Guidelines on the taking and use of photographic and recording images of young people

Policy on the Taking and Use of Photographic and Recorded Images of Young People
Tyne and Wear County Netball Association (TWCNA) adopts England Netball’s policy for the taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people and works in accordance with the following statement:

Introduction
TWCNA does not wish to prevent parents or other spectators being able to take legitimate photographs or recorded images. Use of recorded images can also be a valuable coaching aid. However, TWCNA is committed to providing a safe environment for young people under the age of 18. Included in this commitment is ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect young people from the inappropriate use of their images in resources and media publications, on the Internet, and elsewhere.

Photographic and recorded images can be used as a means of identifying young people if accompanied by personal information. This has the potential to make a young person vulnerable to individuals seeking to ‘groom’ young people for abuse. Additionally, images can be used or adapted for inappropriate use. There is evidence of adapted sporting images being used on websites displaying images of child abuse.

This policy covers the following key areas:

• the taking and/or publishing of photographic and recorded images of young people
  
• the use of photographic or record image equipment at netball events
  
• the use of photographic or recorded image equipment as a coaching aid.
  

Photographic or Recorded Images
This includes images or recorded images using a camera, digital camera, video recorder, mobile phone or personal digital assistant devices (PDA).

Obligations Under this Policy
Everyone within TWCNA must act in accordance with the general principles in England Netball’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy and the principles set out in this policy for taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people.

In addition, TWCNA adopts and implements this policy relating to the taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people in netball, in accordance with the general principles in England Netball’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy, and in accordance with this particular policy and principles together with the supporting good practice guidance.

How England Netball Can Help
England Netball is committed to supporting its affiliated clubs and associations to implement policies through the provision of appropriate access to education and training, and supporting documentation.

England Netball is also committed to ensuring that concerns relating to the misuse of photographic or recorded images of young people in netball are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly and appropriately. To achieve this, England Netball has developed procedures for reporting concerns. England Netball may refer concerns to the relevant statutory agencies, instigate proceedings under its own Safeguarding and Protecting of Young People Complaints and Disciplinary Regulations, or refer the matter to a club or association for resolution as appropriate.

Principles

• Everyone within TWCNA should have an understanding of the issues relating to taking and use of photographic and recorded images of young people and what England Netball’s policy is on this.
  
• Parents and young people have a right to decide whether young people’s images are to be made, and how those images may be used.
  
• In accordance with good practice guidance for netball activities and events, parents and young people must provide written consent for young people’s images to be taken and used. There may be legitimate reasons for denying consent i.e. subject to legal restrictions.
  
• A registration process should be used for photographers in accordance with the good practice guidance on photography and recorded images. This will help deter those wishing to take photographs or recorded images for inappropriate use.
  
• Images should convey the best principles and aspects of netball, such as 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.
  
• All images of young people should be securely stored to avoid inappropriate use.
  
• In the case of images used on websites, particular care must be taken to ensure that no identifying details facilitate contact with a young person by a potential abuser.
  
• Where used for coaching purposes, players and their parents should be made aware that this is part of the coaching programme and be clear of the purpose of filming as a coaching aid.
  
• Suspected inappropriate taking of photographic or recorded images should be challenged and reported.
  

When assessing the potential risks in the use of images of players, the most important factor is the potential of inappropriate use of images of young people. Awareness of the risks, and taking appropriate steps, can reduce the potential for misuse of images


Use Of Photographic And Video Images Of Children/Young People Under The Age Of 18
Policy Statement
Tyne and Wear County Netball Association (TWCNA) is committed to providing a safe environment for children/young people under the age of 18 to participate in netball.  Essential to this commitment is to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect children/young people from the inappropriate use of photographic images.

TWCNA have adopted the following good practice guidelines issued by England Netball:

Publishing Images
Through the use of a Consent Form, we will ask for the permission of young players and their parents/carers to take and use their image.

• If a player is named, we will avoid using their photograph.
  
• If a photograph is used, we will avoid naming the player.
  
• We will NEVER publish personal details (email addresses, telephone numbers, addresses etc) of a child/young person.
  
• We will only authorise the use of images of players in suitable dress (tracksuit, on-court clothing i.e. t-shirt/shorts/skirt, off-court clothing).
  

Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at Netball Events
TWCNA will:

• inform players and parents that a photographer will be in attendance at an event and ensure they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs
  
• require parents, spectators and authorised photographers (e.g. press) to register at an event if they wish to use any photographic equipment including mobile phones with photographic technology
  
• issue an identification pass which must be worn and clearly visible at all times during the event
  
• not allow unsupervised access to players or one to one photo sessions at events
  
• not approve or allow photo sessions outside the events or at a player’s home
  
• act on the concerns of any players and parents regarding the inappropriate use of photographic equipment
  
• inform children/young people and their parents/carers if video equipment is to be used as a coaching aid
  
• ensure that any photographic images taken and used will be stored safely.
  

Downloadable Documents
Click Here to download the Guidelines on Photography and Recording
Click Here to download the Photography Registration Form
Click Here to download the Consent Policy
Click Here to download the Consent Form