Purpose
Campbellford Minor Hockey Association (CMHA) recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all its stakeholders. CMHA also respects the right of all teams, parents and Association personnel to express their views publicly but we all must be constantly aware of the dangers and risks associated with the use of social media and online networking. Members of CMHA shall always use social media and online networking in a respectful and appropriate manner. The purpose of this policy is to increase awareness for the members of CMHA on the risks of social media and to ensure all teams, parents and Association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action.
Social Media Mediums
This policy will encompass public communications by any member of CMHA through any Internet mediums and/or websites that allow users to communicate online. Such mediums and/ or websites include but are not limited to the following: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, etc.
Who does this policy cover?
The policy will be applicable to all members of CMHA. Members of CMHA will be defined to include:
• all Directors/Executive members
• team staff/volunteers
• registered members (players) and their family and supporters
• all officials (on-ice and off-ice)
• any person conducting business on behalf of CMHA.
Procedures & Guidelines
It should be recognized that comments posted to social media sites and online networking sites are on the record and are published and available to the public. It may be difficult to retract such comments. All members of CMHA should always conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner.
1) Members of CMHA shall be aware of this policy and will follow its procedure and guidelines.
2) CMHA holds all members who participate in social media and networking to the same standards the CMHA code of conduct.
3) Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to a team, officials, the Association, members of an opposing team or an individual will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action. Inappropriate and/or detrimental comments include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
· Any comment or communication that is a form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or threatening against any player, official, or any other individual
· Any comment or communication that could be perceived as racist, homophobic, sexist or offensive
· Any comment or communication that is intended to cause alarm to another individual(s) or that misrepresents fact or truth
· Photographs, video, comments or any other form of communication that may promote negative influences and/or criminal behavior
· Comments that are publicly critical to any Association, official (on-ice or off-ice), team or individual
· Negative or derogatory comments about any member of a team, CMHA, league staff, stakeholder, players, opponents, or any other member of the community
· Comments or communication that contradicts any current policy of CMHA
4) CMHA members should be aware that they represent our Association, whether they are a player, volunteer, Executive or supporter. CMHA encourages all individuals to always act responsible and with respect.
Accountability
Communication that contradicts this policy should be addressed and reported. If communication is discovered that contradicts the policy it is to be reported to a CMHA executive member. Any member of CMHA in violation to this policy will be held accountable, in accordance to CMHA’s code of conduct and face possible disciplinary action.
Campbellford Minor Hockey Executive