Social Media Policy

MCKENZIE COUNTY HOCKEY CLUB’S

ZERO-TOLERANCE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

McKenzie County Hockey Club supports and encourages all representing the organization, athletes, staff and volunteers, to use social media platforms in positive ways to connect and interact with fans, media, members and the community. These social media guidelines were created to encourage those involved with MCHC to share their voice online in a positive, effective and constructive manner. Content placed on any social media platform is public information and a direct reflection of the McKenzie County Hockey Club. At all times those representing members must act in the best interest of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings MCHC, the team, any individual player, coach or member of staff, or the wider game of hockey into disrepute or use anyone, or a combination of threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words. Such comments which are considered improper will lead to disciplinary action of suspension of all activities, access to the hockey arenas, and attendance to the next upcoming game by both the member/parent and their athlete.

What is Social Media?

Social media is an online community and a form of communication that increases and enhances the sharing of information. This makes the transfer of text, photos, audio, video and information in general fluid among internet users and viewable to the world. Social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, and more.

How McKenzie County Hockey Club uses Social Media

McKenzie County Hockey Club uses social media to engage and connect with members, fans, athletes and the media as well as promote and market new programs, upcoming events, athletes, sponsors, etc. To avoid misconceptions about authentic McKenzie County Hockey Club accounts, only the official accounts for McKenzie County Hockey Club are permitted to use MCHC names, logos.

Guidelines

Social Media is a great way for those representing MCHC to memorialize important moments, engage with fans and provide a “behind-the-scenes” look into what it is like to represent the organization. However, be aware of the impact and what you post is public information.

BEST PRACTICES

Be a Good MCHC Ambassador

Always be aware that your opinion and behavior reflect on MCHC.

Be Aware social media is Public Information

Even though you may use privacy tools, assume that everything you post on social media is public information.

Consider Your Audience

Remember the social media audience is unrestricted in terms of age, gender, nationality, faith, sexual orientation and disability. Posts can be read by children of all ages and can create/embellish stories based on your postings.

Think Twice Before Posting

A general rule of thumb is if you would not be happy seeing the image or quote in a national newspaper, do not post or tweet it.

Be aware that commenting on another person’s post may lead to disciplinary action if the original comment was improper.

Do Not Use MCHC’s Logos

Using the MCHC logo or marks in any social media account without MCHC permission is prohibited.

Ask Before It’s Too Late

If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of a post, contact Samantha Kitzmann, our Marketing Chair before posting. Deleting or publicly apologizing for an improper posting does not prevent disciplinary action from being taken.

Do Not Leak Information

Those representing MCHC should not reveal information about the team or the head coach, that may be detrimental to performance. This may include, but is not limited to, team selections, starting teams, team plays, injury status, fitness, medical treatment, information about teammates (especially without their consent), contact details of teammates, criticism of the team, athletes, and staff or coaches.

Using Good Judgement

Refrain from comments that can be interpreted as slurs, demeaning, or inflammatory. Comments which include reference to a person’s ethnic origin, race, nationality, faith, gender, sexual orientation or disability may be considered aggravated and attract a higher disciplinary action.

Alcohol, Illegal Substances, Underage Drinking

There is also a zero-tolerance policy for posting the usage of illegal substances as well as underage drinking. Such postings of actions may lead to disciplinary action per the MCHC Handbook.

Respect Sponsors

Negative comments about MCHC sponsors or donors are considered inappropriate and may also attract disciplinary action.

Your negative comment may mean that MCHC athlete’s will not be supported by the donors in our community. As a 501c3 our program relies on our donors to help support our youth athletes play the sport they love.