Overview
This policy establishes guidelines for safe social media use across the organisation, emphasising child protection and professional representation of the club.
Policy Aims
- Safeguarding children and young people using technology while in club care
- Informing staff and volunteers about online safety procedures
- Ensuring the club operates legally and aligns with its values online
For Officials, Coaches, and Managers
Account Separation
Staff must maintain distinct professional and personal social media accounts. All contact with players should be through the professional account, and strictly in relation to training, coaching, matches and cricket-related activity.
Privacy Settings
Personal accounts require privacy controls so younger members cannot access unsuitable content.
Professional Boundaries
Even when young players request personal connections, officials should direct them to the cricket club-related page and keep all contact professional.
Contacting Under-18 Players
The following rules apply to texting, email, WhatsApp and other direct messaging:
- All contact with under-18s should route through parents or carers
- For ages 16-17, coaches may copy the young person on messages sent to parents (with prior consent)
- Communications must concern only cricket-related matters
- Group messages are preferred over one-to-one communications
Guidelines for All Members
Before posting on social media, ask yourself these questions:
- Would this be acceptable if said in person at a match?
- Would your boss or family approve?
- Would a newspaper publish it?
- Are you 100% certain it's appropriate?
- Would you endorse sharing this content?
- How would you feel if someone posted this about you?
Key Principle: You should have consent before posting any personal information online - this includes photographs where an individual can be identified.
Unacceptable Behaviour
The following are not acceptable on social media:
- Posting abusive or discriminatory content
- Bullying or harassment of any kind
- Posting images of children without parental consent
- Sharing confidential club information
- Bringing the club into disrepute
- Criticising match officials, other clubs, or players
Reporting Concerns
Members should report inappropriate behaviour to:
- Club Safeguarding Officer: Julie Wells - 07484 611223
- County Safeguarding Officer
- ECB Safeguarding: safeguarding@ecb.co.uk
Potential criminal activity should be reported immediately to the police.