Introduction

Social Media is a rapidly expanding form of communication. The North Heidelberg Sporting Club (NHSC) acknowledges that it will have club executive, officials, members and players actively engaged in this medium. The Club accepts that the use of social media can be an effective business and social tool and that such a medium is commonly used by our members to express their views, comments, ideas and criticism on a whole range of issues.

If you chose to participate in any form of social media the North Heidelberg Sporting Club expects you to adhere to the standards set out in this policy when referencing your association with the North Heidelberg Sporting Club the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL) or any of the leagues clubs or any individual affiliated to the league or clubs or the wider community.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set standards of behaviour for the use of social media that are consistent with the broader values and expectations of the community.

The club expects those who are part of our club, when using social media to show courtesy and respect to;

  • Those within our club;
  • Northern Football Netball League (NFNL);
  • Any of the leagues clubs or any individual affiliated to the league or clubs and
  • The wider community.

Social media should not be used to abuse others, expose them to offensive or inappropriate content or to denigrate or show disrespect for the club.

Definitions

Club Members – any player, parent, family member, committee member, coach, coaches assistant, team officials or other representative.

Social Media – refers to all social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and football forum websites.

Policy Scope

This policy is applicable to all North Heidelberg Sporting Club executive, officials, members

and players who participate in any form of social media.

Rights and Responsibilities

  • Club Members are expected to show respect to others, including members of the wider football community.
  • Club Members are also expected to pay due respect to the reputation and good name of the North Heidelberg Sporting

When using social media, club executive, officials, members and players are expected to ensure that they;

  • Respect the rights and confidentiality of others
  • Do not impersonate or falsely represent another person
  • Do not bully, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten others
  • Do not make defamatory comments
  • Do not use obscene or offensive language towards others
  • Do not post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic or incites violence against others
  • Do not harm the reputation and good standing of the club or those within our community
  • Do not use excessive criticism to portray a person as socially, mentally, physically or intellectually inferior

Responses to any breach of this Social media Participation policy

The North Heidelberg Sporting Club will convene a review committee when required to investigate any breach of the social media policy. The committee will be made up of executive office bearers. This committee will conduct their investigations as they see fit and remain impartial and transparent during this process

Disciplinary actions may include, but not be limited to:

  • No discipline required
  • Acceptance of formal apology
  • Verbal warning
  • Written and verbal warning
  • Suspension from the North Heidelberg Sporting Club (term based on severity of offence)
  • Expulsion from the North Heidelberg Sporting Club
  • Recommendation of corrective education programs

Policy Review

To ensure this policy remains relevant to the operations of the North Heidelberg Sporting Club and reflects the community expectations the policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Executive Committee
North Heidelberg Sporting Club
March 2020