Guide IntroductionIn aligning with traditional media practices, we find ourselves presented with both an opportunity and a responsibility to effectively manage Albion FC's online reputation. Social media stands as an exceptional tool for global communication, and apps like Snapchat and Whatsapp have simplified group chat environments. Given these tools, it becomes essential to establish clear guidelines and best practices for athletes and coaches utilizing these communication channels. Using these tools inappropriately can have adverse effects on individuals, coaches, teams, and the club. This guide serves as a supplement to Albion FC's Social Media Policy, outlining expectations and best practices for the use of social media and other communication methods by Albion FC athletes, coaches, and their teams. Official Albion FC Social Media Accounts The purpose of the club's official social media presence includes:
- Promoting the club and club community
- Communicating club events
- Celebrating club and its players/team achievements
- Promoting the sport of soccer and the pathway The official social media presence is not intended to:
- Promote religious or political matters/events
- Take a position on any industry events
- Convey any unsportsmanlike behaviors
- Encourage public "banter" in any form Expectations for Personal Social Media Use Many Albion FC teams enjoy sharing their successes and challenges on unofficial, club-related social media platforms. Albion FC highly supports this practice when used appropriately and respects the rights of its members, staff, and players to use blogs and other social media tools for self-expression. It is crucial that everyone affiliated with the club is aware of the implications of engaging in forms of social media and online conversations that reference the club, recognizing when the club has a vested interest and might be held responsible for the behavior of others. There is a difference between speaking "on behalf of the club or team" and speaking "about" the club or team. Guidelines and expectations when using social media to represent Albion FC should always be followed, including: Accounts using the Albion FC logo, "AFC," "Albion FC," or other affiliated club references in their accounts will be held to a higher standard and must include the following statement on their account page: "This account is not an official Albion FC Soccer Club account." Remember that everything you post is a representation of the players, coaches, parents, athletes, and Albion FC; follow the AFC Social Media Policy. - Feel free to tag the club's official accounts in your posts or use the hashtag #albionfcmr
- Report any misuse or negative comments about Albion FC Soccer Club found on social media platforms to a club executive member; do not personally respond to, comment on, or otherwise engage in any online discussion in response to these comments.
- The club reserves the right to request an account be shut down if these guidelines or the club policy are not followed.
Group Chat Protocol and Best Practices Coaches/Managers should:
- Be mindful of all group chats, including the general tone and mood.
- Speak to players about guidelines and rules of group chats (see below).
- Understand the intention of the group chat and its purpose, monitoring as necessary.
- Immediately address any comments that are controversial.
- Make the Club Technical Director aware of any controversial issues.
- Request chats be kept to reasonable hours.
- Ensure no non-team members are included/added. Team/Group chats or posts should:
- Be open to all players on the team, including coach and managers.
- Have a purpose and intention behind the group chat.
- Keep chats to reasonable hours.
- Ensure no non-team members are included/added.
- Be full of positive comments and comments intended to enhance team bonding.
- Be respectful.
- Always represent the club in a positive way and in accordance with club/BC Soccer/CSA codes of conduct.
- Encourage players to consider the following three questions before they post:
- Is this relevant?
- Is this necessary?
- Is this a good time to post? Team/Group chats or posts may not:
- Directly discuss performances of players on the team.
- Directly criticize (or name) players or coaches on their own team.
- Directly criticize (or name) players on opposing teams.
- Directly criticize opposing teams.
- Overly boast about victories or championships.
- Include inappropriate discussion, content, photos, gifs which are against codes of conduct or policies of the club.
- Post content considered to be "spam." Failure to comply with these guidelines allows the club to insist on group chats being shut down, and/or all comments about the club and team to cease immediately. It's important to note that players could face suspension if these guidelines or the club policy are not followed. In Conclusion You hold the responsibility for your actions. Anything you post that can potentially tarnish your team, a teammate, or Albion FC's image will ultimately be your responsibility. If you're about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, refrain from posting it. What you publish is yours, including the responsibility and consequences resulting from inappropriate posts. The Internet is permanent, even if you "remove/delete" it later or attempt to make it anonymous. Just because online conversations are often fleeting and immediate, do not underestimate the significance or permanence of social media and screen shots. Team chats/groups and online media presence should be designed to interact in a positive manner, build rapport, and bond with teammates. Albion FC encourages all players and teams to be club ambassadors at all times, to be safe and have fun. Social media can be a great way to network and share special moments with friends and family. Be proud of your team successes and contributions by ensuring all communications and posts align with our club policy.
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