Virginia United FC - Social Media Policy

VUFC's official social media presence is managed by authorised Club staff and volunteers. Our official accounts are:

• Facebook: Virginia United FC
• Instagram: @virginiaunitedfc

Only authorised personnel may post content on behalf of the Club through these channels. If you have content you'd like shared, send it to admin@virginiaunitedfc.com.au.

When using social media in connection with VUFC - including on your personal accounts where you identify yourself as a Club member, coach or official - you must:

• Treat all people with respect, including players, coaches, referees, opponents, parents and Club staff
• Comply with Football Queensland's Code of Conduct and the FA Code of Conduct
• Think before you post - if you wouldn't say it on the sideline in front of a child, don't post it online
• Respect the privacy of other Club members, particularly children - do not tag minors or post identifiable information about them without parental consent (see our Photography & Media Policy)
• Represent the Club in a manner consistent with our values

WhatsApp, Messenger and similar third-party messaging platforms are not official Virginia United FC communication channels. The Club takes no responsibility for communications conducted through these platforms.

If a team or group chooses to use a third-party messaging platform, we strongly recommend the following:

The group must include at least one Club official or team manager in addition to the coach. Coaches and team officials must not send private one-on-one messages to players under 18 under any circumstances. All communication with junior players must occur in group settings that include at least one parent or guardian and another Club official. Groups should be used for logistical information only - training times, cancellations, match details. Any concerns raised through these channels should be directed back to the Club through official contact methods.

For your safety and the safety of children in your team, we always recommend using your team Dugout on Majestri as your primary communication channel. Your Dugout allows you to send emails directly to all registered members of your team through the Club's official platform. Contact admin@virginiaunitedfc.com.au if you need help getting set up.

The following behaviour is not acceptable and may constitute a breach of this policy and/or Football Queensland's disciplinary regulations:

• Abuse, harassment, threats or intimidation of any person - including players, coaches, referees, opponents or Club officials
• Vilification or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or any other protected attribute
• Posting false, misleading or defamatory information about any individual or organisation
• Publishing confidential Club information without authorisation
• Posting images or videos of children in a way that breaches our Photography & Media Policy
• Using the Club's name, logo or branding in a way not authorised by the Club

Referee abuse online is treated with particular seriousness by Football Queensland under the Three Strike Policy and Protect Our Game initiative. Any online abuse targeting match officials associated with Club activities will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action by both the Club and FQ.

Breaches of this policy may result in:

• A formal warning from the Club
• Suspension from Club activities
• Referral to Football Queensland for disciplinary action under the FQ Disciplinary Regulations
• Termination of Club membership
• Referral to Queensland Police where conduct may be unlawful (e.g. threats, harassment, unlawful publication of images)

The Club may also report conduct to Football Queensland's Protect Our Game reporting system.

If you experience or witness online abuse connected to Club activities:

• Report it to the Club at admin@virginiaunitedfc.com.au or via our MPIO: MPIO@vufc.com.au
• Report it to Football Queensland via the Protect Our Game reporting form at footballqueensland.com.au/protect-our-game. Football Queensland has partnered with SocialProtect to actively monitor and address online abuse directed at players, coaches and match officials across affiliated clubs
• Report it directly to the social media platform using its reporting tools
• Lodge a complaint with the eSafety Commissioner at esafety.gov.au under the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) - the eSafety Commissioner has powers to direct platforms to remove harmful content, including serious online abuse
• Contact Queensland Police if you believe the behaviour constitutes a criminal offence

The Club takes all reports seriously and will respond in accordance with our Member Protection, Child Safety and Code of Conduct policy.

This policy should be read alongside:

• Member Protection, Child Safety and Code of Conduct
• Photography & Media Policy
• Football Australia Code of Conduct
• Football Queensland Protect Our Game
• Parental Responsibility

Virginia United Football Club - Social Media Policy, Version 1.1, August 2026.