NT TENPIN BOWLING ASSOCIATION INC

USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

VERSION 1.1 NOVEMBER 2011.

Purpose

Social media offers the opportunity for people to gather in online communities of shared interest and create, share or consume content. As a membership based organisation NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. recognises the benefits of social media as an important tool of engagement and enrichment for TBA members and stakeholders of our organisation. In fact NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc has several sites engaged in the promotion of our organisation and the sport.

However, it is important that NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. is not tarnished by anyone using social media inappropriately in relation to content that references the organisation, staff, volunteers and stakeholders.

When a member of our organisation clearly identifies their association with NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc they are expected to behave and express themselves appropriately according to the values and codes of conduct enforced by the national sporting organisation, Tenpin Bowling Australia Ltd and upheld by NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc.

This policy has the purpose of providing guidelines for the use of social media.

This policy covers all forms of social media. Social media includes, but is not limited to such activities as:

  • Maintaining a profile page on social or business networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Shutterfly or LinkedIn.
  • Content sharing for either photos or videos (YouTube)
  • Leaving product or service reviews on retailer sites or customer review sites
  • Taking part in online votes and polls;
  • Taking part in conversations on public and private web forums and message boards or
  • Editing a Wikipedia page

Intent

The intent of this policy is to include anything posted online where information is shared that may affect members, staff, volunteers, sponsors and stakeholders of this organisation. The well being of the above mentioned must also be considered.

Guiding Principles

The web is not anonymous. NT Tenpin Bowling Association members and staff should assume that everything they write can be traced back to them.

Due to the nature of our sport volunteer time and personal time can be impacted and it is therefore essential that members make a clear distinction between what they say and do in a professional capacity for NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. All TBA members are considered to be NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. representatives.

  • The web is a permanent record of online actions and opinions
  • All members should respect the sport, its brand and relationships to other sponsors and stakeholders so that the organisation or tenpin bowling is not brought into disrepute
  • Members must not refer or link to libellous, defamatory or harassing content.
  • Members must not comment on or publish information that is confidential or in anyway sensitive to NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc., its affiliates, partners or sponsors
  • Any logos belonging to this organisation or its affiliate organisation must not be used in personal social media applications

NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. official websites, blogs and online forums

  • Care should be taken that official information endorsed by Executive Committee or Executive Officer only is used
  • Permission to use government and sponsor logos is obtained from the appropriate authority or business
  • Photographs of minor children can only be used with the written permission of the childs parent and/or guardian
  • Posts may not contain links to pornographic or indecent content
  • Sites with pop up advertising must be monitored by the nominated webmaster

Consideration towards others

Consideration and care must be taken when using social networking sites in relation to photos, videos and comments to be shared with thousands of other users. It may not be appropriate to share this information in this way. For instance it must be assumed that any private event or function photographs will not be used in this manner.

  • Members or staff must not post information or content unless consent has been sought and given
  • Members or staff must remove information about another person if that person asks them to do so
  • Members or staff must under no circumstance post offensive comments about others on social media sites

Breach of this policy

Media sites are monitored by the committee in relation to the organisation and its members. Detected breaches of this policy must be reported to the Executive Committee through contact with the Executive Officer.

  • If detected, a breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action from NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc or its affiliate City Associations.
  • Written warning shall be given to anyone breaching this policy for a first offence
  • Any subsequent offence will be dealt with according to Code of Conduct and TBA Social Media Policy

Advice to members

This policy has been developed to provide guidance and education to TBA Members, staff and volunteers affiliated to NT Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. in this new area of social interaction. The well being of all people involved in our sport in the Northern Territory is of the utmost priority.

Northern Territory Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. Policy DocumentPage 1