Video and Photography Policy
Basketball Victoria recognises that there are many legitimate reasons why still and video photography at sports is very common and does not wish to unnecessarily restrict or curb that photography.
It is perfectly normal and acceptable for parents to want to film their children’s sports to keep as a memento of their growing up. This is becoming increasingly so with the technology being widely owned.
It is also becoming increasingly popular for coaches to video their teams’ games to assist them in training. Less common, but also becoming more so, is for the purposes of scouting
another team that will be playing the videoing team shortly. Videos can also assist in referee training.
Having a video record of a game is also useful if there is a reportable incident during the game. The video can be used in evidence. At more senior levels, the competition organisers have made it compulsory for games to be taped for precisely this reason. In addition, the knowledge that a game is being taped may act as a deterrent to bad behaviour because players will know they may be captured on tape, even if a referee does not see the misdeed. So there is a safety angle to the issue as well.
On the other hand, photographs and videos can also be used for nefarious purposes. Basketball Victoria is concerned to ensure that it and its Affiliated associations take
reasonable steps to ascertain that photographic depiction of basketball activities is being used for legitimate and harmless purposes.
This means that competition organisers have to be ever vigilant in protecting participants,particularly children.
Accordingly, the following policy will apply until further notice:
Associations and leagues should usually allow parents and close relatives to take photographs and video tape games or training provided the parent or relative is known to the association.
As a courtesy, the coach or manager of the opposition team should also be notified of the intention to photograph or video the game.
Coaches who wish to video their own team’s games or training for training purposes should also normally be allowed to do so. Again, the opposition should be informed. Parents of the coach’s own team should be advised by the coach if it is intended to regularly video games or
training and the reason for it.
Referee coaches wishing to video games for training or evaluation purposes should advise the teams of their intentions prior to the game.
For further details on this policy please contact the VJBL.
