Social Media Policy

  1. BACKGROUND

1.1 Belfast Harlequins Club recognises that the use of networking sites is a growing phenomenon and is increasingly used as a communication tool choice.

1.2 The policy will set standards of behaviour for the use of social media that are consistent with the broader values and expectations of the Belfast Harlequins Club.

1.3 It is expected that members will use Social Media in a respectful and responsible manner. Social Media should not be used to insult, present offensive or inappropriate content or to misrepresent Belfast Harlequins Club or any member of it to the wider community.

  1. DEFINITION

2.1 Social Media refers to all networking sites such as (but not limited to) and includes email and mobile devices:

  • Personal blogs
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • My Space
  • Bebo
  • You Tube
  • LinkedIn
  • Google+
  • MySpace
  • MSN

  1. SCOPE

3.1 This Policy applies to all members of Belfast Harlequins Club.

  1. STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

4.1 Members are expected to show respect to others, including members of Belfast Harlequins Club and the wider community.

4.2 Members are expected to give respect to the reputation and good name of Belfast Harlequins Club.

4.3 When using Social Media, members are expected to ensure that they:

  • a. Respect the rights and confidentiality of others;
  • b. Do not bully, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten others;
  • c. Do not make defamatory comments;
  • d. Do not impersonate or falsely represent another person;
  • e. Do not use offensive or threatening language;
  • f. Do not post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic or incites violence against others;
  • g. Do not post content that harms the reputation and good standing of Belfast Harlequins Club or those within it.

  1. BREACH OF THIS POLICY

5.1 A breach of this policy shall be dealt with by the General Committee in accordance with Clause 12 of the Belfast Harlequins Club Constitution.