POLICY STATEMENT RE IMAGES OF CHILDREN

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

AUSTRALIA WATER POLO INC POLICY STATEMENT

CHILDREN & IMAGES

Dear Parent/Spectator,

Recently there have been some concerns from parents about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people regarding people taking video and photographs of players in junior water polo competitions throughout Australia. It is very rare but evidence in Australia indicates that sometimes this information can end up being posted on an internet site or published in a magazine or newspaper where it may be used by unscrupulous people to target children.

Australia Water Polo Inc understands that many parents or relatives that have children playing within junior competitions, may from time to time, take video or photographs of their child or friends for family mementos.

Australia Water Polo Inc fosters the belief that providing a safe environment for all children who compete every week in competitions and tournaments across the country is of paramount importance.

To help Australia Water Polo Inc provide a safer environment for our children we would request that parents join us in partnership to address the following strategies to make water polo a safer environment for our children:

1. That all parents and spectators firstly ask the permission of the athlete’s parent / guardian prior to taking their image where practical. Ensure that they are aware of the way in which the image may be used prior to taking a photograph or video of their child. Do not use images of other children on internet web sites, and do not use names of children when displaying images in the public arena. Change rooms must be camera-free zones.

2. As a parent if you notice inappropriate photographic behaviour regarding people that you don’t know, then we suggest that you advise pool management and the coach/manager of your team immediately. We also suggest that you advise your state body of these concerns as soon as it is practically possible.

3. Professional photographers must register with pool management and the tournament director or the event coordinator.

Australia Water Polo Inc would like to thank you for your understanding in helping us provide a safer sport for all junior water polo players.

John D. Whitehouse

Secretary General

Australia Water Polo Inc