LUCAN MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION SOCIAL MEDIA AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
Lucan Minor Hockey Association Social Media Policy:
For the purpose of this Social Media Policy, the policy includes communications through all social media channels, electronic messaging (such as texting), Internet media and websites such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat, Telegram, TeamSnap and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online. This policy will also include emailing as a form of social networking.
The policy will be applicable to all members of Lucan Minor Hockey Association (LMHA), including Executive Members, Coaches, Managers, Volunteers, Teams; all LMHA members and staff, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, players’ family members and supporters.
LMHA recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. LMHA also respects the right of all teams and association personnel to use social media and social networking appropriately. At the same time, we must be aware of the dangers social media and networking can present.
The purpose of this policy is to educate the LMHA Community on the risks of social media and to ensure that all teams and association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate, may be subject to disciplinary action by LMHA.
1. LMHA Use of Social Media:
The Lucan Minor Hockey Association may use social media in two ways:
A. Provide communications, updates, information and content on our website or any LMHA operated social media platforms.
B. By contributing to existing social media accounts operated by other applicable associations, including OMHA, OWHA, or Hockey Canada, as well as leagues that our teams are included in. For example, Shamrock and WOGHL.
2. LMHA Social Media Guidelines:
A. LMHA holds the entire LMHA Community who participates in social media and social networking to the same standards and expectations.
B. Comments, remarks, photos or any posts 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. Social media posted comments and pictures are on the record and can be instantly published and available to the public and media. Everyone including LMHA Executive members and/or team personnel, players, corporate partners and the media can review social media communications. You should conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.
D. Do not divulge confidential information of a personal or team related nature on Social Media. Avoid revealing game strategy that could provide another team or individual a competitive advantage. Furthermore, do not discuss injury or medical information about any player.
E. Only divulge information that is considered public and only post photos with the consent of the participants.
F. Use your best judgment at all times and pause before posting. Once your comments are posted they cannot be retracted. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for your comments and actions on social media.
G. If requested to participate in social media or an online network, as a direct result of your affiliation with or participation in the LMHA, the LMHA recommends that you request approval from the LMHA Executive.
3. Social Media Violations:
The following are examples of conduct through social media and social networking mediums that are considered violations of the LMHA Social Media Policy:
A. The creation of a team account or otherwise, by players, parents, or team management, with the sole intent and purpose to share pictures and comments to public or private pages, without the consent of LMHA. If an approved account, LMHA must be granted access to monitor content. If an unapproved account is discovered, it will be investigated and shut down. Disciplinary action could be imposed to an individual(s), team or otherwise.
B. Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of LMHA volunteers & officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member, team, the Association or an individual.
C. Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following: personal contact details such as address or phone numbers without consent, injuries or medical information, game strategies; or any other matter of a sensitive nature to the Executive, teams, or an individual.
D. Negative or derogatory comments about a team, league(s), members of executive, programs, stakeholders, players or any member of LMHA or partner association.
E. Any form of bullying, harassment or threats against players, officials, executive members, association members or partner associations. This includes emailing of a harassing nature to/from Executive members, Teams, LMHA members and staff, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, players’ family members and supporters.
F. Photographs, video or comments using profanity, inappropriate language or promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to: drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, hazing, sexual exploitation or racism.
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.
I. Online activity that contradicts any current policies of LMHA.
4. LMHA Social Media Discipline Process:
LMHA will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy in the manner determined by the LMHA Executive Committee. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, LMHA will impose an appropriate suspension. When using social media and networking mediums, the LMHA community should assume at all times they are representing the LMHA. All members of the LMHA community should remember to use the same discretion with social media as they do with other traditional forms of media.
Members and players are reminded to keep these general social media guidelines in mind at all times:
A. Recognize that anything posted to the Internet is permanent. Even if a post, photo, or comment is deleted – it has likely been stored in other places online.
B. Post respectful comments and photos with permission.
C. Be courteous and respect all copyright and protection laws.
Effective April 2023
Lucan Minor Hockey Association Executive
LUCAN MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
Cell Phones, Cameras, Video Cameras, Tablets, Personal Digital Assistants or any other form of electronic device capable of taking photos or recordings increases the risk for abuse or misconduct. As a result, the use of such devices in any locker rooms or dressing rooms is not permitted at any LMHA sanctioned event.
Electronic Devices include but not limited to – Cell Phones, Cameras, Video Cameras, Tablets, Personal Digital Assistants or any other form of electronic device capable of taking photos or recordings.
Technology advancements have allowed cell phones (Smart Phones) and tablets to carry new functions such as cameras that allow users to secretly photograph objects in front of them while appearing to use the device for other purposes. The ability to take photos without others knowing has raised significant concerns for members within minor sports associations. Cell phones already take better pictures than most video cameras; cell phones have the ability to eliminate the evidence (send and store the data / picture somewhere else), rather than storing it on the original device where it can be easily found. Unlike video cameras, the commonality of these devices does not require disguises or excuses to be brought into sensitive areas such as locker rooms or bathrooms. The potential exists for inappropriate or unauthorized use of camera phones by their operators photographing others in venerable positions such as undressing and showering in locker rooms or change rooms which raises the potential danger of violating an individual’s privacy.
If an electronic device is used to take inappropriate photos or recordings - it is a violation of personal privacy, a violation of our Social Media Policy and Hockey Canada Code of Conduct and could be deemed a Criminal Offence.
LMHA will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy in the manner determined by the LMHA Executive Committee. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, LMHA will impose an appropriate suspension and/or contact the appropriate authorities such as the Police.
Players are encouraged to leave their phones at home or in their vehicles during practices and games. Coaches and Team Personal will be permitted use of cell phones, but must leave the locker or dressing room to do so.
Exemptions:
Coaches, Team Personal and/or Supporters will be permitted use of an electronic device in such unique circumstances as a victory celebration, team party or team photo etc., where all persons in the locker or dressing room are appropriately dressed and have been advised that photographs or recordings are being taken and provide consent. The use of any cell phone or electronic recording device within a locker or dressing room at an LMHA sanctioned event requires the use of the two-deep rule.
Coaches and Team Personal can use appropriate discretion and judgement for the use of a singular electronic device for the sole purpose of listening to music within the locker or dressing room. Coaches and Team Personal take full responsibility for the approval and use of the electronic device and will monitor its use in accordance with the LMHA Social Media and Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policies.
The use of electronic devices such as LMHA tablets for the purposes of setting up gamesheets and scorekeeping is permitted.
Cell Phones can be used in the dressing or change rooms in the event of a medical or other emergency situation.
Effective April 2023
Lucan Minor Hockey Association Executive