Sligo Rowing Club
Social Media & Online Safety Policy (Aligned with Rowing Ireland Requirements)
Effective Date: ___ / ___ / _____
Review Date: ___ / ___ / _____
1. Purpose
This policy supports Rowing Ireland’s Child Safeguarding Statement, Code of Behaviour (Young People & Adults), Social Media Guidelines, and Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding Guidance. It sets out how social media and online communications are used within the club to safeguard members, protect children, and preserve the reputation of Sligo Rowing Club and Rowing Ireland.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All club members (junior, senior, and masters)
- Coaches, committee members, volunteers
- Parents/guardians of junior athletes
- Any person posting content that references the club or Rowing Ireland
Platforms covered:
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat)
- Messaging tools (WhatsApp, Signal, Messenger, SMS)
- Club websites, online share drives, and email
- Personal accounts when referencing the club or Rowing Ireland
3. Guiding Principles (as per Rowing Ireland & Sport Ireland)
The club adopts the following principles consistent with Rowing Ireland:
3.1 Child-Centred Approach
- The welfare and protection of children is paramount.
- Online environments must be safe, respectful, and age-appropriate.
3.2 Integrity & Respect
- Online behaviour must reflect the club’s and Rowing Ireland’s Codes of Behaviour.
- All communication should be open, transparent, and accountable.
3.3 Equality & Inclusion
- No discriminatory, harmful, or demeaning content shall be tolerated.
3.4 Fairness & Safety
- Information must be accurate, factual, and not damaging to individuals or the sport.
4. Club Social Media Accounts (Rowing Ireland–Aligned Requirements)
4.1 Governance
- All club social media accounts must be approved by the Club Committee.
- Account administrators must be:
- Approved by the Club Children’s Officer (CCO)
- Familiar with Rowing Ireland’s Social Media Guidelines
4.2 Content Standards
All posts must:
- Reflect Rowing Ireland values and uphold the club’s reputation
- Promote positive rowing behaviour and sportsmanship
- Never feature harmful or illegal behaviour (alcohol misuse, bullying, unsafe rowing practices)
4.3 Use of Images/Recordings of Junior Members
In line with Rowing Ireland & Sport Ireland:
- Written parental/guardian consent is required for ALL images of juniors
- Juniors must not be individually identified by full name
- Only appropriate attire and activities should be shown
- No tagging of under-18s on club posts
- Photos must not be taken in changing rooms or private settings
5. Personal Social Media Use by Members
Members must comply with Rowing Ireland’s Code of Behaviour when referring to the club or national body.
Members should:
- Show respect for teammates, coaches, officials, and competitors
- Avoid posting content that could harm the club, other members, or the sport
- Not disclose confidential or internal club matters
- Avoid commenting publicly on disciplinary issues, disputes, or safeguarding concerns
Coaches and volunteers must not:
- “Friend,” “follow,” or engage privately with junior members on personal accounts
- Share personal opinions that undermine the club or Rowing Ireland
**6. Online Communication With Junior Members
(Children First & Rowing Ireland Requirements)**
6.1 2-Adult Rule
- Communication to junior members must always involve a minimum of two vetted adults, usually the coach and administrator.
6.2 Group Messaging Only
- One-to-one private messaging with juniors via digital platforms is not permitted.
- Parents/guardians should be included in junior training information groups where possible.
6.3 Appropriate Use & Hours
- Messaging should be for rowing-related updates only.
- Communication must occur within reasonable hours.
6.4 Transparency
- All communications must be:
- Recorded (group chats)
- Accessible to the CCO or Committee upon request
- Respectful and aligned with Club and Rowing Ireland Codes
7. Cyberbullying, Harassment & Online Misconduct
Rowing Ireland prohibits any form of:
- Bullying or harassment
- Discriminatory or hateful content
- Threatening, abusive, or sexually inappropriate content
- Posting images of someone without consent
- Public shaming, mocking, or degrading online activity
Any concerns can be reported to:
- Club Children’s Officer (CCO)
- Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
- Rowing Ireland National Children’s Officer
- Tusla or An Garda Síochána, where necessary
8. Data Protection & Privacy (GDPR & Rowing Ireland Requirements)
The club will:
- Securely store member data, including photos and consent forms
- Keep data only for legitimate operational or safeguarding purposes
- Obtain annual consent during membership registration
- Ensure all digital information aligns with GDPR, Children First, and Rowing Ireland policy
- Never publicly share personal contact details of members (especially children)
**9. Reporting Procedures
(Aligned with Rowing Ireland Safeguarding Policy)**
Members should report concerns to:
- Club Children’s Officer (first point of contact)
- Club DLP
- Rowing Ireland National Children’s Officer, if needed
Serious breaches will be escalated per:
- Rowing Ireland’s Complaints & Disciplinary Procedures
- Children First Act 2015 reporting obligations
- Mandatory reporting requirements for child protection
10. Breaches of This Policy
Possible consequences include:
- Removal of posts
- Temporary or permanent removal of online privileges
- Formal warning
- Suspension or expulsion from the club
- Referral to Rowing Ireland disciplinary procedures
- Referral to statutory authorities if a safeguarding risk is identified
11. Review & Compliance
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
- Rowing Ireland updates its Safeguarding or Social Media Guidelines
- Sport Ireland or Children First legislation changes
- A significant online safety or safeguarding incident occurs
The review will be overseen by:
- Club Committee
- Club Children’s Officer
- Designated Liaison Person
