Purpose
This policy provides guidance for Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) employees, contractors or volunteers who contribute or reply to posts on social media.
“Social media” should be understood in its broadest interpretation, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, blogs, electronic newsletters, online forums and other sites and services that permit users to share information with others in a contemporaneous manner.
All communications should adhere to the brand guidelines and established online voice of OSBA. If you require a copy of the OSBA Brand Style Guide - email communications@basketball.on.ca
When in doubt, don’t post. At the end of the day, the member will be responsible for what they share through social channels so exercise caution and common sense.
Principles
The following principles apply to professional use of social media on behalf of OSBA as well as personal use of social media when referencing OSBA or its employees, members, partners, sponsors or other stakeholders.
- Members should be aware of the effect their actions may have on OSBA’s image as well as their own. The information that members post or publish may be public information for a long time.
- Members should be aware that OSBA officials may observe content and information made available by members through social media.
- Members should use their best judgment in posting material to ensure that it is neither inappropriate nor harmful to OSBA or its employees, members, partners, sponsors or other stakeholders.
- Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited social media conduct include posting content, commentary or images that are proprietary, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, salacious, sexist, racist, harassing, or that can create a hostile work environment.
- Members are not to publish, post or release any information that is considered confidential or not public. If there are questions about what is considered confidential, employees should check with the League Contact.
- While posts may be made by members of the OSBA communications team or agreed-upon members of OSBA staff for different channels, final message approval and customer service responses through OSBA’s social media channels should go through the Manager of Marketing & Communications.
- Subject to applicable law, personal online activity that violates OSBA’s Social Media Policy or any other company policy may subject an employee to disciplinary action, which may include suspension.
- If members publish content on personal social media accounts that involve work or subjects associated with OSBA, a disclaimer should be used, such as: “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association’s positions, strategies or opinions.”
- It is highly recommended that members keep OSBA-related social media accounts separate from personal accounts, if practical.
OSBA Property - intellectual or otherwise cannot be used without the express written consent of the OSBA administration or OBA Board of Directors. Any non-member OSBA teams or programs falsely representing membership with in the OSBA through any sort of media communication (printed or electronic) will be subject to investigation and potential sanctions.