Policy 5: Social Media and Networking

Policy 5: Social Media and Networking

The policy will be applicable to all Association members of the LLA, including coaches, players, officials, parents/guardians, family members and supporters. The LLA recognizes the value of social media including the importance of social networking and respects the right of all Lakeland Lacrosse Teams and Association members to express their views publicly. At the same time, we as community members must be aware of the dangers social media and networking can present; everything you post is public information, a text or photo is completely out of your control once posted online and instantaneously become the property of the Site. The post may be searchable even after you remove it. What you post could negatively affect your future or someone else's future. Do you want to be responsible for that? Impulsive and irrational implications of non-consensual online sharing can cause embarrassment not only for the recipients) being targeted, but the person or person(s) doing the posting. Always ask permission and share online responsibility to control your digital footprint; be cognizant of what you will leave behind for your children!

Players and parents/guardians are asked to be mindful of what they post on social media or networking related to Lakeland Lacrosse two (2) hours prior to the start of a LLA game and at least one -) hour following the completion of a LLA game. If you do have something negative that needs to be said; please wait 24 hours before you post or send your comment to your intended recipients). So please! Pause before you post!

The purpose of this policy is to educate our Association members on the risks of social media and to ensure all Teams and Association members are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action by: The ALA (Alberta Lacrosse Association) WLA (Wheatland Lacrosse Association) and LLA (Lakeland Lacrosse Association).

For the purpose of this Social Media and Networking Policy, the policy will encompass public communications through such internet mediums and websites as You Tube, Pinterest, Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, My Space, LinkedIn, Google+, Snap chat and any other social media networks that allows users to communicate online as well as other forms of electronic communication, but not limited to, methods such as 'BBM' (Blackberry Messenger) or 'texting'.

1. Social Media Guidelines

• The Lakeland Lacrosse Association holds the entire LLA membership 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.
• Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to coaches, players, officials, parents/guardians, family members and supporters will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
• It should be recognized that social media and comments such as texting 'are on the record and can be instantly published and available to the public and media. Everyone including coaches, players, officials, parents/guardians, family members and supporters can review social media communications.
  You should always conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Refrain from divulging confidential information of a personal or team related nature. Avoid discussing injury information about any player. Only divulge information that is considered public.
• Always use your best judgment - Pause before you post! Once your comments are posted or sent, they cannot be retracted. You alone are responsible for your comments.
• If requested to participate in an online network, as a direct result of your affiliation with or participation in the LLA. The LLA recommends and requests that you obtain approval from the Association Board in order to protect our brand.
• Players and parents/guardians are asked to be mindful of what they post on social media or networking related to Lakeland Lacrosse two (2) hours prior to the start of a LLA game and at least one (1) hour following the completion of a LLA game. If you do have something negative to say please wait 24 hours before you post or send your comment to your intended recipient(s). So please! Pause before you post!

2. Social Media Violations

The following are examples of conduct through social media and networking mediums that are considered violations of the LLA social media and Networking Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the Lakeland Lacrosse Association Discipline Committee.

• Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of Association officials or detrimental to the welfare of a coach, player, parent/guardian, family members or Association supporter.
• Divulging confidential information that may include but is not limited to the following: Player injuries; trades or other player movement, game strategies; or any other matter of a sensitive nature to a team, the Association, or an individual.
• Negative or derogatory comments about any of the arena or facility staff, opposing teams, coaches, players, officials, parents/guardians, directors, League and/or LLA, programs, or sponsors,
• Any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation or threats against arena or facility staff, opposing teams, coaches, players, officials, parents/guardians, directors, League and/or LLA, programs, or sponsors
• Photographs, video, or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to:
• drug use,
• alcohol abuse,
• public intoxication,
• hazing
• Sexual exploitation, etc.
• Online activity that contradicts the current policies of the LLA or any of its Association members.
• Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments of any kind, in keeping with the LLA policies and regulations on these matters.
• Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.

3. Discipline

The Lakeland Lacrosse Association Director of Discipline will investigate reported violations) of this policy in the manner set out in the LLA Policies and Procedures. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, the LLA Director of Discipline Committee will impose an appropriate suspension. Any appeal of the suspension will be dealt with as set out in the LLA Discipline Handbook for other types of suspensions.

4. Summary

When using social media and networking mediums, the LLA members should always assume they are representing the LLA and/or its Associations members or Teams. All members of the LLA community should remember to use the same discretion with texting, social media, and networking as they do with other traditional forms of media. Should the identity or image of any member of the LLA community be used in social media and networking without the Individual, Team, or Association authorization, this is considered to be identity theft. Any use of a player or team member's image or likeness without the written consent of the LLA is strictly prohibited.