Appendix A
West Niagara Minor Hockey Social Media Policy
Effective Date: July 1st ,2025
Approved By: West Niagara Minor Hockey Executive Board
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure consistent, respectful, and appropriate use of social media across all West Niagara Minor Hockey (WNMH) platforms and affiliated accounts. This policy reinforces accountability and ensures that all content shared aligns with the values and mission of WNMH. The Below policy is in addition to the OMHA Social Media policy that can be found on the OMHA website, and attached below.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All WNMH official social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok).
- Any team, division, or volunteer-run accounts that represent or use the name/logo of WNMH in any capacity.
- Coaches, team managers, volunteers, and staff who post on behalf of WNMH.
3. Policy Statement
To ensure brand consistency, appropriateness, and safety, all WNMH social media accounts must be monitored by the Social Media Coordinator. No team or individual may operate a WNMH-branded account independently.
4. Policy Guidelines
a. Account Creation
- All new WNMH-related social media accounts must be approved in writing by the Social Media Coordinator before being created.
- Login credentials for each account must be shared with the Social Media Coordinator.
- The Social Media Coordinator must be added as an administrator or given full access to monitor activity.
b. Content Posting
- Content should reflect positively on WNMH and the sport of hockey.
- No inappropriate language, bullying, or discriminatory content will be tolerated.
- Game updates, photos, team achievements, and community involvement are encouraged but must adhere to privacy guidelines (e.g., avoid posting personal information or photos without consent).
c. Monitoring & Oversight
- The Social Media Coordinator reserves the right to review, edit, or remove any content deemed inappropriate or misaligned with WNMH’s values.
- Any concerns or potential violations will be reported to the Executive Board for review.
d. Privacy & Protection
- Respect the privacy of players, families, coaches, and staff.
- Avoid tagging minors without parental/guardian consent.
- Do not disclose personal or sensitive information.
5. Violations & Consequences
Violation of this policy may result in:
- Removal of posting privileges.
- Suspension or deactivation of team/individual accounts.
- Further disciplinary action as determined by the WNMH Executive Board.
6. Questions & Support
All questions or requests related to social media use, account creation, or content approval should be directed to:
WNMH Social Media Coordinator
OMHA Social Media policy
1. INTRODUCTION
For the purpose of this Social Media Policy, the policy will encompass public communications through all social media platforms that allow users to communicate online. The policy will be applicable to all members of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Community, including local minor hockey association Directors and staff, teams, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, players’ family members and supporters. The OMHA recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. The OMHA also respects the right of all teams and association personnel to express their views publicly. The purpose of this policy is to educate the local minor hockey associations on the risks of social media and to ensure all Teams and Association personnel are aware that conduct deemed to be inappropriate may be subject to disciplinary action by the team, the local minor hockey association and/or the OMHA.
2. SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
Anyone who participates in social media is held to the same standards as all other forms of media including radio, television and print.
Comments or remarks of an inappropriate nature which are detrimental to a team, the association or an individual will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
It should be recognized that social media is on the record and can be instantly published and available to the public and media.
Everyone including Association and/or team personnel, players, corporate partners and the media can review social media communications. You should conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.
Language – The OMHA is proud to be an open, inclusive organization. Members of the OMHA shall refrain from comments or behaviours, which are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, behaviour, which constitutes harassment, abuse or bullying, will not be tolerated.
Be mindful of privacy/confidentiality – Always lean on the side of caution when sharing the personal information of players, such as full names and contact information. We encourage our associations to share photos and videos but be aware of the content being shared.
Respect – Any concerns or disputes involving a member organization and another team, referee, or the OMHA should not be dealt with online. Any references or examples of bullying, threats, drug abuse, exploitation and harassment will not be tolerated. Negative and derogatory comments involving any team, association, league, staff, volunteers, programs, stakeholders, players or any OMHA member are considered violations.
Any retweets/shares could be considered endorsements – When sharing content created by a third party, you are endorsing that company as having a similar organizational message. Be mindful of the source you are sharing content from.
3. SOCIAL MEDIA VIOLATIONS
The following are examples of conduct through social media that are considered violations of the OMHA Social Media Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action by the team, local minor hockey association, and/or OMHA.
Any statement deemed to be publicly critical of Association officials or detrimental to the welfare of a member team, the Association or an individual. Divulging confidential information that may include, but is not limited to the following:
• Negative or derogatory comments about teams, local minor hockey associations, and/or OMHA programs, stakeholders, players or any member of another team.
• Any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation or threats against players or officials.
• Photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior, including but not limited to:
o Drug use, o Alcohol abuse,
o Public intoxication,
o Hazing o Sexual exploitation, etc.
o Online activity that contradicts the current policies of the OMHA or any of its member Associations.
• Inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments of any kind, in keeping with the OMHA code of conduct.
• Online activity that is meant to alarm other individuals or to misrepresent fact or truth.
4. DISCIPLINE
All violations of this Policy will be addressed through the OMHA Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures.
5. SUMMARY
When using social media, each member should assume at all times they are representing the OMHA and/or its member local minor hockey associations. All members of the OMHA should remember to use the same discretion as they do with other traditional forms of media