Social Media Policy
Approval
This Social Media Policy was adopted by the Committee Elect on the 10th December 2018. The record of this is formalised in the meeting minutes of the Committee Meeting of the 10th December 2018.
Guiding Principles
The idea that an individual’s personal, professional and club lives could be blurred into one is for some a concept which is strange. Unfortunately, in this age where social media is so powerful, the lines between these different areas of our lives are no longer so black and white.
Social Media
WWPC recognises that many of our members choose to participate in online communities of shared interest and create, share and/or consume content. We respect the rights of our members to use blogs and other social media tools (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc) not only as a form of self-expression, but also sometimes as a means to conduct organisational activities. It is important that all members are aware of the implications of engaging in forms of social media and online conversations that reference the club or members’ relationship with WWPC, and that members recognise when the club might be held, or be perceived to be, responsible for their behaviour.
Expectations for Team Members’ personal behaviour in online social media
There is a big difference in speaking “on behalf of the club” and speaking “about” the club. The following principles refer to those personal or unofficial online activities where you might refer to WWPC, be they during or outside of your official club duties hours.
Have fun, but be smart
Approach the online world in the same way as we do the physical one – by using sound judgment and common sense, and critically by ensuring you adhere to WWPC’s policies around privacy, discrimination and harassment, confidentiality as it relates to club information and use of club trademarks and logos. Remember never to disclose non-public information about WWPC.
Act in alignment with our culture
Our principles exist to give clear guidance as to what is acceptable and what is not. In addition, members’ online activities should reflect our culture, strategy and leadership behaviours that are at the core of our club.
You are responsible for your actions
Anything you post that can potentially tarnish WWPC’s brand or reputation will ultimately be your responsibility. This is obviously a difficult thing to specify, so if in doubt, don’t.
Be a ‘scout’ for compliments or criticism
Even if you aren’t an official spokesperson for the club, you are one of our most vital assets for monitoring the social media landscape. If you come across positive or negative remarks about the club that you believe are important, consider sharing them for the benefit of the club by forwarding them to media@waitakwaterpolo.co.nz.
Be conscious when mixing your club and personal lives
Online, your personal and club personas are likely to intersect. We respect your right to free speech, but you must remember that team members, managers, parents and others will often have access to what you post – whether you intended it or not. Even where it is inadvertent, there is potential for you to find yourself embroiled in conflict and/or innuendo that may be detrimental to your personal and/or club relationships and the reputation of WWPC.
It is prohibited to establish pages, accounts or any social media format(s) that may be interpreted as potentially being an officially sanctioned WWPC presence when that is not the case. Additionally, the use of WWPC branding on social media is prohibited without prior written consent from the club Committee.
Know that the internet is permanent
Once information is posted online, it is essentially part of a permanent record, even if you remove or delete it later or attempt to make it anonymous. Modern technology means that there is always a risk that your posts can re-appear to be traced at any time.
Breach of Policy
As is always the case, failure to adhere to Waitakere Water Polo Club policies may result in disciplinary action that may range from warnings to termination of membership. It is very important that when referring to WWPC or members in the social media space as covered by the principles, you do not directly or indirectly put yourself in a position where such failure to comply may be assumed.
Other Policies
This policy is intended to be read and considered in conjunction with all other WWPC policies and procedures, in order to guide the relevant conduct of all persons affiliated to WWPC.