Introduction

ACHPER NSW recognises that it is essential to use social media to foster positive relationships with key audiences such as members, supporters, partners and the wider local community. ACHPER NSW will appoint an administrator to provide accountability and control over what is posted onto the current social media channels- Facebook & Twitter, with view to including new forms of social media as they arrive.

Purpose of these Guidelines

The main objectives of these guidelines are to:

• outline strategies to ensure that all communication with ACHPER NSW members and the wider community is appropriate and related to ACHPER NSW business
• prevent circulation of materials that are derogatory to ACHPER NSW or individual members
• ensure that members’ privacy is protected, clear boundaries are maintained, and bullying and harassment does not occur.

Who the Guidelines apply to

These guidelines apply to everyone involved in ACHPER NSW including all members and committee members communicating through social media.

Definition of Terms

‘Electronic media’ refers to any form of communication characterised by the use of technology (e.g. radio, television, the Internet, social media and future/new generated media).

‘New media’ refers to the many different forms of electronic communication transmitted through computer or mobile technology. The communication is two-way as users can both receive and provide information. The new media field is dynamic. New forms of communication are being developed as technological advances occur.

‘Social media’ is an umbrella terms that encompass the various activities that integrate technology, social interaction and content creation. Social media use many technologies and forms, such as blogs, wikis, photo and video sharing, podcasts, social networking and virtual worlds.

‘Social networking channels’: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, Mozes, FlickR and other social networking channels allow users to sign-up for their own social media account, which they can use to collaborate, interact and share content including photographs and status updates with others.

‘Tweets and Retweets’ (Twitter): A tweet is a 140-character social media disclosure on the Twitter micro-blogging service. Retweets are tweets from one Twitter user that are redistributed by another Twitter user. Retweets are how information propagates on Twitter. With the exception of direct messages exchanged between users, all messages (or ‘tweets’) are public and visible for all to review, comment and sharing.

Non ACHPER NSW sites

If content is published to any website/social media channel (other organisations or individuals) outside ACHPER NSW’s official online presence and it is something to do with subjects associated with ACHPER NSW a disclaimer such as “The postings are my own and do not necessarily represent ACHPER NSW’s positions, strategies or opinions.” would help eliminate any confusion regarding this.

Central Responsibility

The ACHPER NSW Board is responsible for all social media pages, feeds and platforms for ACHPER NSW. Only the administrators of Facebook/Twitter/New Media may send messages and/or respond to comments via agency social media platforms – and create new pages, feeds, groups, etc. on social networks. The ACHPER NSW Board will have the final say as to which social media platforms will/wont be engaged with-to be reviewed every 6 months.

A designated administrator person will respond to public questions privately – and then determine if the Q/A can be posted for all to view, and will keep to the mission and values of ACHPER NSW.

Facebook Usage

ACHPER NSW welcomes you and your comments to ACHPER NSW Facebook Group.
The purpose of this section is to present matters of public interest in ACHPER NSW, including its members, sponsors, visitors and partner organisations. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns but note that this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum.

Once posted ACHPER NSW reserves the right to delete submissions that contain:
(i) vulgar language
(ii) comments that denigrate ACHPER NSW and its activities
(iii) personal attacks of any kind
(iv) offensive comments that target or disparage any ethnic, racial, or religious group.

ACHPER NSW also reserves the right to delete comments that:
(i) are spam or include links to other sites
(ii) are clearly off topic
(iii) advocate illegal activity
(iv) promote particular services, products, or political organisations
(v) infringe copyrights or trademarks
(vi) contain personally identifiable medical information.

ACHPER NSW recommends that you do not share any of your personal information on our Facebook Page.

In summary:

• postings and uploading of photographs and videos will feature ACHPER NSW news and events
• personal information about members will not be disclosed
• no statements will be made that are misleading, false or likely to injure the reputation of another person
• no statements will be made that might bring the club into disrepute
• members will not engage in negative or destructive discussions or postings
• abusive, harassing, discriminatory or offensive statements will not be posted by members
• destructive or negative users will be deleted and blocked from engaging with the site.
· No tagging of other people in photos without their permission

Please note that the comments expressed on this site by members of the public do not reflect the opinions and position of ACHPER NSW or its board members.

Legal Requirements

The following rules are required by law and are to be strictly adhered to.
It is illegal to:
• Post information containing libellous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks. If you receive communication of this nature from an ACHPER NSW member or any person connected to an ACHPER member you must notify ACHPER NSW promptly.
• Send messages using another person’s account.

Twitter account usage

A nominated administrator will monitor and control the account. Followers might expect tweets to cover topics including but not limited to:
• Upcoming professional training
• Posts about news or events and publicity campaigns
• Posts about content on other digital channels such as videos on YouTube or Facebook or photographs on FlickR
• Invitations to provide feedback on specific issues ACHPER NSW is engaged with
• Occasional coverage of ACHPER NSW and ACHPER National and other Health/PE/Recreational related events.

ACHPER NSW would not automatically allow other organisations or individuals to follow it. ACHPER NSW may follow relevant organisations such as ACHPER National, or organisations in Health/PE/Recreation where there is a clear link in communicating and receiving information. If ACHPER NSW followed a particular Twitter account this does not imply endorsement of any kind.

Visual Content

All visual content will be conducted through the dedicated administrator and board (if necessary) to ensure that the information provided is factual and presents ACHPER NSW and its activities in a positive light.

Enquiries about ACHPER NSW activities generated from ACHPER NSW social media channels should be directed to the administrator, then board if necessary, who will determine the best response or contact person to respond on behalf of ACHPER NSW.

In instances of unplanned media coverage of ACHPER NSW through social media tagging, reposts etc the administrator and/or Board is to be advised of this at the earliest opportunity.

Failure to comply with these guidelines

The committee will undertake a formal review of any instance of failure to comply with these guidelines. Any ACHPER NSW member found to have sent inappropriate print or electronic communication, uploaded inappropriate website content or engaged in blogs or discussions that harass, offend, intimidate or humiliate members may face disciplinary action as outlined in the member protection or other welfare guidelines or covered by the code of conduct.

Cyber bullying (e.g. bullying that is carried out through an Internet service such as email, a chat room, discussion group, instant messaging or web pages) under certain circumstances is a criminal offense that can be reported by victims to the police. ACHPER NSW can also initiate separate action where there has been a breach of ACHPER NSW member protection or other welfare guidelines to provide for the protection, safety and welfare of members.

Members publishing false or misleading comments about another person in the public domain (e.g. Facebook or websites) may be liable for defamation.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in:
• withdrawal, without notice, of access to information and/or information sources
• disciplinary action, up to and including termination of membership as outlined in ACHPER NSW constitution
• civil or criminal penalties as provided by law.