Use of Social Media by Members
A small number of people, mainly committee members, are authorised to speak on behalf of Blackwater Valley Runners (BVR) however most of us will speak not on behalf of, but about BVR in club forums, both private and public. As members we are all part of the conversation. Social media is of great benefit to us as individuals and to BVR – we’re all using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch and find out what’s going on. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that we always apply common sense in our use of social media:
Code of conduct
The BVR constitution requires that we all treat each other with respect and not engage in actions which would bring the club into disrepute – this includes how we conduct ourselves in all our activities with the club, including social media and networking. Have fun, demonstrate how great it is to be part of BVR but be respectful online just as you would be in person.
Do’s and Don’ts before posting / interacting on Social Media
- Think twice before posting. If you wouldn’t want your employer, parents, friends, colleagues or future employer to see your post, don’t post it.
- Be respectful. Be positive. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
- Remember many different audiences will see your posts including club members, potential members, children, members’ relatives and friends.
- Be professional and polite.
- Avoid posting inflammatory, extraneous, objectionable or off-topic messages that may provoke others into an emotional response (trolling/flaming). Avoid topics that may be controversial, like politics and religion. Don’t post anything that you wouldn’t say openly in a workplace such as comments about drug use, profanity, off-colour or sexual humour, ethnic slurs, or personal insults.
- Be in the right state of mind when you make a post. Don’t post when you’re angry, upset, or your judgment is impaired in any way. Remember, the Internet is permanent!
- Remember that BVR reserve the right to delete any post or comment within any club forum, without warning or notice. Persistent flouting of this code will result in banning from the forums and/ or club disciplinary action.
Complaints
Please remember that posts are not routinely moderated and we rely on the conduct of the members to allow the social media to operate smoothly. If you have any concerns and wish to complain about any post please email secretary@bvrunners.org.uk, detailing your complaint. The complaint will then be investigated by the Social Media & Publicity Officer or the Club Chairman, either quickly and informally by speaking to the poster and the complainant, or if further action is required through the BVR formal procedures as detailed in the constitution.
Administrators Guidelines
- All Facebook posts by administrators are automatically posted on Twitter, so it is not necessary for posts to be duplicated.
- Try to write your message in the third person, as you are typically speaking in the official voice of the club (or the management committee) not your own voice when posting messages.
- You may choose to use the first person when replying in comments, but think about whether what you are saying is an official club statement or your own personal opinion (which you should post under your own account).
- Take care when using Facebook on your mobile, as it often defaults to the admin account rather than your personal account. If you do have to post a personal comment using your mobile device, thus as the club, ensure you sign your name so that your identity is clear.
- Unless previously approved by the Social Media Officer, admins should avoid using BVR social media accounts to promote:
- Content that is not directly related to the club and / or its members
- Fundraising efforts of individual members
- If you have concerns with the content of another admin’s post, direct your complaint to the Social Media and Publicity Officer. Do not remove content yourself.