FCC – Photography and Video Camera Policy

Folkestone Cricket Club wishes to ensure photography and video footage taken within cricket is done so appropriately.

We do not believe that parents and carers should be prevented from taking pictures of, or filming, their children as these are normal family practices and help mark milestones in a child’s life. We believe that the introduction of proportionate controls on the use of photographic equipment (cameras, and videos, including mobile phones) is part of general safeguarding good practice in any club.

The club is keen to promote positive images of children playing cricket and is not preventing the use of photographic or videoing equipment. Photographs are considered ‘personal data’ in terms of the Data Protection Act. Consent from either the child, adult, or both should be sought before capturing, sharing, or publishing images where a child can be identified, including posting on the club’s website etc.
It is important to be aware that some people may use sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of children. As a club we should be vigilant about this. These individuals could attend the local cricket club allowing people to presume they are related to a child involved. Should anyone, whether a child or an adult, have any concerns during an event these should be reported to a club official or the event organiser.

It is also possible that if a picture and name was placed in the local paper, on the club website etc., this information could be used inappropriately. It is for this reason that we follow the ECB guidance that a child’s picture and name should not appear together.

There may be other reasons why individuals may not wish their child’s photograph to be taken by someone they do not know personally, for example estranged parents looking to gain access to a child, or families that have fled abusive situations.
As such it is imperative that parents/carers are offered the opportunity to withhold consent for photographs/filming of their child.

As a club we will do this by:

• Ensuring that photographs/images are not taken at matches or training without the prior permission of the parents/carers of the child. This permission can be given by proxy by the coach of each team only after parental consent for this has been granted. The coach must arrange this prior to attending matches.
• If no consent has been given for a child on the players membership form, then it is to be made known to the relevant person of the other team (e.g. coach/team manager) so the appropriate person/s taking photographs for the other team is/are aware and can avoid taking photographs of that particular child.
• The children should be informed a person will be taking photographs.
• The children should be informed that if they have concerns, they can report these to the coach or team manager.
• Concerns regarding inappropriate, or intrusive, photography should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection or safeguarding concern.
• In the event of a cricket tournament/festival/event/competition a camera registration book will be set up for parents to complete to ensure that all cricket clubs as well as tournament/festival/event organisers adhere to the appropriate guidelines relating to publishing of images as detailed below.

Use of images of children (for example on the web, in the media or in league handbooks):

• Parental permission to use the child’s image should be sought and, wherever possible, the image should be shown to the parents and child in advance. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image will be used to represent cricket and the club.
• The child’s permission to use their image should be sought. This ensures they are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent cricket and the club.
• If the cricketer is named, avoid using their photograph.
• If a photograph is used, avoid naming the child.
• Only images of children in appropriate kit (training or competition) will be used, to reduce the risk of inappropriate use, and to provide positive images of the children.
• The reporting of inappropriate use of images of children will be encouraged. If you are concerned, report your concerns to the County or Club Welfare Officer.

Using video as a coaching aid:

The use of video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid is permitted. However, players and parents/carers will be aware that this is part of the coaching programme, and material taken in connection with coaching, will be stored securely and deleted or destroyed when a parent requests this, or when the material is no longer needed.
All parents/carers and children must provide written consent for the use of photography and video analysis.