A small number of people (such as committee members) are authorised to speak on behalf of Eastbourne Rugby however most of us will speak not on behalf of; but about Eastbourne Rugby – using social media. As members, parents and players we are all part of the conversation. Social media is of great benefit to us as individuals and to Eastbourne Rugby – we’re all using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch and find out what’s going on.

Eastbourne Rugby Club cannot accept any responsibility, monitor, control any social media accounts created, used or viewed outside of Eastbourne Rugby’s own official social media sites and as such are not associated/affiliated with any site other than specified official social media sites. Any team/group/section that creates their own social media pages/sites must state that it is not the Official Page/Site of Eastbourne Rugby and any content is not associated with Eastbourne Rugby Club. Example of message page/site has to contain;
This Facebook group is not run or endorsed by Eastbourne Rugby Football club. It is run by and for the parents of the ERFC u14's. The views and opinions expressed here have nothing to do with Eastbourne Rugby Football club.

There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that we always apply common sense in our use of social media:

Codes of conduct

Eastbourne Rugby's Club Code of Conduct require that we all treat each other with respect and not engage in actions which would bring the club into disrepute – this includes how we conduct ourselves on and off the field, including social media and networking. Have fun, share the spirit of mighty Eastbourne but be respectful online just as you would be in person.

Social Media Policy

Eastbourne Rugby Club has a published Social Media Club Policy which governs our use of social media, identifies who is responsible for maintaining social network sites, sets standards for content and the monitoring and moderating of content, in line with these guidelines. Importantly, Eastbourne Rugby supports the RFU Core Values and Eastbourne Rugby Codes of Conduct and will hold members to account for any breaches using social media.

Everything on the internet is public

Always assume that all your social media communication is visible to everyone everywhere – comments and posts are permanent and often public even with privacy settings in place. Think carefully about the content you post online. Be careful not to reveal sensitive or confidential information on Eastbourne Rugby social media platforms, whether personal or professional or related to Eastbourne Rugby.

Be Responsible

You are responsible for what you add to a Eastbourne Rugby social platform – make sure your posts are accurate, not misleading or damaging. When in doubt, don’t post!

For the avoidance of doubt, all social media content & communication must not be:

• Unlawful
• Discriminatory – offensive or derogatory remarks relating to gender, sex, race, disability, religion, belief or age
• Offensive – inappropriate or encourages unacceptable behaviour such as violence, dishonesty, drunkenness, drug related activity, of a sexual nature or swearing.
• Bullying – harassment of any group or individual.
• Defamatory – publically criticising any team, referee, coach, player, volunteer, parent or member.

Respect copyright

Don’t post content created by someone else (videos/ documents/ links) without checking that you have given credit to them – where possible include links to the original source. Be mindful of the copyright and intellectual property rights of Eastbourne Rugby.

Children online

The RFU safeguarding toolkit states that the RFU “positively encourages parents and spectators to take photographs of participants to celebrate the ethos and spirit of the sport.” At Eastbourne we want to encourage the sharing of photographs; match reports and information using common sense when it comes to our younger players. Eastbourne Rugby commitment to safeguarding our children includes online safety. Personal information which can lead to a child being identified (schools/ full names/ addresses/ emails) should never be used. Eastbourne parents have given their consent for photos to be shared and photographs should always be of the activity and the team; not of one individual. You must be 13 years old to join any Eastbourne Rugby Facebook or Twitter account.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our appointed Safeguarding Officer - Contact List