Section 14: 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 blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity website, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE, as well as any other form of electronic communication. The most common forms of social media are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Even though these forums may seem informal, as a Competitor or Official of METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE you are still expected to act professionally at all times. For that reason, the same principles and guidelines found in the 2016 Official Series Guide Book (“Rule Book”) apply to your activities online. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what is posted online. Before creating online content yourself and/or allowing others the ability to post online content for you, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Be aware that actions deemed financially harmful to Metropolitan Sports Committee, there tracks, riders, officials or others may cause person who posted harmful content to be liable either financially, criminally or both. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE, other Members, or others may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

Know if this policy applies to me:

This policy applies to METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE Competitors and Officials. A Competitor is a Rider, 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 METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE officers, employees, agents, representatives, and subcontractors. METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE reserves the right to apply the policy to other Members as it deems appropriate. In such case, METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE will provide such New and Existing Members access to the policy via METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE’s website: www.mscmotocross.com/

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 others. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to resolve complaints by speaking directly with others 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 others 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 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, sponsors, and other business partners and subject to discovery in litigation matters. Never post any rumors, speculation or information about METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE or others until an official announcement, release or other post by official social media accounts has been made to the public and media. Post only appropriate and respectful content. Maintain the confidentiality of METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE 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. Do not create a link from your blog, website or other social networking site to an METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE or fellow Member’s website without identifying yourself as an METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE Competitor or Official.

Express only your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE or a fellow Member. Never use any others logos, trademarks or copyrighted materials without consent. If METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE 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 METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE or fellow Members. If you do publish a blog or post online related to the work you do or subjects associated with METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE, make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE. 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 METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE.”

When an incident occurs, information concerning the incident becomes extremely sensitive. Members may not use social media to comment on the identities, condition or other medical information of the Riders, crew members, other Members or others involved in the incident prior to an official update from METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE Communications. In addition, during any time of emergency at the racetrack, do not post on any information to social media account(s) until the situation has been resolved and an official update has been made by METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE Communications. The official social media channels of METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE (listed below) will only comment on such subjects after word from METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE Communications. Retaliation is prohibited. METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE prohibits taking negative action against any Member or other for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any Member who retaliates against another Member or other for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including indefinite suspension.

Media contacts

Members should not speak to the media on the company’s behalf without contacting the METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE Communications department. All media inquiries should be directed to it. The official social media accounts of METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE are the @MSCMotocross Twitter, and MSC MX Series Facebook. Official news should begin on these accounts.

Policy Modifications

METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE reserves the right to modify this policy as it deems appropriate in its discretion.

For more information

If you have questions or need further guidance, please contact James Slaughter, Chairman, at chairman@mscmotocross.com

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 METROPOLITAN SPORTS COMMITTEE, riders, teams, tracks,and sponsors. This policy, if used correctly, will only enhance and brighten this experience for all parties involved.