Understanding Photography and Filming at DanceSport Events
Photography and filming are integral parts of capturing the magic of DanceSport competitions. Whether it's parents wanting to preserve their child's performance, photographers documenting the event, or official broadcasts, it's important to understand the rules and guidelines that govern photography at our events.
Photography in Public Venues: What You Need to Know
Many DanceSport events are held in public areas such as community halls, sports centers, or open venues. When events take place in these public spaces, specific guidelines apply based on Sport Integrity Australia's recommendations.
What's Legal in Public Areas
According to Sport Integrity Australia's Photography and Filming of Children and Young People in Sport guidelines, when an event is conducted in a public area, there are no laws restricting photography of people (including children and young people), as long as the images themselves are not illegal.
This means members of the public can take photos or videos, provided they are not:
- Indecent (such as 'up skirt' or 'down-blouse' photos or videos)
- Taken covertly in change rooms or toilets
- Taken or used for sexual reasons
- For the purpose of observing a person's private regions
- Protected by a court order (such as child custody or witness protection)
- Defamatory
- Being taken or used for commercial purposes (to endorse or sell a product) without the person's consent
However, this doesn't mean anything goes. if a person asks for their photo not to be taken, this request should be respected.
What to Do If You Have Concerns
Suppose there are any indications or concerns that an individual may be taking images of children and young people that are inappropriate or illegal. In that case, this should immediately be reported to the event organisers, who have the responsibility for contacting the police.
Child safety is paramount, and everyone in the DanceSport community plays a role in maintaining a safe environment.
DSA Competition Rules on Commercial Filming and Broadcasting
When you register as a competitor with DanceSport Australia, you agree to specific terms regarding commercial filming and television broadcasts. These are outlined in sections 8.7 and 8.8 of the Competition Rules.
Section 8.7: Registration Conditions: It is a condition of registration that a competitor shall have given permission to DSA, and shall have given DSA the authority to grant permission on his/her behalf to any promoter of a registered event, for the competitor to appear on a TV broadcast or commercial video recording of the event.
Section 8.8: Event Entry Agreement: Unless the published conditions for a registered or licenced event specify otherwise, or unless a competitor enters into a separate agreement with the promoter of a registered or licenced event, the competitor shall have agreed by entering a registered or licenced event:
- To grant permission for his/her appearance on a TV broadcast or commercial video recording of the event
- That all rights to any fees arising from any television broadcast or video recording of the event shall vest with the promoter
- Not to claim against DSA, the promoter, television company or video producer in respect of any appearance of the competitor in any television broadcast or video recording of the event
What This Means for You
These rules ensure that:
- Official event coverage can proceed smoothly - DSA and event promoters can arrange professional photography, videography, and broadcasting without needing individual consent from every competitor
- Commercial rights are clear - There's no ambiguity about who holds the rights to professional recordings and broadcasts
- Competitors are informed - By registering and entering events, you're aware of and consent to these arrangements
Key Takeaways
- Photography in public venues is generally permitted, but certain types of images are illegal regardless of location
- Personal privacy requests should be respected
- Report any concerns about inappropriate photography immediately to event organizers
- By registering with DSA, you consent to appearing in official broadcasts and commercial recordings
- Event promoters hold commercial rights to official event footage
Further Resources
For more detailed information on child safeguarding practices in public areas, including specific considerations for events held in public spaces, please visit the [Sport Integrity Australia website resource page](https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/what-we-do/child-safeguarding/photography-and-filming-children-and-young-people-sport).
Understanding these guidelines helps create a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone in the DanceSport community. If you have any questions about photography policies at DSA events, please don't hesitate to contact us.
