.1 OVERVIEW
Respectful conduct on all social media channels, accounts and platforms is expected by the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE Hockey) from all Members, including all Member Associations/organizations. Failure to comply could place participation at risk.
The Policy will continually evolve as technologies and social networking tools emerge.
.2 PRINCIPLES
.1 Social media is online communication which includes but is not limited to:
• Facebook
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Tik Tok
• Snapchat
• Instagram
• Blogs
• YouTube
.3 CONDUCT
.1 The following are examples of conduct that would be considered unacceptable:
.1 Bullying, harassment, intimidation or threats of any type.
.2 Making negative or derogatory comments about, or statements deemed detrimental to the welfare of, any individual or group.
.3 Divulging confidential information or any other matter of a sensitive nature.
.4 Posting photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, hazing, and sexual harassment.
.5 Undertaking activity that contradicts the current policies of ALLIANCE Hockey or any of its Member Associations/organizations.
.6 Undertaking activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.
.4 BEST PRACTICES
.1 Best practices and recommendations on how to utilize social media channels to positively promote ALLIANCE Hockey, its members, programs and partnerships;
.1 When using social media and networking mediums, you should always consider that you are representing ALLIANCE Hockey.
.2 Content on social media should portray a positive image, of the participant, team, association or league participants who have or moderate a social media account must always conduct themselves in a professional manner.
.3 Be transparent.
.1 Your honesty—or dishonesty—will be quickly noticed in the social media environment. If you are blogging, use your real name, and be clear about your role. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, be the first to point it out, transparency is about your identity and relationship to the OHF (Member). You still need to keep confidentiality around proprietary information and content.
.2 Social media is considered the same as all other forms of media and everything you say is public.
.4 It's a conversation.
.1 Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious and the positive comments you make online can and will help promote the sport of hockey.
.2 Be respectful, even to those who are not. Don’t get into a war of words. If you feel that some comments are inappropriate, make sure someone from your member level is aware of the situation.
.5 Create some excitement.
.1 The ALLIANCE (Member) is making important contributions to the amateur hockey community, let's share with the world the exciting things we're learning and doing—and open up the channels to learn from others.
.6 Be a Leader.
.1 There can be a fine line between healthy debate and incendiary reaction. Do not denigrate our members or the OHF, nor do you need to respond to every criticism or barb. Try to frame what you write to invite differing territory, so be careful and considerate. Once the words are out there, you can't really get them back, and once an inflammatory discussion gets going, it's hard to stop.
.7 Recommended Guidelines to Ensure Everyone’s Safety:
.1 Stick to your area of expertise and provide unique, individual perspectives on what's going on in the sport of hockey.
.2 Post meaningful, respectful comments - in other words, no spam and no remarks that are off-topic or offensive.
.3 Always pause and think before posting. That said, reply to comments in a timely manner, when a response is appropriate.
.4 When disagreeing with others’ opinions, keep it appropriate and polite.
.8 Respect is for Everyone
.1 Correct your own mistakes.
.2 If you are making a factual error in a post, create an update to correct it. If you're posting to a blog, you may choose to modify an earlier post, just make it clear that you have done so.
.3 Think before posting.
.4 If you're about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, don't send it. Once your comments are posted, they cannot be retracted. Be careful not to escalate issues, as it is your responsibility, to be sure what you are posting is correct. Always use your best judgment.
.5 PROCESS AND PROCEDURE
.1 ALLIANCE Hockey considers behaviour that constitutes harassment, abuse, bullying and/or maltreatment through social media the equivalent to an “Intent to Injure” infraction and as such, individuals found in violation of this policy will be subject an immediate 4-game minimum suspension pending an investigation.