Photography

Guidelines for Use of Photographs at Sporting Events

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on sports websites. Photographs can be used as a means of identifying individuals when they are accompanied with personal information "this is X who likes music": this information can make an individual vulnerable to another person who may wish to start to "groom" that child for abuse. Secondly the content of the photo can be used or adapted for inappropriate use, and there is evidence of this adapted material finding its way onto child pornography sites.

Sporting organisations and clubs need to develop a policy in relation to the use of images of athletes on their website, or on public display. The sport will need to make decisions about the type of images they consider suitable and that appropriately represent the sport. They will want to ensure that parents support their policy. When assessing the potential risks in the use of images of athletes, the most important factor is the potential of inappropriate use of images of young people.

If sporting organisations are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate steps the potential for misuse can be reduced.

The CPSU would advise sporting bodies to

• consider using models or illustrations if you are promoting an activity
• avoid the use of the first name and surname of individuals in a photograph. This reduces the risk of inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people outside the sport.

General Policy statement

Where children and/or vulnerable adults are involved

• The interests and welfare of children and vulnerable adults taking part in events is paramount.
• Parents, carers, children and vulnerable adults have the right to decide whether children’s and/or vulnerable adult’s images are to be taken and how those images may be used.
• Images should convey the best principles and aspects of sport, such as fairness and safety.
• Care should be taken to make sure that the images are not sexual or exploitative in nature, not open to obvious misinterpretation and misuse.
• Images should only be taken by accredited persons who must wear identification at all times. See specimen consent forms on the Sample Forms page.
• All images of children/ vulnerable adults should be securely stored.
• Care must be taken when reproducing photographs in the press and on the web-site that no identifying details could permit contact with a child or vulnerable adult by a potential abuser.
• Do not allow unsupervised access of children or vulnerable adults for photo sessions without consent.
• If the athlete is named, avoid using the photograph.
• If the photograph is used, avoid naming the athlete.
• Ask for parental permission to use an image of a young person. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image of their child is representing the sport. A Parental Permission Form is one way of achieving this.
• Ask for athlete’s permission to use their image. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image of themselves is to be used to represent the sport. An Athletes Permission Form is one way of achieving this.

Specimen forms for consent by parents and carers and individuals can be found on the Sample Forms page. Also on that page is a specimen form for those wishing to take photographs and it is s trongly advised that all parents, carers and family attending events where other children and vulnerable adults are involved are urged to register.

Photographic images (cameras or video media or mobile phones)

Care should also be taken to monitor the use of mobile phones with a photo capability to ensure that the above guidelines are adhered to. The individuals being photographed must be appropriately dressed for the activity and the photography or recording should focus on the activity rather than on the individual.

Coaching and Photography

All individuals featured must be appropriately dressed for the sport with garments adhering to the dress code of bowls for the appropriate NGB. Any photography or recording should focus on the activity and be recorded in small groups (which may comprise a combination of adults and young individuals). Coaches are allowed to use video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid and means of recording special occasions. However, care should be taken in the dissemination and storage of the material.

Use of photographic and filming equipment by parents, carers and spectators

Whenever parents, carers, or other spectators intend to photograph or video at an event they must be made aware by the Event Organiser, SO/WO that they must be prepared to identify themselves and state their purpose for filming. A specimen Photography event registration form is available on the Sample Forms page.

The Event Organiser and/or Event SO/WO should approach or challenge any person taking photographs who has not made themselves known and/or registered with them. If need be advice may be sought from the Police if this person continues to record images unauthorised within the confines of the event.

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