Mike,
We hire US Photos not the expo. With that being said over 75 press passes were given out this weekend and there is no way all of those folks can or should be out in the middle of the mats. So we ask them to take them from the coaches side of the mat. The reason US Photo is out in the middle is they have to get from mat to mat in a hurry some times and it just makes it easier for them. I watch this year and I thought they did a good job of trying to stay out of the way. But in the past from time to time I have seen a Newspaper person out there taking photos and it was not a issue.
I think we do a good job of working with the press and making as easy for them as possible. I agree with Sweazy I thought this press coverage was great. To get a press pass you must show press credentials from the paper you are working for. A lot of small towns may send a parent to take pictures since they have small staffs.
As far as the refs out on the mat we will work with our head offical to see if we can find a better way. But please keep in mind that we are in a pinch for space on the floor. But we will look in to it.
Thnaks for the Ideas,
Ned
