Hemel Hempstead Town Cricket Club

WhatsApp Usage Policy

Purpose: The HHTCC WhatsApp groups are intended to facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing among members.
This policy outlines the appropriate usage of these groups to ensure they are a respectful and productive environment for all participants.
 
1. General Guidelines:
  • Respectful Communication: All members are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally. Personal attacks, insults, and derogatory comments are strictly prohibited.
  • Relevance: Messages should be relevant to the group’s purpose. Off-topic discussions should be minimized to avoid cluttering the conversation.
  • Privacy: Respect the privacy of other members. Do not share personal information without consent.
2. Inappropriate Language:
  • Prohibited Language: The use of inappropriate, offensive, or vulgar language is not allowed. This includes but is not limited to swearing, slurs, and sexually explicit content.
  • Respectful Tone: Maintain a respectful tone in all communications. Avoid sarcasm, mockery, and other forms of disrespect.
3. Abusive and Racist Comments:
  • Zero Tolerance: HHTCC has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive, racist, or discriminatory comments. Any such behaviour will result in immediate removal from the group and further disciplinary action.
  • Reporting: Members are encouraged to report any instances of abusive or racist comments to the group administrators immediately.
4. Media Files:
  • Appropriate Content: Only share media files (images, videos, documents) that are relevant to the group’s purpose. Ensure that the content is appropriate and respectful.
  • Copyright Compliance: Do not share copyrighted material without permission. This includes music, videos, and images that you do not own or have the right to distribute.
  • File Size: Be mindful of the file size when sharing media. Large files can consume significant data and storage space for group members.
  • Sensitive Content: Avoid sharing sensitive or potentially distressing content. If necessary, provide a warning before sharing such content.
5. Group Administration:
  • Moderation: Group administrators have the authority to moderate discussions, remove inappropriate content, and take necessary actions against members who violate this policy.
  • Warnings and Bans: Administrators may issue warnings to members who violate the policy. Repeated violations will result in a ban from the group.
6. Compliance:
  • Agreement: By joining the HHTCC WhatsApp groups, members agree to comply with this policy. Non-compliance may result in removal from groups and potential disciplinary measures.
7. U18’s Additional Measures To ensure the safety and proper communication within our cricket club, the following policy is established regarding the inclusion of members under 18 years of age (U18) in WhatsApp groups:
  • Inclusion in Team WhatsApp Groups:
    a. Captains/Coaches must obtain explicit consent from a Junior member’s parent or guardian before adding the junior member to any team WhatsApp group.
    b. The consenting parent or guardian is required to join the same WhatsApp group to monitor communications involving their child.
  • Direct Communication Protocol:
    c. Captains/Coaches are prohibited from engaging in one-on-one WhatsApp conversations with Junior members.
    d. If direct communication is necessary, a new WhatsApp group must be created, including the Captain/Coach, the Junior member, and their parent or guardian, ensuring transparency and safeguarding all parties involved.
8. Amendments:
  • Policy Updates: This policy may be updated periodically. Members will be notified of any changes, and continued participation in the group implies acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact Information:
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the HHTCC main committee.