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Who's in charge: Individual clubs handle regular-season and early playoff games. The NFL controls conference championships, Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, American Bowls, league meetings and the draft.

How to apply: Online at www.nflmedia.com for events overseen by NFL; otherwise contact the team.

Deadlines: Super Bowl credentials close by the end of November. Check the Web site for other events, but sooner is better than later.

The process: Circulation, frequency of publication, space devoted to a team or NFL and coverage plans can all be factors. A spokesman said on-game and off-season coverage (team press conferences, features, a team's community relations work) can help your case.

Helpful hints: If you have a special situation, contact the team PR director or the league office. Let them know of local connections that may warrant your presence. That can be done in writing or by phone, or both. Make sure the team is aware of your coverage.

Information about the credentialing process was supplied by media relations officials in each sport or league. Officials were asked to describe policies as they apply to daily newspapers, especially small and midsized papers, or those less likely to hold season-long "hard" credentials.

Deadlines are general and can change from year to year. It is best to make contact with an organization far ahead of time to avoid missing a deadline.

Keep in mind that not all credentials provide access to the event itself. Some credentials are limited to work rooms and interview areas.

If you use any of the e-mail addresses listed here, make sure you have a positive response before any application deadlines. Personnel, and their e-mails, do change from time to time.

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