Communication Policy
CDSA Communication Policy
- Team Officials Communication Policy
1.1. The CDSA Team Officials Communication Policy has been developed to provide
Team Officials guidelines for communicating with your team in today’s day and
age of rapid mobile communications. No policy can cover all forms of
communication and therefore this policy is to provide recommended guidelines
for Team Officials (both Parent and nonparent) in respect to communication with
their teams. Team Officials (Coaches/Managers) should always abide by the following method for all communications. Whereby at least one rostered (2 if possible) Team Officials and a parent and/or player are included in communications. Communications should only communicate messages about soccer, scheduling, conflicts, and logistics. With regards to
electronic forms of communication the above method would result in, no
private messages and no one-on-one direct contact through Facebook
messages, Twitter direct messaging, Skype, or other instant messaging
(including but not limited to Google Messenger, AIM, snapchat, and the like) or
other similar messaging features provided through social media sites and
communication platforms.
Approved methods for team communications are Team Snap or alternative with similar functionality as Team Snap.
1.2. Specific Recommendations for Coaches (parent and nonparent)
1.2.1. Telephone - It is recommended coaches should not engage in telephone
conversations with only a player. Any telephone conversation with a
player should include a parent/guardian as part of the conversation.
1.2.2. In certain situations, it may be appropriate for players to communicate with
coaches for informational purposes (i.e. player cannot make practice,
player is sick, player has injury, etc.). In this case it would be appropriate
for a coach to confirm receipt of the communication, but not to engage in
any conversation over the telephone. Conversations that require
engagement should include a parent/guardian where appropriate.
1.2.3. Text Message - It is recommended coaches do not communicate with
players by text message and/or SMS message unless it is including a parent/guardian in the thread. In certain situations, it may be appropriate for players to communicate with coaches for
informational purposes only (i.e. player cannot make practice, player is
sick). In this case it would be appropriate for a coach to confirm receipt of
message, but not to engage in any conversation over the topic via text
message.
1.2.4. Email - It is recommended Coaches engage in email communications
with players only when parents are included as part of the
communication. For example, a coach may email a player when the
parent/guardian has been copied on the email.
1.2.5. Social Media - There are many types of social media platforms such as
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, amongst others, and social
media platforms change and new platforms are constantly being created.
This policy is meant as a guideline for social media to assist Team
Officials in the understanding of Social Media and is not inclusive of all
social media platforms. As a general guideline, Team Officials should
conduct themselves on Social Media in a manner that is positive and
provides facts, not personal opinions. Slanderous comments may be
subject to the CDSA Abuse and Harassment and/or Discipline Policies.
To provide context, the following are examples with commonly known
social media platforms.
1.2.5.1. Facebook - It is recommended Coaches not be ‘Friends’ with any
players on Facebook. It would be acceptable for a team to have a
‘Facebook Group’ for their team. Players, parents, coaches, and
members of the CDSA Social Media committee are required to be
members of such a group.
1.2.5.2. Instagram - Coaches shall not direct message with players via
Instagram. Any communication via Instagram must remain public.
If a coach is on Instagram, they must follow the CDSA’s Instagram
account.
1.2.5.4. Snap Chat - Coaches shall not communicate with players via
snapchat as text messages, video chats. Coaches shall not be
sharing images via Snapchat with players.
- Communication Policy Guidelines for Parents/Guardians/Supporters
1.1. It is recommended that Parents/Guardians/Supporters follow the policies listed in
section 1 of this Policy.
1.2. Parents/Guardians/Supporters found to be in violation of this policy may be
subject to the CDSA Discipline or Abuse and Harassment policies.
