Social media (including personal and professional websites, blogs, chat rooms and bulletin boards; social networks, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram; video-sharing sites such as YouTube) are a popular means of communication and self-expression.

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Everybody involved in Brentwood has the responsibility to be aware of safeguarding issues both on and off the court, including when they use different communication methods.

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Brentwood aims to be an inclusive and welcoming club which has a safe and respectful culture; our communications need to reflect that. It is the responsibility of the coach and all members to:-

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• Refrain from publishing comments about other clubs, players or officials and any controversial or potentially inflammatory subjects

• Avoid hostile or harassing communications in any posts or other online communications. Harassment is any offensive conduct based on a person’s race, sex, gender identity, national origin, colour, disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, religion or any other status protected by law

• Ensure that even if it is a positive post, they have consent before posting any images of adults and, for children and young people, the written consent of their parents and remember that your posts, once online and in the public domain, can be shared without your agreement and cannot be fully removed.

 

It is essential the coach and members all make informed decisions about how they use the internet, mobile phone and email communications to protect our club and our members.

 

The Coach, Ben Howarth and Chair, Nina Wightman, who is also a parent, are the only two people to have access and can post on any of Brentwood’s social media accounts.

 

If an online participant posts an inaccurate or negative comment about the club or anyone associated with the club, do not share with others or reply but seek advice from our Welfare Officer, Mary Wilton, Deputy Welfare Officer Liesa Harrison or from Ben or Nina.

 

Further information re: Personal data on line at - www.gov.uk/government/news/data-laws-made-fit-for-the-digital-age

 

E-safety for children at - www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety