Withnell Fold Sports and Social Club (WFSSC) recognises that the use of social media and networking sites is a growing phenomenon and is widely used as a communication tool. The club operates a formal Facebook account and there are several informal social media WhatsApp groups established with the view to coordinate activities at the club.
Increased use of our Facebook page, Website and social media messaging and group platforms, such as WhatsApp, provide useful and easy opportunities to communicate internally and externally, but there are also dangers and negative consequences, if they are abused by users and deviate from their intended purpose.
This policy will set out guidelines for acceptable use, not only for our own Facebook and web pages, but all online official WFSSC social networking and electronic communications.
We recognise that playing communities within the club may wish to establish or continue to use existing social media groups to aid communication. Whilst these are outside of the scope of this policy and the club to police, we ask that they are not set up in the name of WFSSC nor do they purport to be an official club communication channel.
Technologies
This policy includes (but is not limited to) the technologies listed below:
Club website
Email and electronic newsletters
Acceptable Use
The following rules must be adhered to by all users of official WFSSC social media platforms:
1. You will not bully, intimidate, or harass any user.
2. You will not post any photographs, videos or make comments that may be hurtful, untrue and upsetting or may be used by other people in a way you did not intend or want.
3. You will not post content that is hateful, threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence.
4. You will not post any information that contains alcohol-related or other mature content (including advertisements).
Acceptable use includes protecting the rights of other people, specifically the following:
1. We respect other people’s rights and expect you to do the same.
2. You will not write any derogatory or offensive comments in relation to WFSSC or any other Sports Club.
3. You will not post comments criticising or verbally abusing players, coaches, officials or members of WFSSC or any other Sports Club.
4. You will not post content or take any action on the WFSSC Facebook or any other social media platform that infringes or violates someone else’s rights or otherwise violates the law.
Photographs or videos of individuals will not be posted without their, or their parents/guardians, permission. Individuals will not be ‘tagged’ in general group pictures.
Management of WFSSC Facebook Page
To ensure that these communication methods are used in good spirit and to the benefit of the club, the Facebook page account will be managed by nominated committee members, and monitored by other members of the
Committee including the club Welfare Officer and Chairperson.
Management of WFSSC Website
Overall management of the club website will be the responsibility of a club-appointed web officer, although other members will be permitted to post
articles and update the site, the club web officer will monitor content and make sure that it adheres to the above policy and is kept up-to-date.
Management of WhatsApp groups
WhatsApp groups may be formed to aid running of club activities such as committees, social tennis, league teams or coaching groups.
Where these groups may be considered to be part of the Club’s online presence. Membership of these groups will be by invitation, no-one will be added without their permission. U18’s will not be added without parental permission and a parent must also be a member.
There will be a minimum of two administrators per group, to include coach/captain/nominated member/committee member as appropriate.
Admins will remind members of the groups intended use and monitor posts. If content is posted that is not relevant to the groups purpose it may be removed, any which is considered inappropriate should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer and Club Chair who will determine what action should be taken.
If Club WhatsApp groups are to be included in a WhatsApp Community, representatives from each section included in the community will act as administrators/moderators.
General
It is important that all members, volunteers, coaches, or anyone working on behalf of the club or in a position of responsibility are aware of this policy and agree to the following terms in order to communicate responsibly.
Everyone who submits posts should:
– Refrain from publishing negative comments or pictures about the club, players, team mates, club members, or other clubs, and any controversial or potentially inflammatory subjects.
– Avoid hostile, harassing or discriminatory communications based on a person`s race, sex, gender identity, national origin, colour, disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, religion or any other status protected by law.
– Identify all copyrighted or borrowed material with citations and links. When publishing direct paraphrased quotes, thoughts, ideas, photos or videos, give credit to the original publisher or author.
What to do if You have Concerns
As a user of a social networking site, whether you are a child or an adult, you may at some time have a concern about what you are seeing or being told about by another user. The nature of these concerns may vary but should you wish to discuss anything about material that is posted on one of the official WFSSC social media accounts, please contact the appointed club welfare officer or any member of the committee.
Club members who breach this policy (and other related policies) will face a warning in the first instance, persistent breaches will be dealt with through the clubs grievance and disciplinary policy.
Any breaches of a safeguarding nature will be addressed through the clubs safeguarding policy and procedure and where appropriate will be reported to the relevant authorities.
Document and Policy Information
| Document Name | WFSSC Social Media Policy |
| Last Update | April 2025 |
| Date of Next Review | Jan 2027 |
The Social Media Policy is reviewed every two years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).
This Policy was approved by General Committee.