Social Media and Digital Communications Policy

At the Wilmington Seahawks Hockey Association Inc. (WSHA), we recognize that digital communication—including social media platforms, team apps, and sports portals like Crossbar—is an integral part of youth sports. While these tools enhance communication and community-building, they also carry risks and responsibilities. This policy outlines expectations for all players, parents/guardians, coaches, and volunteers regarding online behavior to ensure a positive, respectful, safe and development-focused environment aligned with USA Hockey and SafeSport standards. For the complete USA Hockey and SafeSport policies, please review the Handbook at this link.

Respectful and Responsible Online Behavior: All WSHA participants are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship, respect, and integrity across all digital platforms, including but not limited to:

• Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, etc.
• Group chats, text messages, and direct messages
• Team and organizational tools, such as Crossbar, TeamSnap, etc.

Player group chats should be supervised by an adult to mitigate risks of bullying, sexual misconduct, harassment, threats, discrimination and other inappropriate conduct that may violate WSHA policies and/or USA Hockey policies.

Players, parents/guardians, coaches, and volunteers will not: 

• Post, share, or comment on any content that is offensive, threatening, discriminatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate.
• Engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation of any kind—towards teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, or league representatives.
• Publicly criticize or make disparaging comments about coaches, teammates, officials, referees, league administrators, or other players.
• Disclose sensitive team information or private matters related to players or families.

Crossbar and Team Communication: Crossbar is the official platform used by WSHA for scheduling, team communication, and important announcements. All members are expected to:

• Use the platform respectfully and only for team-related communication.
• Avoid sharing negative or off-topic commentary in team chats or forums.
• Refrain from excessive messaging, especially late at night or early morning.
• Ensure all communication reflects our values of sportsmanship, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Coaches and team managers may monitor communication channels and will address any inappropriate content or behavior promptly.

Locker Rooms and Phone Use: Per USA Hockey and SafeSport guidelines, the use of phones and other recording devices is strictly prohibited in locker rooms. This includes:

• Taking photos or videos
• Voice recording
• Making calls or sending messages
• Accessing social media apps

Phones must remain in players' bags or designated phone drop areas during practices, games, and team meetings.

Compliance with USA Hockey and SafeSport: This policy is in alignment with USA Hockey’s Social Media, Mobile, and Electronic Communications Policy, as well as SafeSport guidance, which includes:

• Zero tolerance for harassment or abuse (verbal, physical, or online)
• Clear expectations for digital communication between adults and minors
• Mandatory reporting of any misconduct, abuse, or violations of policy

All players, parents/guardians, coaches, and volunteers must complete the required SafeSport training and acknowledge understanding of digital communication rules.

Disciplinary Action: Any violation of this Social Media & Crossbar Policy may result in disciplinary measures, including but not limited to:

• Restricted access to devices
• Verbal or written warnings
• Removal of access to team communication platforms
• Suspension from team activities
• Review and action by the WSHA Board and/or Discipline Committee

All reports of inappropriate online behavior will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with WSHA’s Incident Reporting & Investigation Policy and USA Hockey guidelines. Reports may be made using our Incident Reporting Form at this link or by emailing Board@juniorseahawks.org..

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the WSHA Social Media & Digital Communications Policy.

Together, we can create a community that celebrates the joy of hockey, a place to learn valuable life skills, and an environment where players feel encouraged, respected, and inspired to grow as athletes and individuals. Let’s work together to make every moment on and off the ice a memorable one for our young athletes.