Whitstable Yacht Club Social Media Policy (August 2022)
Introduction
The purpose of this social media policy is to clarify the club’s position on social media and set out a brief set of expectations and guidelines. This was considered necessary because of the number of independent social media accounts that have been set up by members using the club’s identity. It is impossible for the club to moderate all these sites and we have therefore decided to specify which sites are both directly associated with the club and managed and moderated by them.
Section 1 – Internal Guidelines
Whitstable Yacht Club operates and moderates several social media channels for the benefit of its members. The Club IT Officer acts as moderator for the Club channels or delegates this responsibility to another member as appropriate.
Whenever possible social media accounts should be created using an official club email address, and a designated club member or official should have responsibility for any accounts created.
It is essential that admin rights are available to the club so that control of the account can be maintained, even if a member holding admin control resigns from the club or becomes otherwise unavailable. Passwords should be protected, and any suspicions of account hacking should be raised with the social media platform immediately.
The Club operates solely the following official social media channels:
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WhitstableYC
• Facebook Members and Friends group https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhitstableYCMembers
• Facebook Cadets group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1518055114942738
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whitstableyachtclub/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/whitstableyc
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC2RnsfmeGB5NUFSKwztPtw
This list may be extended should alternative channels be adopted by the club.
In the use of these channels, the club insists that:
• Participants follow the guidelines specified below.
• Should an administrator or moderator deem an article, post or comment contradicts the guidelines below it will be taken down at the earliest possible opportunity.
• The club will hold members to account for any breaches.
Unofficial WYC Social Media Channels
No Club member may initiate a social media outlet that is directly linked and intended to be used by WYC members without the express permission of the General Committee or the Club Manager. Administrators of approved social media outlets must ensure the content complies with our social media guidelines.
The club will not intervene nor accept responsibility for the posts and views expressed on any social media sites associated with Whitstable Yacht Club if they are not included in our list of official social media channels.
It is recognised that members may set up group communication or social channels from time to time to stay in contact with other members or for organising classes or events. These channels are not moderated or operated by WYC; however we would expect that members operating or using these channels follow good practice and be respectful. Members are reminded that conduct within any official, unofficial, or related social media is covered by rule 35 of the WYC Rules.
