Reading Abbey RFC Social Media Guidance
As a family friendly club who welcomes all newcomers, we are happy to advertise and sell ourselves at every opportunity. Social media is probably todays best method of doing this and as a club we encourage the responsible use of social media. This policy is designed to provide helpful, practical advice to members in respect of using social media effectively and positively.
The club realises that social media has become increasingly popular in recent years, because it allows people to connect in the online world instantly. It can be hugely beneficial in disseminating information about our club in general or to do so by specific section or age group.
There are many different forms of social media interaction but the most commonly used by our club are probably Twitter, Facebook and then perhaps YouTube. Other forms include internet forums, internet blogs, social blogs, podcasts, pictures and video and I’m sure many more.
Reading Abbey recognises that we all live in a society today that promotes freedom of expression, and free speech, however we would caution that anything that you write has the potential to enter the public domain. Due to this we would ask that all social media commentary relating to Reading Abbey RFC is of a positive nature - please think about any comments you make very carefully before posting that could lead to misinterpretation and unintended consequences.
Any disagreement or criticism or grievance should be directed in person to the individual or respective managers or coaches rather than shared online. Matters of a more serious nature that cannot be discussed on a face to face meeting should be discussed with the Club’s Executive Committee.
We would also ask that you refrain from any negative comments about, players, parents, coaches, managers, referees, clubs, etc.
We would request that you avoid gossip, slanderous comments, disruptive comments, threatening comments, and anything that could be construed as abusive, harassing, obscene, libellous, or an invasion of another’s privacy (this includes text, audio, photographs and video). Whilst the club realises that a certain amount of ‘banter’ may take place on some forums, we would request that any language used is moderated, please remember that these forum can be viewed by a range of age groups from both genders; if you wouldn’t use that language in your own home then it should not be appearing in the public domain.
If a negative comment is made, we would ask you not to comment on it either way, or to escalate an issue.
Serious instances of irresponsible use of social media platforms associated with Reading Abbey Rugby Club may be referred to the Executive Committee, although any action taken by the committee will be judged on a case by case basis.
Reading Abbey RFC requests that you use social media outlets positively, be responsible, share your achievements, celebrate success, be gracious in defeat, be honest, and enjoy communicating and interacting.
