Photography, Video & Social Media Policy

Statement of Intent

ADL recognises that taking photos, recording videos, and utilising social media are key elements of modern sports showcasing, player recruitment, and celebrating athletic achievement. However, without proper safeguards, digital media can pose risks to young people's privacy and safety. This policy establishes guidelines for capturing, storing, and publishing media, as well as standards for social media use by staff, volunteers, parents, and young participants.

1. Informed Consent

Media may only be captured and published if explicit, signed consent has been granted via the Sign-Up & Consent Pack by both the young person and their parent/carer. Parents/carers and participants have the right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time without affecting the athlete's placement or scholarship opportunities.

2. Content & Capturing Standards

• —Images and video must focus on the sporting activity, team celebrations, or award presentations, with participants fully and appropriately clothed in official kit.
• —Cameras, mobile phones, or recording devices are strictly forbidden in changing rooms, toilets, shower areas, or private accommodation quarters.
• —Published media will not display sensitive personal details such as home address, personal phone number, or specific hotel room numbers; full names are only paired with images when necessary for official showcase/scouting profiles and with explicit permission.

3. Secure Data Storage

All media recorded on official ADL devices is transferred to secure, encrypted cloud storage accessible only to authorised ADL personnel. Personal devices used by staff or volunteers must not store permanent unencrypted files of under-18 participants.

Social Media Guidelines - Staff

• —All digital communication regarding tours, trial fixtures, and player updates must occur through official ADL branded accounts or official emails.
• —Staff must not add, follow, direct message, or accept "friend" requests from under-18 participants on personal social media.
• —Staff must never post negative, derogatory, or inappropriate comments about participants, parents, officials, or partner institutions.

Social Media Guidelines - Young Participants

Athletes are encouraged to share their scholarship and showcase highlights but must ensure posts reflect fair play, sportsmanship, and respect, and must not tag real-time live locations of team hotels or private residential quarters while on tour. Using social media to harass, exclude, mock, or bully fellow participants or opponents results in immediate disciplinary action under the Behaviour & Anti-Bullying Policy.

Social Media Guidelines - Parents & Spectators

Parents and guests attending showcases or matches may take photos/videos from designated spectator zones for personal use only, and must respect requests from ADL staff or venue officials to stop filming if a safeguarding concern arises or an athlete on the pitch lacks photo consent.

Breach & Misuse Escalation

An unauthorised media or social media breach leads to an immediate removal/deletion request and assessment by the Designated Safeguarding Lead. A minor breach results in an internal warning and mandatory content deletion; a serious or malicious breach results in disciplinary suspension, parent notification, and potential police or statutory agency referral. This policy is formally reviewed every 12 months.