social media policy
Policy overview and purpose
Social media is changing the way we communicate.
This policy has been developed to inform our community about using social media so people feel enabled to participate, while being mindful of their responsibilities and obligations. In particular, this policy provides practical guidance allowing all parties to benefit from the use of social media, while minimising potential risks and protecting those involved.
This policy assists to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in all online activities related to Cyr and German Wheel Club.
This policy contains Cyr and German Wheel Club guidelines for the Cyr and German Wheel Club community to engage in social media use. It also includes details of breaches of the policy.
In circumstances where guidance about social media issues has not been given in this policy, we suggest you use common sense or seek out advice from those who have approved this policy.
Underlying principles
This policy complements Cyr and German Wheel Club’s core values:
Coverage
This policy applies to all persons who are involved with the activities of Cyr and German Wheel Club whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity and including:
Scope
Social media refers to any online tools or functions that allow people to communicate and/or share content via the internet.
This social media policy applies to platforms including, but not limited to:
Using social media in an official capacity
You must be authorised by Cyr and German Wheel Club Head Coach before engaging in social media as a representative of.
To become authorised to represent Cyr and German Wheel Club in an official capacity, you must have written authorisation from Head coach of Cyr and German Wheel Club.
As a part of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s community you are an extension of the Cyr and German Wheel Club brand.
As such, the boundaries between when you are representing yourself and when you are representing Cyr and German Wheel Club can often be blurred. This becomes even more of an issue as you increase your profile or position with Cyr and German Wheel Club. Therefore it is important that you represent both yourself and Cyr and German Wheel Club appropriately online at all times.
Guidelines
You must adhere to the following guidelines when using social media related to Cyr and German Wheel Club or its business, products, competitions, teams, participants, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation.
Use common sense
Whenever you are unsure as to whether or not the content you wish to share is appropriate, seek advice from others before doing so or refrain from sharing the content to be on the safe side.
When using social media, the lines between public and private, personal and professional, may be blurred. Remember, you are an ambassador for Cyr and German Wheel Club.
Protecting your privacy
Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy.
When posting content online there is potential for that content to become publicly available through a variety of means, even if it was intended to be shared privately. Therefore, you should refrain from posting any content online that you would not be happy for anyone to see, even if you feel confident that a particular individual would never see it.
Where possible, privacy settings on social media platforms should be set to limit access. You should also be cautious about disclosing your personal details.
Honesty
Your honesty—or dishonesty—may be quickly noticed in the social media environment. Do not say anything that is dishonest, untrue or misleading. If you are unsure, check the source and the facts before uploading or posting anything. Cyr and German Wheel Club recommends erring on the side of caution – if in doubt, do not post or upload.
Do not post anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. Be transparent and honest. Use your real name, be clear about who you are and identify any affiliations you have.
If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, point it out. If you make an endorsement or recommendation about something you are affiliated with, or have a close relationship with, you must disclose that affiliation.
The web is not anonymous. You should assume that all information posted online can be traced back to you. You are accountable for your actions both on and offline, including the information you post via your personal social media accounts.
Use of disclaimers
Wherever practical, include a prominent disclaimer stating who you work for or are affiliated with (e.g. member of Cyr and German Wheel Club) and that anything you publish is your personal opinion and that you are not speaking officially. This is good practice and is encouraged, but don’t count on it to avoid trouble -– it may not have legal effect.
Reasonable use
If you are an employee of Cyr and German Wheel Club you must ensure that your personal use of social media does not interfere with your work commitments or productivity.
Respect confidentiality and sensitivity
When using social media, you must maintain the privacy of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s confidential information. This includes information that is not publically accessible, widely known, or not expected to be shared outside of Cyr and German Wheel Club.
Remember, if you are online, you are on the record—much of the content posted online is public and searchable.
Within the scope of your authorisation by Cyr and German Wheel Club, it is perfectly acceptable to talk about Cyr and German Wheel Club and have a dialogue with the community, but it is not okay to publish confidential information of Cyr and German Wheel Club. Confidential information includes things such as details about litigation, unreleased product information and unpublished details about our Members or club: e.g. team, coaching practices, financial information and trade secrets.
