SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
General
This policy governs the publication of and commentary on social media by SPRINGS SOCCER CLUB (SSC) volunteers, employees and members. For the purposes of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary, including but not limited to:
- Social networking sites such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
- Team communications sites such as TeamSnap.
- Blogs and wiki's.
This policy pertains to any communication which references, directly or indirectly, SSC or any club’s program.
- Club volunteers, employees and members are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy. Club employees / Independent Contractors are subject to this policy to the extent they identify themselves as an employee / contractors of the club (other than as an incidental mention of place of employment in a personal blog on topics unrelated to the Club).
- The distinction between the private and the professional has largely been obliterated and it must be assumed that one’s private and professional social media activity will be treated as one no matter how much effort is spent attempting to keep them separate.
- Publication and commentary on social media carries similar obligations to any other kind of publication or commentary. All uses of social media must follow the same legal and ethical standards that the Club must otherwise follow.
- Social media is in real time. Postings are available to a wide audience in seconds and may be digitally captured for eternity.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Some information about SSC is not in the public domain at all times; such as
unpublished details about the club’s financial position, upcoming projects, tentative roster selections, and contemplated coaching assignments. Personal information about members, especially children, can never be published.
Respect your Audience, the Club, and your Colleagues
The public in general, and Club employees, volunteers and members, reflect a diverse set of customs, values and points of view.
- Be careful not to say anything contradictory or in conflict with Club policies and material published on the website or elsewhere.
- Don't be afraid to be yourself, but do so respectfully. This includes not only the obvious (no ethnic slurs, offensive comments,defamatory comments, personal insults, obscenity, etc.) but also proper consideration of privacy and of topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory - such as politics and religion.
- Use your best judgment and be sure to make it clear that the views and opinions expressed are yours alone and do not represent the official views of the Club.
Dealing with Controversial Issues
If you see misrepresentations made about the Club in the media, you may point that out. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is factual and that it does not disparage that party.
Correcting Mistakes
In the fast-moving world of social media, it is possible to inadvertently (or carelessly) make a mistake or to repeat someone else’s mistake.
- If you make an error, be up front about the mistake and correct it quickly. If you modifying an earlier post, make it clear that there is a modification.
- If someone accuses you of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), deal with it quickly - better to remove it immediately to lessen the possibility of a legal action.
Thinking about Consequences
Careless or inappropriate comments about a member, a sponsor, a partner or the Club itself can result in, at a minimum, bad relations with the offended party, and in the worst case, legal action.
Springs Soccer Club -Specific Social Media
- Tweets of club soccer news, events, and program promotions will be tweeted only by person specifically authorized by the club.
- Club-related photos of club soccer news, events, and program promotions will be posted only by a person specifically authorized by the club.
- YouTube
- Club-related videos of club soccer events, program promotions and coach training material will be posted on YouTube only by a person specifically authorized by the club
- TeamSnap
- Competitive team information – practice schedules, games and other relevant information– will be posted on a team-specific TeamSnap pages, by official team managers and coaches and/or club administration
Enforcement
Policy violations will be subject to SSC disciplinary action, up to and including:
- Independent Contractor | Employee: termination for cause
- Volunteers: removal from the volunteer position and possible suspension from the club
- Members: suspension from the club
Contact Information
Springs Soccer Club
Cypress Park
1301 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Phone: (954) 282-5215
Email: info@springssoccerclub.com