Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club Inc. (A0029084C)
3. SOCIAL MEDIA and DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
3.1 Introduction
The Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club recognises the valuable role that social media can play in communicating with and connecting members of our club. Social media can be an effective tool for communicating our views, ideas and comments in an accessible and open way. We encourage the responsible use of social media in all its forms in a way that positively reflects our club values and culture.
Using social media also comes with important responsibilities and at all times we expect anyone associated with the Whitehorse Colts to refrain from any behaviour or activity on social media that may expose anyone to inappropriate content, cause offence, be derogatory, sexist, racist or bring the club into disrepute. We also note that some behaviours or activity on social media may constitute a criminal offence.
3.2 Scope
This policy applies to all people who are members of the Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club. This includes players, parents/guardians, Team Managers, Coaches, team officials, club officials and others associated with the club.
Social media refers to all social networking websites that may include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, You Tube, blogs and others.
Digital communication refers to emails, text or picture messaging, private messaging and others.
3.3 Related Policies
Yarra Junior Football League Social Networking Policy (Schedule U)
Code of Conduct
Child Safe Policy
3.4 Responsibilities and Expectations
Upholding the values and expectations outlined in our Code of Conduct, when using social media in any capacity related to the Club, its activities or the Yarra Junior Football League, we expect all members to:
respect the rights and confidentiality of others;
ensure that no comment or content is published which is discriminatory on the basis of physical appearance, race, religion, gender or sexuality;
refrain from publishing any comment or content that could be perceived as offensive, defamatory, bullying, harassment or threatening;
ensure that no content is published which is obscene, explicit, pornographic, racist, sexist or incites violence and ensure that no comment or content would lead to exposure to this;
ensure that any issues, concerns or complaints about the Club, its officials or the YJFL are not published on social media sites and that appropriate channels are used to resolve any issues or conflicts;
model positive and appropriate behaviour for others when using social media and encourage children and young people within the club to use social media in a positive way;
report any concerns about the inappropriate use of social media to club officials in a timely manner; and
adhere to the Yarra Junior Football League Social Networking Policy
3.5 The use of photographs and video
Photographs and/or videos of members, players or club officials should never be published on social media sites without the prior consent of the subjects and/or the Club.
The publication of photographs or videos on social media that are inappropriate, may cause offence to an individual/s or bring the Club into disrepute is strictly prohibited.
3.6 Promoting cyber-safety
Children and young people associated with the club may be frequent users of social media and while the club encourages their positive engagement with various social media platforms, we also play an important role in promoting a safe online environment.
Adult members of the club, including Coaches, Team Managers and Club officials are discouraged from directly engaging with players on social media. Communication to players through social media should occur via their parent or guardian.
If there are any indications or reports of cyber-bullying affecting players within the Club, the health and wellbeing of the affected player/s must be addressed as the first priority and the parents/guardian of the affected player/s must also be notified.
3.7 Reporting Procedure
Whitehorse Colts club officials or members who feel that they have been affected by the misuse of technology through social media or digital communication should save and store the offending material on their computer, mobile phone or other device. They should then print/ save a copy of the material and immediately report the incident to the relevant club representative. If required, this material may also be forwarded to the Yarra Junior Football League.
All reports of cyberbullying and other technology misuses will be investigated fully in accordance with Yarra Junior Football League rules and regulations and may result in a notification to Police where the Yarra Junior Football League or the Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club is legally obliged to do so.
3.8 Breaches of this policy
Any breaches of this policy must be reported to a member of the Club Committee immediately.
The Club may request that any comment or content which is deemed to be in breach of this policy be removed immediately and the individuals concerned issued with a formal warning.
Serious and repeated breaches of this policy may result in sanctions against a member/s which could result in suspension or cancellation of membership.
Please also refer to Section 5 of the Yarra Junior Football League Social Networking Policy (Schedule U) for the penalties which will apply with respect to breaches of that policy.