FFA’s Social Media Policy is imbedded within the Member Protection Policy. A Policy that all Players, Coaches and Officials consent to when registering with FFA.

We draw your attention to in particular the highlighted clause below:

5.10 Social Media Policy

The Governing Bodies acknowledge the emergence of new technology and communication mediums (Social Media), and wish to enable such Social Media to be used to benefit football and its participants, and to applaud achievements. However, participants within football need to be mindful of the possibility of Social Media being used inappropriately. Inappropriate use may occur unintentionally or when participants do not realise that their comments, once published are in a public forum, and are difficult to retract.

Social Media platforms include:

(a) social networking sites, including Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn;

(b) video and photo sharing websites, including Flickr and YouTube;

(c) micro-blogging sites, such as Twitter;

(d) weblogs, including personal blogs or blogs hosted by traditional media publications;

(e) forums and discussion boards, including those operated by Fox Sports, Four Four Two or The World Game;

(f) online encyclopaedias, such as Wikipedia; and

(g) any other web site that allow individual users or companies to use simple publishing tools.

 

Cautions the Governing Bodies recommend include:

(a) do not include personal information of yourself or others in Social Media channels;

(b) do not use offensive, aggressive, defamatory, threatening, discriminatory, obscene, profane, harassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, sexist, racist, provocative, hateful or otherwise provocative language in Social Media channels;

(c) use your best judgment – do not publish something that makes you the slightest bit uncomfortable, and never write/ publish if you are feeling emotional or upset (or are intoxicated);

(d) always ask for a person’s permission before posting their picture on Social Media platform;

(e) never comment on rumours, do not deny or affirm them or speculate about rumours in Social Media channels;

(f) do not include information which is in breach of laws, court orders, undertakings or contracts; and

(g) always use Social Media/ network forums to add value and promote football in a positive way.

 

In addition to this Policy, FFA may from time to time issue Social Media policies and/ or guidelines that apply to specific individuals.