Uckfield RFC have adopted the RFU/RFUW Best Practice Guidelines for Photographic images – including those taken by mobile telephone.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) recognises and encourages publicity and pictures of young people enjoying rugby to promote the sport, a healthy lifestyle and to celebrate the ethos and spirit of the sport. To facilitate this it is therefore essential that the following principles and rules should be observed.
These Best Practice Guidelines have been developed by the RFU with advice and guidance on the use of images of young people. The whole policy is available at www.rfu.com
Uckfield RFC and RFU/RFUW are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for young people. Implicit in this is the commitment to ensure that all publications, resources and media represent participants appropriately and with due respect. By adopting the points outlined in these guidelines we will be putting in place the best possible practice to protect young people wherever photographs or recorded images are taken and stored.
If at any time either the parent/carer or the young person wishes the data to be removed from the website, the Club Safeguarding Officer should be informed.
The following rules which will ensure compliance with the policy on photographic images are as follows:
1. Ensure parents/guardian/young person have granted their consent for the taking and publication of photographic images and have signed and returned the Parent/Guardian and Young Person Permission Form.
2. All young people must be appropriately dressed for the activity taking place.
3. Photography or recording should focus on the activity rather than a particular young person and personal details which might make a young person vulnerable. Full names of any child photographed for use in any public media is unacceptable.
4. Where an individual has achieved success in the game (e.g. when selected for representative side or showing triumph over adversity) permission must be gained from parent/guardian and young person to use photographs/recordings and relevant details.
5. Where possible, to reflect the RFU/RFUW Equity Policy, photographs/recordings should represent the diverse range of young people participating in rugby.
6. Anyone taking photographs or recording at any rugby event must have a valid reason for doing so and seek the permission of the organisers/persons in charge.
7. Anyone taking photographs or recording should make themselves known to the event organisers/persons in charge and be able to identify themselves if requested during the course of the event.
8. All concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported in confidence to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
9. At the annual URFC Mini Festival, anyone wishing to take photographs must obtain permission from the Safeguarding Officer. Upon acceptance, identification will be given to that individual to display throughout the tournament.
10. It is unacceptable for any photographs to be taken in the changing rooms, showers or at any time when players are dressing.
Uckfield RFC recognises the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people in Rugby Union. As part of our commitment to ensure the safety of young people we will not permit photographs, video or other images including those taken via mobile phones of young people to be taken or used without the consent of the parents/carers and the young person.
We will follow the RFU/RFUW guidance for the use of images of young people. We will take all steps to ensure these images are used solely for the purposes they are intended which is the promotion and celebration of the activities associated with rugby.
If you become aware that images are being used inappropriately you should inform the Club Safeguarding Officer.