Social Media Policy

1.               Introduction

YMCA Coastal City Hockey Club (Inc) (YMCC) must protect its reputation and image within the community.  This policy is intended to help members make appropriate decisions about the use of social media and outlines the standards YMCC require members to observe when using social media, the circumstances in which YMCC will monitor the use of social media and the action YMCC will take in respect of breaches of this policy.

YMCC acknowledges the emergence of new technology, communication mediums and internet social networks.  YMCC wishes to enable such new media to be used to benefit the sport and its participants, and to applaud achievements.  This can occur due to the immediate nature of communication to a wise audience using channels such as Facebook, Twitter and SMS.  Messages or statements made in these ways using these means of communication are largely instantaneous and can easily be abused.  Frustration at a referee, team-mate, coach, or sporting body should never be communicated on social network channels, but rather by way of reasoned and logical verbal and written statements and where appropriate, complaints, to the relevant controlling club.

2.               Persons to whom this policy applies

2.1             Approved person

Approved persons who have the administration responsibility of posting information on the YMCC social media accounts shall be appointed by the board, at the next committee meeting after the annual general meeting.  The term will be for one (1) year and the approved person will be allowed to be reappointed in subsequent years.

2.2             Other persons

Our policy applies to members, members families and visitors to YMCC who engage in social media platforms which offer opportunities for comments. 

A member is a registered person of YMCC.

3.               Social Media

3.1             Definition of Social Media

Social media refers to all internet based publishing technologies, including but not limited to:

•  Social or business networking sites (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn);

•  Video and/or photo sharing websites (e.g. YouTube, Flickr);

•  Business, corporate and personal blogs (e.g. Twitter);

•  Chat rooms and forums;

•  Wikis and online collaborations (e.g. Wikipedia);

•  Video on Demand (VOD) and processing;

•  Online multi-player gaming platforms;

•  Instant messaging (including SMS); and

•  Geo-spatial tagging (e.g. Foursquare).

3.2             Personal Use of Social Media

When using social media as a representative of YMCC:

Always

•  Be mindful that your behaviour is still bound by YMCC’s policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, Disclosure and Communication Policy and Privacy Policy;

•  Disclose and discuss only publicly available information, if you are unsure, then you should not disclose it;

•  Abide by relevant legislation e.g. copyright, privacy, defamation, harassment and discrimination;

•  Be aware that all information accessed or posted may be retrieved and used as evidence;

•  Be aware of your surroundings, for example people may be able to view internet or social media sites you are accessing;

•  Ask a person’s permission before posting their picture on a social networking forum;

•  Manage your social network settings to ensure appropriate levels of privacy are maintained;

•  Use social network forums to add value and promote hockey in a positive way.

Never

•  Use or disclose any confidential information or personal information obtained in your capacity as a member of YMCC;

•  Use offensive, provocating or hateful language;

•  Imply that you are authorised to speak on behalf of YMCC, or give the impression that any views you express are those of YMCC unless authorised to do so;

•  Post material that is, or might be construed as, obscene, threatening, harassing, bullying, discriminatory or hateful about YMCC or towards another member of YMCC; or

•  Make any comment or post any material that might otherwise cause damage to the YMCC brand, YMCC members or YMCC sponsors.

3.3             Cyber Bullying/Safety

Bullying and harassment in all forms is regarded by YMCC as unacceptable in this sport.  Bullying has the potential to cause great anxiety and distress to the person who has been the target of any comments or statements.  In some cases, bullying is regarded as a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment, amongst other things. 

4.               Right to Monitor Usage

YMCC has the right to monitor or examine your usage of any computing or communications resource without obtaining prior consent or notifying you.  People should familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of the social media sites they use and adjust their privacy settings according to their own needs.  However, people should not rely on a site’s security settings for a guarantee of privacy.

5.               What to do if you suspect this Policy has been breached

If you notice any content posted on a social media website about YMCC that is in breach with this Policy, please report it to a Co-ordinator or to a YMCC Board Member.

If you wish to report a breach or potential breach anonymously you may provide a detailed report to the Secretary, PO Box 472, Wembley WA 6021.

Co-ordinators, to whom potential breaches are reported, should discuss this issue with the Board who will assess the appropriate action to be take in response to the report.

6.               Policy Breaches

YMCC considers its reputation and image within the community seriously.  Breach of this policy may lead to disciplinary action being taken against the person(s).