Major sporting events are busy, fast-moving environments. While fans focus on the players and the action, there is a large team working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.

Photographers, broadcast crews, technical staff, medical teams, event operations and media all require access to specific areas, often at the same time. Managing who can be where is not just about organisation. It is a core part of event security and safety.

That is where identification bibs play a critical role.

Identification bibs are about more than visibility

At professional sporting events, the field of play and surrounding areas are tightly controlled zones. Alongside players and umpires, there may be accredited photographers, camera operators, sound technicians and production staff, all with different access permissions.

Accreditation passes and lanyards are important, but they are not always visible from a distance, especially during live play or in crowded environments. Identification bibs provide instant visual confirmation that someone belongs in a restricted area.

This immediate recognition helps security teams, officials and venue staff make quick decisions without disrupting the event.

Reducing risk through instant recognition

Clear, well-designed identification bibs reduce confusion and improve response times in high-pressure situations.

They help to:

• Prevent unauthorised access to the field and technical zones

• Reduce uncertainty during stoppages or incidents

• Support crowd and boundary management

• Protect players, officials and accredited personnel

• Maintain broadcast integrity by controlling media access

In practical terms, bibs act as a highly visible layer of security that complements formal accreditation systems.

Case study: photographer bibs for Cricket Australia

Mic Logo Branding supplies identification bibs to Cricket Australia that are designed specifically for real-world event operations.

For accredited photographers:

• Two distinct bib colours are used to clearly separate roles or access levels

• Each bib is individually numbered, allowing officials to check photographers in and out, match attendance against accreditation lists and quickly identify anyone who should not be on the field

This system adds accountability as well as visibility, which is essential across large venues and multi-day tournaments.

Case study: courtside bibs in the National Basketball League

The same principles apply in fast-paced indoor environments like the NBL, where courtside access is tightly controlled and play moves quickly.

Identification bibs worn by photographers and broadcast personnel make it immediately clear who is authorised to be on the floor during live action. In a setting where space is limited and reactions are split-second, that clarity matters.

Strong visual identification helps officials and security staff manage access confidently without interrupting the game, while also maintaining a professional broadcast presentation.

Clear role separation across the venue

Beyond photographers, different bib colours and designs are commonly used to identify:

• Event staff

• Broadcast crews

• Media with varying levels of access

This colour-coding allows umpires, venue staff and security teams to instantly recognise who can cross boundaries, who can enter broadcast compounds and who must remain in designated media zones.

The result is smoother operations and fewer disruptions during live play.

Designed for real event conditions

Event identification bibs need to perform in heat, rain, low light and long working days. They must be lightweight, highly visible and durable enough for repeated use across seasons.

Professionally produced bibs are designed with these realities in mind, ensuring consistent performance and presentation at every event.

A simple tool with a big impact

Identification bibs are a practical, highly effective security tool. They improve safety, support efficient event management and reinforce professionalism at every level of sport.

At major sporting events, clear identification is not optional. It is essential.

Examples of our work