Social Media Policy & Disciplinary Procedure at Coleshill Cricket Club

1. Purpose

This policy aims to protect players, members, volunteers, coaches, supporters, and the wider reputation of Coleshill Cricket Club (“the Club”). Social media can be an effective tool for communication, but misuse can cause harm, conflict, and reputational damage. This policy sets clear expectations for behaviour.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:
• All Club members (adult and junior)
• Coaches, volunteers, committee members, and captains
• Parents/guardians of junior members
• Anyone posting on behalf of the Club, including team admins
It covers all forms of social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, WhatsApp groups, YouTube, websites, discussion forums, and any other online platform.

3. General Principles

Members must:
• Conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation and values of Coleshill Cricket Club.
• Treat others with respect, kindness, and fairness.
• Recognise that posts on social media can be permanent, public, and easily shared.
• Follow the ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board) safeguarding guidance at all times.

4. Acceptable Use

Members may:
• Share Club news, results, photos (subject to parental consent for juniors), and positive commentary.
• Participate in official Club social media groups.
• Communicate with teammates and coaches for organisational purposes.
Official Club accounts will:
• Represent the Club professionally.
• Only post approved information, results, and official updates.
• Seek consent from parents/guardians before posting images or names of junior players.

5. Unacceptable Use

The following is strictly prohibited:
• Posting abusive, offensive, discriminatory, or inflammatory content.
• Bullying, harassment, or personal attacks aimed at Club members, opposition teams, officials, or the public.
• Sharing confidential Club information, including selection discussions or internal disputes.
• Posting content that undermines team cohesion, captains, coaches, or the committee.
• Using social media to argue about selection decisions, match performance, or Club business.
• Sharing images or videos of juniors without the appropriate consent.
• Posting content that encourages unsafe behaviour, drinking/drug misuse in a Club context, or anything compromising the Club’s reputation.
• Capturing or sharing inappropriate images from the changing rooms or Club facilities.

6. WhatsApp & Group Chats

• Group chats should be used for organising cricket, sharing information, and supportive team communication.
• Junior communications must follow ECB safeguarding rules: juniors should not be added to adult WhatsApp groups; communication should go via parents/guardians.
• No swearing, insults, or inappropriate media.

7. Safeguarding

• All posts involving juniors must comply with ECB Safe Hands policy.
• Parents/guardians must provide consent before images or names of junior players are used.
• Any safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Club Safeguarding Officer immediately.

8. Reporting Concerns

Members can report inappropriate posts or behaviour to:
• Pritti Parmar cpritti@hotmail.co.uk (Safeguarding & EDI Officer)
• A team captain or committee member

All reports will be treated confidentially.

Any reported breach of this policy will be investigated in line with the clubs Disciplinary Procedures.