Social Media Policy

LDTR uses social media to share news, promote events, celebrate our community and engage with riders at Lysterfield Park and beyond. Our social media channels are a reflection of our club values — inclusivity, respect and a love of mountain biking.

This policy applies to:

• All official LDTR social media accounts and online platforms
• LDTR committee members, ride leaders, instructors and volunteers acting in a club capacity
• Members and community participants who engage with LDTR’s official channels

This policy should be read alongside LDTR’s Child Safety Policy and the AusCycling Code of Behaviour.

LDTR’s official social media presence includes our Facebook page, Instagram account and any other platforms managed by the LDTR Committee. These channels are the only accounts authorised to represent LDTR officially online.

Volunteers, ride leaders and members must not create unofficial accounts, pages or groups that imply they represent LDTR without prior approval from the Committee.

All content published on official LDTR channels is reviewed and approved by an authorised committee member or designated social media administrator.

Everyone engaging with LDTR’s social media is expected to behave in a way that reflects the values of our club. This means:

• Being respectful and inclusive in all comments and interactions
• Welcoming riders of all abilities, ages, genders and backgrounds
• Not posting content that is offensive, discriminatory, harassing or defamatory
• Not making personal attacks on other members, volunteers, event organisers or sponsors
• Not sharing misinformation about LDTR, its programs, trail conditions or events
• Not using LDTR’s platforms to promote personal businesses, political views or unrelated causes without Committee approval

LDTR reserves the right to remove any comment or content that breaches these standards, and to restrict or block users who repeatedly violate this policy.

LDTR’s official channels focus on content that is relevant, positive and community-centred. This includes:

• Upcoming events, rides and programs
• Trail conditions and park updates
• Race results and event recaps
• Trail building and volunteer activities
• Club milestones, achievements and member stories
• Sponsor acknowledgements and partnership announcements

LDTR will not share content that is politically partisan, commercially motivated (beyond acknowledged sponsorships), or that could embarrass the club, its members or its partners.

Content shared on LDTR’s channels is the property of LDTR or has been shared with permission. We aim to credit photographers and content creators where possible.

LDTR regularly captures and shares photos and videos from rides, events and trail builds. By participating in LDTR events and programs, participants acknowledge that photographs or video may be taken and shared on LDTR’s official channels.

If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify the event organiser or ride leader prior to the activity.

LDTR will not tag individuals in photos without their consent. If you are tagged in a photo and wish to be untagged, please contact us and we will action your request promptly.

Members and volunteers who take photographs at LDTR events are encouraged to share images with the club for use on our channels, and by doing so grant LDTR permission to publish those images.

LDTR is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of children and young people on our social media platforms. We apply the following standards to all content involving minors:

• Photographs or videos of children under 18 will only be shared with explicit written consent from a parent or guardian
• Children will not be identified by full name in captions or tags without parental consent
• LDTR will never publish content that could be used to locate or identify a child outside of a club context
• LDTR volunteers must not use official or personal social media to communicate directly with children under 18 outside of public club channels

Any concern about inappropriate online contact involving a child should be reported to the LDTR Committee immediately. Refer to the Child Safety Policy for reporting obligations.

If you witness behaviour on LDTR’s social media channels that you believe breaches this policy — including harassment, offensive content or inappropriate contact involving a young person — please report it to the LDTR Committee via our website contact form.

All reports will be reviewed promptly and in confidence. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Where content involves a child safety risk, LDTR will also follow the reporting obligations set out in the Child Safety Policy, including notifying Victoria Police where required.

Breaches of this policy may result in:

• Removal of the offending content from LDTR’s platforms
• A formal warning from the LDTR Committee
• Temporary or permanent removal from LDTR’s social media communities
• Suspension or termination of membership
• Referral to AusCycling’s Member Protection processes
• Referral to relevant authorities where the breach involves unlawful behaviour

The LDTR Committee will assess each breach on a case-by-case basis and apply consequences proportionate to the seriousness of the behaviour.

This policy is reviewed annually by the LDTR Committee and may be updated to reflect changes in platform behaviour, legislation or community standards.