When using social media you should be considerate to others and should not post information when you have been asked not to, or where consent has not been sought and given. You must also remove information about another person if that person asks you to do so.
Permission should always be sought if the use or publication of information is not incidental, but directly related to an individual. This is particularly relevant to publishing any information regarding minors. In such circumstances, parental or guardian consent is mandatory.
Gaining permission when publishing a person’s identifiable image
You must obtain express permission from an individual to use a direct, clearly identifiable image of that person.
You should also refrain from posting any information or photos of a sensitive nature. This could include accidents, incidents or controversial behaviour.
In every instance, you need to have consent of the owner of copyright in the image.
Complying with applicable laws
Do not post or link to content that contains illegal or indecent content, including defamatory, vilifying or misleading and deceptive content.
Abiding by copyright laws
It is critical that you comply with the laws governing copyright in relation to material owned by others and Cyr and German Wheel Club’s own copyrights and brands.
You should never quote or use more than short excerpts of someone else’s work, and you should always attribute such work to the original author/source. It is good practice to link to others’ work rather than reproduce it.
Discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying
The public in general, and Cyr and German Wheel Club’s employees and members, reflect a diverse set of customs, values and points of view.
You must not post any material that is offensive, harassing, discriminatory, embarrassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate.
When using social media you may also be bound by Cyr and German Wheel Club’s values and Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy.
Avoiding controversial issues
Within the scope of your authorisation by Cyr and German Wheel Club, if you see misrepresentations made about Cyr and German Wheel Club in the media, you may point that out to the relevant authority in your Club. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is based on fact and does not discredit or belittle that party.
Dealing with mistakes
If Cyr and German Wheel Club makes an error while posting on social media, be up front about the mistake and address it quickly. If you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clear that you have done so. If someone accuses Cyr and German Wheel Club of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), address it promptly and appropriately and if necessary, seek legal advice.
Conscientious behaviour and awareness of the consequences
Keep in mind that what you write is your responsibility, and failure to abide by these guidelines could put your MEMBERSHIP at risk.
You should always follow the terms and conditions for any third-party sites in which you participate.
Branding and intellectual property of Cyr and German Wheel Club
You must not use any of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s intellectual property or imagery on your personal social media without prior approval from Cyr and German Wheel Club.
Cyr and German Wheel Club’s intellectual property includes but is not limited to:
You must not imply that you are authorised to speak on behalf of Cyr and German Wheel Club unless you have been given official authorisation to do so by Cyr and German Wheel Club
Where permission has been granted to create or administer an official social media presence for Cyr and German Wheel Club, you must adhere to the Cyr and German Wheel Club Branding Guidelines.
NOTE: Branding Guidelines
All media and branding information must be approved by Cyr and German Wheel Club Head Coach ONLY and has his written approval recorded.
Policy breaches
Breaches of this policy include but are not limited to:
Reporting a breach
If you notice inappropriate or unlawful content online relating to Cyr and German Wheel Club or any of its members, or content that may otherwise have been published in breach of this policy, you should report the circumstances immediately.
Please report this directly to C&GWC management by email to: wheelgymclub@gmail.com
Further information about reporting breaches:
Investigation
Alleged breaches of this social media policy may be investigated according to Cyr and German Wheel Club’s Members Protection Policy, Attachment D: 3 Investigation Process
Where it is considered necessary, Cyr and German Wheel Club may report a breach of this social media policy to the police.
Disciplinary process, consequences and appeals
Depending on the circumstances, breaches of this policy may be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary procedure contained in the Cyr and German Wheel Club’s Members Protection Policy.
Employees of Cyr and German Wheel Club who breach this policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment in accordance with Cyr and German Wheel Club Members Protection Policy or any other relevant policy.
Appeals
Any person who is sanctioned under a disciplinary process for breach of this policy may have a right of appeal under Members Protection Policy Attachment D 4: Hearing & Appeals Tribunal Procedure.
