social media policy

[AtlUmpSteve]

I don't have or know of a social media policy, but I have suggested to an umpire when I thought postings on messageboards (and this is one) were suggesting something other than what he intended. I know it has been suggested to me that I not post at all.

It has also been suggested to me that, since I am not the state UIC, I cannot make rulings, so I should refer any rules question to him to be answered; and I participate in several, including one I run in our area. Guess what; I still respond. But, I am careful what I say doesn't imply any more authority than I may have.

To me, the bottom line is that we are all allowed (legally) to participate in these forums, and even Facebook and Twitter; but, like anything else, we have to be careful to not be perceived as even slightly biased. If there can even be a perception, we are damned, because perception is reality to enough people. Sure, we have First Amendment rights, and can say more or less whatever we want; that doesn't mean there may not be consequences for what we do say.

As an assignor/coordinator, I feel I have to be (somewhat) receptive to what the customer perceives; if not, there is nothing that forces them to stay my customer. So, if the customer presents a cogent case that one individual is perceived as biased, that one individual may lose assignments; simply being more cautious when posting publicly can keep that from being an issue.