Digital and Social Media Guidelines
These guidelines apply to all members of the Brothers TJRL community, including players, officials, parents, supporters, and volunteers who engage in online activities such as blogging, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds, and various forms of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. It is essential to understand that these online platforms are considered Carriage Services, and any misuse is illegal. Our primary objective is to ensure that all individuals who participate in online discussions do so in a respectful manner that upholds and enhances the reputation of our club and the junior league, while also adhering to legal regulations. While these guidelines may appear stringent, they are in place to promote a positive and family-friendly online environment.
- Content and Conduct:
- All online posts should be family-friendly and focus on positive news.
- Refrain from sharing content that could damage the reputation of any person, our club, or the junior league.
- Before posting, consider whether you would appreciate such a message directed at you; if not, avoid posting it.
- Criticizing or making abusive, discriminatory, intimidating, or offensive statements about others is strictly prohibited. Report any such communication to the club secretary or junior league immediately.
- Language and Topics:
- Maintain a polite and respectful tone, avoiding the use of swear words or profanity.
- Refrain from discussing sensitive topics such as religion, politics, sex, sexuality, or racial issues.
- Accountability:
- Remember that your online comments are public and difficult to erase once posted.
- False or misleading comments about others in the public domain may result in legal consequences, such as defamation.
- Both our club and the Junior League have Conduct Review Panels to address violations of these guidelines.
- Disagreements:
- When disagreeing with others, maintain a courteous and appropriate tone.
- Interaction with Minors:
- Adult officials should not engage in one-on-one communication with players under the age of 18 through social media.
- Adult officials should not add players under 18 as “friends” on social networking sites unless the primary reason for the relationship is related to rugby league, and they have a position of trust.
- Team Sites:
- Team-based sites should include at least one Emu Plains Executive Committee member upon request and provide access privileges to the Junior League Manager if necessary.
- Role Modeling:
- Consider your position as a role model when posting or commenting, as your actions can influence others.
- Inappropriate Content:
- If an individual under 18 shares inappropriate content with an official, the official must inform a club official or the junior league immediately.
- Respect and Privacy:
- Treat others as you would like to be treated. – Be mindful of your online content, as it may remain accessible for an extended period. – Junior League participants who engage in inappropriate electronic communication or online content regarding others may face disciplinary action.
- Compliance:
- Ignorance of these rules is not an excuse.
Club Branding Guidelines
- Use of Club Logos and Images:
- Do not use Brothers TJRL’s logos, slogans, or images from our website or official Facebook Page without prior consent.
- Official Presence:
- You must not create an official or unofficial Brothers TJRL presence using the club’s logo or name without approval from the Brothers TJRL President.
- Speaking on Behalf of the Club:
- Do not imply that you can speak on behalf of Brothers TJRL unless you have official authorization from the Brothers TJRL President or Secretary.
- “Payment for Players”:
- Advertising “payment for players” is strictly prohibited unless written approval is granted by the Brothers TJRL President. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary action by TJRL Conduct Review Committee.