Chipping Norton Rugby Club is a proud community rugby club. We are a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) and RFU affiliated. As with all other club functions, our social media presence is supported by volunteers, so this policy is intended to guide both current and future content creators working on club affiliated accounts.
Most club members, regardless of age, will use some kind of social media interaction. Therefore, we should ensure that we establish clear and appropriate community standards guidelines for our members too. Sport is by definition competitive, and at times unwelcome sporting or social opinions – possibly about a rival person or club – may spill onto social media and reflect upon the club as a whole.
Key Principles
• Safeguarding children is a key responsibility of all members, and it is essential that everyone at the club considers this and acts responsibly when using social networking sites in any capacity. Content needs to reflect that our members and players start at 5 years old, and that young people may have access to social media under the recommended age limits.
• All members of the club have a responsibility to protect the reputation of the Club and to treat fellow members of the club with dignity and respect.
• It is important to protect the club from allegations and misinterpretations that can arise from the use of social networking sites. If you are unsure about a post, check with the Committee representative.
• The Committee, or the Committee member representative for social media, is responsible for all matters related to this policy.
Social Media volunteers posting on official club accounts must:
• Ensure content is age appropriate – and assume club content will be seen by minors. This extends to awareness of linked content where we link to other accounts, web pages or blogs.
• Comply with the RFU Anti-Bullying Policy and not make any derogatory, defamatory, threatening, discriminatory or obscene comments about the club or anyone at or connected with the club or those clubs that it plays against, the RFU or the sport of rugby. This includes referees and other clubs’ members.
• Not disclose confidential or club-sensitive information or images that could compromise the security of the club or members.
• Avoid direct communication with children through social networking sites.
• Avoid posting or sharing political and non-rugby/club related content. We are a rugby club and our members come from a wide range of backgrounds and hold a wide range of views. It is not our role to promote one view over another. Our role is to promote the club and rugby.
Members must:
• Avoid personal information: Don't share personal or financial information.
• Consider the club's reputation: Avoid posting content that could harm the club's reputation.
• Be clear about views: If a member expresses a view, make it clear that it's their personal opinion and not the club's official position.
• Seek the permission of the Committee before setting up a social media forum representing the Club in any capacity.
Breaches of the policy
The Club will take appropriate action in order to protect the Club’s reputation and that of its members, volunteers, children and anyone else directly linked to the Club. Any alleged breach of this policy will be fully investigated by the Club Committee. A breach of this policy will be considered to be a serious disciplinary offence and contrary to the Club’s ethos and principles. The Committee will suspend or terminate membership of any member found to be in breach.
Updated: November 2024
Most club members, regardless of age, will use some kind of social media interaction. Therefore, we should ensure that we establish clear and appropriate community standards guidelines for our members too. Sport is by definition competitive, and at times unwelcome sporting or social opinions – possibly about a rival person or club – may spill onto social media and reflect upon the club as a whole.
Key Principles
• Safeguarding children is a key responsibility of all members, and it is essential that everyone at the club considers this and acts responsibly when using social networking sites in any capacity. Content needs to reflect that our members and players start at 5 years old, and that young people may have access to social media under the recommended age limits.
• All members of the club have a responsibility to protect the reputation of the Club and to treat fellow members of the club with dignity and respect.
• It is important to protect the club from allegations and misinterpretations that can arise from the use of social networking sites. If you are unsure about a post, check with the Committee representative.
• The Committee, or the Committee member representative for social media, is responsible for all matters related to this policy.
Social Media volunteers posting on official club accounts must:
• Ensure content is age appropriate – and assume club content will be seen by minors. This extends to awareness of linked content where we link to other accounts, web pages or blogs.
• Comply with the RFU Anti-Bullying Policy and not make any derogatory, defamatory, threatening, discriminatory or obscene comments about the club or anyone at or connected with the club or those clubs that it plays against, the RFU or the sport of rugby. This includes referees and other clubs’ members.
• Not disclose confidential or club-sensitive information or images that could compromise the security of the club or members.
• Avoid direct communication with children through social networking sites.
• Avoid posting or sharing political and non-rugby/club related content. We are a rugby club and our members come from a wide range of backgrounds and hold a wide range of views. It is not our role to promote one view over another. Our role is to promote the club and rugby.
Members must:
• Avoid personal information: Don't share personal or financial information.
• Consider the club's reputation: Avoid posting content that could harm the club's reputation.
• Be clear about views: If a member expresses a view, make it clear that it's their personal opinion and not the club's official position.
• Seek the permission of the Committee before setting up a social media forum representing the Club in any capacity.
Breaches of the policy
The Club will take appropriate action in order to protect the Club’s reputation and that of its members, volunteers, children and anyone else directly linked to the Club. Any alleged breach of this policy will be fully investigated by the Club Committee. A breach of this policy will be considered to be a serious disciplinary offence and contrary to the Club’s ethos and principles. The Committee will suspend or terminate membership of any member found to be in breach.
Updated: November 2024
