Social Media Policy

The LA Waves Netball Club recognizes the use of social media in the community and understands that individuals use social media to highlight both positive and negative aspects of our sporting community.  This policy has been developed to inform our Club players and members about using social media so people feel enabled to participate, while being mindful of their responsibilities and obligations.

This policy provides practical guidance allowing all parties to benefit from the use of social media, while minimising potential risks and protecting those involved.  It also includes details about how the Club will address breaches of the policy.  In circumstances where guidance about social media issues has not been given in this policy, we suggest you use common sense or seek advice from the LA Waves Committee.

Guidelines

The following policy guidelines apply to the LA Waves Netball Club, its members, Committee members, coaches, players and visitors.  It should be read in conjunction with the LA Waves Netball Club Codes of Conduct which apply on the court, off the court and online.

DO:

  • Use common sense.  Professional, straightforward and appropriate communication is best.
  • Think before you post, tweet, share and tag. Take a moment to consider the reactions of the recipients and how content may be interpreted. Your sense of humor is not shared by everybody. 
  • Share content that is relevant, useful and helpful.  
  • Promote inspiring stories about the club and its activities.
  • Be kind and act the way you’d like to be treated. 
  • Make your posts accurate and factual and make it clear that your posts are your own opinions.  If you make a mistake, address it immediately.  
  • Review privacy and security settings.  Be aware of your personal online reputation, security and safety.
  • Consider having different settings for different types of posts.  Some social media platforms allow you to share content with specific audiences, depending on the nature of your post.
  • Remove information about another person if that person asks you to do so.

DON’T:

  • Post on social media what you wouldn’t say in person or to your grandmother!
  • Post or re-post any text, image, videos or content which is rude, abusive, racial or discriminatory.
  • Comment negatively, insult, belittle or criticize other teams, players, coaches, committee members, officials, fans, sponsors or contacts in the netball community.
  • Do not take the bait.  Some social media algorithms promote politically-charged, inflammatory content specifically because it triggers strong emotions and increases user engagement.
  • Post information when you have been asked not to, or where consent has not been sought and given.
  • Have long public discussion threads that should be private.

Policy Breaches

Breaches of this policy include but are not limited to:

  • Using the LA Waves Netball Club name or logo in a way that would result in a negative impact for the Club and/or its members.
  • Posting or sharing content that is abusive, threatening, demeaning, defamatory, discriminatory or libellous.
  • Posting or sharing content that includes insulting, obscene, offensive, provocative or hateful images or language.
  • Posting or sharing material that brings, or risks bringing, the LA Waves Netball Club into disrepute.  In this context, bringing a person or organization into disrepute is to lower the reputation of that person or organization in the eyes of the ordinary members of the public.

Reporting and Investigation

If you become aware of any material that may damage the Los Angeles Waves Netball Club or its reputation, immediately notify the Club President or a member of the LA Waves Committee so the situation can be addressed.  You should also be aware that if you engage in inappropriate conduct it may have an impact on your participation with the LA Waves Netball Club.

Non-compliance will result in:

  • First offence – discussion with the individual about Club policy
  • Second offence – warning (verbal and written)
  • Further offences – disciplinary action to be discussed by the LA Waves Committee, where outcomes could include the need to step down from a designated Club role (like a Committee position), temporary suspension, and/or expulsion from the Club.  

The LA Waves Netball Club reserves the right to determine the best course of action, depending on the nature of the breach in policy.  Serious offences may result in immediate disciplinary action.  Los Angeles Waves Committee members will be held to a higher standard as it relates to policy compliance