Communication of this Policy: To be shared with members and customers. A copy of the policy is posted on the BRCC website and in a binder by the bar. The policy will be reviewed annually by the BRCC Board of Directors. Resource: Northern Ontario Curling Association

BLIND RIVER CURLING CLUB

POLICY NAME: SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

POLICY NUMBER: BRCC – 06

VERSION DATE: May 13, 2019

APPROVAL DATE: May 14, 2019. Revised: August 12, 2024

PREAMBLE

BRCC is aware that Member interaction and communication occurs frequently on social media. BRCC cautions Members that any conduct falling short of the standard of behaviour required by the BRCC Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy will be subject to the disciplinary sanctions identified within the BRCC Discipline and Complaints Policy.

DEFINITIONS: The following terms have these meanings in this Policy:

a) “Case Manager” – The person or organization appointed by BRCC to oversee management and administration of complaints. Any complaints related to social media will be discussed by the board of directors and the case manager (club president) will oversee the administration of these complaints.

b) “Member”- All categories of membership defined in the BRCC Constitution and Bylaws as well as all individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, the BRCC including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, conveners, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, directors and officers of the BRCC, spectators at events, and parents/guardians of athletes.

c) “BRCC” – Blind River Curling Club.

d) “Social media” – The catch-all term that is applied broadly to computer-mediated communication media such as blogs, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter, etc.

APPLICATION: This policy applies to all Members as defined in the Definitions.

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR:

The goal of the BRCC social media is to promote our club events, curling education, and the sport of curling. The BRCC will also advertise events for other clubs in Northern Ontario. BRCC social media will refrain from posting non curling content to streamline our communications.

Any member who has access to posting content on the BRCC social media will be given a copy of the social media policy to adhere to.

Per the BRCC Discipline and Complaints Policy and Code of Conduct, the following social media conduct may be considered minor or major infractions at the discretion of the Case Manager:

a) Posting a disrespectful, hateful, insulting, or otherwise negative comment on a personal blog, in a Facebook post or note, or as a Tweet on Twitter, which is directed at Members or at other persons connected with BRCC.

b) Posting a disparaging or harmful comment on a personal blog, in a Facebook post or note, or as a Tweet on Twitter, which is directed at BRCC.

c) Creating or contributing to a Facebook group, webpage, blog, or online forum devoted solely or in part to promoting negative or disparaging remarks or commentary about BRCC or its reputation.

d) Posting a picture, altered picture, or video on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube, or other social medium that is harmful, disrespectful, insulting, or otherwise offensive, and that is directed at Members or at other persons connected with BRCC.

e) Any instance of cyber-bullying or cyber-harassment between one Member and another Member (including a teammate, coach, opponent, volunteer, or official), where incidents of cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment can include but are not limited to the following conduct on any social medium, via text-message, or via email: regular insults, negative comments, vexatious behaviour, pranks or jokes, threats, posing as another person, spreading rumors or lies, or other harmful behaviour.

f) Any instance of bringing the game of curling into disrepute.

All conduct and behaviour occurring on social media may be subject to the BRCC Discipline and Complaints Policy at the discretion of the Case Manager.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

= Members must be aware that their Social Media use may be monitored by BRCC or other provincial/territorial or local curling associations.

= When using social media, a member must model appropriate behaviour benefiting the Member’s status as an elite athlete and a member of BRCC.

= Removing content from social media after posting (either publicly or privately) does not excuse the Member from being subject to the BRCC Discipline Policy.

= A member who believes that the social media used by another Member is inappropriate or may violate BRCC’s policies and procedures should report the matter to BRCC in the manner outlined by the BRCC Discipline Policy.