Social Media Policy
In an ever changing world of technology, it’s important that we, as a club, ensure that we are safeguarding our young people online. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, instant messaging and photo and video exchange sites are now common ways of communicating. All of these online tools provide a useful way for everyone in football to connect. However the use of social networking sites also introduces a range of potential safeguarding risks to children and young people.
It’s important that we keep a track of how our young people are being communicated with and follow the best practice guidance provided by The FA. As a member of the club you are responsible for and need to abide by the FA Rules and regulations regarding comments you place online about the league, club, players, managers or match officials.
Remember: you are a representative of Academy Juniors FC. Please be mindful of where you post the club logo and the information alongside it.
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Children and young people should be advised to always tell an adult they trust about communications that make them feel uncomfortable or where they’ve been asked not to tell their parent/carer about the communication.
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Consent must be given to the club to post any photos or videos on our social media channels or when sharing in parent group chats.
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It is against Club and FA rules to post comments that are or maybe conceived as offensive, insulting, abusive, threatening, racist, and discriminatory or any other reference that may cause offence or harm to others.
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The club must NOT post comments about other clubs, players or referees and any controversial or potentially inflammatory subjects.
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Avoid hostile or harassing communications in any posts or other online communications. Harassment is any offensive conduct 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 identified by SYFA or SWF and protected by law.
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Our social media channels are regularly monitored by volunteers.
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Volunteers must always report any inappropriate communications you receive from a child.
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Volunteers must always communicate information via the parent/carer group chats.
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Parent group chats are set up in the name of the team and are only used by Volunteers and parent/carers. At no time should these be used for personal communications, ‘banter’ or comments.
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Volunteers must not accept any invitations or requests from our young people on social media.
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Personal details of volunteers must not be passed onto players or others. Any contact should be made via the clubs email - academyjuniorsfc@gmail.com
Remember: we all create our own digital footprint every time we post comments, photos and videos. Be sure before you post. If you wouldn’t say or do something face-to-face – then don’t do it online.
If there are any concerns regarding the use of social media, or you feel a member of the club is not adhering to the above policy, please contact the club immediately.
Resources
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.youngstonewall.org.uk/
Updated: July 2021