Communication Practices
(includes use of technology and social media)

Using the internet and electronic communication is essential for communicating club news and information with club members. We are committed to communication being appropriate and related to club business. We will use a range of electronic tools to communicate with our members.

Coaches and others who work with children and young people must direct electronic communication through the child’s parents.

Website

• Our website will include current information on News, Competitions, Social events, Committee details, Rules & Practices, Sponsors and other useful information.
• No offensive content or photos will be published.

SMS and email

Committee members, coaches and team managers may use SMS and email to provide information about competition, training, club-sanctioned social events and other club business. The club will use the mobile phone number and email address details provided by you on your registration form.

• SMS messages will be short and about club/team matters
• email messages will be used to distribute club information that directly relates to club matters

Social media websites

We treat all social media postings, blogs, and status updates as public ‘comment’.

• Postings (written, photos or videos) will be family-friendly and feature positive club news.
• No personal information about our members will be disclosed.
• No statements will be made that are misleading, false or damaging to a person’s reputation, or bring our club into disrepute.

What we ask you to do

We expect our members to conduct themselves appropriately when using electronic communication to share information with other members connected to the club. Electronic communication should:

• be restricted to club matters
• not offend, intimidate, humiliate or bully another person
• not be abusive, intimidating, discriminatory, misleading, false or damaging to another person
• respect and maintain the privacy of others
• not bring the club into disrepute

Non-compliance

Members may face disciplinary action for sending inappropriate electronic communication or posting online content or comments that harass, offend, intimidate or humiliate another member. Cyber bullying (e.g. bullying carried out through an internet service such as email, chat/discussion room, instant messaging or website) is a criminal offence that can be reported to police. Any members who publish false or misleading comments about another person in the public domain (e.g., Facebook, YouTube or Twitter) may further be liable for defamation.