Westhoughton Lions ARLFC

Social Media and Guidance Policy

  1. PURPOSE STATEMENT

To provide guidance on how Westhoughton Lions ARLFC members and supporters can manage their and the children’s/players understanding and behavior on the use of social media and the expectations from Westhoughton Lions ARLFC as a cluband all those affiliated with it. Westhoughton Lions ARLFC recognise that social media can be a positive way for players, officials and the club to engage with supporters and other stakeholders to grow the online presence of the game of Rugby League.However Westhoughton Lions RLFC advocate the use of social media to be used responsibly and must also remember that social media is within the public domain and available for anyone to see or read, retweet or share.

  1. SCOPE

This policy applies to all members, players, parents, helpers, guardians, guests, contractors, students and volunteers associated with/for Westhoughton Lions ARLFC.

  1. This policy describes Westhoughton Lions ARLFC objectives and policies regarding the correct use of social media from an educational, social and personal perspective.
  2. ALL must be accountable for their individual use of social media and Westhoughon Lions ARLFC do not wish to unduly restrict this use BUT you must be aware that you are accountable for your actions and what you communicate via this method.
  1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE

1)To ensure that all those stated in 2 are aware of the following:

1.1The club does not endorse or support and will discourage the use of any social networking sites related to its activities outside of the official website or social network forums set up by the administration team of Westhoughton Lions ARLFC

1.2The club does not endorse or support the open use of photographs, comments, matchresults, naming of players (any club), coaches or supporters without permission granted in the first instance

1.3To support and manage via designated administration staff the appropriate and correct use of the Westhoughton Lions ARLFC Closed Group Facebook page and

1.4Club welfare officers must be present and have access to the social media sharing sites named in point 1.3 above

1.5To ensure communication is directed or assimilated via a parent,carer or as the closed group named in point 1.3 above with no use of messenger/messaging services between any club official under the age of 18 years

1.6To protect potential damage to Westhoughton Lions ARLFC reputation via incorrect/inappropriate use of social media

1.7To reduce the potential of all those listed in point 2 above safety

1.8Reduce bullying/cyber bullying via the use of social media as a source

  1. REMEDIAL ACTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE

1)Inappropriate use of social media system will result in:

1.1A breach of the club rules as listed in 5 (1) 1.1 to 1.5 above and Code of Conduct

1.2Any individual as listed in 2 above found to have used social media associated with Westhoughton Lions ARLFC in an inappropriate way deemed to be detrimental and will be managed and dealt with via Westhoughton Lions ARLFC committee disciplinary procedure.

1.3If a Safeguarding issue is then subsequently raised then policy and procedure will be followed via the committee members of Westhoughton Lions ARLFC via the Rugby Football League (RFL) safeguarding team.

1.4Referral to the RFL safeguarding team may result in further a/additional action being taken beyond the action taken via the Westhoughton Lions ARLFC

  1. GUIDANCE FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

This list below is not exhaustive in regards to the nature of content which may be deemed to be inappropriate:

1)1.1 Don’t use offensive language online – this includes anything which could be considered racist, homophobic, ageist or sexist; anything which shows prejudice or disrespect to anyone with a disability; or anything which shows prejudice against someone’s religion; and also includes foul language

1.2 Don’t insult or criticiseWesthoughton Lions ARLFC or club sponsors or commercial partners via the use of social media

1.3 Remember that ‘banter’ can be misconstrued in open forums – be careful of using insulting or critical terminology towards members of or those listed in 2 even if you consider a comment to be ‘banter’ anything that suggests someone has broken the law, cheated, lied or is dishonest or incompetent could be libelous. This is inclusive of team members/players.

1.4 Don’t suggest that match officials, club officials, RFL associated members are biased or corrupt – such suggestions are legally actionable

1.5 Don’t give out inside information about your club or fellow players which may be used for the purposes of gambling or betting

1.6 Don’t make physical threats of violence which might be considered to incite someone else or a personal aim to do any of the above

1.7 Don’t engage in any sexualised messages particularly with anyone under the age of 18 – if in doubt assume they are under 18 – and never private message anyone under the age of 18

1.8 Don’t respond to offensive messages from/within the public and do not retweet, like or share messages featuring any of the above – you are as much

responsible for the contents of retweets, likes or shares as original tweets or postings

1.9Don’t put offensive photographs online – this includes nude photos of you or friends

  1. FURTHER/USEFUL INFORMATION TO SUPPORT WESTHOUGHTON LIONS ARLFC SOCIAL MEDIA/GUIDANCE POLICY

1)Incorrect use of social media is a growing issue amongst young people in particular and a variety of ways in which this can be orchestrated is via mobile phone devices, internet and associated applications (Apps). This can be done in a variety of ways:

1.1Sending hurtful messages and or voicemails

1.2 Name calling/accusations within the social public domain

1.3Silent call/withheld number/unknown number caller ID

1.4Exclusion from chat rooms/messaging rooms and associated areas

1.5Inappropriate video recording of bullying antics for inappropriate distribution

1.6Targeted bullying players/teams before games

1.7If text message/email/social media contact is required from coach/team manager to players/members under 16-18, then it is recommended that another adult (other coach/team manager/team member ) is included in this conversation to ensure that another responsible adult is witness to conversations taking place

Further guidance regarding safe and appropriate use of Social Media below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-media-guidance-for-civil-servants/social-media-guidance-for-civil-servants

Westhoughton Lions Social Media Policy FINALC Croughan Updated January 2016