SMJFL By-laws
Appendix 7 – Social Media Policy
1. Introduction
For the purpose of this policy, SMJFL Members means: SMJFL Member Clubs, staff, officials, players and any other volunteers.
Social media offers the opportunity for people to gather in online communities of shared interest and create, share or consume content. As a memberābased organisation, the SMJFL recognises the benefits of social media as an important tool of engagement and enrichment for the league, its clubs and associated members.
The SMJFL and its Member Clubs and associated members are expected to behave and express themselves appropriately, and in ways that are consistent with the SMJFL’s values and policies.
2. Purpose
This policy aims to provide some guiding principles to follow when using social media. The intent of this policy is to include anything posted online where information is shared that might affect members, colleagues, clients, sponsors or the SMJFL as an organisation and bring the organisation into disrepute.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all SMJFL Members or any individual representing themselves or passing themselves off as being a member of the SMJFL.
This policy covers all forms of social media. Social media includes, but is not limited to, such activities as:
- Maintaining a profile page on social or business networking sites (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Shutterfly, or Twitter);
- Content sharing include Flicker (photo sharing) and YouTube (video sharing);
- Commenting on blogs for personal or business reasons;
- Personal and corporate websites
- Leaving product or service reviews on retailer sites, or customer review sites;
- Taking part in online votes and polls;
- Taking part in conversations on public and private web forums (message boards); or
- Editing a Wikipedia page.
4. Guiding Principles
The web is not anonymous. SMJFL Members should assume that everything they write can be traced back to them. It is important that SMJFL Members think of the web as a permanent record of online actions and opinions.
The boundaries between a member’s profession, volunteer time and social life can often be blurred. It is therefore essential that members make a clear distinction between what they do in a professional capacity and what they do, think or say in their capacity as an SMJFL Member.
When using the Internet for professional or personal pursuits, all SMJFL Members must respect the SMJFL’s intellectual property and follow the guidelines in place to ensure the intellectual property or its relationships with sponsors and stakeholders is not compromised, or the organisation is brought into disrepute.
4.1 Usage
For SMJFL Members using social media, such use:
- Must not contain, or link to, libellous, defamatory or harassing content. This also applies to the use of illustrations or nicknames;
- Must not comment on, or publish, information that is confidential, defaming, insulting or in any way sensitive to the SMJFL, its affiliates, partners or sponsors; and
- Must not bring the SMJFL into disrepute.
SMJFL Members may not use the SMJFL brand (see 5.0 below) to endorse or promote any product, opinion, cause or political candidate unless directed as part of their role; and it must be abundantly clear to all readers that any and all opinion shared are those of the individual, and do not represent or reflect the views of the SMJFL.
4.2 Official SMJFL websites, social pages and online forums
When creating a new website, social networking page or forum for staff/club member use, care should be taken to ensure the appropriate person has given written consent to create the page or forum. The SMJFL will keep a record of such permissions. Similarly, appropriate permissions must be obtained for the use of logos or images. Images of minor children may not be replicated on any site without the written permission of the child’s parent and/or guardian.
For official SMJFL websites, blogs, social pages and online forums:
Posts must not contain, nor link to, pornographic or indecent content;
Some hosted sites may sell the right to advertise on their sites through ‘pop up’ content which may be of a questionable nature. This type of hosted site should not be used for online forums or social pages as the nature of the ‘pop up’ content cannot be controlled;
SMJFL employees must not use SMJFL online pages to promote personal projects; and 60
All materials published or used must respect the copyright of third parties.
4.3 Consideration towards others when using social networking sites
Social networking sites allow photographs, videos and comments to be shared with thousands of other users. SMJFL Members must recognise that it may not be appropriate to share photographs, videos and comments in this way. For example, there may be an expectation that photographs taken at a private football event will not appear publicly on the Internet unless permission is given. In certain situations, SMJFL Members could potentially breach the Privacy Act or inadvertently make the SMJFL liable for breach of copyright.
SMJFL Members should be considerate of others in such circumstance and should not post information when they have been asked not to or consent has not been sought and given. They must also remove information about another person if that person asks them to do so.
Under no circumstance should offensive comments be made about SMJFL Members online.
5. Breach of Policy
The SMJFL continually monitors online activity in relation to the organisation and SMJFL members. Detected breaches of this policy should be reported to the SMJFL.
If detected, a breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action from the SMJFL. A breach of this policy may also amount to breaches of other SMJFL policies and will be dealt with in accordance with the SMJFL Rules and By-Laws at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer.
Where a breach of this policy is sustained at the SMJFL Tribunal, the Tribunal may impose such a penalty as it deems appropriate in the circumstances, including suspension or fine.
6. Consultation or Advice
This policy has been developed to provide guidance for SMJFL members and staff. SMJFL members or staff who are unsure of their rights, liabilities or actions online should seek clarification from the Chief Executive Officer.
Last Modified on 08/05/2019 15:51