This policy aims to:

• Promote a positive and supportive online environment for all TYFA participants.

• Protect the reputation of TYFA, its member organizations, and its athletes.

• Encourage responsible and respectful communication on social media.

• Provide guidance for addressing inappropriate social media behavior.

While we acknowledge that we cannot directly control all social media activity, we strongly encourage all TYFA members organizations (parents, coaches, volunteers, and athletes) to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Respectful Communication:

• Refrain from posting any content that is disrespectful, offensive, or derogatory towards other teams, coaches, players, officials, or TYFA itself.

• Avoid engaging in "trash talk" or any form of online bullying or harassment.

• Remember that your online actions reflect on your team, your organization, and TYFA.

• Think before you post. Once it is posted, it is very hard to remove.

2. Positive Representation:

• Use social media to celebrate the achievements of your team and individual athletes in a positive and constructive manner.

• Focus on promoting good sportsmanship and teamwork.

• Share positive stories and experiences related to TYFA activities.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality:

• Be mindful of the privacy of others, especially children.

• Avoid posting personal information or sensitive content without consent.

• Do not share confidential information about TYFA or its member organizations.

4. Addressing Concerns:

• If you encounter inappropriate social media content related to TYFA, please report it to your local organization's leadership or to TYFA at helpdesk@tyfa.com.

• Avoid engaging in public disputes on social media. Instead, address concerns through appropriate channels.

5. Organizational Responsibility:

• TYFA member organizations are encouraged to educate their volunteers and parents about this social media policy.

• Organizations should address instances of inappropriate social media behavior promptly and fairly.

• We encourage each organization to create their own social media policy that coincides with the TYFA policy.

• We strongly recommend that coaches and organization leaders proactively communicate these guidelines to parents and volunteers at the beginning of each season with their parents, volunteers and athletes.

• Consider hosting meetings or information sessions on responsible social media use.

• Encourage positive social media engagement by sharing team photos, highlights, and achievements.