Braves Social Media Policy

BRAVES ATHLETIC CLUB SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Brave Athletic Club is committed to providing an environment to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences. Any form of harassment using electronic devices commonly known as cyber bulling by coaches, other parents, volunteers, bench staff, other team mates and competitors will not be tolerated.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio or video) that defames, intimidates, harasses of is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostel and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identity. In addition, any communication of this form that disputes or prevents a safe and positive environment may also be considered cyberbullying.

Social Media Guidelines

1. a) Braves Athletic Club holds the entire membership who participates in social media and networking to the same standards as it does for all other forms of media including radio, television and print.
2. b) Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to a Team, Associations, and Leagues, Braves Athletic Club or an individual will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
3. c) It should be recognized that social media comments are on the record and instantly published and available to the public and media. Everyone including Association and/or Team Personnel, players, and the media can review social media communications. You must conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.
4. d) Refrain from divulging confidential information of a personal or team related nature. Avoid revealing business or game strategy that could provide another team or individual a competitive advantage. Furthermore, do not discuss injury information about any player. Only divulge information that is considered public.
5. e) Use your best judgement at all times - pause before posting. Once your comments are posted they cannot be retracted. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for your comments and they are published for the public record.
6. f) Braves Athletic Club has a Zero Tolerance towards cyberbullying

Social Media Violations

 The following are examples of conduct through social media and networking mediums that are considered violations of the Braves Athletic Club social media policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the Braves Athletic Club.

1. a) Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of Braves Athletic Club officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member of a team, association, league, Braves Athletic Club or individual.
2. b) Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Player injuries;
• Trades or other player movement;
• Game strategies; or
• Any other matter of a sensitive nature to a member of a team, association, league, Braves Athletic Club or an individual

1. c) Negative or derogatory comments about any team, Braves Athletic Club, league, Braves Athletic Club staff, volunteers, programs, players or any Braves Athletic Club member.
2. d) Any form of bullying, harassment or threats against players or officials.
3. e) Photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to:

• Drug use;
• Alcohol abuse;
• Public intoxication;
• Hazing;
• Sexual exploitation; etc.

1. f) Online activity that contradicts the current policies of Hockey Canada, Braves Athletic Club or any of its member associations.
2. g) Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments of any kind, in keeping with Braves Athletic Club policies and regulations on these matters.
3. h) Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.

Discipline

When a complaint is filed that may be in violation of this social media policy Braves Athletic Club executive may deal with any matter and where possible.

Complaints referred to Braves Athletic Club will be investigated and reviewed by the Braves Athletic Club Discipline and Ethics Committee and if deemed warranted members of Braves Athletic Club may be subject to disciplinary action.

Steps after complaint

1. Witten complaint reaches the club
2. The accused will receive written notice of immediate suspension pending a hearing within 7 days of receiving the complaint. If the accused cannot make the meeting date then they will be indefinitely suspended until they can meet with the disciplinary committee.
3. The disciplinary committee will be named prior to the hearing.

People found guilty of this offense automatically are given a 4 game suspension. If found guilty of a second offence the accused will be suspended indefinitely and no longer be a member of good standing with the club.