At their January board meeting the board of directors of St Thomas Minor Hockey motioned and adopted a Social Networking Policy into the STMHA Rules and Regulations.
Regulation 26 - Social Networking Policy
SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY
For the purpose of this Social Networking Policy, the policy will encompass public communications through such internet mediums and websites as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Vimeo, Foursquare, Instagram, Snapchat and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online.
The policy will be applicable to all members of St Thomas Minor Hockey (STMHA), including Board Members/Directors, Teams, STMHA members and staff, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, players’ family members and supporters.
STMHA recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. STMHA also respects the right of all Teams and Association personnel to express their views publicly. At the same time we must be aware of the dangers social media and networking can present.
The purpose of this policy is to educate the STMHA Community on the risks of social media and to ensure all Teams and Association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action by STMHA.
Social Media Guidelines:
a) STMHA holds the entire STMHA Community who participates in social media and networking to the same standards as it does for all other forms of media including radio, television and print.
b) Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to a Team, STMHA or an individual will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
c) It should be recognized that social media comments are on the record and instantly published and available to the public and media. Everyone including STMHA and/or Team personnel, players, corporate partners and the media can review social media communications. You should conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.
d) Refrain from divulging confidential information of a personal or team related nature. Avoid revealing business or game strategy that could provide another team or individual a competitive advantage. Furthermore, do not discuss injury information about any player. Only divulge information that is considered public.
e) Use your best judgment at all times – pause before posting. Once your comments are posted they cannot be retracted. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for your comments and they are published for the public record.
f) If requested to participate in an online network, as a direct result of your affiliation with or participation in the STMHA, the STMHA recommends that you request approval from the Team or STMHA.
g) Players or hockey operations staff should not participate in social media or networking two (2) hours prior to the start of a STMHA game and at least one (1) hour following the completion of a STMHA game.
Social Media Violations:
The following are examples of conduct through social media and networking mediums that are considered violations of the STMHA Social Networking Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the STMHA Discipline Committee.
a) Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of STMHA volunteer / officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member Team, the Association or an individual.
b) Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following: player injuries; trades or other player movement; game strategies; or any other matter of a sensitive nature to a member Team, STMHA or an individual.
c) Negative or derogatory comments about a team, League, programs, stakeholders, players or any member of STMHA.
d) Any form of bullying, harassment or threats against players or officials.
e) Photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to: drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, hazing, sexual exploitation, bucket boxing etc.
f) Online activity that contradicts the current policies of STMHA.
g) Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments of any kind, in keeping with the STMHA policies and regulations on these matters, such as the STMHA Code of Conduct policy.
h) Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.
Discipline:
STMHA will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy in the manner determined by the STMHA Discipline Committee. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, STMHA will impose an appropriate suspension. When using social media and networking mediums, the STMHA community should assume at all times they are representing the STMHA. All members of the STMHA community should remember to use the same discretion with social media as they do with other traditional forms of media.
Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to the STMHA office by email at the following address : [email protected]