Guidelines for The Use of Photographic & Video Images

 of Children/Young People Under the Age of 18.

 

Introduction

UK Athletics is committed to providing a safe environment for children/young people under the age of 18. Essential to this commitment, is to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect children/young people from the inappropriate use of their images in resource and media publications, on the internet, and elsewhere.

Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children and young people when they are accompanied with personal information, for example, - this is X who is a member of Hometown Athletic Club who likes Westlife and supports Manchester United. This information can make a child vulnerable to an individual 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. While this is rare in athletics, there is evidence of adapted material finding its way onto child pornography sites. Athletics Clubs and County Associations therefore need to develop a policy in relation to the use of images of children/young people on their web sites and in other publications.

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 children.
If your Club/County Association are aware of the potential risks, and take appropriate steps, the potential for misuse of images can be reduced.

Key Concerns

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on athletic web sites and other publications. By adopting the points highlighted in these guidelines, you will be putting into place the best possible practice to protect children/young people wherever and whenever photographs and recorded images are taken and stored.

 

These guidelines focus on the following key areas:

 · The publishing of photographic and/or recorded images of children/young people
 · The use of photographic filming equipment at athletic events
 · The use of video equipment as a coaching aid

And adopt the following key principles:

The interests and welfare of children taking part in athletics are paramount.

Parents/carers and children have a right to decide whether children’s images are to be taken, and how those images may be used.

Parents/carers and children must provide written consent for children’s images to be taken and used.

Images should convey the best principles and aspects of athletics fairness and fun.

Care should be taken to ensure that images are not sexual or exploitative in nature, nor open to obvious misinterpretation and misuse.

Images should only be taken by authorised persons, as agreed in the protocol for a particular event.

All images of children should be securely stored.

In the case of images used on web-sites, particular care must be taken to ensure that no identifying details facilitate contact with a child by a potential abuser.

 

Publishing Images - Easy Rules to Remember:

 1) Ask for written permission from the athlete and carer/s to take and use their image.
    This ensures that they are aware of the way the image is intended to be used to represent the sport.
    The Consent Form is one way of achieving this.

2) If the athlete is named, avoid using their photograph

3) If a photograph is used, avoid naming the athlete.
    And NEVER publish personal details (email addresses, telephone numbers, addresses etc) of a child/young person.

4) Only use images of players in suitable dress (Tracksuit, or competition clothing) to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.

5) Try to focus on the activity rather than a particular child and where possible use photographs that represent the broad range of children/young people taking part in athletics. This might include:

 - Boys and girls
 - Ethnic minority communities
 - Young disabled people
 - Girls with hair covered e.g. baseball cap or a scarf         
 · Ensure that images reflect positive aspects of children’s involvement in athletics      (enjoyment/competition etc)

 

Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at Athletic Events

UK Athletics does not want to prevent parents, carers or other spectators being able to take legitimate photographs or video footage of competitors. However, there is evidence that certain individuals will visit sporting events to take inappropriate photographs or video footage of children/young people. All Clubs and County Associations should be vigilant about this possibility. Any concerns during an event should be reported to the Club/County Welfare Officer.

UK Athletics strongly recommend the introduction of two types of registration for those wishing to take photographs or video footage of children/young people:

Day Pass

An application should be made to the organising body who will issue an identification pass giving an individual the authority to take photographs or video footage of children/young people at a particular nominated event.

‘Season Ticket’

An application should be made to the organising body who will issue an identification pass giving an individual the authority to take photographs or video footage of children/young people throughout the course of a given season.

You should:

Inform athletes and carers that a photographer will be in attendance at an event and ensure they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs.

Ensure that a system is introduced to ensure that press photographers are made aware of those children/young people without consent for images to be taken. .

Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour.

Issue the photographer with identification which must be worn at all times.

Do not allow unsupervised access to athletes or one to one photo sessions at events.

Do not approve/allow photo sessions outside the events or at a athletes home.

If carers or other spectators are intending to photograph or video at an event they should also be made aware of your expectations:

Carers and spectators should be asked to register at an event if they wish to use photographic equipment including mobile     phones with photographic technology.

Competitors and spectators should be informed that if they have concerns they can report these to the organiser.

Concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to the event organiser or official, and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection concern.

Videoing as a coaching aid

Video can be a legitimate coaching aid for club and county coaches. However, if it is to be used make sure that children and their parents/carers have given written consent, and understand that it is part of the coaching programme. Make sure that the films are then stored safely. This could be rolled into the consent on the registration form.