Policy | Social Media

1. Purpose

Social media is a powerful tool that can positively promote basketball, celebrate achievement, and strengthen community engagement. Calgary Basketball Academy (CBA) encourages the responsible use of social media to highlight athletes, coaches, officials, teams, and partners.

This policy exists to ensure that all social media activity connected to CBA reflects the club’s core values of respect, integrity, accountability, and sportsmanship, and aligns with Safe Sport principles.

The use of social media to bully, harass, discriminate, threaten, demean, or intimidate others will not be tolerated.

2. Scope & Application

This Social Media Policy applies to all individuals associated with Calgary Basketball Academy, including:

• Athletes
• Parents/guardians
• Coaches
• Volunteers
• Employees and contractors
• Spectators representing or referencing CBA

This policy applies to conduct on all social media platforms and communication tools, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, blogs, online forums, team messaging apps, group chats, text messages, and direct/private messages, when such activity relates to or references CBA, its members, affiliates, partners, sponsors, or basketball activities.

3. Safe Sport Alignment

All social media activity must align with CBA’s Code of Conduct and recognized Safe Sport principles.

Online behaviour that constitutes bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse, grooming, hazing, or any form of maltreatment—whether public or private—is strictly prohibited.

This includes conduct occurring in private messages, direct messages (DMs), or team group chats.

4. General Expectations

All individuals are expected to:

• Be aware that social media content may be public, permanent, and widely shared
• Exercise good judgment and professionalism when posting or messaging
• Ensure posts and communications do not negatively impact CBA, its stakeholders, or the sport of basketball
• Refrain from engaging in arguments or antagonistic exchanges online
• Disengage politely from escalating situations and report concerns to CBA leadership

5. Prohibited Social Media Conduct

The following conduct is prohibited on both personal and CBA-affiliated accounts:

• Discriminatory, abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, or harassing language or imagery
• Content that is racist, sexist, homophobic, degrading, or malicious
• Public criticism, ridicule, or harassment of athletes, officials, coaches, opponents, parents, or other organizations
• Sharing confidential, proprietary, or non-public information
• Posting or sharing content that creates a hostile or unsafe environment

Deleted content may still be subject to review and disciplinary action if documented through screenshots or other means.

6. Private Messaging & Group Chats

This policy applies equally to private messages, direct messages (DMs), and group chats.

• Inappropriate, unsafe, or unprofessional communication in private or group settings is prohibited
• Team communication platforms must be used respectfully and for appropriate basketball-related purposes
• Screenshots or forwarded messages may be treated as evidence in the event of a complaint

7. Images, Video & Minors

Users must obtain appropriate consent before posting or sharing photos, videos, or identifying information of any athlete under the age of 18.

All posted content involving minors must:

• Be respectful and appropriate
• Avoid sexualized, suggestive, or demeaning material
• Align with CBA values and Safe Sport principles

8. Intellectual Property & Confidentiality

• Permission must be obtained before using third-party copyrighted materials, trademarks, service marks, or intellectual property
• Confidential information, including internal communications, injuries, discipline matters, or personal details, must not be shared publicly

9. Use of Personal Accounts

Individuals using personal social media accounts to post content related to CBA should ensure such content aligns with this policy.

A disclaimer is recommended when discussing CBA-related matters on personal accounts, such as:

“The views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Calgary Basketball Academy.”

It is strongly encouraged that CBA-related accounts remain separate from personal social media accounts.

Passwords and login credentials for official CBA accounts must not be shared or altered without authorization.

10. Reporting Concerns

Any individual who becomes aware of social media activity that may violate this policy is encouraged to report the concern to CBA leadership.

Reports made in good faith will be taken seriously, and retaliation against individuals who report concerns is strictly prohibited.

11. Enforcement & Consequences

Calgary Basketball Academy reserves the right to monitor, review, and investigate social media activity that may violate this policy.

Violations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Temporary suspension from activities
• Removal from teams or programs
• Termination of involvement with CBA

Disciplinary action will be determined in accordance with CBA policies and applicable governing body guidelines.

12. When in Doubt

When in doubt—do not post.

All individuals are responsible for content they create, share, comment on, or endorse in connection with Calgary Basketball Academy. Exercise caution, professionalism, and common sense at all times.