1. Background

1.1 Portadown Amateur Swimming Club (“PASC”) recognises that the use of networking sites is a growing phenomenon and is increasingly used as a communication tool choice.
1.2 The policy will set standards of behaviour for the use of social media that are consistent with the broader values and expectations of PLHC.
1.3 It is expected that members will use Social Media in a respectful and responsible manner. Social Media should not be used to insult, present offensive or inappropriate content or to misrepresent PASC or any member of it to the wider community.

2. Definition

2.1 Social Media refers to all networking sites such as (but not limited to) and includes email and mobile devices:-
– Personal blogs
– Twitter
– Facebook
– My Space
– Bebo
– You Tube
– LinkedIn
– Google+
– MSN

3. Scope

3.1 This Policy applies to all members of PASC.

4. Standards of Behaviour

4.1 Members are expected to show respect to others, including members of PASC and the wider community
4.2 Members are expected to give respect to the reputation and good name of PASC
4.3 When using Social Media, members are expected to ensure that they:
a. Respect the rights and confidentiality of others;
b. Do not bully, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten others;
c. Do not make defamatory comments
d. Do not impersonate or falsely represent another person;
e. Do not use offensive or threatening language;
f. Do not post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic or incites violence against others
g. Do not post content that harms the reputation and good standing of PASC or those within it.

5. Breach of this Policy

5.1 Any individual found to be in breach of this policy shall be dealt with by the General Committee and may face disciplinary action in accordance with the Club’s Disciplinary, Grievance and Complaints Procedures.

Social Networking Services, Social Media & Sport: Guidelines for safeguarding children and young people

1. The Child Protection in Sport Unit Briefing Document “Social networking services, social media and sport: Guidelines for safeguarding children and young people” gives more in depth guidance on social networking sites. It can be accessed via the Child Protection in Sport Unit website (on the NSPCC websites).

2. A user guide for parents and swimmers for Twitter is available to view at www.swimming.org.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS 

1. As a user of social networking sites, whether you are a child or an adult, you may at some time have a concern about what you are seeing or being told about by another user.

2. The nature of these concerns may vary but should these concerns be connected to PASC. Then please contact one of the Children’s Club Officers: Michelle Giffin or Catherine McClatchey: portadownasc@gmail.com

3. Alternatively, depending on the nature of your concerns, a list of agencies that you can contact, anonymously if you wish, where you or your child can raise such concerns can be found below:-

• The Child Exploitation online Protection Unit (CEOP) at www.ceop.gov.uk.
• If your child is under 18 they can use the “Your Chance to Talk” form on the “Child Power” section of the www.swimming.org.
• www.childnet.org.uk which is a NSPCC support service. Using this website, children can talk confidentially to NSPCC advisor’s online about any issues or problems they may be experiencing, using an application similar to Instant Messenger (I.M.). Stop It Now free phone 0808 1000 900.
• The local Police or Children’s Services.
• The NSPCC helpline 0800 800 5000 or www.nspcc.org.uk for adults concerned about the welfare or safety of a child.
• The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) www.iwf.org.uk. The IWF was established by the internet industry to provide a UK internet hotline which can be anonymous for the public and IT professionals to report criminal online content in a secure and confidential way.