Social media provides valuable opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and discuss greyhound racing. GRV supports genuine discussion, debate and criticism. The new Social Media and Digital Platforms Policy is not intended to prevent registered persons from expressing a view.
The policy sets standards for online conduct connected with greyhound racing. It applies to public and private communications across social media, forums, blogs, websites, messaging services, email, livestreaming, podcasting, gaming platforms and similar digital services. It may apply even when a person posts anonymously, uses an alias or does not identify their connection with the industry.
Registered persons must not create, post, share, send, promote, link to or react positively to content that bullies, harasses, threatens, abuses, discriminates against or defames others. The policy also covers content that breaches privacy or confidentiality, impersonates others, spreads false or unsubstantiated information, discloses protected information, or interferes with events or GRV’s regulatory functions.
The key message is straightforward: you may challenge the issue, not the person. Before responding, consider whether the content is factual, accurate and necessary, whether it addresses the issue rather than targeting an individual, and whether you would be comfortable saying it face to face or explaining it to a Steward.
Registered persons are responsible for content published through their accounts and should keep their accounts secure. A breach of the policy is a breach of the Rules of Racing and may result in investigation and disciplinary action, depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the conduct. Depending on the comment, matters that may be considered a criminal offence, will be referred to Victoria Police.
These matters are taken seriously because online conduct can cause real harm to individuals, interfere with GRV’s ability to regulate the sport, and damage the integrity, reputation and public confidence of greyhound racing. The new policy provides a clear and consistent basis for addressing that conduct while protecting genuine discussion and criticism.
Watch the short education video, read the participant fact sheet and review the full policy below.