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Photographing participants

Help and advice from the Child Protection in Sport Unit

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on sports websites and other publications.

Certain individuals will visit sporting events to take inappropriate photographs or video footage of young sports people. All clubs should be vigilant about this possibility. Any concerns during an event should be reported to a club official or other responsible person.

If you are commissioning a professional photographer or inviting the press to an event, it is important that they understand your expectations of them in relation to child protection. You should:

• provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of their behaviour and the content of the photography
  
  
• issue them with identification which they must display at all times
  
  
• inform athletes and parents that a photographer will be present at the event and ensure they consent to filming and/or photography and to its publication
  
  
• do not allow photographers unsupervised access to child athletes or one-to-one photo sessions during the event
  
  
• do not approve photo sessions outside the events or at a participant's home.

You must obtain permission for the filming/photographs to be taken both from the subjects and their parents/carers.

Videoing as a coaching aid
Video can be a legitimate coaching aid for club coaches and teachers. However, if it is used make sure that children and their parents/carers understand that it is part of the coaching programme. Make sure that the films are then stored safely.

Useful resources:

• Sample consent form for the use of photographs or video (parents and children) (Word, 20KB)
  
  
• Photographs and images of children (PDF, 60KB)  - a CPSU briefing paper
  
  
• Using photographs of children on websites

Help for children & young people

ChildLine

0800 1111

Help for adults concerned about a child

Help and advice

0808 800 5000