Social Media Policy

Introduction
Nottingham Triathlon Club’s social media policy describes the rules governing the use of the social media sites created and used by our club. Members, committee members, parents & guardians of child members and coaches must adhere to this policy when using the clubs’ social media accounts. It explains the rules about using these accounts and how members must conduct themselves on the club’s social media accounts.

Why this policy exists?
Social media brings significant benefits to the club and its’ members, helping to build relationships with current and potential members, and advertise the achievements of our members. However, a misjudged status update can generate complaints about an individual or the club and damage the club’s reputation. There are also security and data protection issues to consider. This policy explains how members can all use social media safely and effectively.

Policy Scope
This policy applies to all Members, committee members, parents & guardians of child members and coaches (henceforth in this document these groups will be included in the term “members”) who use:

Social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Online review websites, such as Rate my Race.
Photographic social networks, such as Instagram.

Responsibilities
Everyone who uses the club’s social media accounts is responsible for implementing this policy. The following people have key responsibilities:

The Social Event Organiser holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the club’s social media accounts are used safely, appropriately and in the line with the club’s objectives.
The Welfare Officer is responsible for ensuring requests for assistance and support made via social media are acted upon appropriately and will assist the Social Media Officer with ensuring that the accounts are used safely and appropriately.
The Membership Officer is responsible for responding to requests for membership information made via social media.

Basic Social Media Guidance

Know your audience – Please be mindful that anyone can see the Nottingham Triathlon Club Facebook page and the other open social media accounts. Be mindful that children may have accounts in the Nottingham Triathlon Club Junior Squad Facebook page.
If you are unsure, do not post it – Members should err on the side of caution when posting to social media sites. If a member feels an update or message might cause complaint or offence, or be otherwise unsuitable they should not post it.
Be thoughtful and polite –Members should adopt the same level of courtesy used when communicating in person.
Do not escalate things – It is easy to post a quick response to a contentious status update and then regret it. Always take time to reflect before responding and do not respond if you have any doubts.

Use of the club’s social media accounts

This part of the social media policy covers all use of social media accounts used by the club and its’ members. Members must not:

Create or transmit material that might be defamatory or incur liability for the club.
Post messages, status updates or links to material or content that is inappropriate, including but not limited to pornography, racial or religious slurs, gender specific comments, information encouraging criminal skills or terrorism, or materials relating to cults, gambling or illegal drugs. This definition of inappropriate content or material also covers any text, images or other media that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political briefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Use social media for any illegal or criminal activities.
Send offensive or harassing material to other members via social media.
Send or post messages or material that could damage Nottingham Triathlon Club’s image or reputation, or cause alarm or distress to any of its members.
Use club social media or club activities to promote their business on social media, unless previously agreed by the committee in writing.

Security and Data Protection

Members should be aware of the security and data protection issues that can arise from using social networks. Members must not:

Share or link to any content or information owned by the club or members that could be considered confidential or sensitive.
Members should never reveal sensitive details through the clubs social media networks.
Members should not reveal the surnames of any child on an open Facebook page without permission from the parent / guardian.
Juniors can be given permission to access the closed junior social media from the date they turn 16 years of age.

Policy Enforcement

The club committee officials reserve the right to monitor how social networks are used by its’ members. Potential sanctions Knowingly breaching this social media policy is a serious matter. Members who do so will be subject to the sanctions laid out in the Nottingham Triathlon Club complaint’s policy.