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From IndyCar: INDYCAR SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

In the rapidly expanding world of electronic communication, social media can mean many things. Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with INDYCAR, as well as any other form of electronic communication. The most common forms of social media are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Even though these forums may seem informal, as a Competitor or Official of INDYCAR you are still expected to act professionally at all times. For that reason, the same principles and guidelines found in the Rule Book and three basic beliefs apply to your activities online. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what you post online. Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects INDYCAR or other Members may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

Know if this policy applies to me

This policy applies to INDYCAR Competitors and Officials. A Competitor is a Driver, Entrant, crew member, Manufacturer or any other individual or entity who is a Member and participates competitively in an Event. An Official is any and all authorized INDYCAR officers, employees, agents, representatives, and subcontractors. INDYCAR reserves the right to apply the policy to other Members as it deems appropriate in its discretion.

Know and follow the rules

Carefully read these guidelines, as well as the Rule Book, and ensure your postings are consistent with these policies. Inappropriate postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

Be respectful

Always be fair and courteous to fellow Members. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to resolve complaints by speaking directly with your fellow Members than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid using statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, that disparage Members or that might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion or any other status protected by law, rule or policy.

Be honest and accurate

Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered. Remember that the Internet archives almost everything; therefore, even deleted postings can be searched. Posts are “on the record” and available to the media, public, and business partners and subject to discovery in litigation matters. Never post any information or rumors that you know to be false about INDYCAR or fellow Members.

Post only appropriate and respectful content

– Maintain the confidentiality of INDYCAR and other Members’ trade secrets and private or confidential information. Trades secrets may include information regarding the development of systems, processes, products, know-how and technology. Do not post internal reports, policies, procedures or other internal business-related confidential communications.

– Respect financial disclosure laws. It is illegal to communicate or give a “tip” on inside information to others so that they may buy or sell stocks or securities. Such online conduct may also violate the Insider Trading Policy.

– Do not create a link from your blog, website or other social networking site to an INDYCAR or fellow Member’s website without identifying yourself as an INDYCAR Competitor or Official.

– Express only your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for INDYCAR or a fellow Member. Never use any others logos, trademarks or copyrighted materials without consent. If INDYCAR is a subject of the content you are creating, be clear and open about the fact that you are a Member and make it clear that your views do not represent those of INDYCAR or fellow Members. If you do publish a blog or post online related to the work you do or subjects associated with INDYCAR, make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of INDYCAR. It is best to include a disclaimer such as “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INDYCAR.”

– When an incident occurs on track, information on who is involved and what their condition is becomes extremely sensitive. Members may not use social media to comment on the identities of the drivers or other Members in the medical center and their conditions. The official social media channels of INDYCAR (listed below) will only comment on such subjects after word from INDYCAR Public Relations.

Retaliation is prohibited

INDYCAR prohibits taking negative action against any Member for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any Member who retaliates against another Member for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Media contacts

Members should not speak to the media on the company’s behalf without contacting the Public Relations department. All media inquiries should be directed to it. The official social media accounts of INDYCAR are the @IndyCar & @ IndyCarPR Twitter, and IndyCar Series Facebook. The official social media accounts of the Mazda Road to Indy are @USF2000, @ProMazda and @IndyLights, as well as the USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights Facebook pages. Official news should begin on these accounts.

For more information

If you have questions or need further guidance, please contact [redacted for privacy].

Of course, nothing in these social media policy is meant to discourage Members from exercising their rights to use social media. Social media plays an integral role in reaching out to and growing our fan base. It is a way to give fans direct interaction with INDYCAR , drivers, teams, tracks and sponsors. This policy, if used correctly, will only enhance and brighten this experience for all parties involved.