The following social media and electronic communications policy applies to all coaches, team managers, players, parents, team support staff, and employees of the Winnetka Hockey Club (collectively “Members”). This policy is designed to protect all members from harassment, bullying, stalking, and other forms of inappropriate contact;

 

One of the Winnetka Hockey Club’s (WHC) goals is to provide a safe, fun and respectful environment for its’ Members, especially for the players who are all young members of our community. The WHC understands and appreciates the importance and prevalence of social networking and electronic communications (e.g., text messages and emails). They provide unique opportunities for networking and communication, however, they also can lead to situations in which harmful and/or inappropriate conduct occurs. This conduct may be deemed detrimental to the welfare of the Winnetka Hockey Club and its members and not in the best interests of the game.

 

The following are some examples of behavior in online social networking and electronic communications that is prohibited and will result in appropriate disciplinary action at the discretion of the WHC Rules and Ethics Committee:

 

• Posting, texting, or emailing information about any WHC member that is intended to abuse, bully, humiliate, harass, or haze such member.
• Posting, texting or emailing derogatory, hateful, vengeful, or other grossly disrespectful information about any WHC player or player from other organizations.
• Posting, texting, or emailing derogatory, hateful, vengeful, or other grossly disrespectful information about any WHC Member.
• Posting, texting or emailing information that promotes criminal activity, violence, or the injury of any player or player form other organizations.
• Posting, texting or emailing videos or photographs of fights or other on-ice altercations.
• Taking any photograph or video in the locker room .
• Making any unwanted recording of anyone in the locker room, during any game, practice, WHC team activity or event. 

WHC members should assume at all times that they are representing the WHC including when they are in the arenas, locker rooms or otherwise with the team. Members are expected to demonstrate discretion and respect toward others.

 

Any material, comments or actions through social media deemed inappropriate will be reviewed by the WHC Rules & Ethics Committee for possible sanctions. Repeat offenders or persons that engage in the most serious violations are subject to suspension (suspension of the player, the parent or both) and expulsion.

 

- Updated August 2017