19: Guidance Notes (Judging of Neuter Classes

Policy

Whenever Dogs Queensland members and employees are interacting on Social Media, whether in an official or personal capacity, the following applies at all times: • Members are required to abide by the Constitution & Rules, including the Codes of Ethics and applicable Policies; • Members are expected to act in a way which falls within the community expectations of good and appropriate behaviour and manners; • Members must be polite and respectful in their dealings with ANKC Ltd and its member Bodies, staff, members, affiliates and their members, and any other related parties, including Judges. • Members must respond to the opinions of others in a civil and respectful manner; • Members must not make defamatory, disparaging, degrading or derogatory comments about ANKC Ltd and its member bodies, staff, members, affiliated bodies and their members, any other related parties, or any domestic or international Judges, either expressly or implicitly; • Members must not engage in harassment, bullying or intimidation towards any person or organisation; • Members must not discriminate, disparage or make derogatory comments about any person on the basis of their race, age, religion or sexual preference; • Members must not make derogatory or disparaging comments in relation to the dogs of another member of Dogs Queensland or any of its affiliates, or that would be perceived as being derogatory or disparaging against dogs of another member of Dogs Queensland or any members of its affiliates; • Members must not utilise abusive, profane, obscene or sexually explicit language or material; • Members must obtain written permission from Dogs Queensland before posting any content on any Social Media platform to make statements or comments on behalf of Dogs Queensland or which could be construed to be attributed to Dogs Queensland or before using the Dogs Queensland logo.

Social Media Communications – Private v Public

Posts, private messages and comments on social media platforms constitute a publication. Private messages and communications are not necessarily confidential. There is an inherent risk that posts and comments on social media may be shared or disseminated by the recipients and then others.

Complaints Process

Members can make complaints about the misuse of social media under Dogs Queensland’s formal Complaints Procedure.

Consequences of non-compliance

Breach of the Social Media Policy constitutes a breach of the Rules. Misuse of social media can have serious consequences for Dogs Queensland, its affiliated bodies, staff and members.

Freedom of Speech (to the extent that this exists) does not mean freedom from consequences.

Disciplinary action may be taken against members who misuse social media. Depending on the nature and/or seriousness of the breach, this may be referred to the Board, the Breaches Panel and/or the Police. Consequences of disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, issue of a formal warning, suspension or termination of membership.