Klub Kildare – Social Media Policy
Klub Kildare (the “Club”) recognize that the use social media is widespread, and its use plays an important role in helping promote the club when used appropriately. We also understand that coaches, players, friends and family like to communicate and share updates including on matches and other club activities using social media. While there are great benefits to using social media to share club activities there are also significant risks, including child welfare risks to be considered. The purpose of this policy is:
to inform, assist and protect all members of Klub Kildare;
to promote good practice and safe use of social media.
Scope
This policy applies to all club members, this includes, but is not limited to players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents and other supporters. It governs the use of social media platforms used to communicate on behalf of the Club and captures all the following instances:
Social media sites affiliated with the Club
Commenting or posting on third party social media sites where the Club is associated or identified
Social media for personal use where the Club is referenced or identified
The policy applies to any social media platform including but not limited to:
Social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc..)
Video and Photo Sharing Sites (Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest etc..)
Forums and discussion boards (inclusive of other club websites)
Blogging sites
Text Messaging Services (Whatsapp1 , Messenger etc….)
Standards of Behavior
Users of social media (as outlined in scope above) must always adhere to the following standards:
Approved Persons
Only approved persons may post from the official social media platforms of the club. Approved persons in this context are the formally designated persons, one of whom is the Public Relations Officer (PRO) authorized to represent the club via social media. The Club will also ensure that the Designated Person for GDPR retains oversight over social media postings for appropriateness. Other members of the Executive committee or persons duly appointed by the Executive Committee may be authorized as approved spokespersons on the Clubs’ social media platforms. There must always be a “four eyes” approval process on any social media postings on the Club platforms.
The PRO is primarily responsible for the content on the club’s social media platforms; where uncertainty about appropriateness of content arises, the PRO will engage with the Executive Committee as required. The PRO will also monitor public comments and posts on club content to ensure their appropriateness. Regarding security of social media platforms, only approved persons should know the password(s) and other log in information and the details must be changed when there is a handover of approved persons.
Content Rules
All content should be polite and respectful and should match the values of equality, fairness and transparency as outlined in our Club Policy.
All members should be aware that as a club member you represent the club and that the rules and values of the club apply online as they do in the “real world” and as such members’ behavior should match accordingly.
There should be a clear distinction between information posted in capacity as an official representative of the club and any other personal life online. There must be a clear distinction between the two.
All posted social media content must be suitable for persons under 18 years of age.
The club will make best efforts to enable appropriate privacy settings on all its social media platforms in accordance with the Clubs’ Privacy Statement.
Members should not promote or advertise any commercial product or business under the guise of the Club without the explicit prior approval of the Executive Committee.
Matters of copyright and intellectual property rights apply to clubs’ social media platforms.
When posting photographs or videos it is important that the appropriate permissions and consents have been obtained.
Content should not include controversial opinions, political views or any other sensitive commentary such as sexual innuendo, criticism of other clubs or organizations, “slagging” or any jokes which might be deemed unsuitable for a general audience inclusive of children.
No information which is confidential to the club must be posted.
All content posted to social media platforms must be accurate, up to date and any inaccurate or out of date information should be removed from the platform as soon as possible.
Breaches & Complaints
Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action by the club and/or the FAI or other bodies. Some social media breaches may result in statutory bodies becoming involved. Members have right to register an official complaint should they have a grievance with anything posted on the clubs’ social media platforms.
Applicable Regulations and Legislation
Indicative not exhaustive list of applicable regulations on social media use GDPR, Copyright & Related Rights Act, Defamation Act, Children First Act, Prohibition of Incitement to Hate Act 1989.
June 2025