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Sutherland Park, Longbenton · Newcastle upon Tyne · Est. 1899

Novocastrians RFC

Newcastle upon Tyne

Novocastrians Rugby Football Club

Social Media Policy for Players, Members, Coaches, Volunteers and Officials

Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 11/06/2026
Approved By: Club Committee

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the standards and expectations for the use of social media by all players, members, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, and supporters associated with Novocastrians Rugby Football Club (“the Club”).

The Club recognises that social media is an important tool for communication, promotion, and community engagement. However, all individuals connected with the Club are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and in a manner that protects the reputation, values, and welfare of the Club and its members.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Senior and junior players
  • Coaches and team managers
  • Club officials and committee members
  • Volunteers
  • Parents and guardians of junior members
  • Club sponsors and partners when representing the Club
  • Any member posting content related to the Club, its activities, players, officials, or supporters

This policy applies to all social media platforms, including but not limited to:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X (Twitter)
  • TikTok
  • Snapchat
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • WhatsApp groups
  • Discord servers
  • Online forums and blogs

3. Core Principles

All members should:

  • Respect others at all times.
  • Promote the values of rugby: teamwork, discipline, respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.
  • Protect the reputation of the Club.
  • Act in accordance with RFU regulations and safeguarding policies.
  • Consider whether they would be comfortable with their post appearing in local or national media before publishing it.

If in doubt, do not post.

4. Acceptable Use

Members are encouraged to:

  • Celebrate team achievements and successes.
  • Promote Club events and community activities.
  • Share official Club content.
  • Support teammates and fellow members positively.
  • Engage respectfully with supporters, opponents, officials, and sponsors.

Examples include:

  • Match-day photographs approved by the Club.
  • Fundraising and community initiatives.
  • Volunteer recognition.
  • Positive rugby-related content.

5. Unacceptable Use

Members must not post, share, comment on, or engage with content that:

Brings the Club into Disrepute

Including content that:

  • Damages the reputation of the Club.
  • Criticises teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers, sponsors, or committee members.
  • Reveals internal Club disputes or disciplinary matters.

Is Offensive or Discriminatory

Including content that is:

  • Racist
  • Sexist
  • Homophobic
  • Transphobic
  • Ableist
  • Religious or politically extremist
  • Harassing, threatening, or intimidating

Promotes Misconduct

Including:

  • Illegal activity
  • Violence
  • Drug misuse
  • Dangerous behaviour
  • Excessive alcohol consumption that reflects poorly on the Club

Contains Confidential Information

Members must not disclose:

  • Selection decisions before official announcements
  • Injury information without consent
  • Personal information about members
  • Internal Club communications
  • Financial or committee matters

6. Photography and Video

Members must:

  • Obtain permission before posting identifiable images of others.
  • Respect the wishes of any member who does not wish to appear online.
  • Follow all safeguarding procedures relating to junior players.

For junior members:

  • Images and videos must comply with Club safeguarding policies.
  • Parents or guardians must provide appropriate consent where required.
  • Full names of junior players should not be published alongside photographs without approval.

7. Respect for Match Officials and Opponents

Members must not:

  • Criticise referees publicly.
  • Make derogatory comments about opposing players, teams, or supporters.
  • Publish comments questioning the integrity or competence of match officials.

Disputes should be addressed through appropriate rugby and Club channels.

8. Club Branding and Representation

Only authorised individuals may:

  • Speak on behalf of the Club.
  • Issue official statements.
  • Manage official Club social media accounts.
  • Respond to media enquiries on behalf of the Club.

Members should make it clear when views expressed are personal and not official Club positions.

Suggested disclaimer:

“The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Novocastrians Rugby Football Club.”

9. Group Chats and Messaging Platforms

The standards in this policy apply equally to:

  • WhatsApp groups
  • Messenger groups
  • Discord servers
  • Team communication platforms

Members must not:

  • Bully or exclude others.
  • Share inappropriate content.
  • Circulate rumours or confidential information.
  • Post offensive or discriminatory material.

Club officials reserve the right to remove individuals from Club-managed communication groups where appropriate.

10. Safeguarding

The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.

Members must:

  • Follow RFU safeguarding guidance at all times.
  • Report concerns immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
  • Avoid private online communication with junior players unless authorised and conducted in line with safeguarding procedures.
  • Maintain professional boundaries online.

11. Reporting Concerns

Any member who becomes aware of content that may breach this policy should report it to:

  • Team Manager
  • Club Safeguarding Officer
  • Club Secretary
  • Club Committee

Reports will be treated confidentially wherever possible.

12. Breaches of the Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Informal guidance or warning
  • Formal disciplinary action
  • Removal of social media privileges
  • Suspension from Club activities
  • Termination of membership
  • Referral to the RFU or relevant authorities where appropriate

Serious breaches involving discrimination, harassment, safeguarding concerns, or unlawful activity may result in immediate disciplinary action.

13. Positive Social Media Culture

Novocastrians Rugby Football Club encourages all members to use social media to:

  • Promote rugby and community participation.
  • Celebrate achievements on and off the pitch.
  • Support teammates, volunteers, and sponsors.
  • Showcase the Club’s values of respect, inclusivity, and sportsmanship.

Every member is an ambassador for the Club, both online and offline.