OAAA 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 Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snap Chat and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online.
The policy will be applicable to all members of the OAAA community, including directors, teams, members and coach staff, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, players’ family members and supporters.
The OAAA recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. The OAAA 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 consequences and down-side social media and networking can present.
The purpose of this policy is to educate the OAAA community on the risks of social media and to ensure all teams and association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action by the OAAA Executive.
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
a) The OAAA holds the entire OAAA community 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.
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.
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. We expect all our members and community to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.
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.
e) Use your best judgment at all times – pause before posting. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for your comments and they are published for the public record.
f) If requested to participate in an online network, as a direct result of your affiliation with or participation in the OAAA, you must request approval from the team manager, and the team manager must be part of this network to moderate.
SOCIAL MEDIA VIOLATIONS
The following are examples of conduct through social media and networking mediums that are considered violations of the OAAA Social Media and Networking Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the OAAA Executive.
a) Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of association officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member team, the association or an individual.
b) Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following: player injuries; player movement; game strategies; or any other matter of a sensitive nature to a member team, the association or an individual.
c) Negative, offensive or derogatory comments about any team, centre or organization, the bench staff of other centre teams, the OAAA Executive, any OAAA programs, stakeholders, players or any member of an OAAA team.
d) Any form of bullying, harassment or threats against players, coach staff, parents or officials from the OAAA or any other centre or organization.
e) Photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, hazing or anything of a sexual nature.
f) Online activity that contradicts the current policies of the OAAA or any of its member associations.
g) Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments of any kind.
h) Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.
DISCIPLINE
The OAAA Executive will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy as it deems appropriate. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, the OAAA Executive will impose an appropriate discipline including suspensions for players or bench staff to prohibiting entry to the arena for parents or spectators. There is no appeal process in place and the decision of the OAAA Executive is final.
SUMMARY
When using social media and networking mediums, the OAAA community should assume at all times they are representing the OAAA and/or its member associations or teams. All members of the OAAA community should remember to use the same discretion with social media and networking as they do with other traditional forms of media. Any use of a player or team member’s image or likeness without the consent of the OAAA is strictly prohibited.
This policy shall be in effect from September 18th, 2019.