Principle 5: Policies and procedures

NSOs have in place policies, procedures and rules to protect, promote and educate athletes, coaches and staff about using social media in a safe and appropriate manner.

To maintain good governance, it is important to implement a social media policy to ensure athletes and staff are provided guidance on how to use social media without breaching the rules of the organisation.

A quality social media policy provides athletes and staff with clear rules of engagement that are acceptable both internally and externally. NSOs should have in place a Social Media Policy, and other accompanying policies and/or rules, that work together to integrate areas such as:

• Codes of Conduct or disciplinary rules and processes
• Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy
• Acceptable IT Use (including email) Policy
• Member Protection Policy (MPP)
• Child Protection Policy
• Privacy Policy, including data protection
• Photography and Image Policy
• Critical Incident Communications Plan
• Whistleblower Policy
• Any International Federation or IOC, etc, requirements for social media.

NSOs should have formal investigation and disciplinary processes applicable to social media policy breaches by athletes and staff (for example, under the organisation’s Code of Conduct).

Adopting and implementing appropriate policies and procedures is important for an NSO to ensure it is complying with its ongoing workplace health and safety obligations.

For those NSOs who need assistance in developing a Social Media Policy, The AIS has developed a template Social Media Policy. The Policy was developed in conjunction with expert legal advice. Please email  conductandprofessionalism@ausport.gov.au for a copy of the template.