Version 1, 21st October 2025

Milton Keynes Athletic Club and England Athletics/ (MKAC/EA) is committed to providing a safe environment for children, young people under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults. Essential to this commitment, is the need to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect these groups from the inappropriate use of their images in resources, internet and media publications.

When assessing the potential risks in the use of images of athletes, the most
important factor is the potential of inappropriate use of images of children.
By adopting this Photographic Policy MKAC/EA aims to put into place the
best possible practice to protect children and young people wherever and
whenever photographs and recorded images are taken and stored.

These guidelines adopt the following key principles:

  • The interests and welfare of children and vulnerable adults taking part in athletics are paramount
  • Parents/carers and children have a right to decide whether children’s images
    are to be taken, and how those images may be used
  • Images should convey the best principles and aspects of athletics fairness and
    fun
  • Care should be taken to ensure that images are not sexual or exploitative in
    nature, nor open to obvious misinterpretation and misuse
  • In the case of images used on websites, particular care will be taken to
    ensure that no identifying details facilitate contact with a child by a potential
    abuser such as details beyond the child’s name, club and coach without the consent
    of the parents or carers.

Publication of Images

Wherever possible MKAC will aim to follow these key guidelines: –

  • Consent from the athlete and parent/carers to take and use
    their image will unless otherwise stated be achieved via the club membership form where athlete(s)/parents/ carers can opt out of having images displayed/published by the club
  • If a photograph is used, MKAC will avoid publishing personal details (email addresses, telephone numbers, addresses etc) of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
  • MKAC will only use images of young athletes in suitable dress (Tracksuit, or competition clothing) to reduce the risk of inappropriate use
  • MKAC will ensure that images reflect positive aspects of children’s involvement in
    athletics (enjoyment/competition etc)

Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at Athletic Events

MKAC/ EA does not want to prevent parents, carers or other spectators
being able to take legitimate photographs or video footage of competitors.
However, there is evidence that certain individuals will attempt to visit sporting
events to take inappropriate photographs or video footage of children and young
people. Any concerns during an event should be reported to the Match Referee,
Competition Organiser, Club Welfare Officer or England Athletics Head of Welfare.

If parents, carers or other spectators are intending to photograph or video at an
event they will be made aware of MKAC/EA expectations by a summary of this policy on our noticeboard in our clubhouse.

MKAC – Photography & Filming

At many of the club events or matches where our athletes attend there will be present a club photographer/cameraperson to record athletes’ successes. It is now common practice at meetings that organisers often don’t ask spectators to sign in as a photographer unless trackside.

If a parent/carer would not like their child to be filmed/photographed they should contact the Meeting organiser at least 3 days before the event.

If a parent/carer wishes to take photographs of their own child, please be aware that those who inadvertently become part of that photograph may not wish for their images to be used on social network sites etc. We would recommend cropping the image so only their child/young person is present.

Photography by Club Coaches:

Coaches will often wish to record images of the athletes to enable them to discuss corrections, performance etc. Parents/carers should ensure that they have given the coach their permission to do this. This is stated again on the club membership form. If the form is not ticked for non-agreement, then it will be assumed that permission has been given.