Malvern RFC - Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy

1. Introduction

Social networking activities conducted online, such as involvement in social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Bebo, etc, as well as posting material, images, comments on sites such as You Tube, or even communicating via text, email or Whats App can have both a positive and negative impact on Malvern RFC reputation and image.

In addition, Malvern Rugby Football Club has a firm commitment to safeguarding children in all aspects of its work, as explained in the Malvern RFC Safeguarding and Photograph, Video and Cyber Policies.

The Malvern RFC Social Media and Electronic Communication Policy has been written to set out the key principles and code of conduct that we expect of all members and team officials of the club to adopt with respect to their responsibilities in connection with the use of social networking sites and electronic communication.

2. Key Principles

Safeguarding children is a key responsibility of all members and it is essential that everyone at Malvern Rugby considers this and acts responsibly if they are using social networking sites or communicating electronically in relation to the Club, as detailed in the Malvern RFC safeguarding policy.

All members at Malvern Rugby have a responsibility to ensure that they protect the reputation of the club, and to treat fellow members, players, parents, volunteers or external guests of Malvern RFC with dignity and respect.

It is important to protect Malvern Rugby from allegations and misinterpretations which can arise from the use of social networking sites or electronic communications.

3. Aims

To set out the key principles and code of conduct expected of all members and club representatives of Malvern RFC with respect to social networking and electronic communication.

To further safeguard and protect children and volunteers.

4. Code of Conduct for members of Malvern Rugby – Social Networking

The following are not considered acceptable at Malvern Rugby:

The use of the Malvern RFC name, logo, or any other published material without written prior permission from the Management Group. This applies to any published material including the internet or written documentation.

The posting of any communication, or images, which link the club to any form of illegal conduct or which may damage the reputation of the club. This includes comments that are threatening, abusive and insulting.

The disclosure of confidential, club-sensitive information, or the disclosure of information/images that could compromise the security of the club.

In addition to the above every member of Malvern Rugby must ensure that they:

Comply with the RFU Anti – Bullying Policy and must not make any derogatory, defamatory, rude, threatening or inappropriate comments about the club, or anyone at or connected with the club or those clubs that it plays. This includes referees, other club members, volunteers, parents or players.

Use social networking sites responsibly ensuring that neither individuals or other clubs personal/professional reputation, or the club’s reputation is compromised by inappropriate postings. By using or accessing the club pages, you agree to comply with Facebook's Terms and Conditions, in particular Community Standards:

Posts will be removed that are:

Unlawful, libelous, defamatory, sexually explicit, obscene, abusive, violates other's privacy rights.

Vulgar or use inappropriate language.

Degrades others on basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual preference or disability.

A personal attack or designed to incite others to violate rules.

Disruptive or off topic.

Link baiting (embedding a link in your post to draw traffic to your own site).

Spamming in nature.

5. Potential and Actual Breaches of the Code of Conduct

In instances where there has been a breach of the above Code of Conduct, the following will apply:

Any breaches of this policy will be fully investigated. This investigation will initially sit with the Malvern RFC Executive Committee and should it be found that this policy has been breached the individual will immediately be suspended from all club activity until the next meeting of the Malvern RFC Exec. The matter will then be considered by the Malvern RFC Exec who will either deem the suspension sufficient punishment or, where need be, refer the matter to the club’s disciplinary committee. A breach of this policy will be considered to be a serious disciplinary offence which is also contrary to the club’s ethos and principles.

The Club will take appropriate action in order to protect the club’s reputation and that of its members, volunteers, children and anyone else directly linked to the club.

6. Social Network Sites Statement:

All players, parents, managers, coaches or anyone associated with Malvern RFC are reminded, with regard to comments made on social network sites or electronic communication that, posting comments directed towards match officials, other players, other teams, other coaches/managers, or anyone else connected to adult, junior or mini rugby whose comments are proven to be in breach of the club’s Code of Conduct will be dealt with within the club’s disciplinary procedures.