Related policies
Social media is changing the way we communicate.
This policy has been developed to inform our community about using social media so people feel enabled to participate, while being mindful of their responsibilities and obligations. In particular, this policy provides practical guidance allowing all parties to benefit from the use of social media, while minimising potential risks and protecting those involved.
This policy assists to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in all online activities related to Cyr and German Wheel Club.
This policy contains Cyr and German Wheel Club guidelines for the Cyr and German Wheel Club community to engage in social media use. It also includes details of breaches of the policy.
In circumstances where guidance about social media issues has not been given in this policy, we suggest you use common sense or seek out advice from those who have approved this policy.
Underlying principles
This policy complements Cyr and German Wheel Club’s core values:
- Provide Safe and inclusive environment to all its Members
- Club’s Head coach is responsible for all matters related to this policy
Coverage
This policy applies to all persons who are involved with the activities of Cyr and German Wheel Club whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity and including:
- members, including life members of Cyr and German Wheel Club
- employees of Cyr and German Wheel Club
- members of the Cyr and German Wheel Club
- support personnel, including managers, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs, sport trainers and others
- coaches and assistant coaches
- athletes
- referees, umpires and other officials
- Member of Cyr and German Wheel Club and SPECTATORS AND FAMILY OF THE MEMBERS
Scope
Social media refers to any online tools or functions that allow people to communicate and/or share content via the internet.
This social media policy applies to platforms including, but not limited to:
- Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Yammer, etc)
- Video and photo sharing websites or apps (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Flickr, Vine, etc)
- Blogs and micro-blogging platforms (e.g. Tumblr, WordPress, Blogger, etc)
- Review sites (e.g. Yelp, Urban Spoon, etc)
- Live broadcasting apps (e.g. Periscope, Meerkat, Facebook Mentions, etc)
- Podcasting (e.g. iTunes, Stitcher, Sound cloud, etc)
- Geo-spatial tagging (e.g. Foursquare, etc)
- Online encyclopedias (e.g. Wikipedia, etc)
- Instant messaging (e.g. SMS, Skype, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber, etc)
- Online multiplayer gaming platforms (e.g. World of Warcraft, Second life, Xbox Live, etc)
- Online voting or polls
- Public and private online forums and discussion boards
- Any other online technologies that allow individual users to upload and share content.
- an officially designated individual representing Cyr and German Wheel Club on social media; and
- If you are posting content on social media in relation to Cyr and German Wheel Club that might affect Cyr and German Wheel Club’s business, products, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation.
Using social media in an official capacity
You must be authorised by Cyr and German Wheel Club Head Coach before engaging in social media as a representative of.
To become authorised to represent Cyr and German Wheel Club in an official capacity, you must have written authorisation from Head coach of Cyr and German Wheel Club.
As a part of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s community you are an extension of the Cyr and German Wheel Club brand.
As such, the boundaries between when you are representing yourself and when you are representing Cyr and German Wheel Club can often be blurred. This becomes even more of an issue as you increase your profile or position with Cyr and German Wheel Club. Therefore it is important that you represent both yourself and Cyr and German Wheel Club appropriately online at all times.
Guidelines
You must adhere to the following guidelines when using social media related to Cyr and German Wheel Club or its business, products, competitions, teams, participants, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation.
Use common sense
Whenever you are unsure as to whether or not the content you wish to share is appropriate, seek advice from others before doing so or refrain from sharing the content to be on the safe side.
When using social media, the lines between public and private, personal and professional, may be blurred. Remember, you are an ambassador for Cyr and German Wheel Club.
Protecting your privacy
Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy.
When posting content online there is potential for that content to become publicly available through a variety of means, even if it was intended to be shared privately. Therefore, you should refrain from posting any content online that you would not be happy for anyone to see, even if you feel confident that a particular individual would never see it.
Where possible, privacy settings on social media platforms should be set to limit access. You should also be cautious about disclosing your personal details.
