These days, social networks are a part of everyday life for billions of people across the planet. Of course, it is an individual’s right to use such sites as they wish, within the bounds of legal acceptability. However, where football and refereeing matters are concerned, there are reasonable expectations associated with your position and standing within the game as a Match Official. You might be surprised to read that The FA has to regularly take disciplinary action against referees from all levels of the game. The reason? Referees using social media to criticise, insult and even abuse other referees, clubs, managers, players, assessors and County FA officials.
As a referee you need to understand that every comment, or opinion posted on social network sites instantly enters the public domain. In other words, what you post on social (media) is no different from comments published in a newspaper or quotes reported on television or radio. If you place potentially sensitive or critical comments about colleagues, players or clubs on social media (or e-mail for that matter), you essentially lose control of where it goes or who might see it. Almost every time The FA contacts a referee about an inappropriate social media comment, the response is: “It was only a playful chat with friends. It wasn’t meant to become public”.
Take note: if it’s posted, it’s public. This means it’s out there. It seems there’s always someone prepared to forward critical comments to the football authorities. The motive isn’t always clear, but the consequences are.
As a Match Official at any level of the game, you have a responsibility to conduct yourself in a professional manner, on and off the field of play. Inappropriate use of any social media site (or email service) could leave you open to criticism, comment, ridicule or even a disciplinary charge. The message is simple: enjoy social media, but always use it wisely. