Published November 2020
There is evidence that some people have used sporting venues and activities as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs, film or video footage of children and vulnerable adults. This has caused some parents and carers to become increasingly sensitive about children being photographed. It can be difficult to control the photography of events by members of the general public. This is particularly difficult when the event takes place in a public area such as a sports ground, park or recreation ground. When the event takes place in a private or hired facility, control is possible.
Recommended actions:
- Whenever possible the event should be held in a private or hired facility so that control of the spectators is possible.
- The organiser should reserve the right to prohibit the use of photography by spectators. Such a prohibition may be considered appropriate if the participants are partially dressed for example.
- Any ban on photography should be made clear by signs posted in the venue, by notices in the programme, by public announcements, by prior information to competitors and supporters and by policing by stewards.
- Anyone wishing to take photographs, video or film must obtain the approval of the organiser, wear a badge or sticker that makes clear his or her official status and operate within the code of practice laid down by the organiser.
- The photograph must not depict a child or vulnerable adult in a provocative pose, in a state of partial undress or in a demeaning or tasteless manner: this is more likely to be an issue in dance or drama festivals than in sports events. ‘Candid’ photographs should be avoided. Photographs must not be taken in changing rooms.
- When it is planned to take photographs, video or film of groups or individual children, the prior consent of the parents or carers must be sought. A vulnerable adult can give permission but discretion should be exercised and the nature of the disability taken into account.
- No photographer should be allowed one-to-one access to children or vulnerable adults for the purpose of the photography.
- It is common for teams and winning individuals to be photographed. It is recommended that they wear track suits or other outer wear on top of swimming costumes, leotards or athletic clothing.
- No photographs should be published on a website, in a magazine or newspaper without the permission of the parent or carer in the case of a child, or the person in the case of the vulnerable adult.
- When names are published, in a newspaper for example, only the names of the team should be used. Credit for individual achievements should be limited to first names: eg ‘Kate was voted player of the year in 2003’. Permission to publish such an individual acknowledgement must be given by a parent or carer; for example, a parent involved in a custody dispute may consider publication inappropriate.
- Particular care is necessary in publishing photographs, film or video of any child or adult with physical, learning, language or communication disabilities as they can be particularly vulnerable to abuse or exploitation.
- Appropriate permission must be sought to make use of photographs, video or film in competitions. This may require the permission of the organiser, the parent or carer, the adult person and in some cases the owners of the venue. See Form B ‘Consent form for the use of photography, film or video recordings of children or vulnerable adults’.
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