Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy
Representation and Online Conduct:
As a player representing the McKinney Ice Hockey Club (MIHC), your actions, words, and behavior, both on and off the ice directly influence how teammates, coaches, opponents, and the community view our organization. This responsibility extends to all electronic communications and social media activity, including posts, messages, comments, images, videos, and any other online content shared or associated with your name, likeness, or team affiliation.
Every post or interaction you make online, whether public or private, becomes a reflection of not just you as an athlete but also of your teammates, coaches, families, and the MIHC organization as a whole. Social media conduct that is positive, respectful, and sportsmanlike helps strengthen our team culture, reputation, and the values of youth hockey. Conversely, negative, harmful, or inappropriate content can cause harm to individuals, damage the team’s integrity, and violate the behavioral standards outlined by USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program, the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA), and the AT&T High School Hockey League.
This policy is intended to protect players while promoting responsible digital citizenship. It establishes clear guidelines to ensure that all online behavior:
- Upholds the values of sportsmanship, respect, and integrity, as defined by USA Hockey’s SafeSport Code of Conduct.
- Creates and maintains a safe, positive, and inclusive environment that is free from harassment, bullying, abuse, and discrimination.
- Aligns with the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) regarding electronic communication between players, coaches, and adults affiliated with the program.
- Complies with all relevant laws, league standards, and MIHC’s internal player conduct requirements.
Participation in MIHC carries with it a privilege and a duty of conduct consistent with the organization’s values both in person and online. Players are expected to use sound judgment in all digital interactions and to recognize that they serve as ambassadors for MIHC, TAHA, AT&T High School Hockey League, and USA Hockey at all times on the ice, in the community, and across all social media platforms.
Resources:
Scope:
This policy applies to all MIHC members, including players, parents, coaches, managers, staff, volunteers, and board members.
It governs all forms of digital and electronic communication, including:
- Text messages, emails, group chats (such as WhatsApp, GroupMe, or TeamSnap)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, etc.)
- Team management tools (Crossbar, TeamSnap, GameChanger, etc.)
General Conduct:
- Use social media responsibly and respectfully at all times.
- Remember that anything you post, share, or comment on can become public — even if you delete it later.
- Always represent MIHC, your team, and USA Hockey with class, sportsmanship, and integrity.
- Before posting, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable if my parents, coaches, or teammates saw this?
Prohibited Online Behavior
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:
- Posting or sharing messages, photos, or videos that include bullying, harassment, hazing, or discrimination of any kind.
- Making negative, rude, or inflammatory posts about teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, or other organizations.
- Sharing sexual, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate content.
- Discussing confidential team information, rosters, or incidents.
- Creating or participating in group chats that promote or tolerate inappropriate jokes, slurs, or gossip.
All of these behaviors violate USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program and could be considered misconduct.
Team Group Chats and Messaging
- Team group chats (e.g., GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TeamSnap) should be for team-related communication only.
- These chats should always have a coach, team manager, or parent included for supervision.
- Players should not message coaches or other adults one-on-one. If communication is necessary, the parent or another adult must be copied, as required by SafeSport and MAAPP guidelines
Use of Personal Devices
- Phones and tablets should stay in bags or designated areas during practices, games, and locker room time.
- No photos, videos, or recordings are allowed in locker rooms or other private spaces.
- Violation of locker room privacy rules will result in immediate disciplinary action.
Social Media Best Practices
- Support your teammates and promote the positive side of our sport.
- Celebrate wins respectfully and handle losses with maturity.
- Avoid reposting or liking content that includes foul language, violence, or disrespect.
- Always credit others’ photos or content appropriately.
- If you see something unsafe, report it to your coach, team manager, or the MIHC SafeSport Coordinator immediately.
Discipline and Reporting
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary measures such as:
- Temporary suspension from team communication channels.
- Loss of social media privileges for club-related activities.
- Suspension from practices or games.
- Referral to MIHC SafeSport officials or USA Hockey SafeSport for further review.
Reporting Violations and Escalation Procedure
The McKinney Ice Hockey Club (MIHC) requires all players, parents, coaches, and team staff to promptly report any violations or suspected misconduct related to this Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy. Reporting misconduct helps protect players, preserve team integrity, and ensure that all activities align with USA Hockey SafeSport, TAHA SafeSport, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport standards.
Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Retaliation against anyone who submits a good faith complaint is strictly prohibited.
Level 1: Club-Level Reporting
For minor or first-time social media policy violations (e.g., inappropriate language, disrespectful posts, or minor unapproved content):
- Report directly to the Head Coach or Team Manager or Safety & Conduct Director.
- If the issue involves a coach or staff member, contact the MIHC Safety & Conduct Director immediately.
- Reports may be verbal or written but written reports are preferred for documentation.
- The MIHC Safety & Conduct Director will review, document, and determine appropriate corrective action, including warnings, education, or internal disciplinary measures.
Level 2: Affiliate-Level Reporting (TAHA SafeSport)
If the misconduct involves patterns of behavior, repeated violations, or any issue suggesting bullying, harassment, or inappropriate electronic communication:
- File a formal report with the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) SafeSport Coordinator.
- TAHA investigates all elevated complaints under USA Hockey affiliate oversight.
- TAHA provides education and remediation options based on verified infractions.
Call USA Hockey: 1-800-888-4656
Level 3: National-Level Reporting (USA Hockey SafeSport)
Serious violations involving harassment, threats, abuse, or potential violations of SafeSport or MAAPP standards must be reported directly to USA Hockey SafeSport.
Examples include:
- Sexual or physical misconduct
- Inappropriate electronic communication between adults and minors
- Inappropriate electronic communication between minors
- Bullying, hazing, retaliation, or repeated online harassment
Level 4: U.S. Center for SafeSport Reporting
Any allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or abuse involving minors must be immediately reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, as required under federal and USA Hockey policy.
The Center for SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction over all sexual abuse cases and coordinates with law enforcement when necessary.
How to Report:
• Submit directly at: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern/
• Phone: 833-5US-SAFE (833-587-7233)
Mandatory Reporting Requirement
In accordance with federal law and USA Hockey SafeSport Policy, any person who suspects or becomes aware of child abuse or sexual misconduct must also report the matter to local law enforcement authorities in addition to USA Hockey and the Center for SafeSport.
Acknowledgment:
By signing a player Agreement with McKinney Ice Hockey Club (MIHC), the Player and Parent/Legal Guardian hereby acknowledge and agree that participation with the MIHC constitutes a binding legal acknowledgment of, and agreement to adhere to, the current and future Social Media and Electronic Communications Policies of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club, the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA), the AT&T High School Hockey League, and USA Hockey, as governed by the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) established by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
The Player and Parent/Legal Guardian further acknowledge and agree that these policies are subject to amendment, modification, or replacement at any time by the governing bodies listed above. Such changes shall automatically become incorporated into this agreement upon their effective date without the necessity of further notice or signature. It is the continuing legal obligation of the Player and Parent/Guardian to remain informed of all updates, revisions, or additions to these policies by reviewing the official websites and SafeSport publications of MIHC, TAHA, the AT&T High School Hockey League, and USA Hockey.
By executing your player agreement, the Player and Parent/Guardian expressly consent to be bound by all such current and future terms, policies, and standards, and acknowledge that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or removal from MIHC participation in accordance with the applicable SafeSport, league, and organizational procedures.