Ilford Cricket Club
Social Media Policy
1 Introduction
Social networking sites (such as, but not exclusively, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter etc.) are a useful way for keeping in touch with friends, family and club members, and are also a great way to exchange information. However, members must not forget that what they post on social networking sites may be seen across these networks, and are reminded that they must not bring Ilford Cricket Cricket Club (ICC) into disrepute or cause any distress to any other member.
2 Policy
ICC recognises that some members will make use of social networking in their own time, using their own equipment. Whilst there is no intention to restrict any proper and sensible exercise of the individual’s rights and freedoms, it is expected that all members will conduct themselves in such a way as to avoid bringing ICC or any of its competitions or affiliates into disrepute or compromise its effectiveness.
This policy has been prepared to protect the privacy, confidentiality and interests of ICC.
This policy only applies to club related issues and is not meant to infringe upon an individual’s personal interaction or commentary online. However all members are asked to respect the privacy, confidentiality and propriety of ICC and those working on their behalf, and not post anything that might be considered to breach this. Members should take care when discussing information relating to ICC affairs as discussions can sometimes be misinterpreted and could potentially put other members or the public at large at risk.
All members should be aware that any inappropriate posts made to social media sites could lead to disciplinary action and in extreme cases, civil and criminal liability. All members must take account of the following before posting to the internet, including engaging in blogging or the use of forums, video sharing or social networking sites.
Whilst it is a personal decision, it is suggested that members do not disclose their position as an ICC employee or volunteer. Members should be aware that the committee takes the posting at any time of offensive material, and the harassment, bullying or victimisation of members via the internet and social networking sites very seriously.
A breach of any of the following may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Members must not divulge any confidential information or information belonging to ICC which is not in the public domain or expand upon such information already available in the public domain.
If any member disclose that they are attached to ICC then it must be made absolutely clear that any views expressed do not represent the official position of ICC but are the views of the individual.
Members cannot write a blog in an official capacity unless sanctioned and minuted by committee, i.e. representing the views of ICC. If however, they give a personal opinion as an experienced person in a particular field, they must state that this is solely their view and not the view of ICC.
Members must not use any ICC logo or other copyright material that infers official endorsement of the photograph, article, document or opinion.
Any photographs of ICC staff in club garments must not be used to harass, intimidate or bring the club into disrepute.
Members must not display offensive images or make offensive comments, or in any way harass, intimidate, bully, victimise or discriminate against other members.
3 Committee Members Responsibilities
All committee members have a duty to implement this policy and take action if they become aware of any breach of this policy and should explain the club’s policy on the use of social media and networking sites and take steps to promote awareness of this policy.
4 What to do if you believe you are being harassed, bullied or victimised via a social networking site
If you are a member who believes that you are being harassed, bullied or victimised as a result of another member’s post to an internet site, it is open to you to take the necessary action. Staff should contact the chairman of the committee or another committee member for support and guidance on the informal and formal action which can be taken.
5 Consequences of not following this policy
Any member found to be in breach of the above may be subject to disciplinary action.
If they are also found to be in breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 or other relevant legislation or copyright, it could lead to criminal proceedings and prosecution.
Addendum: Social Media Policy - Approved by ICC Committee 26th March 2022
To promote Ilford Cricket Club (ICC) through increased social media presence to raise awareness, engagement and follower counts, recruit new members, secure sponsorship, create a community that is beyond training sessions and matches. The following support is required from the senior captains or vice-captains (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th team) and colts team managers.
Take photographs and videos to be used on the club social media accounts:
- Each league match played (minimum 5 and maximum 10 photographs).
- Team relaxing, team talk, match being played, off the cuff (unplanned), etc. The aim is to take interesting photographs.
- A photograph of a player to be recognised for a significant contribution to the match e.g. scored a century, completed a hat trick or other significant contribution.
- Select a player of the month and provide a photograph.
- Take a short video of an achievement or something funny, but in a respectful way i.e. the person recorded is not offended.
Point 1 is deemed the most important and the others can be completed, if time permits. None of the above should distract the captains or team managers from their primary responsibilities.
No specialist equipment is needed, a smartphone camera will be sufficient.
All members have consented for their photographs to be taken, unless they have specifically requested otherwise. If you do take photographs of the opposition team, please ensure you have asked permission.
Photographs and videos must be sent to the social media club official or delegate using WhatsApp in a timely period (48 hours after the match/event).
Photographs will be uploaded onto the Ilford.hitscricket.com photo gallery. Selected photographs and short videos will be published on the official club Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts. The photographs and videos may be edited to conform to the design schemes used. This may occasionally mean the use of third-party software to adjust/enhance the image or recording.
Our aim is to publish the following:
- Team announcements.
- Event notifications e.g. club BBQ’s, All Stars and Dynamos.
- Trophy wins e.g. Len Steniford and Jeff Rodrigues cup, etc.
- Support acknowledgements.
- Players off the field e.g. show their personalities and good deeds off the field and community involvement.
- Training arrangements/cancellations.
- Recall the past e.g. photographs from years gone past.
- Photos and videos from training or matches.