Pacific Junior Hockey League

Pacific Junior Hockey League: Social Media Policy

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

SOCIAL MEDIA AND NETWORKING POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

For the purpose of this Social Media and Networking Policy, the policy will encompass public communications through such internet mediums and websites as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, MySpace, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Google Plus, YouTube, and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online. The policy will be applicable to all members of the PJHL Community, including Owners, Coaching Staff, Volunteers, Players, and on-ice and off-ice officials.

The PJHL recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. The PJHL also respects the right of all members and affiliates to express their views publicly. At the same time, we must be aware of the potential issues that social media and networking can present.

The purpose of this policy is to educate the PJHL Community on the risks of social media and to ensure all members and affiliates are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action by the PJHL Board of Directors.

Blogs, social networks, and websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are exciting communication channels to share positive hockey experiences. The PJHL supports participation and involvement with social media communities and will view comments/posts as public information.

The following guidelines have been developed to follow when posting to a blog of some other form of social media. General recommendations:

Think before you post
Respect the community of which you are posting
Be enthusiastic
Do not post personal information
Be accurate
Posting inappropriate pictures can cause issues for you, your team, and your organization
Double check your privacy/security settings
Twitter Accounts should have the following disclaimer “Views expressed are my own and don’t necessarily reflect that of (Insert Team Name)"

2. SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

a) The PJHL holds all members who participate in social media and networking to the same standards as it does for all other forms of media including radio, television, and print.

b) Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to a Team, the Association, or an individual are not acceptable.

c) It should be recognized that social media and comments such as ‘texting' are on the record and can be instantly replicated and published. Everyone, including Association and/or Team personnel, players, corporate partners, and the media, can review social media communications. You should conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.

d) Use your best judgment at all times – pause before posting or sending. Once your comments are posted or sent, they cannot be retracted. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for your comments.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA VIOLATIONS

The following are examples of conduct through social media and networking mediums that are considered violations of the PJHL Social Media and Networking Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the PJHL.

a) Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of Association officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member Team, the Association, or an individual.

b) Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following:

player injuries;
potential trades or other player movement (league website should be first to report);
game strategies; or
any other matter of a sensitive nature to a member Team, the Association, or an individual.

c) Negative or derogatory comments about any of the Team, and/or PJHL members/officials

d) Any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation, or threats against players or officials.

e) Photographs, video, or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behaviour, including but not limited to:

drug use,
alcohol abuse,
public intoxication,
hazing,
sexual exploitation, etc.

f) Online activity that contradicts the current policies of the PJHL or any of its member Association.

g) Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments of any kind, in keeping with the PJHL policies and regulations on these matters.

h) Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.

4. DISCIPLINE

The PJHL will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, the PJHL Board of Directors will impose an appropriate suspension. This decision will not be appealable.

5. SUMMARY

When using social media and networking mediums, the PJHL community should assume at all times they are representing their team and/or the PJHL. All members of the PJHL community should remember to use the same discretion with texting, social media, and networking as they do with other traditional forms of media.