Social Media Policy

1. Purpose

This policy has been developed to inform the tenpin bowling community about using social media so they can positively communicate, engage and promote the sport, whilst being mindful of their responsibilities and obligations. As a member-based organisation, Tenpin Ireland recognises the benefits of social media as an important tool of engagement and communication for our members.

Tenpin Ireland, its sanctioned bowling centres, leagues, members and other stakeholders are integral to the delivery, growth and development of the sport, and it is important that the reputation of the sport and all its stakeholders are not negatively affected by any individual using social media inappropriately. When someone identifies their association with Tenpin Ireland, or discusses their involvement with the sport on social media, they are expected to act and express themselves in ways consistent with Tenpin Ireland's stated values and policies.

2. Scope and application

This policy covers posting or republishing content on social media or digital platforms that has or will negatively affect those involved with the activities of Tenpin Ireland, the organisation itself, or the reputation of the sport. It must be adhered to when using social media in relation to tenpin bowling — its business, tournaments, championships, events, teams, participants, services, partners and members. It does not apply to personal use of social media that makes no reference to tenpin bowling or its related areas.

The policy covers all forms of social media, including social networking sites, video and photo sharing sites, live broadcast apps, podcasts, blogs, instant messaging (including WhatsApp), online reviews, votes and polls, public and private web forums, and any other technologies that allow users to upload and republish content. Any penalty imposed under this policy must be recognised and respected across Tenpin Ireland and its leagues.

3. Guiding principles

Tenpin Ireland considers all members of the bowling community to be its representatives and ambassadors for the sport. When persons bound by this policy go public with comments or material on social media, they are solely responsible for them, can be held personally liable for content that is defamatory, obscene or proprietary, and should at all times make clear that comments are made in their individual capacity.

Members must not:

• Post, republish or link to material that is illegal, offensive, defamatory, obscene, harassing, discriminatory, embarrassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or insulting.
• Post content they would not be happy for anyone to see — content intended to be private can become public.
• Question the integrity of Tenpin Ireland, its officials or stakeholders, or post material inciting negative acts towards them or the sport.
• Post anything dishonest, untrue, misleading or factually incorrect — check the source and facts before posting; if in doubt, don't.
• Post anonymously or under pseudonyms or false screen names.
• Post information or photos of a sensitive nature, including accidents, incidents or controversial behaviour.
• Use social media as a forum for disputes or grievances connected to the sport, or retaliate to such content.
• Post information without the relevant permission or consent.
• Imply they are authorised to speak on behalf of the association without official authorisation.
• Use the Tenpin Ireland brand to endorse or promote any product, opinion, cause or political candidate.

Members must:

• Promote the sport and its activities in a positive manner.
• Assume all information posted online can be traced back to them.
• Respect confidentiality and maintain the privacy of information that is not publicly accessible.
• Seek permission before publishing information directly relating to an individual, such as an image — for minors, parental or guardian consent is mandatory.
• Seek advice before posting if unsure whether content is appropriate — or refrain from posting.
• Be transparent and honest — use their real name and identify their affiliations.
• Ensure content does not breach laws or court orders, including privacy and copyright law.
• Remember they are bound by the sport's values, the Code of Conduct, and anti-discrimination, harassment and cyber-bullying provisions under the Tenpin Ireland Constitution and Code of Ethics for Children in Sport.
• Follow the terms and conditions of any third-party sites they use.
• Report breaches or potential breaches of this policy to Tenpin Ireland, and refrain from retaliating against or contacting the individuals involved.

A failure to abide by this policy may result in suspension of membership, and may jeopardise a person's position on any committee or their selection for any team, and may have legal implications.

4. Branding and intellectual property

Members must respect the branding and intellectual property of Tenpin Ireland and others — logos, slogans, and images depicting volunteers, centre staff or equipment (except with those individuals' permission) must not be used in personal social media except incidentally. When creating a new website, page, blog or forum, permission should be obtained from the appropriate person at the registered bowling centre, association or league, and for the use of any logos or images. Hosted sites that sell uncontrolled "pop-up" advertising should not be used for forums or social pages.

5. Breaches of this policy

In circumstances of a breach or suspected breach, Tenpin Ireland may investigate and apply measures including:

• Removing posts from its own social media pages that breach this policy.
• Issuing a take-down notice to the individuals responsible, including instructions to cease posting on the issue.
• Making a public correction, clarification, contradiction or apology, or requiring one from the individuals responsible.
• Disciplinary action — from a verbal or written warning up to suspension or cancellation of membership, removal from representative teams, or removal from any committee or board.
• Reporting any breach of law to the appropriate authority or wronged party, and exercising Tenpin Ireland's rights at law.

Detected breaches of this policy should be reported to Tenpin Ireland at [email protected].

Appendix A — Data protection and GDPR guidance for WhatsApp groups

The Data Protection Officer ([email protected]) oversees GDPR compliance for WhatsApp and similar group communications. Each sub-committee or group must identify an administrator responsible for moderation and adherence to this policy.

• Clear purpose — every group must have a defined, documented purpose relevant to Tenpin Ireland activities (e.g. "Senior Tour Updates" or "Junior Committee Communications").
• Informed consent — members must be told the group's purpose and given the chance to opt out before being added. Participation is voluntary, and administrators should record confirmation where possible.
• Moderation — administrators moderate content and membership in line with the stated purpose, and remove individuals who no longer have a legitimate reason to be in the group.
• Content management — off-purpose posters are first reminded of the group's purpose, then removed if non-compliance continues. Personal data, images or unrelated information must not be shared without explicit consent.
• Retention and closure — at the end of a programme, tour or season, the group should be closed and deleted, with a fresh group created for the next period containing only current, relevant members.

"It is recommended that all WhatsApp groups — whether for junior, adult, or senior members — regularly review their membership lists and remove individuals who no longer have a current or legitimate role or participation reason. Retaining such individuals' contact information beyond their period of involvement is not compliant with GDPR and serves no lawful or operational purpose."
— Tenpin Ireland Data Protection Officer

Approved GDPR-compliant invitation templates for senior/adult, junior (parental consent), and committee WhatsApp groups are available from the relevant sub-committee or from [email protected].