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Paedophiles with cameras are
forcing several Waikato sporting organisations and businesses to rethink
their photography policies. Gymnastics New Zealand took a hard
line against the snappers during this week's national championships in
Christchurch, making spectators register and label their cameras and
cellphone cameras. There was concern that the champs
–- where a team of 40 Waikato gymnasts are competing –- would attract
paedophiles who take photos and put them on the internet. National gymnastics judge, coach
and organiser Colin McMullien said one of his unofficial roles at gymnastics
events was ensuring there were no suspicious people in the crowd. "We do encounter the odd
strange fellow in gymnastics," Mr McMullien said. Gymnastics NZ's camera protocol
was based on a ruling brought in by the sport's international body. In the past there had been no
restriction on cameras and cellphone cameras at children's sports events in
the Waikato, but many officials said the issue would now be discussed. Waikato Gymnastic Association
president Neil Cox said he had not been aware of any problems but the latest
concerns would prompt the association to take precautions and it would be
brought up at its next meeting. "We don't have any of our own
policies on the issue and to date we haven't needed to take any action,"
he said. "It's pretty sad that sort of
thing is happening and I guess now we have to keep more of an eye out for it
and will take more notice of it." Swim Waikato president Humphrey
Pullon said if other groups decided to ban cameras from events they would
follow suit. Gallagher Pools and Water World in
Hamilton did not have policies on cameras and cellphone cameras, but swimming
facility manager Elton Parata said if they were concerned about anyone they
would be asked to leave. More than 600,000 people visited
the two facilities last year and Mr Parata said as far as he knew nothing
sinister had occurred |
