Social Media Policy

In an increasingly “Social” world, The Walkerville Football Club and all its members must adhere to the WFC Social Networking Policy as described below to protect the players, officials and club members associated with our Club, including umpires and the wider football community.

Any member using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and in some cases YouTube (where video clips are uploaded) may do so, however, comments, videos or accusations that can be deemed improper, intimidating, racist, sexist or degrading are strictly prohibited when the content involved is of an Australian Rules Football nature. Should you wish to upload any video clip vision to YouTube that involves any vision of a club member or club or League officials that you are unsure if it could be deemed improper, intimidating, racist, sexist or degrading, you must seek approval from the Walkerville Football Club Executive so as to not breach this policy.

Comments or accusations that can be deemed improper, intimidating, racist, sexist or degrading can result in disciplinary action from the Walkerville Football Club, as well as fines and/or the requirement to attend an Independent Tribunal. Using the AFL’s Reports and Tribunals regulations, behaviour, which is considered unacceptable, can be brought to the Tribunal even if the behaviour did not occur on the field and as long as an incident is Australian Rules Football related, then it falls under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal. This type of behaviour is unacceptable in Australian Rules Football at any level and will not be tolerated by the Walkerville Football Club or the Leagues governing body.

Under the Walkerville Football Clubs stance in relation to this policy, the Walkerville Football Club would like to make it very clear to its players, coaches, officials and club members, that you are responsible for your statements and actions unless written approval has been granted by the Club to make comment on a matter.

Any misuse of a social networking site on Australian Rules Football matters, which includes comments made about our Club, the League, an opposition player or club, club member, or official which can be deemed improper, intimidating, racist, sexist or degrading will not be tolerated and the Walkerville Football Club will have no hesitation in referring the matter to the Independent Tribunal. Breaches of this policy may also result in a player been suspended and required to attending counselling.

Walkerville Football Club will cooperate with any direction then given by the Tribunal concerning the matter. In addition, the Walkerville Football Club would remind its players, officials, club members and supporters that social networking postings whilst you may think they remain in a private domain can be seen by others and made public. No official internal club correspondence is to be communicated via social mediums such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube and no personal details of any member of the club, including players and officials is to be posted on any social medium. Some people recognize the harm and distress this type of behaviour can cause and can bring it to the attention of the Club or the League. Such comments could also lead to civil court proceedings being brought about by affected parties.