Media and Social Media

Policy

Hockey Saskatchewan recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all its stakeholders.  Hockey Saskatchewan also respects the right of all Teams and Association personnel to express their views publicly.  At the same time, the membership must be aware of the dangers social media and networking can present and work to educate themselves on its usage. 

Procedure

a) Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Social Media policy is to educate the Hockey Saskatchewan Community on the risks and responsibilities of social media and to ensure all Teams and Association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action by the Team, the Minor Hockey Association, League and/or Hockey Saskatchewan.

For the purpose of this Social Media and Networking Policy, the policy will encompass public communications including posting pictures, videos, or comments through such internet platforms as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, TikTok and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online as well as other forms of electronic communication, but not limited to, methods such as texting and instant messaging.

b) Procedure

This policy encompasses all media relations recognizing that only authorized personnel appointed Hockey Saskatchewan, MHA’s, and Leagues may respond to media inquiries relative to the jurisdiction of each entity.

The policy will be applicable to all members of the Hockey Saskatchewan Community, including Directors, Teams, Hockey Saskatchewan members and staff, on-ice and off-ice officials, billets, players, players’ family members and supporters.

c) Guidelines

i. Hockey Saskatchewan holds the entire Hockey Saskatchewan Community who participates in social media and networking to the same standards as it does for all other forms of media including radio, television, and print.

ii. Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to a Team, the Association or an individual will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.

iii. It should be recognized that social media and comments such as ‘texting and instant messaging’ are on the record permanently and can be instantly published and available to the public and media. Everyone including Association and/or Team personnel, players, corporate partners, and the media can review social media communications.  Members should always conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner.

iv. Refrain from divulging confidential information of a personal, team related, league decision/ policy, or Hockey Saskatchewan decision/ policy nature. Avoid revealing business or game strategy that could provide another team or individual a competitive advantage. Furthermore, do not discuss injury information about any player. When required, only divulge information that is available in the public domain.

v. Use best judgment at all times – pause before posting or sending. Once comments are posted or sent, they cannot be retracted. Ultimately, each member is solely responsible for their comments.

vi. If requested to participate in an online network or respond to any media inquiries, as a direct result of a member’s affiliation with or participation in Hockey Saskatchewan, Hockey Saskatchewan recommends that the member request approval from the, League Association, Hockey Saskatchewan dependent upon the subject matter.

vii. Players or hockey operations staff are to be vigilant in their participation in social media or networking two (2) hours prior to the start of a Hockey Saskatchewan game and at least one (1) hour following the completion of a Hockey Saskatchewan game.

d) Violations 

The following are examples of conduct through social media and networking mediums that are considered violations of Hockey Saskatchewan Social Media and Networking Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the Team, Minor Hockey Association, League and/or Hockey Saskatchewan.

i. Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of Association officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member Team, the Association, an individual, or Hockey Saskatchewan.

ii. Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Player injuries.
• Trades or other player movement.
• Game strategies; or any other matter of a sensitive nature to a member Team, the Association, an individual, or Hockey Saskatchewan.

iii. Negative or derogatory comments about any of the Team, Minor Hockey Association, League and/or Hockey Saskatchewan staff, programs, stakeholders, players, or any member of Hockey Saskatchewan Team.

iv. Any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation or threats against players or officials.

v. Photographs, video, or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, hazing, sexual exploitation, etc.

vi. Online activity that contradicts the current policies of Hockey Saskatchewan or any of its member Associations.

vii. Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, non-inclusive, or sexist content of any kind, in keeping with the Hockey Saskatchewan policies and regulations on these matters.

viii. Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.

ix. Development of any false online identity for the purpose of misrepresenting any members of the Hockey Saskatchewan community for the purpose of distributing hidden derogatory, racist, non-inclusive, or sexist content.

x. Speaking with the media (on record or off) on any topic related to Hockey Saskatchewan and its membership without permission Hockey Saskatchewan MHA, Leagues, or Teams required based upon the subject matter.

e) Discipline

The Team, Minor Hockey Association, League and/or Hockey Saskatchewan will investigate reported violation(s) of this policy in the manner set out in the Hockey Saskatchewan Handbook for other types of violations. If the investigation determines that a violation has occurred, the Team, Minor Hockey Association, League and/or the Hockey Saskatchewan Officer of Discipline involved will impose an appropriate suspension. Any appeal of the suspension will be dealt with as set out in a Minor Hockey Association, League and/or Hockey Saskatchewan Handbook for other types of suspensions.

f) Summary

When using social media and networking mediums, the Hockey Saskatchewan community should always assume they are representing Hockey Saskatchewan and/or its member Association or Teams. All members of the Hockey Saskatchewan community should remember to use the same discretion with texting, instant messaging, using all social media platforms and networking as they do with other traditional forms of media.

Should the identity or image of any member of the Hockey Saskatchewan community be used in social media and networking without the individual, Team or Association authorization, this is identity theft. Please notify your Hockey Saskatchewan Team Management or the Hockey Saskatchewan Office immediately.

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