Shannon Athletic Club
Social Media and Communication Policy
| Policy owner | Shannon Athletic Club Committee
| Approved by | Club Committee
| Date approved | 08/05/2026
| Review date | Annually, or sooner if required
| Version | 1.0
| Approved by | Club Committee
| Date approved | 08/05/2026
| Review date | Annually, or sooner if required
| Version | 1.0
1. Introduction
Shannon Athletic Club (SAC) recognises the importance of effective communication and the positive role social media can play in promoting club activities, sharing information and celebrating achievements. The club is committed to ensuring that all communication reflects the values, reputation and standards of Shannon Athletic Club.
This policy provides guidance on the responsible use of social media, digital communication and club communication channels by members, coaches, volunteers, committee members and parents/guardians.
This policy provides guidance on the responsible use of social media, digital communication and club communication channels by members, coaches, volunteers, committee members and parents/guardians.
2. Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
Promote responsible, respectful and professional communication.
Protect the reputation and integrity of the club.
Support safe and appropriate use of social media and digital communication.
Protect the privacy and wellbeing of members.
Provide guidance on official and personal communication related to the club.
Promote a positive and inclusive online environment.
Promote responsible, respectful and professional communication.
Protect the reputation and integrity of the club.
Support safe and appropriate use of social media and digital communication.
Protect the privacy and wellbeing of members.
Provide guidance on official and personal communication related to the club.
Promote a positive and inclusive online environment.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all members, athletes, coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents/guardians and anyone using or contributing to official Shannon Athletic Club communication channels or representing the club online.
It applies to official club social media accounts, messaging groups, websites, email communications and personal social media activity where individuals identify themselves as associated with the club.
It applies to official club social media accounts, messaging groups, websites, email communications and personal social media activity where individuals identify themselves as associated with the club.
4. Policy Statement
SAC is committed to ensuring that communication across all platforms is respectful, accurate, inclusive and appropriate.
The club encourages positive engagement and responsible online behaviour while recognising that inappropriate communication or misuse of social media can negatively impact individuals, safeguarding, wellbeing and the reputation of the club.
The club encourages positive engagement and responsible online behaviour while recognising that inappropriate communication or misuse of social media can negatively impact individuals, safeguarding, wellbeing and the reputation of the club.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
The Club Committee is responsible for overseeing official club communication and ensuring this policy is reviewed regularly.
Designated administrators or committee members may manage official club social media platforms and communication channels.
Coaches, volunteers and members are expected to communicate respectfully and responsibly.
Parents/guardians should support safe and respectful communication involving juvenile members.
All individuals are encouraged to report concerns regarding inappropriate communication or online behaviour.
Designated administrators or committee members may manage official club social media platforms and communication channels.
Coaches, volunteers and members are expected to communicate respectfully and responsibly.
Parents/guardians should support safe and respectful communication involving juvenile members.
All individuals are encouraged to report concerns regarding inappropriate communication or online behaviour.
6. Official Club Communication
Official club communication may take place through:
Email.
Official club social media platforms.
WhatsApp or approved messaging groups.
The club website.
Club notices or meetings.
Official communication should:
Be accurate, clear and respectful.
Protect confidentiality and privacy.
Be shared only by authorised individuals where appropriate.
Relate to club activities, events or relevant information.
Email.
Official club social media platforms.
WhatsApp or approved messaging groups.
The club website.
Club notices or meetings.
Official communication should:
Be accurate, clear and respectful.
Protect confidentiality and privacy.
Be shared only by authorised individuals where appropriate.
Relate to club activities, events or relevant information.
7. Social Media Use and Online Behaviour
Members are expected to use social media responsibly and respectfully.
Individuals associated with the club should:
Avoid posting offensive, discriminatory or abusive content.
Respect the privacy and dignity of others.
Use appropriate language and behaviour online.
Avoid engaging in bullying, harassment or online arguments.
Clearly distinguish personal opinions from official club views.
The club reserves the right to address behaviour that brings the club into disrepute.
Individuals associated with the club should:
Avoid posting offensive, discriminatory or abusive content.
Respect the privacy and dignity of others.
Use appropriate language and behaviour online.
Avoid engaging in bullying, harassment or online arguments.
Clearly distinguish personal opinions from official club views.
The club reserves the right to address behaviour that brings the club into disrepute.
8. Photography, Video and Media
SAC recognises the importance of protecting privacy, particularly for children and young people.
The club will:
Seek appropriate consent for photography and media use.
Use images respectfully and appropriately.
Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.
Encourage responsible sharing of photographs and videos.
Parents/guardians should raise any concerns regarding images or media directly with the club.
The club will:
Seek appropriate consent for photography and media use.
Use images respectfully and appropriately.
Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.
Encourage responsible sharing of photographs and videos.
Parents/guardians should raise any concerns regarding images or media directly with the club.
9. Communication with Children and Young People
Communication with juvenile members should be appropriate, transparent and in line with safeguarding guidance.
The club encourages:
Use of group communication where possible.
Inclusion of parents/guardians in relevant communication.
Professional boundaries between adults and children.
Compliance with Athletics Ireland safeguarding guidance and codes of conduct.
The club encourages:
Use of group communication where possible.
Inclusion of parents/guardians in relevant communication.
Professional boundaries between adults and children.
Compliance with Athletics Ireland safeguarding guidance and codes of conduct.
10. WhatsApp and Messaging Groups
Messaging groups may be used for sharing training updates, event information and club notices.
Group administrators should:
Ensure communication remains relevant and respectful.
Monitor inappropriate behaviour where reasonably possible.
Avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information.
Remove inappropriate content where necessary.
Members should avoid excessive messaging, inappropriate comments or sharing unrelated content.
Group administrators should:
Ensure communication remains relevant and respectful.
Monitor inappropriate behaviour where reasonably possible.
Avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information.
Remove inappropriate content where necessary.
Members should avoid excessive messaging, inappropriate comments or sharing unrelated content.
11. Reporting Concerns or Inappropriate Content
Any inappropriate communication, online bullying, harassment or concerning content should be reported to a committee member, Club Children’s Officer or designated contact person.
The club will:
Take concerns seriously.
Review complaints fairly and promptly.
Address inappropriate behaviour appropriately.
Refer safeguarding concerns in line with safeguarding procedures where required.
The club will:
Take concerns seriously.
Review complaints fairly and promptly.
Address inappropriate behaviour appropriately.
Refer safeguarding concerns in line with safeguarding procedures where required.
12. Training and Awareness
SAC will promote awareness of responsible communication and social media use.
The club may provide guidance, reminders or training for coaches, volunteers and committee members regarding safeguarding, online safety and appropriate communication practices.
The club may provide guidance, reminders or training for coaches, volunteers and committee members regarding safeguarding, online safety and appropriate communication practices.
13. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Members must respect confidentiality and avoid sharing personal or sensitive information without permission.
The club will handle personal information in line with data protection requirements and club policies.
The club will handle personal information in line with data protection requirements and club policies.
14. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually by the committee, or sooner if changes in legislation, safeguarding guidance, social media practices or club activities require updates.
The club will continue to promote safe, respectful and positive communication across all platforms.
The club will continue to promote safe, respectful and positive communication across all platforms.
15. Approval
This policy was approved by Shannon Athletic Club Committee.
Contact Information for Queries or Concerns
Designated Contact Person: Joanne Begley
Email: info@shannonac.ie
Phone: 0872349130
Email: info@shannonac.ie
Phone: 0872349130
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