WSA Social Media Policy
Westlake Soccer Association (“WSA”) recognizes the importance of the Internet in shaping the public’s perception of our organization. WSA also recognizes the importance of our Board members, its committee members, coaches, volunteers, parents, and players (“members”) in leading and setting the tone of social media interactions that advance WSA’s mission and goals.
Mission Statement
WSA sponsors youth soccer activities to allow our children to develop into well-rounded athletes and productive, respected members of society through team play, sportsmanship, top competition, and hard work. Our mission is to provide them the opportunity to play soccer at the highest level commensurate with their individual ability, potential, and interest. An emphasis on fair play and respect for all participants is a primary element of our association’s mission.
Applicability
This Social Media Policy applies to all Board members, committee members, coaches, volunteers, parents, and players. This Social Media Policy applies to all social media content posted by WSA-affiliated members in their professional and personal capacity to the extent such content is related to WSA.
Aspirations
WSA strives to create a positive and inclusive organization dedicated to helping young athletes reach their potential. In furtherance of this goal, WSA aspires to engage members of the soccer community in positive, honest, transparent, and knowledgeable dialogue about WSA through social media. WSA views social media as an important tool for communicating its successes and athletic and individual development opportunities. WSA also views social media as a platform for receiving constructive feedback from the community and discussing WSA’s challenges and opportunities for improvement positively and constructively.
Guidelines
All WSA Members shall abide by the following guidelines when using social media:
Be positive and respectful, and always take the high road. When disagreeing with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation online that is becoming antagonistic, ask the WSA Board of Trustees for advice on how to disengage from the dialogue politely and respectfully.
Do not post content that would harm WSA or damage WSA’s reputation. Remember that even while you are on your own personal time, you are a representative of WSA, and people may interpret your online postings or social interactions as though they were official WSA statements.
Use good judgment when posting comments on any official WSA sites. Bear in mind that your comments can create liability for WSA. If you are unsure whether a comment is appropriate, either do not post it or obtain prior approval from the Board of Trustees.
Be smart about what you publish. Once something is posted, it exists online forever. Ask yourself, “would I want to see this published in the newspaper or posted on a billboard tomorrow or ten years from now?” If the answer is “no,” do not post.
Encourage others to engage in positive interactions on social media. If you are concerned about any WSA Member’s use of social media, please bring your concerns to the attention of the WSA Board of Trustees.
Personally identifiable information (such as a name and date of birth and/or a street address which, when taken together, can identify a particular individual) should not be disclosed on official WSA social networking sites without the approval of the WSA Board of Trustees.
Violations of the Social Media Policy
The WSA Board shall have the authority to monitor and enforce this Social Media Policy. The WSA Board, and any individual appointed by the Board, shall have the authority to remove any inappropriate or offensive comments from official WSA sites and to block any individual or organization from posting on any official WSA social media platform if they determine, in their sole discretion, that such removal or block is in the best interests of WSA.
The failure of any WSA Member to adhere to this Social Media Policy shall be considered a violation of the WSA Code of Conduct, and any WSA Member who fails to adhere to this Social Media Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of such individual’s involvement in WSA.
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