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OVSS Social Media Policy

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Ottawa Valley Silver Seven

The Executive of the Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Hockey Club has adopted the following Social Media Policy.

INTRODUCTION

For the purpose of this Social Media and Networking Policy, the policy will encompass public communications through such internet mediums and websites as Email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok Visco MySpace, LinkedIn, Foursquare and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online. The policy will be applicable to all members of the OVSS, including Directors, Teams, all OVSS members and staff, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, parents/guardians.

Hockey brings Canadians together like noting else, and Hockey Canada along with OVSS want to ensure our online community is inclusive and safe for everyone. OVSS recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. OVSS also respects the right of all Teams and Association personnel to express their views publicly. At the same time, we must be aware of the dangers social media and networking can present. OVSS with Hockey Canada stand strongly against any offenisve or discriminatory content and want to ensure everyone feels like they have a place.

The purpose of this policy is to educate the OVSS Community on the risks of social media and to ensure all Teams and Association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate will be subject to disciplinary action by the OVSS.

2. SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

a)  OVSS 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 will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes name-calling, insults, threats, hurtful comments, about appearance, voice or style, and all other forms of attack.

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, corporate partners and the media can review social media communications. You should conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner at all times. Avoid discriminatory or derogatory language including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism or other forms of discrimination.

d) Refrain from divulging confidential information of a personal or team-related nature. This inculdes posting unauthroized images and videos of a person(s) and or Association/Stakeholder wihtout prior consent that could be deemed generally offensive or discriminatory in nature.

e)  Use your best judgment 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.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA VIOLATIONS

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

a)  Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of the Association officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member,Team, the Association or an individual(s). This includes personal attacks, discriminatory or derogatory language, harassment, NSFW images/videos and comments, commercial selling of a product/service, recruiting fans, and spam which includes repetitive and/or disruptive content not applicable to Hockey Canada and/or OVSS.

b)  Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following: any matter of a sensitive nature to a member Team, OVSS or any individual.

c)  Negative or derogatory comments about any member of the Team, OVSS, League staff, programs, stakeholders, players or any member of an opposing team.

Any form of bullying, harassment or threats against players or officials.
Photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior.
Online activity that contradicts the current policies of the OVSS.
Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or sexist comments of any kind.
Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.

4. DISCIPLINE

The OVSS will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Discipline policy and guidelines of the OVSS. Such action may result in the member losing the privileges that come with membership in the OVSS, including the opportunity to participate in OVSS activities.

5. SUMMARY
In order to create a positive and engaing envirnoment, we ask that everyone treat their online teammates with respect. We must always be respectful of one another despite any potential disagreements. Our social media platforms require the same respectful behaviour as any hockey arena.

OVSS reserves the right to amend these guidelines at any time.

All members of OVSS should remember to use the same discretion with social media and networking as they do with other traditional forms of media.

OVSS members agree to adhere to all conditions set forth within the Social Media Policy. It is understood that violating the guidelines set forth within the policy will lead to appropriate disciplinary action against both parents and or child/player.