England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Guidance
The ECB is keen to promote positive images of children* playing cricket and is not preventing the use of photographic or videoing equipment. Some people may use sporting events as an
opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of children. All clubs should be
vigilant about this. These individuals could attend the local cricket club allowing people to
presume they are related to a child involved. It is also possible that if a picture and name was placed in the local paper the information could be used as a ‘grooming’ tool. Any concerns during an event should be reported to a club official or event organiser.
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.
Ruislip Cricket Club is committed to safeguarding young cricketers and therefore follows guidance given by ECB:
- Photographs/images are not to be taken at matches or coaching sessions 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 his/her Application 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 concern
- It is recommended that cricket tournaments, festivals, events and competitions set up a
camera registration book for parents to complete
It is recommended that all cricket clubs as well as tournament/festival/event organisers adhere to the appropriate guidelines relating to publishing of images as detailed below.
Ruislip Cricket Club Photography and Video Camera Guidelines:
Use of images of children (for example on the web, in the media or in league handbooks) :
- Ask for parental permission to use their child’s image and, wherever possible, show the image 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
- Ask for the child’s permission to use their image. 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 use images of children in appropriate kit (training or competition), to reduce the risk of
inappropriate use, and to provide positive images of the children
- Encourage the reporting of inappropriate use of images of children. If you are concerned, report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer
Using video as a coaching aid
There is no intention on the part of the ECB to prevent club coaches using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, players and parents/carers should be aware that this is part of the coaching programme, and material taken in connection with coaching, must be stored securely and deleted or destroyed when a parent requests this, or when the material is no longer needed. The parents/carers and children must provide written consent for the use of photography and video analysis.
*Children refers to all persons under the age 18 years