What are the rules on photographing and filming players?

The FA supports appropriate photos and filming of children, but its guidance (Guidance Note 8.3) sets these practices:

Do

• Share The FA's photography guidance with every new member (officials and parents or carers).
• Get written parental consent before using a player's photo or film in public, for example on the club website, social media or in a newspaper. The FA's Club Annual Membership Information and Consent Form (Guidance Note 8.2) can be used.
• Protect any child whose image must not be published (for example because of care proceedings or court restrictions) by making sure their image stays out of the public domain.
• Make sure everyone pictured is properly dressed (at least a vest or shirt and shorts).

Don't

• Publish a photo or film with a child's name unless you have written consent and parents know how it will be used.
• Use player profiles with pictures and detailed personal information online.
• Reuse an image for a different purpose than the one agreed.
• Allow any photos or filming in changing rooms, showers or toilets, including on mobile phones.
• Include alcohol or gambling advertising in images of children.

Professional photographers and media: brief them on what is appropriate, issue ID to wear at all times, mark no-photo areas, tell them how to identify children without consent (for example a badge or wristband), and don't allow unsupervised or one-to-one sessions or sessions away from the event.

Filming as a coaching aid is allowed if players and parents know it is part of the programme, the opposition is told beforehand, and footage is stored securely, kept only as long as needed and handled under data protection law.

It is not an offence to take appropriate photos in a public place. On private land the owner can decide whether photography is allowed. Report concerns about misuse of images to your County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer or Safeguarding@TheFA.com, or the police if a child is at risk.