I. Introduction
This policy is applicable for contestants and volunteers (users) of a Miss / Teen Alabama Volunteer local franchise and the state pageant finals of the Miss Alabama Volunteer Pageant, (“Pageant”), a nonprofit operating under the laws of the State of Alabama.
The Internet provides a source of information that can benefit every User in the program. Therefore, it is the policy of the Pageant that Users who participate in the program and access the Internet, whether doing business for the Pageant or for personal use, should practice safe, lawful, ethical, moral and proper internet practices, and agree to the conditions and requirements of this policy.
The Pageant has a responsibility to help make the Internet a safe, secure and productive information and communication tool for our sponsors, staff, participants, volunteers and users. All Internet Users must agree to this policy and positively affirm, attest and swear with a signature. The statement will be filed with your records and other paperwork.
II. Policy Overview
This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to help all Users understand the Pageant's requirements and expectations for the use of, as applicable, the Internet and all its components including, but not limited to, electronic mail (e-mail), the World Wide Web (Web), newsgroups, blogs, message boards and all social media sites and platforms.
The Internet is a communication tool. All Users are required to properly and appropriately use the Internet. Proper use requires that Users respect all copyrights, software licensing rules, property rights, and the privacy of others. Users may not use the Internet for any purpose that would reflect negatively on the Pageant, its officers, directors, staff, volunteers or Board members, any other User, Pageant officers, directors, staff, volunteers, Board members or sponsor, past or present.
Unlawful or inappropriate Internet usage may damage the reputation of the User or others and expose the Pageant to legal liabilities.
Internet usage, whether by e-mail, newsgroups, social networking groups, text messages, group chats, chat sessions, or otherwise, may be seen by millions of other Users, and forwarded or retained electronically by any number of them. Therefore, Users may not make any comment that may be misrepresented as being the Pageant's position unless empowered to make such a comment.
III. Policy Provisions
A. The Pageant may periodically monitor User websites and any of the social networking sites.
B. The purposeful display of any kind of sexually explicit or discriminatory (as it pertains to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, political beliefs, receipt of financial aid, or disability) image, words or document by a contestant is a violation of this policy.
1. Other inappropriate uses of the Internet include:
a. Uploading, downloading, or otherwise knowingly accessing or transmitting in any fashion: a. abusive, hateful, degrading, demeaning, derogatory or defamatory materials, information, or communications. Emphasis is added as it pertains to race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or disability.
b. pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, or vulgar materials, information, or communications.
c. any confidential records of the Pageant, its volunteers, staff, Board members, directors, sponsors, or contestants, without authority to do so. Contestants must know what is and is not acceptable.
d. any materials or programs, including access and registration codes, which are in violation of copyright protections.
e. any rude or abusive language, or negative characterizations of others or of the Pageant.
f. any virus, worm, Trojan horse, trapdoor program code or other destructive program.
g. any attempt to disable or overload any computer system or to circumvent any system intended to protect the privacy or security of another User.
2. Sending e-mail or otherwise transmitting anything anonymously or under an alias unless authorized.
3. Engaging in any other activity restricted by local, state, federal, or international laws. The Pageant will cooperate with any legitimate law enforcement activity to identify and prosecute Users who violate the Policy and applicable law.
C. Personal views may not be presented as though they are that of the Pageant. Unless specifically authorized and as necessary in the performance of your duties, Users may not speak or write in the name of the Pageant. Contestants may not use the Internet for any unauthorized endorsement or appearance of endorsement by the Pageant of any commercial product or service not endorsed by the Pageant.
D. All outgoing e-mail and postings, by any User, to newsgroups, chat groups, blogs, message boards, etc., must be reviewed just as though it were traditional correspondence. Improper spelling and gram- mar reflect poorly on the professional image of the Pageant, its volunteers and sponsors.
E. Contestants may participate in newsgroups, chat sessions, and e-mail discussion groups (blogs) so long as not in violation of this Policy. If personal opinions are expressed, a disclaimer should be included clearly indicating that this is not an official pageant position.
