PENRITH RAMS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL CLUB

STATEMENT ON ELECTRONIC

COMMUNICATION

 Electronic Communication

Penrith AFC recognises the growing reliance on information technology and the internet for communication within the Australian football community.

Electronic communication such as email, instant messaging, text message, phone messages, digital images, social (including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, MySpace and blogs) are now all vital parts of the communications mix for community football leagues clubs and their constituents.

When used appropriately, these modes of communication offer effective and efficient ways to share information easily, often in fun and novel ways, which helps save time and effort for volunteers and administrators.

Penrith AFC encourages the grass roots football community to optimize technology and use electronic forms of communication. The Rams itself uses many of these modes for daily communication and marketing to players, members and supporters.

Inappropriate Use of Electronic Communication

Due to a number of factors, electronic communication can sometimes lead to anti-social, inappropriate, and illegal behaviour and activity. When such negative behavior or activity occurs within the context of a football community, the outcome can be devastating to a football league, club or individuals.

Inappropriate use of electronic communication within the football environment includes, but is not limited to, making or posting inappropriate comments against players, clubs, club officials, match officials, other clubs or leagues which is hurtful, discriminatory or offensive in nature.

Penrith AFC is concerned about the increasing number of incidents relating to the inappropriate use of electronic communication.

The AFL NSW/ACT Regulations and By-Laws and Codes of Conduct (for Players, Coaches, Administrators, Officials, and Parents & Supporters), stipulate that inappropriate use of electronic communication will not be tolerated and can be subject to disciplinary action by the Penrith club, the League or Independent Tribunal.

Guidelines

Leagues, clubs or individuals who feel that they have been the victims of inappropriate electronic communication may report the matter in writing to the club, along with any evidence (such as printouts) of the offending material.

The club shall then investigate the matter and, upon investigation, has the power to either deal with the matter itself or refer the matter to an Independent Tribunal or Conduct Committee.

Penrith AFC closely monitors social media sites and has the right to ban anyone not adhering to the above guidelines

Matters which are perceived to be more serious may be reported to police.

Any enquiries should be forwarded to enquiries@penrithrams.com.au.