social media policy

[BuggBob]

Do any of you guys have a social media policy? One of our umpires was chatting on facebook with a player from team A, and a player from team B was listening (watching) in. The conversation was mostly friendly, but did dwell on the coming tournament which the umpire would be working. He wished the player A good luck and told them that he expected to see them in the championship game as all the other teams weren't as good. You can imagine the listening in player B was not happy. (S)he sent me, via her league, a copy of the whole conversation. I think the umpire was out of line, but then still think "Op Sec" and try to not pass too much info on an open channel. So the question is how do you balance 1st Amendment rights against the good of the association? This conversation has cast a bias on all of us (umpires in my association).

Bugg

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BuggBob

Do any of you guys have a social media policy? One of our umpires was chatting on facebook with a player from team A, and a player from team B was listening (watching) in. The conversation was mostly friendly, but did dwell on the coming tournament which the umpire would be working. He wished the player A good luck and told them that he expected to see them in the championship game as all the other teams weren't as good. You can imagine the listening in player B was not happy. (S)he sent me, via her league, a copy of the whole conversation. I think the umpire was out of line, but then still think "Op Sec" and try to not pass too much info on an open channel. So the question is how do you balance 1st Amendment rights against the good of the association? This conversation has cast a bias on all of us (umpires in my association).

Bugg

IMO, this is an over reaction. It is common conversation especially in smaller communities where everyone knows everyone else. And recognition of a team and their skills is biased in what manner? Are you telling me that umpires don't know who the better teams are? In most cases, the know better than anyone else as they are an unbiased witness to the plays and games.

To go a step further, I'm not saying that if an official made a comment showing actual bias that it would not be addressed, but according to what you posted, the umpire did nothing more than wish a player luck with an observation of the overall tournament roster.

But to answer your question, no.

[Dakota]

At most a reminder to the umpires in your association that social media is public communication might be in order. Would this umpire have said the same things directly behind another team's bench? If not, then the same common sense that would keep him from doing that should have kept him from having the conversation on social media.

But, I agree with Mike, this does not show bias; insensitivity, perhaps, but not bias.

[DeputyUICHousto]

Just because the umpire made note that one team's skills were better than others does not mean he will be making biased calls. Also, its a public forum, if you don't like what you read on it then don't go there. You're just as free to post in a public forum as well as not.

Grow up.

[NCASAUmp]

I still think it's wise to at least remind people to be somewhat careful with what they post publicly online. Anything can be blown out of proportion, and with our credibility on the line, it's a good personal policy to have. As such, there have been instances in which I've had to bite my tongue every now and then, holding back my actual opinion on various matters. Things, for better or worse, can easily get pushed up the chain of command within local and national associations.

I don't think this umpire was out of line. In fact, nowhere near the line. I always wish teams the best of luck. Big effin' deal.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I still think it's wise to at least remind people to be somewhat careful with what they post publicly online. Anything can be blown out of proportion,...

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[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I still think it's wise to at least remind people to be somewhat careful with what they post publicly online. Anything can be blown out of proportion, and with our credibility on the line, it's a good personal policy to have.

Well, you know what, I'm tired of having to ajust my life to make up for another's stupidity, ignorance or just out right lack of a brain.