Social Media Policy

This policy outlines the expectations for responsible and respectful use of all forms of digital communication by members of the Kellyville community. It ensures all interactions reflect the values of our Club, comply with relevant laws, and maintain the safety and well-being of junior players.

This policy applies to all:

• Players
• Parents
• Officials
• Parents & Guardians
• Supporters
• Volunteers

Who use or contribute to any online or social media platforms, including but not limited to:

• Instagram
• X (Formerly Twitter)
• Whatsapp
• Facebook, Facebook Pages & Messenger
• Tiktok, Snapchat
• Blogs and other Virtual Worlds such as Reddit

All these platforms are defined as Carriage Services under Australian law, and misuse may be considered illegal.

We expect all community members to:

• Understand and follow these guidelines.
• Engage online with respect, positivity, and integrity.
• Post family-friendly content that promotes a supportive environment.
• Refrain from sharing any content that may harm the reputation of individuals, the Club, or the Junior League.
• Think before you post - if you wouldn't want to receive the message yourself, do not post it.

In line with the NRL Player Development Framework:

• Players in Under 6s to Under 12s are prohibited from posting competition ladders or scores.
• Clubs, parents, and spectators must also avoid displaying or promoting any game scores.

The following is strictly prohibited across all public forums and social media platforms:

• Posting abusive, discriminatory, offensive, or intimidating content.
• Using profanity or language deemed inappropriate.
• Making comments about: Religion, Politics, Sex or sexuality, Race or ethnicity
• Publicly criticizing other participants, officials, or clubs.

Violations must be reported immediately to the Club Secretary.

• Comments made online are public and can be seen by anyone.
• Deleting a post does not erase its potential impact.
• You may be held legally accountable for defamation if you post false or misleading information about another person.
• Club Conduct Review Panels reserve the right to take action against breaches of this policy.

• One-on-one communication between adult officials and players under 18 via social media is inappropriate.
• Adult officials should not be 'friends' with under-18 players on social media unless the relationship is pre-existing and not solely rugby league-based.
• Any team-based site must provide Club Executives access privileges.
• Officials should be cautious when posting or sharing photos and comments-friends of friends may also view these posts.
• Officials are expected to act as role models in all digital interactions.

If a player under 18 shows an official content (text, image, message, or post) deemed inappropriate, the official must:

• Notify a Club Official immediately.

Protect your privacy and reputation.

• Everything posted online is widely accessible and may remain available indefinitely.
• Search engines like Google and Microsoft store historical content-think before you post.

Any participant-whether player or official-who:

• Sends inappropriate electronic communication, or
• Posts inappropriate content about another Junior League participant or third party

...will be subject to disciplinary action by the Club or NSWRL Judiciary panel.

Treat others online as you would like to be treated.