1. Purpose and Scope
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting the Bowmen of Wadebridge, celebrating member achievements, and organising events. However, misuse can pose risks to the club’s reputation and the safety of its members.
This policy applies to:
- All Club Members (Senior and Junior)
- Committee Members and Coaches
- Parents/Guardians of Junior Members
- Guests visiting the club
This policy covers all social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp groups, X (Twitter), and TikTok.
2. General Code of Conduct
Members represent the Bowmen of Wadebridge when posting about the club or the sport.
We expect members to:
- Be Respectful: Treat fellow archers, coaches, and other clubs with dignity. Do not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or discrimination Including but not limited to – racist, sexist, homophobic, abusive, discriminatory, intimidating, threatening, bullying, harassing, sexualised or insulting • Do not post, host or re-share, comments or images which are racist, sexist, homophobic, abusive,
- Do not create a risk to a person’s safety, or attempt to deceive an individual or Archery GB
- No spamming or over-posting
- No posts, comments or discussion attacking protected characteristics
- No personal or inappropriate posts or comments about board, staff, volunteers, athletes, members,
- parents/carers, coaches, officials, clubs, counties, regions, home nations, contractors, and
- commissioned service providers
- No posts, comments or discussion that may contravene Archery GB’s Code of Conduct
- No sexting or sending of obscene images
- Archery GB clubs/organisations must obtain written parent/carer permission before direct messaging any under 18s via their social media platforms. A parent or carer should be copied in on all private messages and included in all messaging groups between the club and the young person.
- Check the minimum age for users on social media platforms
- Protect Reputation: Do not post content that brings the Bowmen of Wadebridge or the sport of archery into disrepute.
- Disputes: Do not air club grievances or internal disputes on public platforms. Raise concerns directly with the Committee.
- Accuracy: Ensure any advice given regarding archery technique or safety aligns with Archery GB rules. If in doubt, defer to a qualified coach.
3. Safeguarding and Junior Members
The safety of children and vulnerable adults is paramount. In line with Archery GB guidelines:
- No Direct Messaging: Adult members (including coaches) must never initiate private direct messages with junior members (under 18) via social media. All communication should go through a parent/guardian or an open group channel.
- Friend Requests: Coaches and Committee members should avoid accepting “friend requests” from junior members on personal accounts to maintain professional boundaries.
- Photo Consent: No photos or videos of junior members are to be posted on official or personal social media without the explicit, written consent of their parent/guardian. (see permissions form)
- Anonymity: If posting photos of juniors (where consent is given), avoid identifying them by full name or providing details about their location/school outside of the club context.
4. Safety on the Range & Digital Etiquette
Archery requires focus. Mobile phone use on the range must be managed carefully:
- Shooting Line: The use of mobile phones for texting, calling, or social media browsing is strictly prohibited on the shooting line.
- Photography: Photography is permitted behind the waiting line, provided it does not distract archers.
- Unsafe Imagery: Members must not post images or videos that depict unsafe archery practices (e.g., “Sky Drawing,” pointing bows at people), even in jest. This promotes poor safety standards to beginners.
5. Official Club Channels
- The Bowmen of Wadebridge maintains official accounts (e.g., the Club Facebook Page/Group).
- Administration: Only authorised Committee members or the appointed Social Media Officer may post on behalf of the club.
- Branding: The club logo and branding are intellectual property of the Bowmen of Wadebridge. Members may use the logo to promote the club positively but must not use it to endorse commercial products without permission.
- Moderation: The Committee reserves the right to remove any comments or posts on official channels that are deemed offensive, irrelevant, or spam.
6. WhatsApp and Group Chats
- If the club uses WhatsApp or Messenger groups for organization:
- Purpose: Keep chats relevant to archery, club events, and logistics.
- Hours: Respect members’ downtime; avoid messaging late at night or early in the morning unless urgent.
- Leaving: Members are free to leave group chats at any time without judgement.
7. Breach of Policy
- Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action, including:
- A request to remove the offending post.
- A formal verbal or written warning.
- Suspension or termination of club membership (in severe cases or repeat offenses).
8. Agreement
By joining or renewing membership with the Bowmen of Wadebridge, members agree to adhere to this Social Media Policy.