Lincoln Hockey Club requests that all Club members should complete this form annually whether a player, umpire, veteran, or non-playing member.

This must be done as soon as possible and by the 30th of September. If you, as a player, have not sent your form by that date you may not be allowed to play as you will not be covered by the Club's insurance policy. Please inform the Club of any change to your e-mail address, as that will be the main method of distributing the Club Newsletters. Any e-mail address that can reach you should be given.

Any player who has not paid their annual subscription set up an automatic bank payment method by 31 October 2013 may be excluded from selection for any team. (subscriptions due from the 1st May 2011)

This will apply to all hockey played whether, league games, friendly matches or training sessions.

Expected Minimum Standards of Behaviour and Conduct

All such individuals involved in hockey will, at all times:

• Respect the spirit of fair play in hockey. This is more than playing within the rules. It also incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always participating with the right spirit.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.
• Respect umpires, officials, coaches, players and spectators. No abuse will be tolerated at any time.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others.
• Never participate when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute.
• Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, with dignity.
• Set a positive example for others, particularly young participants and spectators.
• Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour.
• Only the Team Captains should discuss decisions with Umpires during a game. Direct any queries to your Captain.
• All players should dress appropriately during games and all shirts should be numbered.
• Shake hands with opponents and Umpires at the end of a game.
• Regularly attend club training.
• Keep Captains informed of your availability and avoid dropping out at short notice.
• Never use inappropriate language or gestures.
• Abide by the England Hockey Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and Procedures and Good Practice Guidelines. (available to view www.englandhockey.co.uk)
• Abide by the England Hockey Equity Policy (available to view www.englandhockey.co.uk)
• Abide by the England Hockey Anti-doping Rules. (available to view www.englandhockey.co.uk)
• Abide by the England Hockey Code of Conduct and Behaviour (available to view at www.englandhockey.co.uk.
• Abide by the Lincoln Hockey Club disciplinary code

1 Introduction

Social networking sites (such as, but not exclusively, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter etc.) are a useful way for keeping in touch with friends, family and club members, and are also a great way to exchange information. However, club members must not forget that what they post on social networking sites may be seen across these networks, and are reminded that they must not bring Lincoln Hockey Club into disrepute or cause any distress to any other member.

2 Policy

Lincoln Hockey Club recognises that some members will make use of social networking in their own time, using their own equipment. Whilst there is no intention to restrict any proper and sensible exercise of the individual’s rights and freedoms, it is expected that all members will conduct themselves in such a way as to avoid bringing Lincoln Hockey Club into disrepute or compromising its effectiveness.

This policy has been prepared to protect the privacy, confidentiality and interests of Lincoln Hockey Club. This policy only applies to club related issues and is not meant to infringe upon an individual’s personal interaction or commentary online. However all members are asked to respect the privacy, confidentiality and propriety of Lincoln Hockey Club and those working on their behalf, and not post anything that might be considered to breach this. Members should take care when discussing information relating to Lincoln Hockey Club affairs as discussions can sometimes be misinterpreted and could potentially put other members or the public at large at risk.

All members should be aware that any inappropriate posts made to social media sites could lead to disciplinary action and in extreme cases, civil and criminal liability. All members must take account of the following before posting to the internet, including engaging in blogging or the use of forums, video sharing or social networking sites.

Whilst it is a personal decision, it is suggested that members do not disclose their position as a Lincoln Hockey Club employee or volunteer. Members should be aware that the committee takes the posting at any time of offensive material, and the harassment, bullying or victimisation of members via the internet and social networking sites very seriously.

A breach of any of the following may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

• Members must not divulge any confidential information or information belonging to Lincoln Hockey Club which is not in the public domain or expand upon such information already available in the public domain.
• If any member disclose that they are attached to Lincoln Hockey Club then it must be made absolutely clear that any views expressed do not represent the official position of Lincoln Hockey Club but are the views of the individual.
• Members cannot write a blog in an official capacity unless sanctioned and minuted by committee, i.e. representing the views of Lincoln Hockey Club. If however, they give a personal opinion as an experienced person in a particular field, they must state that this is solely their view and not the view of Lincoln Hockey Club. Members must not use any Lincoln Hockey Club logo or other copyright material that infers official endorsement of the photograph, article, document or opinion.
• Any photographs of Lincoln Hockey Club staff in club garments must not be used to harass, intimidate or bring the club into disrepute.
• Members must not display offensive images or make offensive comments, or in any way harass, intimidate, bully, victimise or discriminate against other members.

3 Committee Members Responsibilities

All committee members have a duty to implement this policy and take action if they become aware of any breach of this policy and should explain the club’s policy on the use of social media and networking sites and take steps to promote awareness of this policy.

4 What to do if you believe you are being harassed, bullied or victimised via a social networking site

If you are a member who believes that you are being harassed, bullied or victimised as a result of another member’s post to an internet site, it is open to you to take the necessary action. Staff should contact the chairman of the committee or another committee member for support and guidance on the informal and formal action which can be taken.

5 Consequences of not following this policy

Any member found to be in breach of the above may be subject to disciplinary action. If they are also found to be in breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 or other relevant legislation or copyright, it could lead to criminal proceedings and prosecution.