YSPNC KidSafe Photographer

We are proud to be a part of the YSPNC  KidSafe Photographer Initiative, which holds active members to a high standard of character, a dedication to solid business ethics, a commitment to protect all youth, and the most recognized criminal background screening program in America.  They require an annual screening, review and renewal for all members. As KidSafe Photographers, we wear Photo ID Badges with our name, membership number, activation and expiration dates.

So what’s the problem?

  1. On the one hand, the photography technological advances allow for a more effective and efficient operation. On the other hand, the ease of manipulating digital photography and the wide use of the internet has opened the door for disturbing illegal activity. This is a problem the National Council of Youth Sports is addressing head-on.
  2. While the vast majority of photographers in the sports photography industry conduct their businesses ethically and professionally, there are some who have compromised the integrity and high ethical standards our industry demands. It’s hard to believe but true that there are a few who have taken photographs of youngsters only to enhance them in an unethical, immoral and illegal way.
  3. Parents must have the highest degree of confidence that their children are not only receiving good care and proper instruction, but also are safe from negative and improper conduct from all those who interact with them. These basic principles are crucial to maintaining a positive image and good reputation in the community but also for a safer, more wholesome society.

Here’s the solution

  1. In order to eradicate this problem before it gets out of hand, we have implemented a process to help ensure a safe and secure environment for athletes with criminal background screening services provided by the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI).
  2. The objective is to create a pipeline for teams and leagues to reference assuring them that their youth sports photographer has undergone a NCSI criminal background check and has done his/her due diligence in providing the organization with the best possible peace of mind with professionalism and solid moral principles.
  3. The NCYS strongly encourages all those affiliated with the youth sports industry to be certain that the photographer they hire has been recognized by the Youth Sports Photography Network Connection (YSPNC), has submitted to a NCSI criminal background screening and has agreed to operate their business by a strict code of ethical behavior.