News

PHOTOGRAPHY

ANA does not have a photography policy banning the filming/photography of junior players
however the taking of photos of minors without consent is not illegal; the concern is how
those images are used. If they are used for any nefarious purpose, the matter becomes one
for Victoria Police.

Advice has been sought from Netball Victoria who state they do not have a photography
policy. They did advise that under Schedule 4 of the Safeguarding Children & Young People
Policy, there is a clear provision that ‘An Approved Person may photograph or film their
Child/Young Person when participating in Netball’. ‘Approved Persons’ includes family
members, parents and guardians who are approved by the parent/carer and has an
established relationship with the Child/Young Person and/or their family.'

Netball Victoria also referred to the Sport Integrity Australia Photography and Filming of
Children and Young People in Sport which states the following.

Events conducted in Public Areas (which Altona Sports Centre is)
Where the event or activity is conducted in a public area, there are no laws restricting
photography of people (including children and young people), as long as the images
themselves are not illegal. This means that members of the public can take photos or
videos as long as they are not:
• indecent (such as ‘up skirt’ or ‘down-blouse’ photos or videos)
• taken covertly in change rooms or toilets
• taken or used for sexual pleasure
• for the purpose of observing a person’s genital or anal region
• protected by a court order (such as child custody or witness protection)
• defamatory
• being taken or used for commercial purposes (to endorse or sell a product) without
the person’s consent.

Regardless of any policies or procedures your sport may have around photography,
organisers cannot impose additional photography rules on members of the public
accessing or using the same public space. Where events are held in public areas, the sport
should notify participants, parents/carers, and spectators that photos can be taken without prior consent being required.

However, it should be noted that if a person asks for their photo not be taken, this request should be respected. If there are any indications or concerns that an individual may be taking images of children and young people that are inappropriate or illegal, this should immediately be reported to the organisers, who have the responsibility for contacting the police.

Based on this advice, ANA’s current position is that if a parent wishes to film an entire
game, they should, as a courtesy, inform the opposing team. However, they are not
prohibited from filming even if the opposition objects.

Netball Victoria further advise that they will have guidance on a photography and video
policy soon. Once received, ANA will review and implement accordingly.