SAFSA WP

Social Media Policy

SAFSA WP recognises the importance of WhatsApp and social media as tools for communication, promotion and engagement within the skating community. This policy sets the guidelines for the responsible use of these platforms to ensure a respectful, professional and inclusive environment for all members.

If not used responsibly, social media poses certain risks. We, as the SAFSA WP Committee, have a duty to protect ourselves and all other individuals associated with our sport, against these risks. This policy has therefore been created to encourage the use of social media, whilst at the same time reducing the risks to our athletes and individuals associated with our federation and our reputation.

We foster an open and expressive environment and respect every individual's right to freedom of speech. However, we must remind every athlete, parent, committee member and official, of our obligations as citizens of South Africa, to ensure that all communications on social media are lawful, do not cause any harm and do not infringe on other peoples' rights (e.g. their rights to reputation, dignity and privacy). This may mean that your freedom of speech is limited, this is not imposed by SAFSA WP but by South Africa's Constitution.

1. Definition of Social Media

For purposes of this policy, "social media" means any facility that enables conversation over the internet but not limited to blogs, forums, platforms such as Facebook, Google, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter (now X), Live.ly, Music.ly, WhatsApp, YouTube, Gaming platforms and any other forms of communication generally classified as social media.

2. WhatsApp Group Guidelines

• Official SAFSA WP WhatsApp groups are for official communication, announcements and updates only.
• Avoid personal discussions.
• Members must always use respectful and appropriate language.
• Keep messages clear, concise and professional.
• No sharing of offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate content.
• Private disputes or personal grievances must not be addressed in group chats. Any issues should be reported to SAFSA WP leadership.
• No unauthorised advertising, promotions or spam.
• Only administrators may post official SAFSA WP announcements in designated groups.
• Please do not post anything before 7am and after 9pm unless it is urgent (sudden ice changes or safety issues).
• No jokes, religious comments (regardless of intention), hate speech, racism, politics, vulgar language, adult material, or anything that may be considered controversial, offensive or hurtful to anyone is allowed.
• No audio files or voice notes are to be posted.
• Avoid the excessive use of emoji's, slang or informal language in official groups.
• Please do not answer questions unless you have the answer and are able to assist.
• Be mindful that there are many users on these groups of all ages, especially children, teenagers and young adults.

3. Social Media Conduct

• SAFSA WP members must uphold the organisation's values when engaging on social media.
• Members must not post defamatory, discriminatory or harmful content about SAFSA WP, its members, coaches, officials or affiliates.
• Respectful and sportsmanlike behaviour must be maintained when discussing competitions, judges or fellow skaters.
• No unauthorised sharing of confidential or private SAFSA WP information.
• Skaters, coaches, or parents must not engage in cyberbullying, harassment or any form of online misconduct.

4. Inappropriate Usage

Social media may not be used in any way that:

• May not be used for unlawful purposes or conduct.
• Is offensive, abusive, harassing and/or harmful.
• Contains threats of violence or harm.
• Unfairly discriminates on any grounds.
• Amounts to hate speech.
• Is obscene, pornographic or violent.
• Contains images or words that are defamatory.
• Is untrue or designed to mislead.
• Discloses personal information about another person without his/her consent or that of a parent of a minor.

5. Posting Content Related to SAFSA WP

• All SAFSA WP-related content (such as training video, event photo's or official updates) must be posted with consideration for privacy and consent of those involved.
• Use of SAFSA WP's name, logo, or branding must be approved by SAFSA WP before public posting.
• SAFSA WP reserves the right to request removal of content that misrepresents or harms the organisation's reputation.

6. Reporting and Consequences

• Any misuse of WhatsApp or social media that violates this policy should be reported to SAFSA WP leadership.
• Violations may result in disciplinary action, including the removal from WhatsApp groups, suspension from SAFSA WP activities or further consequences as deemed necessary by SAFSA WP.
• Persons defamed or injured in any way have the right to pursue all legal remedies.

7. Policy Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in warnings, temporary suspension or further disciplinary actions as deemed necessary by SAFSA WP.

This policy is subject to amendment by SAFSA WP as required. Any changes will be communicated to the members.