Social Media Guidelines

The FA has issued clarification to participants relating to the use of social networking sites, including, but not limited to Twitter, Facebook and internet blogs.

Clubs and leagues should appoint appropriate adults to monitor the content of their websites. They should have an understanding of both the technology used and of safeguarding.

You are advised to moderate your web pages on a daily basis where possible. Clubs and leagues are responsible for ensuring all content hosted on their websites, social network areas and any associated message boards or blogs abide by the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association.

Participants should be aware that comments made on such sites may be considered public comment, and that further to FA Rule E3, any comments which are deemed improper, bring the game into disrepute, or are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting will lead to disciplinary action.

It is against FA rules to post comments that are or maybe conceived as;

• Offensive
• Insulting
• Abusive
• Threatening
• Racist
• Discriminatory
• Any other reference that may cause offensive or harm to others

Any such comment made on club or league websites and/or social networking sites regarding officials may result in disciplinary action being taken in line with The FA’s Disciplinary policies and procedures.

Comments made on websites that are threatening abusive or racist could lead to legal action being taken against those responsible for posting or hosting them. Comments made may attract libel claims and legal action through the civil courts if they are untrue or defamatory.

The Coventry & Warks Youth League recommends that all clubs amend their own code of conducts to raise awareness of the issues regarding the use and misuse of social media.

If you need to report any misuse of social networks or internet blogs, please contact: Jane Connolly, Coventry & Warks Youth League Welfare Officer, or the Birmingham County FA Welfare Officer.

Documents

The FA have developed a series of best practice guidelines for using social networking and electronic communications with adults and children alike. Please find these attached below

These guidelines are available on the FA.com website for help:

• 1. Social Networking, Websites, Mobile Phone and Email Communications
• 2. Running a Website do's and don'ts
• 3. Responsible use of Social Networking Sites
• 4. communicating-responsibly-with-young-leaders-coaches-and-referees-u18
• 5. Using Texts and emails with u18s dos and donts
• 6. Guidance for Parents and Carers
• 7. Guidance for u18s