APPENDIX D
MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY POLICIES
The following is a model procedure provided to assist USA Swimming LSCs and member clubs
who wish to develop a photography policy. A photography policy is not required by the Safe
Sport Program, but LSCs or clubs who wish to implement one may use the following as a
resource.
PURPOSE
There has been much talk about whether it is safe to have images taken of children
participating in sports. While the great majority of images are appropriate and are taken in
good faith, it is a fact that images can be misused and children can be put at risk if common‐
sense procedures are not observed.
SUGGESTED POLICIES
1. The publishing of a photograph of swimmer under 18 either on a notice board or in a
published article or video recording (including video streaming) of swimming
competitions (“publication”) should only be done with parents’ consent per the
attached form.
2. A parent or guardian has a right of refuse to have children photographed. The exercise
of this right of refusal cannot be used as grounds for refusing entry into a swimming
competition. Therefore any photo that may go to press or on a notice board, be it
through a member of the club or official photographer, should receive parental consent
before publishing/displaying the photo, preferably in writing. A suggested form allowing
parents to indicate refusal of consent is to follow.
In the case of open meets and other competitions where the host club has an official
photographer present, all parents attending should be made aware of this in your meet
information. If photos are to be published anywhere, the individual parent should be given the
opportunity to withhold their consent. Their right to do so should be specifically drawn to their
attention.
All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency in particular:
Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity and not a sexualized image in a
sporting context.
Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or
displaced swim suit.
Photographs should not be taken from behind swimming blocks at the start of a race or
exhibit a child climbing out of the swimming pool.
Photographs should not be taken in locker‐rooms or bathrooms.
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