APRA | APRA Social Media Policy

This policy provides guidance for Member’s and Employee’s use of social media, which should be broadly understood for purposes of this policy to include blogs, wikis, microblogs, message boards, chat rooms, electronic newsletters, online forums, social networking sites, and other sites and services that permit users to share information with others in a contemporaneous manner.

PROCEDURES

The following principles apply to professional use of social media on behalf of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association as well as personal use of social media when referencing the A.P.R.A Inc.

11.10 Employees and members need to know and adhere to the [APRA Code of Conduct practises, Employee Handbook and other company policies] when using social media in reference to the APRA.

11.11 Employees and members should be aware of the effect that their actions may have on their images, as well as the APRA’s image. The information that employees/members post or publish may be public information for a long time.

11.12 Employees/members should be aware that the APRA may observe content and information made available by employees/members through social media. Employees/members should use their best judgement in posting material that is neither inappropriate nor harmful to the APRA and its employees, or members.

11.13 Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited social media conduct include posting commentary, content, or images that are defamatory, pornographic, proprietary, harassing, libellous, or that can create a hostile work environment.

11.14 Employees 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/members should check with Head Office.

11.15 Social media networks, blogs and other types of online content sometimes generate press and media attention of legal questions. Employees/members should refer these enquiries to authorised APRA spokespersons.

11.16 If employees/members find or encounter a situation while using social media that threatens to become antagonistic, employees/members should disengage from the dialogue in a polite manner and seek the advice of Head Office.

11.17 Employees/members should get appropriate permission before referring to or posting images of current or former employees, members, vendors or suppliers. Additionally, employees/members should get appropriate permission to use a third party’s copyrights, copyrighted material, trademarks, service marks or other intellectual property.

11.18 Social media use shouldn’t interfere with employee’s responsibilities at the A.P.R.A. The office’s computer systems are to be used for business purposes only. When using the APRA’s computer systems, use of social media for business purposes is allowed (eg: Facebook, Twitter, APRA blogs and LinkedIn), but personal use of social media networks or personal blogging of online content is discouraged and could result in disciplinary action.

Any breach of Association policy may subject an employee/member to disciplinary action including fines, or pending suspension.

FINES

1st Offence – written warning. Subject to BOD evaluation.

2nd Offence – up to $100 fine. Subject to BOD evaluation.

3rd Offence – up to $500 fine. Subject to BOD evaluation.

All cases based on evaluation of recorded accounts by review of the BOD of the APRA and could lead to a member being suspended if in major breach of defaming the Association and/or member.