Social Media Guidelines
Le Chéile Athletics Club – Social Media & Online Communication Guidelines
Based on guidelines issued by Athletics Ireland
1. Purpose
Social media and online communication platforms are valuable tools for promoting Le Chéile Athletics Club, celebrating participation and achievements, and sharing important club information.
These guidelines ensure that all online activity reflects the club’s core values of respect, inclusion, child welfare, and positive sporting behaviour.
These guidelines apply to:
- Club officers and committee members
- Coaches and volunteers
- Athletes
- Parents/guardians
- Anyone posting or engaging in club-related online platforms
2. Official Club Platforms
Official Le Chéile Athletics Club platforms include (but are not limited to):
- Club social media accounts (e.g. Facebook, Instagram)
- ClubZap website
- ClubZap chat groups
- WhatsApp groups created for club communication
Only authorised club officers may post on official club social media accounts.
Official platforms should be used to:
- Share club news, events, results, and announcements
- Promote participation and positive club culture
- Celebrate athlete achievements appropriately
3. Child Safeguarding & Juveniles
When posting or sharing content involving juvenile athletes:
- Appropriate parental/guardian consent must be in place
- No personal contact details of juveniles may be shared
- First names only should be used
- Juveniles should not be tagged on personal social media accounts
- Images must be appropriate and sport-related
- Private one-to-one messaging between coaches and juvenile athletes is not permitted
Online communication must always align with club safeguarding policies and must never replace proper safeguarding channels.
4. Personal Social Media Use
Members are encouraged to support and promote Le Chéile Athletics Club positively online. However:
- Do not post content that could bring the club or athletics into disrepute
- Do not engage in online arguments, abuse, or negative commentary
- Do not share confidential or internal club matters (e.g. selections, complaints, disciplinary issues)
What you post publicly reflects on both you and the club.
5. Respect, Conduct & Anti-Bullying
Le Chéile Athletics Club has zero tolerance for:
- Bullying, harassment, or intimidation
- Discriminatory language or behaviour
- Targeting of athletes, volunteers, officials, or other clubs
Concerns should be raised privately with the Club Committee or Welfare Officer.
6. WhatsApp & ClubZap Chat Groups
Club-related WhatsApp and ClubZap chat groups are for information and coordination purposes only.
Members should:
- Communicate respectfully at all times
- Avoid excessive, inappropriate, or off-topic messaging
- Not use chat groups to raise disputes, complaints, or grievances
Group administrators reserve the right to remove content or members where these guidelines are not followed.
7. Breaches of Guidelines
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in:
- Removal of content
- Warnings issued by the club
- Disciplinary action in line with club rules and Athletics Ireland procedures
Serious matters may be referred to Athletics Ireland where appropriate.
8. Reporting Concerns
Any concerns relating to social media or online communication involving the club should be reported to:
- The Club Secretary
- The Chairperson
- The Club Welfare Officer
All concerns will be handled confidentially and appropriately.
9. Agreement
By participating in Le Chéile Athletics Club activities and using club online platforms, members agree to comply with these Social Media & Online Communication Guidelines.
Le Chéile Athletics Club
Founded 2003