Communications Policy
The below Communications policy is an excerpt from our Member Protection Policy (which all members must abide by).
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12.1 The Club’s Commitment
Using the internet and electronic communication is essential for sharing club news and information with members. The club is committed to communication being appropriate and related to club business.
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12.2 What the Club Will Do
Villa FC uses a range of electronic tools to communicate with its members.
When using such tools the club is committed to the protection of members’ privacy, maintaining clear boundaries to minimise the risk that bullying and harassment might occur.
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12.2.1 Information Collected
The club will keep personal details, as collected from player registration, confidential and will only give out such information where it is necessary for a person to have member contact information (ie: coaches, managers, etc).
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12.2.2 Website
- The website will include current information on competitions, social events, committees, policies, constitution, rules and by-laws;
- no offensive content or photos will be uploaded to the website, especially about social activities and events;
- YouTube video postings will feature positive team performances;
- if Villa FC intends to publish a photo of a child, the club will first seek permission from his or her parents and take care not to provide identifying information;
- the club will seek feedback from members to improve the information available on the site;
- webmaster/s will provide accountability and control over material published on the club’s website and any related discussion groups or social media websites, such as Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.
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12.2.3 Text and Email
Committee members, coaches and team managers may use text messages and email to provide information about competitions, training, club-sanctioned social events and other club business, however:
- Text messages should be short and about club/team matters;
- email communication will be used when more information is required;
- communication involving children will be directed through their parents.
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12.2.4 Social Media Websites
- Villa FC treats all social media postings, blogs, status updates and tweets as public ‘comment’;
- postings (written, photos or videos) will be family-friendly and feature positive club news and events;
- no personal information about club members will be disclosed;
- no statements will be made that are misleading, false or likely to injure a person’s reputation;
- no statements will be made that might bring Villa FC into disrepute;
- abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements will not be tolerated. Offending posts will be removed and those responsible will be blocked from the site.
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12.3 What Members are Expected To Do
Villa FC expects its members to conduct themselves appropriately when using electronic communication to share information with other members or posting material on public websites connected to the club. Remember that electronic communication is a written record and could be used against you.
Electronic communication:
- Should be restricted to club matters;
- must not offend, intimidate, humiliate or bully another person;
- must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person;
- should respect and maintain the privacy of members;
- must not bring the club into disrepute.
Coaches and others who work with children and young people must direct electronic communication through the child’s parents.
Any websites or social media sites established to publish information or media concerning any activities of Villa FC (including teams) must be sanctioned by Villa FC.
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12.4 Non-Compliance
Members may face disciplinary action for sending inappropriate electronic communication or posting online content or comments that harass, offend, intimidate or humiliate another member, as outlined in this member protection policy or code of conduct.
Under certain circumstances, cyber bullying (e.g. bullying that is carried out through an internet service such as email, a chat room, discussion group, instant messaging or website) is a criminal offence that can be reported to the police.
In addition, members who publish false or misleading comments about another person in the public domain (e.g., Facebook, YouTube or Twitter) may be liable for defamation.