1. INTRODUCTION

Communicating with respect.

Digital communication plays an important role in the day-to-day running of Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC. It allows us to organise football, share information, celebrate achievements and keep our members connected. Whether communicating by email, WhatsApp, social media or other digital platforms, everyone representing the Club has a responsibility to communicate respectfully, professionally and in a way that reflects our values. This handbook explains how Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC expects digital communication and social media to be used and should be read alongside the Club Constitution, Governance Framework and supporting Club policies.

2. OUR COMMITMENT

GCFC is committed to promoting digital communication that is:

• Respectful
• Inclusive
• Safe
• Professional
• Positive
• Appropriate

We believe social media should strengthen our Club, celebrate our members and support positive relationships throughout our football community.

3. OUR DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES

At GCFC we believe

• Every message represents the Club.
• Respect applies online as well as in person.
• Children and young people must be safeguarded online.
• Digital communication should support football.
• Privacy should always be respected.
• Think before you post.

4. WHO THIS HANDBOOK APPLIES TO

This handbook applies to everyone involved with Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC, including:

• Players
• Parents and Carers
• Coaches and Managers
• Committee Members
• Volunteers
• Match Officials
• Spectators
• Anyone communicating on behalf of the Club

Everyone shares responsibility for promoting respectful and responsible digital communication.

5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Everyone at GCFC must:

• Communicate respectfully.
• Protect personal information.
• Consider how messages may be interpreted.
• Report inappropriate online behaviour.
• Follow Club policies and Codes of Conduct.

Managers and Coaches must:

• Use approved Club communication channels.
• Keep communication relevant to football.
• Communicate professionally with players and parents.
• Follow safeguarding guidance.
• Promote positive online behaviour.

Managers and Coaches must never:

• Share confidential Club information.
• Use offensive or discriminatory language.
• Criticise players publicly or online.
• Discuss complaints or disciplinary matters on social media.
• Contact children privately in a way that conflicts with the Safeguarding Handbook.

Parents and Carers should:

• Support respectful online behaviour.
• Raise concerns privately.
• Respect volunteers.
• Help children use social media safely.

6. CLUB COMMUNICATION

GCFC uses digital communication to support the safe and effective running of the Club.

Approved communication may include:

• Pitchero
• WhatsApp
• Email
• Microsoft 365
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Other approved Club systems

Communication should always be:

• Relevant
• Respectful
• Professional
• Appropriate
• Inclusive
• Consistent with Club values

7. SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements, share information and strengthen our football community. Used responsibly, it helps promote the positive work of Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC and the values we represent.

Members should always remember that anything shared online may become public, remain accessible indefinitely and reflect on both themselves and the Club. Everyone representing GCFC is expected to communicate respectfully, professionally and in a manner that supports our reputation as a welcoming, inclusive and community-focused football club.

Members should:

• Celebrate achievements in a positive and respectful manner.
• Treat players, parents, volunteers, officials, opponents and supporters with respect.
• Respect match officials and accept decisions appropriately.
• Respect opposition clubs and promote good sportsmanship.
• Think carefully before posting or commenting online.
• Remember that deleted posts, messages and images may still be copied or shared.
• Obtain appropriate consent before sharing photographs or videos where required.
• Protect personal and confidential information at all times.

Members must never:

• Post abusive, offensive, discriminatory or defamatory content.
• Bully, harass or intimidate others online.
• Share confidential Club information or personal data.
• Bring the Club into disrepute through their online behaviour.
• Engage in arguments or respond aggressively on behalf of the Club.
• Post content that could compromise the safety or wellbeing of a player, volunteer or member.

8. WHATSAPP & MESSAGING

Messaging platforms should only be used for legitimate Club purposes and in a way that supports effective, respectful and professional communication.

Managers should:

• Use team groups where possible.
• Include parents where appropriate.
• Avoid messaging late at night unless necessary.
• Keep conversations football-related.
• Move complaints and sensitive matters away from WhatsApp into appropriate conversations.
• Follow the Club's Safeguarding Handbook when communicating with children and young people.

9. PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

Photographs and videos help celebrate the achievements of our players and promote the positive work of Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC. They should always be used responsibly and in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

Members should:

• Respect the privacy of players, parents and volunteers.
• Obtain appropriate consent where required.
• Follow the Club's Information Governance Handbook.
• Use images positively and appropriately.
• Never share images that could compromise the safety, dignity or wellbeing of any individual.

10. REPORTING CONCERNS

If you become aware of inappropriate digital communication or social media activity:

• Preserve the evidence.
• Do not respond publicly.
• Report the concern to an appropriate Club official.
• Allow the Club to investigate.

Concerns raised in good faith will always be taken seriously.

Retaliation against anyone raising a genuine concern will not be tolerated.

11. BREACHES

Failure to follow this handbook may result in one or more of the following actions.

Possible action may include:

• Advice or guidance.
• Formal warning.
• Suspension.
• Removal from volunteer duties.
• Referral to the County FA.
• Referral to statutory authorities where appropriate

12. EDUCATION & AWARENESS

GCFC will continue to:

• Promote digital safety.
• Share best practice.
• Support volunteers.
• Review emerging technologies.
• Encourage responsible online behaviour

Failure to follow this handbook may result in one or more of the following actions

13. RELATED DOCUMENTS

This handbook should be read alongside:

• Club Constitution
• Governance Framework
• Manager & Coach Handbook
• Safeguarding Handbook
• Information Governance Handbook
• Privacy Notice
• Code of Conduct

14. OUR COMMITMENT

Digital communication is an important part of everyday Club life. Used responsibly, it helps us organise football, celebrate success and strengthen our community.

By communicating respectfully, professionally and responsibly, we protect our members, uphold the reputation of Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC and help create a Club where everyone can Play, Develop, Progress and Belong.