Guidelines for Photographic/Recorded Images
We feel it is important to recognise the achievements and successes of our young players
and of the club as a whole. To allow us to do this, we would like to use photographs of our
youth and senior members in the local press and at times, on the club website, newsletter
and social media.
We take the issue of child safety very seriously and this includes the images of the children
in our care. Our duty to our young members is paramount and this form of publicity must be
carefully monitored.
It should be noted that having photographic and filming guidelines is not about preventing
parents and guardians from taking pictures, but rather to ensure that only those who have a
right to take photographs do so and that all images are captured in a sensible and non-
intrusive way. These safeguards should still permit and facilitate the recording of relevant
and suitable materials, should allow us to photograph the enjoyment gained by participating
in our games, should enable coaches to use the latest technology in the delivery of training
skills and should also enable Clubs to promote their activities in a safe and non-threatening
manner.
Guidelines
A common sense approach is required when deciding on what may or may not be
appropriate as we do not wish to prohibit the recording of games, coaching or celebrations
at club level through the use of photography or by recording on video equipment
The key issues that we should address regarding the use of images and photographs of
children/young people are:
• Ensuring agreement and permission of parents/ guardians in the taking and any use of
images/ photographs
• Seeking such agreement as part of the annual membership affiliation process through
Foireann
• Avoiding the individual identification of children in group or team photographs unless by
agreement e.g. for special events, an award or achievements ceremony
• Ensuring prior accreditation is given to ‘professional photographers’ who may attend your
games or events
• Ensuring that images/photographs chosen are suitable and in good taste with the images
chosen or recorded focussing on activity rather than a particular child
• Clubs, coaches and volunteers permitting the use of video equipment as a legitimate
coaching aid and as a means of recording special occasions; however, care should be taken
in the dissemination, storage and use of such material
• Parents and spectators taking photographs/recordings should, where possible, seek
permission in advance from the Club/County Board and should also be prepared to identify
themselves if requested and state the purpose for their photography/filming. If Club/County
Board personnel are unhappy about any matter relating to such photography the
permission granted may be withdrawn immediately.
It should be noted that we have little or no influence on what photographs may be taken
and published in local or national newspapers as such photography is covered by a different
set of guidelines. Should we ever be unhappy with the publication of such photographs or
images we can address this matter with the individual newspaper or the Press Council of
Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman.
Should any parent/guardian have an issue with any photography/recordings, please contact
the children’s officer at ChildrensOfficer.moydavitts.mayo@gaa.ie
Communications & Social Media
While Moy Davitts GAA respect the rights of all members to use social media the club seeks
to ensure that all members are mindful of the benefits and at times the negative impact it
can have on our members, particularly children and young people.
Members of Moy Davitts GAA shall be held responsible for their use of social media. Where
such usage may impact negatively on the welfare of a child within our club, or on the ethos
of the Club or the GAA, disciplinary action may follow.
This policy seeks to give guidance, not in a manner that may prohibit the use of such
modern communication and recording technologies, but to urge caution and to have certain
safeguards in place so as to prevent instances of harm or unacceptable behaviour. The club
seeks to ensure, insofar as is practicable, to avoid the misuse of social media so as not to
impact negatively on any child and on those who work with them.
Communications in relation to underage team activities
It is the Clubs policy to communicate team information for underage teams via the
parental/guardian mobile phone of each player
• Children are NEVER to be contacted directly by any adult manager/coach/mentor/club
official (except in the case of a parent/guardian). If requested by a parent to send messages
regarding games or training via the mobile phone of the child the coach/club must make it
clear that this is not permissible.
• All underage teams (U-5 to U-17 inclusive) are to use Whatsapp broadcast lists to
communicate with parents. It is advisable that the U19 team also use this method of
communication as some players may still be classified as minors (U18).
• Similarly adult managers/coaches/mentors/club officials are not permitted to
communicate individually via social media with underage players
• Any form of individual social media communication by a coach with an underage player
shall be deemed a serious breach of the Code of Behaviour (Underage).
Social Media Sites
The world of social and digital media is an enjoyable and engaging place and is in itself a
useful asset in promoting our Clubs and activities within the membership and to a wider
audience. We must be aware that while these communication tools can be used to our
advantage vigilance is also required to ensure that our use of such communication methods
shall at all time be appropriate:
• Each individual is responsible for any posting, comments or their conduct while engaging
with such sites
• Any social media site approved or promoted by Moy Davitts GAA must be subject to terms
and conditions regarding its usage and must also be under the direct monitoring of a
nominated person
• Club sites may be used to promote training times, fixtures and events
• Content published on Club web sites or social network pages should at all times be factual
and follow the parameters of good behaviour
• Clubs should ensure all members are aware of acceptable usage policies regarding
communication between coaches or other adults and underage players
• Social media sites should not be used as a forum for exchanging views between other
clubs or irate members. Such usage should be terminated by the site controller.
Mobile Phones
Except in exceptional circumstances, or in the case of very young children, most underage
players attending our training or games generally have a mobile phone or access to a phone.
While the ownership and general use of the mobile is primarily a matter between the child
and their parents the use, or accessing of, the mobiles at our events, or in our
clubhouses/dressing rooms, is a matter for Club officials to monitor, and/or pursue. If needs
be agreement should be made with parents about responsible/appropriate usage/access.
While we never wish to curtail the rights of a child we can, in relation to the use of a mobile,
limit the use of mobiles on our premises and should inform parents in advance if the
intention is to do so. Guidance in relation to mobile phone usage includes:
• Do not permit the use of any phones in dressing rooms or shower area
• Avoid any instances of individual communication via mobile phone with any of the
underage players
• If in agreement with other coaches seek parental permission for all phones of underage
players to be “bagged” prior to a game and returned to the players after each game
• Be vigilant as to the use, or excessive use, of a mobile phone by any underage player
while they are under your care
• Advise children if they receive an offensive photo, email or messages, not to reply, but to
save the offensive materials, note the time and date of receipt and that they should inform
their parents. Should any such incident regarding the use of mobile phones occur during
their attendance at the Club the team coach should note this and report the matter to the
Club Children’s Officer.
Created: May 2021
Signed:_____________________ Date:____________________
Chairperson
Signed:_____________________ Date:____________________
Children’s Officer
