Introduction and Scope
This policy outlines the expected behaviour and standards for all club members, volunteers, parents/guardians, coaches, players, and officials of Deepings Rugby Union Football Club (DRUFC) when using any form of social media or digital communication that relates to the club, its members, or the game of rugby union.
All communications must uphold the RFU Core Values:
Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.
This policy applies to all platforms including, but not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, email, and any club-affiliated websites or forums.

General Standards of Online Conduct
All members must adhere to the following standards, regardless of whether a communication is on an official club channel or a private account:
DO:
Be Respectful: Treat all individuals—players, opponents, coaches, referees, and spectators—with dignity and respect, in line with the RFU Core Values.
Be Positive: Promote the good news, achievements, and positive culture of DRUFC. Be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat.
Maintain Confidentiality: Do not disclose confidential information about the club, its finances, selection decisions, or any private matters concerning members (adults or children).
Protect Privacy: Be mindful of sharing personal information. Never share home addresses, work details, or contact information for other members without their explicit consent.

DO NOT:
Post Discriminatory Content: Use language that is sexist, racist, homophobic, ageist, or discriminatory in any form.
Bully, Threaten, or Harass: Engage in, support, or allow any form of bullying, intimidation, or harassment, including 'cyber-bullying'.
Criticise Officials/Teams: Publicly question or criticise the decisions of match officials, coaches, or team performance. Disciplinary matters should never be discussed online.
Act Disrespectfully: Post offensive, obscene, or inappropriate content or link to external sites that contain such material.

Safeguarding and Age Grade (U18) Communication
The welfare of children and young people is paramount. Coaches and volunteers working with Age Grade players must strictly adhere to the following:
One-to-One Communication
• No One-to-One Digital Contact: Coaches, managers, and volunteers (in a position of trust) must not communicate with an individual player under the age of 18 on a one-to-one basis via text, email, instant message, or social media unless it is an emergency or they have copied a parent/guardian into the communication.
• Group Communications are Standard: All general club-related communication (training times, match updates) should be conducted via group platforms (e.g., Club App/Website, Group Chat) where all parents/guardians are included and the communication is transparent and visible to all members of the group.
• Social Media 'Fences': Adults working with children should avoid connecting with or becoming 'friends' with Age Grade players on personal social media platforms (e.g., private Facebook/Instagram accounts).
Photography and Video
• Consent is Essential: Before any images or videos of Age Grade players are posted on club websites or social media, the club must have explicit written parental/guardian consent via the registration process.
• Respecting Withdrawal: The club must respect and adhere to any request from a parent/guardian to not use images of their child.
• Tagging: Members must not tag Age Grade players in photos or posts without their parent's/guardian's consent.
• Appropriate Use: Photos and videos should be taken in appropriate rugby kit and focus on the sporting activity.

Breach, Reporting, and Data Protection
Reporting Concerns (Speak Up)
If you witness or are aware of any breach of this Social Media Policy, a safeguarding concern, or unacceptable online behaviour, you must report it immediately.
1. Minor Breach/Poor Conduct: Report the matter to your Coch/Team Manager or Club Captain.
2. Safeguarding/Welfare Concern (including Cyber-Bullying): Report immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO).
3. If the concern involves the CSO or is not resolved locally: Report directly to the RFU Safeguarding Team (email: safeguarding@rfu.com).
Disciplinary Action
Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action under the Club's and RFU's Disciplinary Procedures, which may include suspension or termination of club membership.
Data Protection (GDPR)
• All personal data collected and shared by the club is handled in accordance with the Club's Data Protection Policy and the RFU's Game Management System (GMS) guidelines.
• The club's official communication platforms will be managed to protect member privacy. Members should be aware that joining public group chats may expose their contact details to other members of that group.