The SEC has once again changed its credentialing policies for this season. This time it appears to be a much better change. According to the SEC, the new policy has “additional flexibility in internet news coverage, uses of photographic images, access to video images for television newscasts and special shows and clarification in the provisions of blogging”
The new policy can be found at this link:
http://www.secsports.com/doc_lib/0910_media_credential_policy.pdf
There is also a good article on editor and publisher website, clarifying the restrictions that were lifted:
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1004007242
Finally, it is worth reading this general article by the Associated Press Sports Editors group: “Here’s what you need to know about credential issues”
Also worth reading for freelance photographers is this post by John Harrington about the lesson that photographers can learn from the AP, who refused to give up its rights. The irony is painful. And yes, the rights are clearly valuable.
Photo Blawg 
This is pretty much standard operation proceedure. When I was covering UNM football and basketball you were checked out to make sure you are legit.
http://bobbygee.wordpress.com/
Of course, getting a credential is SOP. It is the terms surrounding the credentials that were unacceptable. It has never been standard to claim the rights to reuse photos that members of the media have taken at a sporting event. However, sports organizations keep trying. And news organizations keep fighting back.