Social Media Policy

The aim of the social media is to provide a recommendation of best practice to all British Gymnastics club members and parents/carers on the use of social networking sites as they relate to that individual’s role in our Club. It is important to understand, however, that if used correctly, social networking can be a safe and productive activity.

The following guidelines refer to any posts, photographs, videos, status updates and any other item that can be published on social media which mentions or directs attention to Hereford Dynamix Trampoline and DMT Club:

✓  Coaches, parents and gymnasts must not post remarks, photographs and videos, disparaging comments or comments that could be perceived as such about the Club, coaches, officials or other gymnasts. This applies to private text messaging as well as all social media and instant messaging services.

✓  Gymnasts and parents must not post any remarks, photographs or video that could be disparaging or embarrassing to another gymnastics club, its members, coaches or officials.

✓  Gymnasts must not contact club coaches or officials via any instant messaging or text services.

✓  Parents should avoid interacting with gymnasts other than their own children by social media/text message.

✓  Parents/gymnasts must not upload photographs/videos to any social media sites if they contain other gymnasts than their own child without prior consent from the parent/ guardian.

✓  Parents/gymnasts must not upload photographs/videos to any social media sites if they contain club coaches/officials/volunteers without their prior consent.

✓  Parents/gymnasts must not copy and upload professional photographs/videos without the consent of the photographer.

✓  Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s use of social media in order to protect them and guide them in its appropriate use.

✓  Gymnasts or parents should inform the club if at any point they notice a contravention to these guidelines or the guidelines for coaches and officials.

Failure to adhere to this Social Media Policy will result in a referral to the welfare officer and Head Coach and may lead to exclusion from Hereford Dynamix Trampoline Club and cancellation of membership.

Additional Social Media guidelines for coaches and officials:

✓  Coaches and officials should avoid chatting to gymnasts via any instant messaging service.

✓  If you receive any messages/requests from gymnasts by way of social networking/ chat/text please do not respond to the child directly, please respond via their parent, or let the Club Welfare Officer know.

✓  Coaches and officials should not text gymnasts in their care for any reason. Please always communicate through the parent.

✓  Coaches and officials could face serious consequences if it is found that young people in their care have been exposed to inappropriate material/content via their social media pages.

By following the above we will ensure relationships between coaches and gymnasts remain professional whilst protecting gymnasts, coaches and parents from allegations of inappropriate conduct.

By setting clear guidelines for parents, coaches and gymnasts concerning the use of social media/text messaging we will preserve the reputation and positive image of our club, coaches, volunteers and committee members