MULLINGAR RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

BUILDING A COMMUNITY SINCE 1925.

MULLINGAR RFC SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

The setting up of any online platform or account and use as such (including crests brands etc) by members in the name of Mullingar Rugby Football Club (and derivative's thereof) without the approval of the Club committee is not allowed, this includes but is not limited to:

Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, etc)

Video and photo sharing websites or apps (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Flickr, Vine, etc)

Blogs and micro-blogging platforms (e.g. Tumblr, Wordpress, Blogger, etc)

Live broadcasting apps (e.g. Periscope, Meerkat, Facebook Mentions, etc)

Podcasting (e.g. iTunes, Stitcher, Sound cloud, etc)

Geo-spatial tagging (e.g. Foursquare, etc)

Online encyclopaedias (e.g. Wikipedia, etc)

Instant messaging (e.g. SMS, Skype, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber, etc)

Online voting or polls

Public and private online forums and discussion boards

Any other online technologies that allow individual users to upload and share content.

If you wish to engage as representative or the Club on-line contact the Club Communications Officer:

Mobile; 086 189 3131

Email info@mullingarrfc.ie and your request will be endorsed or brought before the general committee for approval.

Guidelines For Social Media Participation - 2019/20

  • These guidelines apply to all Mullingar players, officials, parents, supporters and volunteers who create or contribute to blogs, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds or any other kind of Social Media. Whether you log into Twitter, Yelp, Wikipedia, MySpace, Facebook, Facebook Pages, Closed Team Facebook or comment on online stores – these guidelines are for you. All of these are considered to be Carriage Services and it is illegal to misuse them. 
  • We expect everyone who participates in online commentary to understand and to follow these simple but important guidelines. These guidelines might sound strict but please keep in mind that our goal is simple: to ensure that all members of our community participate online in a RESPECTFUL way that protects and promotes all participants, your club and indeed Irish Rugby's reputation, and of course follows the letter and spirit of the law. 
  • Postings should be family friendly and feature positive news. Do not post information in any format that may harm the reputation of any person or the reputation of your club. Ask yourself whether you would be happy to have the post directed at you – if not, don’t post it!
  • Never use a public forum or social media outlet to criticise another participant. Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements will not be tolerated and any such communication or online contact should be reported to the club communications officer immediately.
  • Watch your language – avoid swear words and profanity and remember that your sense of humour may not be shared by others. You should not make comments based on religion, politics, sex, sexuality or racial issues. 
  • REMEMBER that your comments can be seen by anyone, as these are viewed as being in the public domain, and a comment is not easy to erase once you commit to making it public. As a consequence, you can be held accountable for anything you post. It is important to note that people who publish false or misleading comments about another person in the public domain maybe liable for defamation. Our club have a Conduct Review Panel which have had to deal with individuals who choose to operate outside of these guidelines.
  • When disagreeing with the opinion of others keep it appropriate and polite. 
  • It is inappropriate for adult officials to communicate on a one-on-one basis with players under the age of 18 via social media outlets. 
  • Adult officials should not have players under the age of 18 years as their “friends” on social networking sites if the primary reason for the relationship is not rugby and they have a position of trust in relation to that young person. Any team-based site must provide the Club Communications Officer with access privileges.
  • Officials should carefully consider what they post as some comments can be seen by friends of friends. This also applies to comments left on other people’s pages and the sharing of photographs. Consider your position as a role model in this area. No age Grade player that is *under 18 may be identified directly or indirectly in any visual medium including video photos etc. - In the event of a player under the age of 18 showing an official a text, instant message, image, email or posting that is considered being inappropriate for a child to have, the official must inform a club official or the *CCWO (Club Child Welfare Officer - 086 189 3131) immediately. 
  • Treat others as you would like to be treated. • Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. What you publish is widely accessible and will be around for a long time, so consider the content carefully. Google and Microsoft have long memories! 
  • Rugby Club participants (players and officials) who send inappropriate electronic communication or post inappropriate online content or comments regarding another player, official or third party will be subject to disciplinary action by the Club Conduct Review Committee or Executive Committee (Chair: Club Welfare Officer).
Remember – 
Pleading Ignorance of these rules is not an excuse! 
Committee - Mullingar Rugby football Club 2019/20