Social Media Policy

The Northern CT Hockey organization acknowledges the widespread use of social media networking as it relates to the personal and professional lives of it members. While social media provides an immediate and public forum of opportunities for networking and promotion, it also provides an unsupervised medium for inappropriate conduct to occur. Given that this conduct has the risk of being detrimental to the welfare of the Northern CT Hockey organization and its membership and not in the best interests of the game, the organization requires the following standards to be upheld when its members use social media. 

Members of the Northern CT Hockey should always assume that they are representing the Northern CT Hockey organization. Members are expected to demonstrate discretion and respect when using these media sites. Members are forbidden from posting anything that could be considered disparaging to the organization or its programs and teams, competing programs or teams, players, teammates, referees, coaches, managers or staff. Further, members are forbidden from any posts that are vulgar, sexual in nature, contain reference to alcohol or drugs, contain nudity or could reasonably considered harassment, bullying, stalking or any other inappropriate contact or behavior, however they are intended. The Northern CT Hockey organization holds it entire membership who participate in online social media to the same standards as it would with all forms of communication including television, radio and print. 

The following are some examples of unacceptable behavior on online social networking mediums (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat) that will result in appropriate disciplinary action at the discretion of the Northern CT Hockey Board of Directors. 

Posting or divulging confidential information that includes but is not limited to: member’s personal information, contact information, medical conditions, injuries and/or other sensitive matters pertinent to Northern CT Hockey and its membership 



• Posting negative or derogatory comments about any of Northern CT Hockey or competing programs’ staff, programs, members, stakeholders, or program participants 

• Posting photographs, video or comments promoting negative influences or criminal behavior including but not limited to: drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, sexual exploitation, etc. 

• Participating in any online activity that contradicts the current policies of Northern CT Hockey

• Posting any inappropriate, derogatory, racist, or sexist comments contradictory to Northern CT Hockey and USA Hockey’s policies on these matters. 

Any material, comments or actions through these mediums deemed inappropriate will be reviewed by the Northern CT Hockey Board of Directors for possible sanctions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from the program. Should a possible violation occur at a time when a Board member is not available to review, a coach has the discretion to make a decision to bench a player until such time as the violation can be reviewed by the Board. 

The Northern CT Hockey organization fully supports and will implement USA Hockey’s Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications policy as outlined in the SafeSport handbook.