Policies

COURT DE PADEL
ONLINE SAFETY & COMMUNICATION POLICY
Safe, respectful and responsible communication

Court De Padel
2 single Super Panoramic Courts • 6 double Super Panoramic Courts
Toilets & changing facilities

Version 1.0 • Effective: 7 September 2026 • Review: 7 September 2027

1. Purpose

Court De Padel is committed to safe, respectful and responsible online communication. This policy sets expectations for the use of social media, messaging, email, photography, filming and other digital communication connected with the club.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to members, guests, children and young people, parents/carers, staff, coaches, volunteers, contractors and anyone communicating on behalf of or in connection with Court De Padel.

3. Respectful Online Behaviour

• Online communication should be respectful, professional and appropriate.
• Bullying, harassment, threats, discriminatory comments, hate speech or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Do not share rumours, private information or content intended to embarrass or harm another person.
• Club disagreements should be handled constructively and through appropriate club channels rather than through public attacks or harassment.
• Online behaviour that seriously affects the safety or wellbeing of club members may be addressed under the club’s Anti-Bullying, Inclusion & Diversity or Safeguarding Policies.

4. Communication With Children and Young People

• Staff and coaches must maintain clear professional boundaries when communicating with anyone under 18.
• Where possible, club-related communication with juniors should take place through official club channels or appropriate group communication, with parents/carers included where suitable.
• Private one-to-one messaging with children should be avoided unless there is a legitimate club-related reason and appropriate safeguards are in place.
• Messages should be appropriate, transparent and related to the relevant club activity.
• Staff and coaches must never use sexualised, threatening, inappropriate or secretive communication with a child.

5. Social Media

• Official Court De Padel social media accounts will be managed responsibly and used to promote the club, its activities and community.
• Staff and members should not represent personal opinions as official club statements unless authorised to do so.
• Content posted on behalf of the club should be accurate, respectful and appropriate for a wide audience.
• Any concern about inappropriate social media content involving a member, junior, staff member or coach should be reported to club management.

6. Photography and Filming

• Photography and filming at Court De Padel must respect people’s privacy and dignity.
• Appropriate consent should be obtained before using identifiable images of children for club publicity or social media.
• Photography and filming are strictly prohibited in toilets, showers and changing facilities.
• Images must never be sexualised, humiliating or otherwise inappropriate.
• Anyone who has concerns about photography or filming should report them to Court De Padel management immediately.

7. Personal Information and Privacy

• Do not share another person’s phone number, address, email address, private messages, photographs or other personal information without appropriate permission.
• Club member information must only be accessed and used for legitimate club purposes.
• Sensitive information relating to safeguarding concerns must be handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know.
• Staff and volunteers should take reasonable steps to protect club accounts, passwords and devices.

8. Group Chats and Messaging

• Club-related group chats should be used primarily for relevant club communication.
• Participants should avoid excessive, offensive or inappropriate content.
• Do not add people to groups without appropriate permission where their contact details or privacy may be affected.
• Administrators should act where group communication becomes abusive, discriminatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate.
• Where juniors are included in club groups, communication should remain suitable for their age and appropriate adults should be included where reasonably possible.

9. Reporting Online Concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses online abuse, bullying, harassment, inappropriate contact, threats or safeguarding concerns connected with Court De Padel should report the issue to club management.

Where there is an immediate risk of harm or a serious criminal matter, contact the police or emergency services as appropriate. Safeguarding concerns involving children or adults at risk must also be handled under the Court De Padel Safeguarding Policy.

10. Breaches of This Policy

Court De Padel may take proportionate action where this policy is breached. Depending on the seriousness of the behaviour, this may include removal of content, a warning, restrictions on club communication, removal from the premises, suspension or termination of membership, or referral to an external authority.

11. Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner following a significant incident, change in legislation or guidance, or changes to the club’s digital communication arrangements.

Court De Padel • Online Safety & Communication Policy • Version 1.0