WSC Social Media Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this Social Media Policy is to establish guidelines and expectations for the use of social media platforms by skaters, coaches, volunteers, employees, participants and members of Watford Skating Club. This policy aims to promote responsible and respectful behavior online, protect the reputation of the Watford Skating Club, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Application
This policy applies to all social media activities conducted on behalf of or associated with Watford Skating Club, including but not limited to official club/school accounts, personal accounts used in connection with club/school activities, and interactions between participants, members, skaters, coaches, volunteers, and stakeholders on social media platforms. This Policy is not intended to interfere with the private lives of our Participants and Members or to impinge on the right to freedom of speech.
Social media: Should be understood in its broadest interpretation to include but is not limited to Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, blogs, electronic newsletters, online forums and other sites and services that permit users to share information with others in a contemporaneous matter.
Official use: Refers to anyone posting on behalf of the organization, with any form of Watford Skating Club, in their username or description.
Personal use: Refers to posts about Watford Skating Club, through a personal, non-affiliated account of any Participant or Member. Watford Skating Club participants and members are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy.
Guidelines
It is expected that all participants and members will maintain a professional tone and language in all social media communications that includes:
- Refraining from posting content that is offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, or otherwise inappropriate.
- Represent Watford Skating Club positively and accurately in all social media interactions.
- Respect the confidentiality of club/school-related information, including member details, financial matters, and internal discussions.
- Refrain from sharing sensitive information or discussing internal club/school matters on social media platforms.
- Treat others with respect and courtesy in all social media interactions.
- Avoid engaging in arguments, personal attacks, or disputes on social media platforms.
- Do not impersonate or misrepresent Watford Skating Club or its officials on social media.
- Obtain consent before posting photos, videos, or personal information about members, coaches, volunteers, or stakeholders.
- Respect individuals' privacy settings and preferences on social media platforms.
- Comply with all applicable laws, including copyright, defamation, privacy, and anti-discrimination laws, when posting content on social media.
- Do not engage in illegal or unethical activities on social media platforms.
Official Club/School Accounts
Watford Skating Club will designate responsible individuals to manage and administer official club/school social media accounts. Watford Skating Club will regularly monitor and moderate content posted on official accounts to ensure compliance with this policy.
· Only those Watford Skating Club designate(s) can respond promptly and professionally to inquiries, comments, and messages received through official club/school social media accounts. Communication using official accounts should avoid engaging in controversial or sensitive discussions on behalf of Watford Skating Club without appropriate authorization.
· Will clearly disclose any endorsements, sponsorships, or partnerships related to Watford Skating Club in social media posts.
- Avoid making misleading or false claims about products, services, or organizations.
Personal Social Media Use
Separation of Personal and Professional Accounts
Watford Skating Club will maintain separate personal and professional social media accounts.
Representational Behavior
Participants and members must understand that personal social media activity reflects on Watford Skating Club and its reputation and exercise discretion and good judgment when posting content that may be associated with Watford Skating Club.
Reporting Concerns
Report any instances of inappropriate or concerning social media behavior by participants, members, coaches, volunteers, or stakeholders to club/school officials via email at watfordskatingclub1@gmail.com or to any board member during regular club session times.
This policy has been written to complement the Code of Conduct which outlines the expectations with regards to providing a safe environment in which all individuals and groups are treated with respect and dignity in an environment valuing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Breach of its guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action.