Honesty
Your honesty—or dishonesty—may be quickly noticed in the social media environment. Do not say anything that is dishonest, untrue or misleading. If you are unsure, check the source and the facts before uploading or posting anything. Cyr and German Wheel Club recommends erring on the side of caution – if in doubt, do not post or upload.
Do not post anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. Be transparent and honest. Use your real name, be clear about who you are and identify any affiliations you have.
If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, point it out. If you make an endorsement or recommendation about something you are affiliated with, or have a close relationship with, you must disclose that affiliation.
The web is not anonymous. You should assume that all information posted online can be traced back to you. You are accountable for your actions both on and offline, including the information you post via your personal social media accounts.
Use of disclaimers
Wherever practical, include a prominent disclaimer stating who you work for or are affiliated with (e.g. member of Cyr and German Wheel Club) and that anything you publish is your personal opinion and that you are not speaking officially. This is good practice and is encouraged, but don’t count on it to avoid trouble -– it may not have legal effect.
Reasonable use
If you are an employee of Cyr and German Wheel Club you must ensure that your personal use of social media does not interfere with your work commitments or productivity.
Respect confidentiality and sensitivity
When using social media, you must maintain the privacy of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s confidential information. This includes information that is not publically accessible, widely known, or not expected to be shared outside of Cyr and German Wheel Club.
Remember, if you are online, you are on the record—much of the content posted online is public and searchable.
Within the scope of your authorisation by Cyr and German Wheel Club, it is perfectly acceptable to talk about Cyr and German Wheel Club and have a dialogue with the community, but it is not okay to publish confidential information of Cyr and German Wheel Club. Confidential information includes things such as details about litigation, unreleased product information and unpublished details about our Members or club: e.g. team, coaching practices, financial information and trade secrets.
When using social media you should be considerate to others and should not post information when you have been asked not to, or where consent has not been sought and given. You must also remove information about another person if that person asks you to do so.
Permission should always be sought if the use or publication of information is not incidental, but directly related to an individual. This is particularly relevant to publishing any information regarding minors. In such circumstances, parental or guardian consent is mandatory.
Gaining permission when publishing a person’s identifiable image
You must obtain express permission from an individual to use a direct, clearly identifiable image of that person.
You should also refrain from posting any information or photos of a sensitive nature. This could include accidents, incidents or controversial behaviour.
In every instance, you need to have consent of the owner of copyright in the image.
Complying with applicable laws
Do not post or link to content that contains illegal or indecent content, including defamatory, vilifying or misleading and deceptive content.
Abiding by copyright laws
It is critical that you comply with the laws governing copyright in relation to material owned by others and Cyr and German Wheel Club’s own copyrights and brands.
You should never quote or use more than short excerpts of someone else’s work, and you should always attribute such work to the original author/source. It is good practice to link to others’ work rather than reproduce it.
Discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying
The public in general, and Cyr and German Wheel Club’s employees and members, reflect a diverse set of customs, values and points of view.
You must not post any material that is offensive, harassing, discriminatory, embarrassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate.
When using social media you may also be bound by Cyr and German Wheel Club’s values and Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy.
Avoiding controversial issues
Within the scope of your authorisation by Cyr and German Wheel Club, if you see misrepresentations made about Cyr and German Wheel Club in the media, you may point that out to the relevant authority in your Club. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is based on fact and does not discredit or belittle that party.
Dealing with mistakes
If Cyr and German Wheel Club makes an error while posting on social media, be up front about the mistake and address it quickly. If you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clear that you have done so. If someone accuses Cyr and German Wheel Club of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), address it promptly and appropriately and if necessary, seek legal advice.
Conscientious behaviour and awareness of the consequences
Keep in mind that what you write is your responsibility, and failure to abide by these guidelines could put your MEMBERSHIP at risk.
You should always follow the terms and conditions for any third-party sites in which you participate.
Branding and intellectual property of Cyr and German Wheel Club
You must not use any of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s intellectual property or imagery on your personal social media without prior approval from Cyr and German Wheel Club.
