Social Media & Policy

Follow Gilfach Goch RFC on our Social Media.

@gowchrfc

@gilfachgochrfc

Social Media Policy for Gilfach Goch RFC

Introduction

Most people now have some form of social media account. We recognise that the internet provides unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on relevant topics. We use social media across a number of platforms at Gilfach Goch RFC such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp & Instagram

We use it publicly to raise awareness, to ask people to support our events and many other things. It is a fantastic way of reaching our members and the wider community to promote our Club. We also use closed groups to communicate within teams.

We encourage the responsible use of social media. This policy sets out what we expect from anyone associated with GILFACH GOCH when using social media.

GILFACH GOCH players, coaches, team managers, Club officials, match officials, and referee advisers are all bound by the WRU Social Media and Communications Code of Conduct.

However, GILFACH GOCH expect the same standards to be maintained by our staff, members, parents, and family members to uphold the WRU and Club values of community rugby.

It is important to remember that we are all ambassadors for the Club and that social media is never private.

This policy aims to:

Encourage individuals to take responsibility for what they write, exercise good judgement and common sense.

• Give clear guidelines on what can be said about the Club, or anyone associated with the Club.

• Comply with legislation.

• Help draw a line between private lives and Club roles.

• Be clear about sensitive issues such as monitoring and explain how problems with inappropriate use will be addressed.

Purpose of this Policy

• Protect the Club against liability for the actions of others.

• Protect anyone involved or associated with GILFACH GOCH.

• Uphold the Club values and reputation of community rugby in Wales.

Club Personnel responsible for implementing the policy

• GILFACH GOCH Officers, Committee and Safeguarding officer are responsible for implementing and operating this policy, ensuring all Club associates understand the standards expected and taking action when conduct falls below that expected.

• All stakeholders are responsible for the success of this policy and are required to read and understand it. Any misuse of social media or questions regarding the content or application of this policy should be reported to GILFACH GOCH Committee and Safeguarding officer.

• Any content, which raises a safeguarding concern, must be reported to the Safeguarding officer

Guidelines for responsible use of social media

While the Club positively encourages social networking amongst its associates, we must ensure that all content is suitable for publication and does not breach any laws or common decency. The following sections of the policy provide common-sense guidelines, expectations, and recommendations for using social media responsibly and safely.

It is not acceptable to post, amongst others, items that may include reference to a person’s ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, faith, gender, sexual orientation or disability, and anyone found to have posted such items will be subject to disciplinary action. Comments of this nature may attract civil or criminal action against the author(s). In addition, any abuse of match officials, opposition etc may be deemed by the WRU to bring the game into disrepute and lead to disciplinary sanctions against both the author and/or the Club. Participants should be aware that comments which bring the game into disrepute, or are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting, may lead to disciplinary action. Comments can also attract civil and criminal action.

1. Individuals must not post disparaging or defamatory statements about GILFACH GOCH.

2. Show respect to others, including other associates of GILFACH GOCH and the wider rugby community, and act at all times within the core values of the game.

3. Understand that re-posting or re-tweeting inappropriate content represents an endorsement of that content and can be actionable.

4. Do not use abusive, derogatory, or sexual language.

5. Do not criticise or imply bias in match officials.

6. At all times, exercise discretion and respect for clubs, players, supporters, and the game.

7. Social communications that may be misconstrued in a way that could damage our reputation, even indirectly, should be avoided.

8. Individuals are personally responsible for their communication on social media. Keep this in mind when posting content. If in doubt, do not post it.

9. Consent must be obtained before using a photograph or quote from someone on social media.

10. Do not tag anyone in photos on social media. This is because the person in the image may be vulnerable or under 18.

11. There is no obligation for individuals to link their personal social media accounts to any GILFACH GOCH social media account.

12. Do not set up a social media account, which represents GILFACH GOCH before seeking approval from the committee first.

13. Do not use any GILFACH GOCH social media account to broadcast personal views or messages that do not represent GILFACH GOCH. Personal social media accounts should be used for any personal views or private messages.

14. Ensure the privacy settings of any social media sites used are set to the appropriate level and limit who can see your information, if necessary.

15. If individuals within the Mini & Junior section have a grievance or complaint, please follow the Minis & Juniors Complaints Procedure or refer the matter to the Safeguarding officer as necessary. Do not take to social media. Failure to comply with this may result in sanctions to be determined by the Club committee.

16. If individuals associated with the Club have a grievance or complaint, please refer the matter to the Club committee. Do not take to social media. Failure to comply with this may result in sanctions to be determined by the Club committee.

17. Confidentiality must always be respected, and confidential information protected.

18. GILFACH GOCH is run entirely by volunteers. The Club Officers, Committee, Youth and Mini & Junior section officials are all volunteers. Please consider this when posting on social media.

Dos and Don’ts

Follow the general guidelines above and:

• Do show your personality and be approachable.

• Do share your achievements.

. Do post regular comments to grow and engage with an audience.

• Do post content that upholds the core values of the game

• Do report any content that you encounter that is in breach of this policy.

• Don’t comment if you have any concerns about the consequences.

• Don’t link to unsuitable content.

• Don’t get into disputes with an audience.

• Don’t share or elicit personal detail.

Consequences of Social Media Misuse

All reports of cyber-bullying and other technology misuses will be investigated fully and may result in notification to the police where GILFACH GOCH is obliged to do so. Individuals should be aware that in certain circumstances where a crime has been committed, they may be subject to a criminal investigation by the police over which GILFACH GOCH will have no control.

Note that deleting or apologising publicly for an improper posting does not prevent disciplinary action being taken.

Sanctions for failing to adhere to this social media Policy may include, but are not limited to, suspension, or banning from GILFACH GOCH.

Take Down Policy

Clubs can be vicariously liable for material published by employees in the course of their employment, for example on an official website, Facebook site or Twitter feed, or published by employees outside work via a work email address or a work Twitter handle.

Clubs can also be liable for third party comments and postings made on any of their social media platforms.

Therefore, we insist that:

• Participants clearly identify themselves.

• Participants follow standards outlined above and align to the WRU’s Core Values and guidelines.

• Should an administrator deem an article, post or comment contradicts the guidelines above it will be taken down at the earliest possible opportunity.

• GILFACH GOCH will hold individuals to account for any breaches.