Some Competitive and Professional Rules Enforcement Level tournaments use video for live streaming or replay broadcast of matches. Players may decline to appear on camera; however, players in the playoff matches of Professional Rules Enforcement Level tournaments may not decline to appear on camera.
Typically every player fills out a press release form at larger events with video coverage. Players can refuse for reasons from being shy to being in witness protection, but all Top 8 matches are on coverage.
Video commentators are considered spectators for the purpose of the tournament, but may talk during the match as long as they can’t be heard by players being covered. They are responsible for behaving respectfully to all tournament participants during coverage.
At large events, the coverage team is usually more than 25m (75 ft) away from the feature match area so that players can’t overhear the coverage team talking about cards that were just drawn, or lines of play available to players. If, at your local store, there is some sort of stream, the TO needs to ensure that the commentators cannot be heard.
Spectators are also permitted to record matches provided that they do so unobtrusively.
This typically takes the form of a buddy or helper recording the play so the player can review after the fact. Its not common, but it can happen. It’s typically considered safe because spectators can’t share those notes with a player during play. However if the spectator is being obtrusive or disruptive, the opponent and/or the judge can ask the spectator to leave.
The Head Judge of a World Championship or Pro Tour tournament may, at their sole discretion, use video replay to assist in making rulings during a match. Video replays may not be used to assist in making rulings in tournaments other than a World Championship or Pro Tour tournament. Players may not request that a judge consult a video replay. Video replays may also be used for investigative purposes at a later time.
The use of video to make a ruling is severely limited due to the consistency of the recording and the time added to even mundane investigations. At the larger events where the stakes and visibility are amongst the highest, and the quality and availability of video is consistent, the Head Judge may utilize the option to use video replay to make a decision. The decision to review video has to be at the HJs sole discretion because otherwise, players would call for a video review any time a judge call did not end up in their favor.