Cyr and German Wheel Club’s intellectual property includes but is not limited to:
- trademarks
- logos
- slogans
- Imagery which has been posted on Cyr and German Wheel Club official social media sites or website.
You must not imply that you are authorised to speak on behalf of Cyr and German Wheel Club unless you have been given official authorisation to do so by Cyr and German Wheel Club
Where permission has been granted to create or administer an official social media presence for Cyr and German Wheel Club, you must adhere to the Cyr and German Wheel Club Branding Guidelines.
NOTE: Branding Guidelines
All media and branding information must be approved by Cyr and German Wheel Club Head Coach ONLY and has his written approval recorded.
Policy breaches
Breaches of this policy include but are not limited to:
- Using Cyr and German Wheel Club’s name, motto, crest and/or logo in a way that would result in a negative impact for the organisation, clubs and/or its members.
- Posting or sharing any content that is abusive, harassing, threatening, demeaning, defamatory or libelous.
- Posting or sharing any content that includes insulting, obscene, offensive, provocative or hateful language.
- Posting or sharing any content, which if said in person during an event would result in a breach of the rules of the event.
- Posting or sharing any content in breach of Cyr and German Wheel Club’s anti-discrimination, racial discrimination, sexual harassment or other similar policy.
- Posting or sharing any content that is a breach of any state or Commonwealth law.
- Posting or sharing any material to our social media channels that infringes the intellectual property rights of others.
- Posting or sharing material that brings, or risks bringing Cyr and German Wheel Club its affiliates, its sport, its officials, members or sponsors into disrepute. In this context, bringing a person or organisation into disrepute is to lower the reputation of that person or organisation in the eyes of the ordinary members of the public.
Reporting a breach
If you notice inappropriate or unlawful content online relating to Cyr and German Wheel Club or any of its members, or content that may otherwise have been published in breach of this policy, you should report the circumstances immediately.
Please report this directly to C&GWC management by email to: wheelgymclub@gmail.com
Further information about reporting breaches:
- For a complaint about the misuse of social media that is general in nature and/or ongoing, please refer to part E. of Member Protection Policy Reporting Requirements and Documents/Forms
Investigation
Alleged breaches of this social media policy may be investigated according to Cyr and German Wheel Club’s Members Protection Policy, Attachment D: 3 Investigation Process
Where it is considered necessary, Cyr and German Wheel Club may report a breach of this social media policy to the police.
Disciplinary process, consequences and appeals
Depending on the circumstances, breaches of this policy may be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary procedure contained in the Cyr and German Wheel Club’s Members Protection Policy.
Employees of Cyr and German Wheel Club who breach this policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment in accordance with Cyr and German Wheel Club Members Protection Policy or any other relevant policy.
Appeals
Any person who is sanctioned under a disciplinary process for breach of this policy may have a right of appeal under Members Protection Policy Attachment D 4: Hearing & Appeals Tribunal Procedure.
Related policies
- Parents Code of Conduct
- Athletes Code of Conduct
- Coaches Code of Conduct
- Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy
- Member Protection Policy
- Child Protection Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Appeals & Resolution Procedures Policy
- Defamation
- Intellectual property laws, including copyright and trade mark laws, Privacy, confidentiality and information security laws
- Anti-discrimination laws
- Employment laws
- Advertising standards
- Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
- Information Privacy Act 2000
- Equal opportunity laws
- Contempt of Court
- Gaming laws
- No Social media personal account contact with members under 18yrs.
- All Super Performance Centre accounts to have more than 1 administrator and must include Club Head Coach as administrator
- Club accounts used to communicate to group as whole not individuals e.g. using messenger to contact 1 member. Use posts to the page to send information. Every member should see all communication
- No individual athlete contact via other social media or text message / phone call. Any individual member (under 18yrs) contact to be via the parent/guardian
- During events mobile phone contact via text is permissible for the purpose of organising logistics / coordinating participants. Texts should be sent as group messages where possible. No individual contact via messages always to the group.
- For – members under 18yrs – if you contact an adult member e.g. coach – do not expect a reply only to you. The coach will and must include your parents.
