Introduction
The East
Berks Football Allianceis committed to providing a safe
environment for children/young people under the age of 18.
Implicit in this is the commitment to ensure that all
publications, resources and media represent participants
appropriately and with due respect. The points outlined in this
policy you shall be putting in place the best possible practice
to protect children and young people wherever photographs or
recorded images are taken and stored.
Key
Concerns
The key
concerns contained within this policy regarding the use of
images of children/young people relate to:
(i)
The possible identification of
children when a photograph is accompanied by personal
information
(ii)
The inappropriate use, adaptation
or copying of images for use on child pornography websites
(iii)
The taking of inappropriate
photographs or recorded images of youngsters.
RECORDING
IMAGES OF CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE
There have
been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to
children and young people through the use of photographs on
sport web sites and other publications.
Firstly,
Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children when
they are accompanied with personal information, for example:
“This is a member of the Anytown Junior Football Club who likes
Atomic Kitten”. 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. There is evidence of this adapted material finding its way
onto child pornography sites.
GUIDELINES FOR RECORDING IMAGES
You shall
ensure that images of a young person, who is under a court
order, are NOT recorded or published.
All children
featured in recordings shall be appropriately dressed with outer
clothing garments covering their torso from at least the bottom
of their neck to their thighs, (i.e. a minimum of vest/shirt and
shorts)
The
photograph shall ideally focus on the activity. Where possible
images of children/young people shall be recorded in small
groups (the group may comprise any combination of adults and
children)
Any
instances of the use of inappropriate images shall be reported
to The Management Committee.
A Club’s,
Official’s, Manager’s and coaches shall still be allowed to use
video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However,
footballers and their parents/carers shall be aware that this is
part of the coaching programme and care shall be taken in the
storing of such films and video.
Child
protection and best practice
GUIDELINES FOR PUBLISHING IMAGES
If the child
is named, avoid using their photograph
If a
photograph is used, avoid naming the young person or use their
first name only. Personal details of children such as an email
address, home address and telephone numbers shall never be
revealed on a website
Ask for the
child’s permission to use their image. This ensures that they
are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the
sport. A Parent/Carer and Child Permission Form is the best way
of achieving this and can be done at the beginning of the season
(Club Membership Form)
Ask for
parental/carer permission to use an image of a young person.
This ensures that parents/carers are aware of the way the image
of their child is representing the sport. A Parent/Carer and
Child Permission Form is the best way of achieving this and can
be done at the beginning of the season (Club Membership Form)
In order to
guard against the possibility of a young person under a court
order appearing on a website, the simultaneous streaming of
images onto a website is not recommended. Delayed streaming also
provides an opportunity for the editing of inappropriate clips
(e.g. disarranged clothing). If the video/film clips are
delivered from your own server that material can be downloaded.
It is therefore recommended that you use an independent server
so that material cannot be accessed, copied or downloaded
Think about
the level of consideration that you give to the use of images in
all publications, for example the processes used in choosing
photographs for a publicity brochure for the club. Apply an
increased level of consideration to the images of youngsters
used on websites. Simple technology features such as
watermarking may dissuade third parties from using or attempting
to access controlled imagery
Try to take
photographs that represent the broad range of youngsters
participating safely in football.
This might
include:
Boys and girls
Minority ethnic communities
A range of clothing e.g. tracksuit/jogging
trousers
Girls with hair covered e.g. baseball cap or
scarf
Disabled people
Glasses if not actually playing at the time
Shin pads shall be on if they are recorded
playing
Jewellery shall be removed in all images
GUIDELINES FOR USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMING EQUIPMENT AT EAST
BERKS YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOOTBALL EVENTS
All Managers
shall agree before the start of the event about the use of
photographic filming equipment.
This mean
that if one manager does not agree to the use of
photographic equipment at the EBFA match, then both must
ensure they team and supporters do not use photographic
equipment at the match.
Failure to
follow this policy shall be referred to the Management
Committee. Clubs, players or persons found guilty of breaches
shall be charged by the League for bringing the League into
Disrepute and may be fined a sum not exceeding £200.00 and/or
may be dealt with further by the Management Committee of this
League.
There is
evidence that some people have used sporting events as an
opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of
young and disabled sportspeople. While this might be rare in
football you still have a duty of care to young people to ensure
that this risk is as small as possible.
By taking
some simple steps you shall be reducing that risk.
If you are commissioning professional
photographers or inviting the press to a football activity or
event it is important to ensure they are clear about your
expectations of them in relation to child protection.
Provide a clear brief about what is considered
appropriate in terms of content and behaviour.
Inform participants and parents that a
photographer shall be in attendance at an event and ensure they
consent to both the taking and publication of films or
photographs.
Do not allow unsupervised access to footballers
or one to one photo sessions at events.
Do not approve/allow photo sessions outside the
event or at a footballer’s home.
Parents and spectators might also wish to take
photographs or record their children participating at the event:
If parents or other spectators are intending to
photograph or video at an event they shall also be made aware of
your expectations
In addition:
Participants and parents shall be informed that
if they have concerns about inappropriate or intrusive
photography these shall be reported to the event organiser or
official and recorded in the same manner as any other child
protection concern
Event organisers shall approach and challenge any
person taking photographs who has not registered with them. They
might need to refer to the local police force if this person
continues to record images
SUMMARY
Child
protection is about putting in place the best possible practices
and procedures; this shall protect not only the child but also
you, the adult, in football.
