SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

Waihora Rugby is committed to creating a positive, inclusive and respectful online space for our fans, players and wider community. By engaging with our page, you agree to uphold these guidelines to ensure a welcoming environment for all.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Application: This policy applies to all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, players’ families and Club committee members across all social networks (e.g., Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, WhatsApp), including individual player(s)/team(s) associated social networks.

Reputation: This policy clarifies that online behaviour reflects directly on the Club’s image both on and off the field.

CLUB EXPECTATIONS

We encourage open discussion and value diverse perspectives, but all interactions must align with these principles:

1. Club Branding: The Club’s name, logo, or other approved branding must not be used on any social media platform, page, or account that has not been officially sanctioned by the Club.
2. Respect Others: Treat everyone with courtesy and respect. Personal attacks, harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated.
3. No Hate Speech: Discriminatory, racist, sexist or any form of hateful comments are strictly prohibited.
4. Constructive Contributions: Keep discussions relevant and focused on rugby, community events, and positive engagement.
5. No profanity or Offensive language: Refrain from using obscene, vulgar or inappropriate language.
6. Stay on-topic: Avoid posting spam, advertisements or contact unrelated to Waihora Rugby.
7. Confidentiality: Members must not share sensitive club information, disciplinary proceedings or personal contact details of fellow members without consent.

OUR ACTIONS

To maintain these standards, Waihora Rugby reserves the right to:

• Remove content: Delete comments or posts that violate this policy and guidelines.
• Ban repeat offenders: Restrict users who repeatedly breach this policy and guidelines from engaging with our page.
• Report violations: Report inappropriate content or behaviour to Facebook and, if necessary, to legal authorities.

How you can help

• Lead by example and model respectful behaviour in your interactions.
• Report any offensive or inappropriate comments to the Club via direct message.
• Share your love of rugby and contribute positively to the community.

We thank you for helping us make our Club a safe and enjoyable space for everyone at Waihora Rugby. Together, let’s celebrate our sport, our community and our shared values.

HOST RESPONSIBILITY POLICY

Our Commitment to Our Members, their Guests and Visitors to our Club

The Committee and Staff of the Waihora Rugby Football Club have a responsibility to provide an environment that is not only comfortable and welcoming but also where alcohol and other products are served responsibly in a Smokefree environment.

We have therefore implemented the following Host Responsibility Policy.

Provision of Non and Low Alcoholic Drinks

• We provide, and promote, a range of non-alcoholic drinks for sale, e.g. fruit juices and soft drinks. Tea and coffee is provided free of charge to encourage and support sober drivers.
• Water is available free of charge at all times.
• We provide, and promote, low alcohol drink options, e.g. Speights mid-ale and Steinlager light.

Provision of Food

• We encourage our members, guests and visitors to choose from our varied selection of snack food, e.g. deep-fried chips, hot dogs, toasted sandwiches, sausage rolls, cheese rolls and pies. These are available for purchase at the café attached to our bar area.

Under-age Persons

• We do not sell or supply alcohol (under the age of 18 years).
• If we believe our guests are under the age of 25, we will ask for identification.
• Acceptable forms of proof of age are a current NZ photo driver's licence, NZ 18+ card or a current passport.
• If you do not have ID there is no service. There are no exceptions.

Smoking

• We take all practical steps to ensure our guests do not smoke on the premises, entrance and exit ways, including visible smokefree signage.
• We encourage our guests to use the designated outdoor area provided. le: the car parking area beside the playground.

Intoxicated Persons

• Our Bar managers have your safety and enjoyment in mind. They are trained to deal with anyone who may become intoxicated and will politely intervene to prevent them from becoming a danger or nuisance and advise transport options.
• We do not serve alcohol to members, guests or visitors who are visibly intoxicated, and they are asked to leave the premises and encouraged to take advantage of safe transport options.
• We discourage excess consumption of alcohol at our club and drinking games are prohibited in accordance with Section 154(a) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
• Our bar managers and staff slow down alcohol consumption and offer low and non-alcoholic alternatives to ensure safe drinking.

Transport Options

• We promote a variety of transport options to get you safely home. These include:
  • encouraging people to have a designated sober driver. We support drivers by providing an interesting range of low alcohol and non­alcoholic drinks for sale as well as providing free tea and coffee.
  • providing a free courtesy coach at selected club events.
  • providing easy access to a telephone to call a taxi, friend or family member.

Bar Manager & Staff Training

• We maintain a training levels to give our Bar Managers and bar staff the skills and support they need to do their job responsibly and ensure they are performing their duties to their best of their abilities under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
• The Committee of the Waihora Rugby Football Club believes that we have the responsibility to provide an environment that is not only comfortable and welcoming but also where alcohol is served responsibly and safely.