One of the best ways to interact with other clubs, fans or players is via Social Media and the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League like to encourage good communication and healthy debate via these channels. After all, it’s an engaging sport and the enjoyment can be maximised with interaction on social media. The vast majority of posts we see are overwhelmingly constructive and positive. Long may they continue and – providing a little common sense is shown, there is no need for anyone to be afraid of posting.

However a few, a tiny minority we must add, aren’t.

When posting any content, there are a few points to bear in mind:

Would saying this be acceptable in person? Would I like it if my family, coach, fellow club members or even my boss at work saw this? Adding a caveat such as “Views expressed are my own” or “All views are unofficial” isn’t a platform to state insulting, abusive or downright vulgar comments directed at an organisation, club or individual.

If you’re sharing, or retweeting a comment, would I write it myself or even endorse it? Technically, by doing so involves you in the comment and makes you as culpable as the person making the original comment.

If in doubt, leave it out. If you’re angry or annoyed about something or someone, venting your frustrations on social media is a highly unsuitable way to channel this.

The Huddersfield Cricket League’s View

Insulting, offensive, obscene, injurious or false content can be dangerous and harmful to people’s wellbeing and reputation as well as bringing The Huddersfield Cricket League into disrepute. We will not tolerate any malicious communications, harassment or discrimination through social media.

Please do not use social media to make malicious, insulting, offensive, obscene or false statements regarding our players, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers or spectators.

This applies regardless of whether:

• You are posting yourself or sharing someone else’s post.
• The individual is tagged in the post or not.
• The communication is by word, photograph, video or any other form.
• The post is anonymous or not. If we can trace it back to you, we will act.

Sanctions

If you are found to have acted improperly on social media regarding a cricket related matter in the Huddersfield League or any inter league competitions involving a Huddersfield League Club, including towards any other club, player, coach, official, staff, volunteer or spectator, you risk any or all of the following:

• Legal proceedings under the Malicious Communications Act.
• Civil action under libel law.
• Punishment, including possible bans, deemed appropriate by the disciplinary committee of the HCL or other member organisations of the Huddersfield Cricket League.
• Sanctions imposed by the HCL disciplinary committee on the club with which you are registered, such as financial penalties and / or points deductions.

Reporting a Breach

If you have witnessed a breach of this Code of Conduct and wish to make a complaint, send an email via the contact page. We also strongly recommend blocking the person posting or sharing the material and taking a screenshot as evidence.

Policy Documents

You can read our full policy documentation via the following link: HCL Social Media Policy.