Today’s society is consumed with multi-media and technology that enhances our lives in manyways, however with the integration of these methods of communication into our lifestyle, misuseand a lack of education as to the hazards of these technologies is sometimes overlooked.The WorkSafe VCFL has in recent seasons experienced the misuse of various forms of social mediaextending into the sporting environment.The ever increasing use of mobile phones and social media (Facebook, Twitter etc) has also beenexperienced in club, league and umpiring group environments.The WorkSafe VCFL Board, recognising the serious aspects of inappropriate use of social media,websites, etc, have decided to introduce WorkSafe VCFL Rules and Regulations to cater forinvestigating and penalising the proven misuse of social media when it relates to the WorkSafeVCFL environment.Leading Cybersafety expert Susan McLean was engaged by the WorkSafe VCFL to present to the 2011 League Seminar in December 2010.
Following Susan’s presentation it was unanimously agreed that the WorkSafe VCFL should developa cybersafety policy to address the misuse of technology and social media at club, league andumpiring group level.The policy was developed in conjunction with Susan McLean, the WorkSafe VCFL Rules Committeeand has been ratified by the WorkSafe VCFL Board.The attached policy’s implementation is mandatory across all WorkSafe VCFL affiliates and relatesto all players, officials, umpires, clubs, leagues and umpire groups and associated personnel.The policy has been developed to protect all affiliated members of the WorkSafe VCFL and willtake effect from April 1, 2011.The WorkSafe VCFL Board will review the policy as it sees fit and requires all clubs, leagues andumpire groups to make certain their playing and non-playing members are not only aware of thepolicy, but understand that breaches of the policy will be dealt with in accordance with theprocedures outlined within the policy, which in turn will result in penalties ranging from suspensionto de-registration if breaches are proven.
While the development of a policy was seen to be an important demonstration of leadership fromthe WorkSafe VCFL the policy must also be coupled with education.Susan McLean, in conjunction with the WorkSafe VCFL will conduct (4) Cybersafety EducationSessions throughout WorkSafe VCFL affiliates across the months of April & May (refer detailsfollowing).The WorkSafe VCFL implore all affiliates and associated personnel to read and understand thepolicy and make it a priority that you to attend one of the education sessions referred to below.Technology is part of our everyday lives and the misuse of such, whether it is intentional of not,will not be accepted by the WorkSafe VCFL.We trust you embrace this policy and thank you in advance for your assistance in making allWorkSafe VCFL players, officials, umpires, clubs, leagues, umpire groups and associated personnelaware of their responsibilities when it comes to the use of technology and the social media.
Cybersafety Education Session for MPNFL will be held in Frankston on 13 May (Venue TBA)
Last Modified on 05/04/2011 16:41