Draft Code of Conduct for Photography

Please note that this code of conduct is my suggestion only and has been neither adopted, reviewed or supported by AIDA Australia or any AIDA Branch.

Link to the Australian Sports Commission Guidelines on the use of images of children (used as a reference by AIDA for photography at the Nationals)

Text of Australian Sports Commission Guidelines on the use of images of children compared to my modifications for dancing

 

Intent

This Code of Conduct is intended to provide a control framework so that AIDA can manage the emerging need for photography of dancers in motion.

 

Naming and Terms
  1. AIDA - means the Australian Irish Dancing Association (insert real entity name here, state based?).
  2. Organiser - means either the organiser, or their delegate, or other authorised person, of the event noted in Scope (2) below.
  3. Public Place - defined as any area that is open to the public where an event is an incidental activity.
  4. Event - means any competition, festival or Feis conducted under the rules and auspices of AIDA (insert real entity name here, state based?).
Scope

The scope of this framework is:

  1. Non-flash still photography using any means of capture and recording.
  2. Any event within the jurisdiction of AIDA that is not held in a public place.
  3. Any person, whether an AIDA member or not, who is granted entry to an event, including professional photographers, media and journalists.

Specifically excluded from the scope of this framework are:

  1. Video photography of any kind using any means of capture and recording
  2. Any activity undertaken in any public place where the public are not excluded, such as parades, public festivals etc.
  3. Any event for which AIDA or the organiser has entered into a commercial arrangement that covers photography of dancers in motion.
Code
  1. Only persons accredited by AIDA or the organiser may undertake photography defined within this framework.
  2. Only AIDA or the organiser may accredit photographers.
  3. AIDA or the organiser may withdraw accreditation at any time subject to a disciplinary process.
  4. Photography may only be undertaken using devices capable of capturing images WITHOUT using a flash or alternate lighting source.  Only available lighting may be used.
  5. Any device used to capture an image must be approved by AIDA or the organiser and may be inspected for any reason at any time during an event.
  6. Photography may only be undertaken from the location specified by the organiser.  This location may vary from event to event and even within an event if the location proves unsuitable.
  7. AIDA and the organiser will be granted a license to use any images taken.  The photographer retains copyright but must assign a license to use to AIDA and the organiser.  The photographer may not use any images for commercial gain without the written approval of AIDA or the organiser.
  8. A photographer must follow any directions that relate to photography that are given by the event organiser during the course of the event.
  9. AIDA or the organiser may limit the number of photographers at any event.
Discipline
  1. The process of withdrawing accreditation will be conducted by AIDA.
  2. AIDA may withdraw accreditation at any time, subject to rules of appeal.
  3. AIDA and the organiser have the right to review any image taken at any event and to request the deletion or non-publication of any image.

Text of Australian Sports Commission Guidelines on the use of images of children compared to my modifications for dancing

Australian Sports Commission

My Suggested Modifications for Irish Dancing

Background

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on sports web sites and other publications . Evidence in Australia indicates that information posted on an internet site or published in a magazine or newspaper is used to target children, to locate them, and then to condition or groom them. Additionally images can be used or adapted for inappropriate use. The end result is that in spite of the best intentions on the part of the publisher, children can end up being the victims of abuse. Sporting organisations need to be aware of these potential risks and take appropriate steps to address them.

Acquiring images

  • Permission needs to be obtained from the athletes parent / guardian prior to taking their image. Ensure that they are aware of the way in which the image may be used.
  • Request that professional photographers and/or spectators taking photographic / video images register at an event or facility.
  • Clearly outline to professional photographers that all images taken will remain the property of the sporting organisation, and can not be used or sold for any other purpose. Clearly outline that all negatives / proofs etc need to be destroyed or given to the sporting organisation at the conclusion of the photo opportunity.
  • Clearly outline and publicise what is considered appropriate behaviour and content to those taking photographic / video images.
  • Do not allow unsupervised or individual access to athletes.
  • Do not approve photo / video sessions outside the event venue or at an athletes home.
  • Provide details of who to contact if concerns or complaints of inappropriate photographic behaviour or content are raised.

Displaying images

  • Consider using models or illustrations for promotional / advertising purposes.
  • Permission needs to be obtained from the athletes parent / guardian prior to using their image. Ensure that they are aware of the way in which the image is to be used and how long the image will be displayed when used on a website.
  • If the athlete is named, avoid using their image.
  • If an image is used, avoid naming the athlete. If this is not possible avoid using both a first name and surname.
  • Do not display personal information such as residential address, email address or telephone numbers without gaining consent from a parent / guardian first.
  • Do not display information about hobbies, likes / dislikes, school, etc as these can be used as grooming tools by paedophiles or other persons.
  • Only use appropriate images of the athlete, relevant to the sport or activity, and suitably clothed. Images of athletes in sports or activities that involve minimal clothing or unusual body positions / poses, which could potentially be misused, should focus on the activity not on a particular child and avoid full face and body shots.
  • Reduce the ability for the direct copying of pictures from a website to another source (i.e. disable the ‘right mouse click’ function)
  • Provide details of who to contact if concerns or complaints of inappropriate image use are raised.
Background

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on dance web sites and other publications. Evidence in Australia indicates that information posted on an internet site or published in a magazine or newspaper is used to target children, to locate them, and then to condition or groom them. Additionally, images can be used or adapted for inappropriate use. The end result is that, in spite of the best intentions on the part of the publisher, children can end up being the victims of abuse. Dance organisations need to be aware of these potential risks and take appropriate steps to address them.

Acquiring images

  • Permission needs to be obtained from the dancer's parent / guardian prior to taking their image. Ensure that they are aware of the way in which the image may be used. This permission may be part of an entry form or clearly indicated at the Feis or event.
  • Request that professional photographers and/or spectators taking photographic / video images register at an event or facility.
  • Clearly outline to professional photographers that all images taken will remain the property of AIDA and/or the  Feis organiser(s), and can not be used or sold for any other purpose. Clearly outline that all negatives / proofs etc need to be destroyed or given to AIDA and/or the Feis organiser(s) at the conclusion of the Feis or competition.
  • Clearly outline and publicise what is considered appropriate behaviour and content to those taking photographic / video images.
  • Do not allow unsupervised or individual access to dancers.
  • Provide details of who to contact if concerns or complaints of inappropriate photographic behaviour or content are raised.

Displaying images

  • Permission needs to be obtained from the dancer's parent / guardian prior to using their image. Ensure that they are aware of the way in which the image is to be used and how long the image will be displayed when used on a website. This permission may be part of an entry form or clearly indicated at the Feis or event.
  • If the dancer is named, avoid using their image.
  • If an image is used, avoid naming the dancer. If this is not possible avoid using both a first name and surname.
  • Do not display personal information such as residential address, email address or telephone numbers.
  • Do not display information about hobbies, likes / dislikes, school, etc as these can be used as grooming tools by paedophiles or other persons.
  • Only use appropriate images of the dancer, relevant to the activity, and suitably clothed. Images of dancers in activities that involve minimal clothing or unusual body positions / poses, which could potentially be misused, should focus on the activity not on a particular child and avoid full face and body shots.
  • Provide details of who to contact if concerns or complaints of inappropriate image use are raised.