Filming youth matches: consent and opt-outs

Match video helps players learn and lets grandparents who can't get to the touchline watch the game. But filming children comes with responsibilities. This guide sums up what the FA and the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit say, with notes from other sports.

This is a summary, not legal advice. Read the source documents and your club's own policy.

Start with a policy

The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit says any organisation that uses or shares images of children must have a photography and filming policy, covering how images are used, how they're stored in line with data protection law, how you keep children safe and how you get consent. Share it with families when they join.

Consent, and the right to opt out

• Publishing needs written consent. The FA's Guidance Note 8.3 says to get written parental consent before using a child's photo or film in the public domain, and not to publish names alongside images without it. The FA's membership and consent form (8.2) includes a section for this.
• Under 16s need a parent or carer's consent. Over-16s who understand can consent for themselves, and it's good practice to tell their parents (CPSU). Consent should be recorded, and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Filming for coaching is different. The FA says consent may not suit coaching and analysis filming, and that legitimate interests may be the right lawful basis – but it still recommends giving parents the chance to opt out.
• Wales: the FAW asks for consent from the parent and the child, and says surnames should not be used with images.

Before you film a match

• Tell the opposition. FA Guidance 8.3 says a club should inform the opposition before filming and take any legitimate concerns on board.
• Ask whether you need to. The FA asks clubs to consider whether filming is strictly necessary, and notes that in grassroots football it usually isn't – so be clear about why you're filming.
• Follow the organiser's and the venue's rules, especially at tournaments.
• Cricket: ECB guidance asks for 48 hours' notice and approval from both teams, the umpires and scorers before live-streaming; any objection means no stream.

While you film

• Keep the camera wide and focused on the game, not on individual children. For analysis cameras, the FA says to minimise footage of individual players – for example, don't zoom in on faces.
• Make sure anyone filming knows which children mustn't be filmed close up – the FA and CPSU suggest a badge, sticker or wristband, or a quick check with the team manager.
• Never film in changing rooms, showers or toilets – and that includes phones.
• In youth football, the FA says analysis should inform coaching, not one-to-one critique of individual players.

After the match: storing and sharing

• Use footage only for the purpose you filmed it for, keep it only as long as you need it, and store it securely (FA 8.3).
• Don't keep footage on unencrypted phones, laptops or memory sticks.
• If you livestream, restrict access to people with a legitimate interest, use wide shots, and switch off or watch the chat (FA 8.3).
• Consider asking parents not to share clips on social media, because other children can be identified (CPSU).
• Rugby league: if a child is named, don't use their photo – and if their photo is used, don't name them (RFL). The GAA similarly asks clubs not to identify individual children unless agreed.

What parents should know

The FA points out that it isn't an offence to take appropriate photos in a public place, and that it has no power to force the removal of images spectators have lawfully taken. That's why a clear club policy, and a private place to share match video, matter. If you're worried about how photos or video of a child are being used, speak to your club welfare officer.

How Squono helps

With Squono Pro, match video is private to your team, and every view is permission-checked. Parents can opt their child out of filming, and coaches see a reminder listing opted-out children whenever they record, publish, clip or share. The match set-up checklist reminds you to tell the opposition, and downloads are off unless your club switches them on. See match video.