such as student broadcasting or school-produced coverage).
  • Scope of access: Applies specifically to DIAA-sanctioned playoff and championship games, which are typically the postseason and culminating events in Delaware high school athletics.
  • Standards and criteria: While the text of SCR 223 is a resolution directing action, the implied outcome is that DIAA would establish criteria to determine which media outfits and school programs qualify, and the conditions under which access is granted (e.g., credentialing, game-day operations, rights, and usage restrictions).
  • Implementation timeline: The resolution directs policy development and implementation but does not specify exact dates within the text provided. The expectation is that DIAA would finalize policies and begin applying them to eligible postseason events.

Who would be affected

  • DIAA and its member high schools participating in DIAA-sanctioned playoff and championship games.
  • Qualified media organizations seeking access to broadcast or cover postseason games.
  • School-based media programs seeking opportunities to broadcast or report on playoff and championship games.
  • Potentially fans and communities that rely on broadcast access to postseason events, via the approved media channels.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and passed by the Delaware Senate on 2026-06-24, with a reported vote of 20 YES and 1 Not Voting (and a reconsideration/roll call recount noted in the action history).
  • Next steps: As a concurrence or resolution, this would typically require coordination with DIAA to draft and adopt policies. Depending on subsequent legislative action, it may proceed to the House (or be considered enacted as a concurrent resolution) and then require implementation timing set by DIAA.
  • Sponsor group: The measure has multiple co-sponsors (Dave Wilson, Tim Dukes, Stell Selby, Nicole Poore, Jack Walsh, Brian Pettyjohn), signaling broad support across chambers.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Access and equity: Clear, formal policies can standardize access for media and school programs, potentially increasing coverage for postseason events.
  • Rights and protections: Any DIAA policy would need to address broadcast rights, use of footage, archival rights, and revenue implications (if any) for schools or DIAA.
  • Operational clarity: Establishing credentialing, deadlines, production guidelines, and safety/antitrust considerations will be critical to effective implementation.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Success depends on how DIAA consults with schools, media organizations, and student media programs to balance access with competitive integrity and operational feasibility.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, educators, or media organizations) or add a brief comparison to how similar access policies operate in neighboring states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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