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Randolph County Schools to formalize athletic broadcast permissions, clarifies drone limits
Summary
Superintendent Jacobs presented a proposed athletic broadcast statement to require permission for third‑party livestreaming at games and outlined limits on drone use at events while noting the FAA retains primary airspace authority.
Superintendent Jacobs presented a proposed broadcast statement for the district’s athletic handbook to clarify who may audio‑ or video‑record athletic events and under what conditions. Jacobs said the policy is intended to formalize long‑standing agreements so schools "know who it's gonna be" and can limit the number of outside broadcasters at games.
Jacobs said visitors who wish to broadcast will need permission and that coaches will distribute the guidance to venue visitors. "This is like for broadcast purposes," he said, adding the legislature gave schools authority to decide who could record and when.
Board members also discussed unmanned aircraft systems. One board member (S3) cautioned that local policy cannot regulate airspace and that the FAA has primary authority: "We're not allowed to regulate any airspace. The FAA says that is theirs," the member said, explaining that law enforcement must refer complaints to the nearest FAA office. The discussion focused the district’s policy on on‑campus permissions, takeoff/landing locations, and safety—rather than attempting to regulate broader airspace.
Members raised safety concerns about drones over stands and near sidelines, noting propeller injury risks and potential game‑day interference. The superintendent said the district would "comply with the best thing that we can" and will require permission and qualifications for operators when events are broadcast.
No formal vote on the handbook language or drone guidance was recorded at the meeting; the board agreed to circulate the proposed language to coaches and incorporate the guidelines into athletic operations and visitor communications.
