Social Media Code of Conduct

Narre North Foxes Junior Football Club

Social Media & Online Conduct Policy

Applies to: All members, including players, parents/guardians, coaches, volunteers, and committee members.
Scope: This policy applies at all times—both on and off the playing field, including all online and digital environments.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all online behaviour reflects the values of the Narre North Foxes Junior Football Club and protects the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all members—particularly children and young people.

2. Personal Responsibility

All members are personally responsible and legally liable for content they publish, share, or engage with online.

This includes any form of user-generated content across digital platforms.

The Club expects all members to exercise sound judgement, respect and responsibility when participating in any form of online communication.

3. What This Covers

This policy applies to all forms of electronic and online communication, including but not limited to:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (formerly Twitter)
• TikTok
• YouTube
• WhatsApp and messaging platforms
• Email
• Any other social media or digital platform

All such platforms are considered public domain communication, regardless of privacy settings.

4. Child Safety and Online Communication

The Narre North Foxes has a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe or inappropriate online interactions involving children.

• No adult member is permitted to privately message a player or any person under the age of 18.
• All communication with players must include a parent/guardian or an authorised third-party adult, such as a Team Manager, Coach, or Committee Member.
• One-on-one direct messaging between adults and minors is strictly prohibited across all platforms (including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, SMS, etc.).
• Club-approved communication channels (e.g. WhatsApp Community, Foxes Hub) must be used wherever possible.
• Any breach of this requirement will be treated as a serious child safety matter and escalated accordingly.

5. Expected Standards of Behaviour

Members must not post, share or engage in any content that is:

• Racist, discriminatory or vilifying
• Offensive, abusive or threatening
• Defamatory, insulting or slanderous
• Containing inappropriate language or imagery
• Religious or cultural vilification
• Personal attacks against individuals, families or associated persons
• Detrimental to the reputation of the Club or the broader football community

This applies to all individuals associated with football, including:

• Players
• Umpires
• Coaches
• Volunteers
• Committee members
• Competing clubs and their members

6. Examples of Breaches

Examples of conduct that may constitute a breach include:

• Offensive or abusive comments about umpires, players or officials
• Racist or discriminatory remarks about opposition teams
• Posting or sharing inappropriate videos or images involving Club members
• Online polls or commentary designed to humiliate or target individuals or groups
• Personal attacks or bullying via social media platforms

7. Respect, Dignity and Fair Process

The Club is committed to:

• Treating all individuals fairly, respectfully and without discrimination
• Providing an opportunity for any person accused of a breach to respond
• Protecting the dignity, privacy and rights of all members

All matters will be handled in accordance with applicable Club policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.

8. Compliance and Disciplinary Action

Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

• Warnings
• Suspension
• Removal from roles or teams
• Referral to governing bodies or relevant authorities

Serious matters, particularly those involving child safety, may be referred to external agencies, including the AFL Integrity Unit or relevant authorities.

9. Member Commitment

By registering with the Narre North Foxes Junior Football Club, members agree to:

• Abide by this Social Media & Online Conduct Policy
• Support the Club in maintaining a safe and respectful environment
• Accept that the Committee may take appropriate disciplinary action where breaches occur

By registering our child/ by registering as an official, coach or committee member with the Narre North Foxes Football Club we agree to abide by the above principles. We support the Narre North Foxes FC Committee in its undertakings and encourage them to take any disciplinary action they deem appropriate if a breach of the Code of Behaviour/Conduct occurs.