Amateur Swimming Association

Guidelines for Use of Photographic / Filming Equipment at Competitions

Professional photographers/ filming / video operators wishing to record the event should seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing their professional identification for the details to be recorded. Ideally they should request this at least 5 working days before the event.

Students or amateur photographers / film / video operators wishing to record the event should seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing their student or club registration card and a letter from their club / educational establishment outlining their motive for attending the event.

All other spectators wishing to use photographic / film / video equipment with a telescopic or zoom lens should register their intent with the promoter of the event.

Accreditation procedure: a system should be established whereby a record should be made of the individual's name and address and club. Professionals should register prior to the event and their identification details also recorded. Ideally identification details should be checked with the issuing authority prior to the event.

On registering, promoters of events should consider issuing an identification label on the day, which can serve to highlight those who have accreditation. Where regular events occur, the identifying label should be changed to prevent unofficial replication.

Public Information: the specific details concerning photographic / video and filming equipment registration should, where possible, be published prominently in event programmes and announced over the public address system prior to the start of the event. The recommended wording is:

In line with the recommendation in the ASA Child Protection Policy, the promoters of this event request that any person wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close range photography should register their details with staff at the spectator entry desk before carrying out any such photography.

Guidelines for Use of Photographic / Filming Equipment

at Club Sessions

There is no intention to prevent club coaches and teachers using videoing as a legitimate coaching aid. However, swimmers and their parents should be aware that this is part of the coaching programme and care should be taken in the storing of such films.

If clubs are concerned that someone they do not know is using their sessions for photography or filming purposes, they should ask them to leave and contact the pool management.

ASA 12/98