
KENMORE BEARS
Junior Australian Football Club
Kenmore Bears
Junior Australian Football Club
Social Media Policy and Guidelines – 2025
1. Purpose
Social media is an important part of how we connect as a club and community. When used positively, it helps us share achievements, celebrate our teams, and strengthen the Kenmore Bears spirit.
This policy ensures that everyone representing our club — players, parents, coaches, volunteers, and supporters — uses social media responsibly and respectfully in line with AFL Queensland standards.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all club members, players, coaches, volunteers, parents, guardians, and supporters.
It covers all forms of social media, including but not limited to:
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Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Team App.
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Blogs, forums, chat groups, and any other online platform where information or opinions about the club or its members may be shared.
3. General Guidelines
When engaging on social media in any way related to Australian Football or the Kenmore Bears, you must:
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Protect the Club’s Reputation – Do not make statements, jokes, or comments that could damage the reputation of the Kenmore Bears, its players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, or the AFL community.
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Take Responsibility – You are legally responsible for what you post or share online.
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Be Respectful – Do not post or share content that is derogatory, defamatory, abusive, bullying, threatening, hateful, racist, sexist, or illegal.
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No Unauthorised Representation – Do not speak on behalf of the club (or your team) or use the club logo or images without permission from the Club Committee.
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Do Not Impersonate Others – Never falsely represent yourself as another person or as an official club representative.
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Respect Privacy and Consent – Do not post photos or videos of others without their consent, particularly minors. Remove content immediately if requested.
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Protect Confidential Information – Do not share private club details, sensitive issues, or information about players, officials, or families that is not meant for public release.
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Avoid Public Complaints – Do not use social media to raise grievances about the club, players, officials, or other members. Concerns must be directed through the club’s Dispute Resolution Procedure.
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Be Aware of Permanence – Assume everything posted online is permanent and can be shared beyond your control.
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Report Issues – If you see content that breaches this policy or reflects poorly on the club, notify the Club President or Junior Committee Member immediately.
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Think Before You Post – Responding to negative comments may escalate the issue. Pause, reflect, and seek advice before replying.
4. Official and Team Social Media Pages
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The Kenmore Bears Junior AFL Club manages official club social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Team App.
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No other public pages or groups may be created to represent the club without committee approval.
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Annual team or age-group pages may be created with the approval of the Junior Coordinator or Committee Representative and must:
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Be closed/private groups, not publicly accessible.
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Include at least one Club Committee Member as an administrator.
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Follow this policy in all posts and interactions.
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5. Photos and Media
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Team photos and action shots can be shared on official pages to celebrate participation and achievement.
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If a player or family does not consent to images being used, please inform the Team Manager or Junior Coordinator.
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Individuals must not post photos or videos that show members acting inappropriately or in a way that could bring the club into disrepute.
6. Breaches of Policy
Any breach of this policy will be reviewed by the Kenmore Bears Junior AFL Club Executive Committee and may result in:
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Verbal or written warning
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Temporary or permanent suspension from the club or its online forums
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Further disciplinary action under AFL Queensland’s Reports and Tribunals Regulations
Serious breaches (e.g. bullying, vilification, harassment, or defamatory comments) may be referred to AFL Queensland or external authorities.
7. The Bear Standard Online
Remember, every post reflects our club culture.
Before you share — ask yourself:
“Is it kind, respectful, and something that makes our club proud?”
Because whether on the field or online —
We are Bears, and Bears Stick together.
Breaches and Reporting
Kenmore Bears aim to resolve all concerns respectfully and constructively.
If you witness behaviour that breaches this Code:
- Report it to the Team Manager, Ground Marshal, or Club Committee Member or by emailing codeofconduct@kenmorebears.com.au
- The Committee may investigate and determine appropriate actions, which may include:
- Verbal or written warning
- Suspension from training or games
- Exclusion from club activities for repeated or serious breaches
All concerns will be handled confidentially and in accordance with AFL Queensland’s Child Safety and Conduct policies.
Players’ Code of Conduct
As a Kenmore Bear, I will:
1. Respect my club, teammates, coaches, umpires, opponents, and supporters.
2. Train to learn, improve my skills, and have fun.
3. Play by the rules and accept the umpire’s decisions without argument.
4. Encourage and support my teammates and show care for their wellbeing.
5. Listen to my coaches and team managers, trusting their guidance and respect their volunteered time by not being disruptive at training.
6. Try my best, knowing that we learn from both winning and losing.
7. Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
8. Lead by example - on and off the field.
9. Represent the Bears with pride, remembering that we are part of our local community.
10.Stick together - because we are Bears, and Bears are family.
Parents, Guardians & Spectators Code of Conduct
We ask that you:
1. Show Respect
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and use positive language at all times.
- Respect umpires, coaches, players, and officials — without them there is no game.
- Never use foul, abusive, or intimidating language or behaviour.
2. Lead by Example
- Model the behaviour you want to see in your child.
- Applaud good play and effort from all teams.
- Teach children to accept decisions and play fairly.
3. Keep It Safe
- Support efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from sport.
- No smoking, or vaping at junior games or training.
- Comply with any alcohol restrictions of the host club and not allow alcohol to influence your behaviour.
- Follow directions from Ground Marshals and Club Officials who are there to keep everyone safe.
4. Focus on Fun and Effort
- Remember that children play sport for *their* enjoyment, not ours.
- Encourage participation and praise effort rather than focusing only on results.
- Never ridicule a child, yours or others, for making a mistake — positive encouragement builds confidence.
5. Respect Fair Play
- Encourage children to play according to the rules and in the spirit of the game.
- Show appreciation to the volunteers, coaches, and officials who make our game possible by respecting their decisions.
- Treat the opposition and their supporters with respect at all times.
Coaches’ & Team Officials’ Code of Conduct
Kenmore Bears coaches and team officials commit to:
1. Encouraging participation, enjoyment, and personal growth above winning at all costs.
2. Teaching players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements that must be respected.
3. Providing a safe and inclusive environment, appropriate to the age and ability of players.
4. Treating all players with fairness and respect - never ridiculing or yelling at a child.
5. Modelling integrity and self-control in all interactions.
6. Acknowledging the efforts of officials and opposing teams and promoting good sportsmanship.
7. Continuing to learn and develop through education and training opportunities.
Volunteers’ & Officials’ Code of Conduct
All Kenmore Bears volunteers and officials agree to:
1.Conduct themselves respectfully, fairly, and in line with AFL Queensland standards.
2. Prioritise player safety and wellbeing in every decision.
3. Communicate calmly and professionally with players, parents, and other volunteers.
4. Represent the club positively at all times.
Code of Conduct
At the Kenmore Bears Junior Australian Football Club, we are proud to create a safe, supportive, and family-friendly environment for all players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and spectators.
We value Respect, Teamwork, Enjoyment, and Growth - the foundations of our Bear spirit.
This Code of Conduct applies to everyone in our community and reflects the standards expected under AFL Queensland policies.