FEAR of paedophiles on the internet has prompted Scots sports chiefs to warn parents and coaches not to photograph young athletes in their gym gear.
Controversial new advice from governing body Scottish Gymnastics says photographs of youngsters should only be taken if they are wearing tracksuits.
The child protection guidelines – drawn up to prevent "unsuitable images" appearing on the interne
t – also suggest parents should destroy existing photographs showing children in a "potentially provocative" pose.
The organisation, which has 8,500 members in Scotland, says the move is a commonsense alternative to having an outright ban on filming or photography at competitions. But others claim it is a needless overreaction that will do little more than help spread fear.
The new policy, for five to 16-year-olds at Scottish Gymnastics clubs, states: "Sport websites and publications provide excellent opportunities to broadcast achievements of individuals to the world and to provide a showcase for the activities of gymnasts. In some cases, however, displaying certain information or pictures of children could put them at risk. We must all take the time to ensure these photographs are actually suitable for publication."
The guidelines, which are being handed out in leaflets to parents before they attend children's gymnastic events state: "The content of photographs or videos must not depict a child or vulnerable adult in a provocative pose or in a state of partial undress other than when depicting a sporting activity.
"Where relevant, a tracksuit may be more appropriate attire. Children must never be portrayed in a demeaning or tasteless manner. Common sense should be used when deciding which photographs to print. Do not use images that can appear staged and potentially provocative. Do not use images that appear to focus on the groin or in movements when the legs are in a split position."
Lorna Whyte, the body's ethics and welfare manager, said the guidelines had been drawn up in consultation with parents, coaches and clubs.
She said: "We are certainly not stopping people from taking pictures of their children.
"We are saying: 'Yes, you can, but you have got to beware about the type of photograph you are taking'.
"Everybody loves to see an action shot of gymnastics. It is not a problem, just as long as the action shot is appropriate."
Whyte confirmed the guidelines were pro-active and that Scottish Gymnastics has never encountered any problems with photographs or films being misused in any way.
Previously parents were requested to fill in a form if they wanted to take photos, but this has now been replaced by handing out specific guidance to all mothers and fathers.
Maire McCormack, head of policy for Scotland's Commissioner for Children & Young People, backed the policy. She said: "It's essential that parents are given clear guidance on the making and use of video and photographic material of all children taking part in activities such as gymnastics. These commonsense guidelines should help protect children and provide reassurance to all relevant adults."
Anne Houston, chief executive of Children 1st, which helps to run the national child protection in sport service, agreed it was a delicate issue.
"The internet had added another dimension to fears about inappropriate images appearing of children, but it is important that common sense prevails and that parents, relatives and children are not robbed of the photographic reminders of special moments in their lives."
But Professor Frank Furedi, a sociologist with the University of Kent, believes the growing trend of restricting photographs of children at public events is unnecessary and counter-productive.
The author of Paranoid Parenting said: "The assumption that pictures represent a significant threat to children has acquired a fantasy-like grotesque character. We rarely dare ask the question: what possible harm can come from taking pictures of children? Dark hints about the threat of evil networks of paedophiles are sufficient to corrode common sense.
"Tragically, what the dramatisation and criminalisation of the act of photographing children reveals is a culture that regards virtually every childhood experience from the standpoint of a paedophile. The default position is to always expect the worst."
In New Zealand all spectators at the national athletics championships must have cameras and mobile phones registered and labelled on entry because of fears that "unsavoury" images could emerge.
In 2002, Edinburgh City Council was forced to retract a ban on parents taking photographs at their children's Nativity plays after parents threatened to take legal action.
