Photography and filming guidelines for grassroots football

Due to an increase in the filming and photography of grassroots football training and fixtures we wanted to remind our grassroots football community of the current guidelines and laws.

The FA Rules & Regulations permit the use of cameras at affiliated football matches as long as this in accordance with the FA Photo & Video Guidance document.

Current legislation dictates that members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places, this includes the filming and photography of grassroots football matches or training sessions featuring players under the age of 18 which take place in parks and other public settings.

The law clearly states that it is not an offence to take appropriate photographs or film footage in a public place even if asked not to do so and no-one has the right to decide who can and cannot take photos or films in a public space.

If you have serious concerns about a possible child protection issue relating to the taking of photos or film footage then you must contact the Police immediately. This action should only be taken though where you believe that someone may be acting unlawfully or putting a child at risk.

If you want to film or photograph grassroots football matches or training sessions at a private facility then you must first of all seek permission from the venue owner by asking for their policy relating to filming and photography. We advise that this is done in advance of the match or training session and not on the day.

If you have people acting against your venues filming and photography policy then you are within your rights to either ask that person or persons to stop filming or photographing with you also able to eject them from the venue.

FA GUIDANCE FOR PHOTOGRAPHING AND FILMING CHILDREN IN GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL