Multimedia/ Social Media Policy

NEBB Multimedia/Social Media Policy

NEBB

Multimedia/ Social Media Policy

Considerations:This is an area where establishing good protocol ensures our players and officials our members will not be at risk. Most young people avail of social networking for communicating/networking and the appropriate use of modern multimedia is an effective tool in improving communication

Texting:

• The NEBB’s policy is to communicate only with parents/guardiansof juvenile players

• Parents/Guardians will only receive text messages form their team manager, coach or the club secretary.

• We encourage the use of group texting as a means of communicating around training and matches etc.

• Keep messages brief and related to sport activities

Mobile Phones

This is an area where establishing good protocol ensures our players and officials our members will not be at risk.

• Mobiles phone and their use is expressly forbidden in changing rooms and toilets

• Phones are not to be used as a form of bullying. e.g. Where photos are taken of individual/s where no consent has been sought or given. (They expressly say they do not want their photo taken)

• Where offensive content is being distributed or found on a team member’s mobile phone, face book page twitter account. That player will face appropriate sanction.

Young people are advised as follows:

• If you receive an offensive photo, email or message, do not reply, save it, make a note of times and dates and tell a parent/guardian.

• Be careful about who you give your number to and do not respond to unfamiliar numbers.

• Change your phone number in cases of bullying or harassment.

• Avoid using your phone in certain locations – inappropriate use of your camera phone may causeupset or offence to another person e.g. in the changing rooms.

• Treat your phone as you would any other valuable item so that you guard against theft.

Websites, Social Networks (Facebook, twitter etc.)

Most young people avail of social networking for communicating/networking making it an efficient method of communicating with large groups

• Use the club /league Facebook page to keep information regarding training times and matches.
• Manager/coach to supply match reports/photographs to PRO to monitor NEBB page

• We encourage all members to be responsible regarding organisation and use of these networks.
• Interaction between adults and young people on Facebook is to be exclusively about sport (match results and reports)
• Player performances and or opposition or match officials must not be discussed on club/league Facebook pages.
• Signed consent must be received from parents/ guardian around use of photographic images

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO POLICY

Attention is drawn to the following guidelines from section 4.10 of the Irish Sports Council recommendations on USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT

Each club should adopt a policy in relation to the use of images of athletes on their websites and other publications, as there have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people.

Adults and sports leaders need to work together to prevent those wishing to cause such harm to young people. Remember having photographic and filming guidelines is not about preventing parents from taking pictures, it is to ensure that only those who have a right to take photographs do so.

Anyone concerned about photography taking place at events or training sessions can contact the children’s officer/ designated person and ask them to deal with the matter.

The purpose is to reduce the risk of inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people within and outside the sport. Group photographs where the club is identified rather than individuals are good for publicity without creating a risk to those in the photographs.

As a guide try to remember the following:-

• If the athlete is named, avoid using their photograph.
• If a photograph is used, avoid naming the athlete.
• Ask for the athlete’s permission to use their image to ensure that they are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the sport.
• Ask for parental permission to use the athlete’s image to ensure that parents are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the sport. A permission form could be used or make an announcement at the start of an event.
• To reduce the risk of inappropriate use, only use images of athletes in suitable dress. The content of the photograph should focus on the activity not on a particular child
• Talk to the children’s officer/designated person if you are worried about use of images

Amateur photographers/film/video operators wishing to record an event or practice session should seek accreditation with the children’s officer, event organiser or leader of session. Permission forms should be available on site.

To ensure spectators and participants are informed of the policy, the club/event/organisation should displaythe following information prior to the start of an event and where possible make a public announcement.

“In line with the recommendation in the ______(name of club / association’s) Code of Conduct, thepromoters of this event request that any person wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close rangephotography should register their details with the organisers. It is not advisable that children arephotographed or filmed without their permission and/or the permission of their parent/guardians.

Videoing as a coaching aid: Video equipment can be used as a legitimate coaching aid. However, permission should first be obtained from the player and the player's parent/carer.

If hiring professional photographers to cover an NEBB event we will endeavour to

• Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour
• Issue the photographer with identification which must be worn at all times

• Keep a record of accreditations

• Inform players and parents that a photographer will be in attendance at an event and ensure they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs

Anyone concerned about any photography taking place at events or training sessions can contact the children's officer/designated person and ask them to deal with the matter.