PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING POLICY

Nick and all the coaches at Hawker strive to ensure that all children (anyone under 18) are safeguarded from abuse and have an enjoyable tennis experience.  

The purpose of this policy is to:

·  protect children who take part in Hawker’s activities and events, specifically those where photographs and videos may be taken

·  set out the overarching principles that guide our approach to photographs/videos being taken of children during our events and activities 

·  ensure that we operate in line with our values and within the law when creating, using and sharing photographs/videos of children. 

This policy applies to all coaches, volunteers, players, parents/carers and any other individuals associated with Hawker.

WE RECOGNISE THAT: 

·  sharing photographs/videos of our activities can help us celebrate the successes and achievements of our children, provide a record of our activities and raise awareness of our club.

·  the welfare of the children taking part in our activities is paramount 

·  children, their parents/carers have a right to decide whether their photograph/video is taken and how these may be used. 

·  consent to take photographs/videos of children is only meaningful when children, their parents/carers understand how the photographs/videos will be used and stored, and are fully aware of the potential risks associated with the use and distribution.

·  there are potential risks associated with sharing photographs/videos of children online. 

RISKS OF SHARING PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOS ONLINE:

Sharing photographs/videos of children on social media or other online platforms carries potential risks. For example:

•  children may become vulnerable to grooming if a photograph/video is shared alongside information that makes them identifiable. This includes: their name/age; visual details such as the club t-shirt

•  photographs/videos may be copied, downloaded, screenshotted or shared by anyone

•  photographs/videos may appear in internet search results

•  each photograph/video, and any comments on them, become a part of a child’s public image.

WE WILL SEEK TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE BY:

•  always asking for written consent from a child and their parents/carers before taking and using a child’s photograph/video

•  always explaining what photographs/videos will be used for, and directing them to this policy 

•  if consent is withdrawn, take reasonable steps to remove the photographs/videos of the child from public view.  It may not be possible to delete or destroy all photographs/videos that have been disseminated online (such as via social media) or in hard copy. 

•  only using first names of children, unless they are being recognised for specific achievements such as individual tournament wins.

•  never publish personal information about children

•  making sure children, their parents/carers understand how photographs/videos will be securely stored and for how long (including how we will control access to the photographs/videos and their associated information) .

•  reducing the risk of photographs/videos being copied and used inappropriately by:

o  only using photographs/videos of children in appropriate clothing

o  avoid photographs/videos and camera angles that may be prone to misinterpretation or misuse

•  using photographs/videos that positively reflect children’s involvement in the activity

•  if children and parents/carers do not consent to photographs/videos being taken, we will respect their wishes. We will agree in advance how they would like to be identified so the photographer/videographer knows not to take pictures of them.  We will not exclude a child from an activity because we do not have consent to photograph/video them.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND/OR FILMING FOR PERSONAL USE:

When children, parents/carers or spectators are taking photographs/videos for personal use:

•  photographs/videos captured by the parent or carer (or another adult with the express permission of the parent or carer) of the child is permitted

•  we will recommend that people check the privacy settings of their social media account to understand who else will be able to view any photographs/videos they share 

•  we will remind children, parents/carers who they can talk to if they have any concerns about photographs/videos being shared. 

For specific events we run, we will publicise what will be allowed before the start of the event.

CONCERNS:

If we become concerned that someone is taking photographs/videos without the necessary consent, we reserve the right to ask them to delete the photographs/videos and may ask them to leave and (depending on the nature of the concerns) follow our safeguarding procedures.

If we become concerned that inappropriate photographs/videos have or are being taken, this will be reported to the Welfare Officer and LTA Safeguarding Team.  It may also be necessary to report this to the police.

STORING PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOS:

We will store photographs/videos of children securely and in accordance with data protection law. 

Photographs/videos which are deemed to be no longer necessary will be deleted. 

RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

This policy should be read alongside our other policies and procedures on this page.

This policy is reviewed every three years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation). 

YOU CAN ALSO VIEW THE YMCA'S SAFEGUARDING POLICY IN FULL HERE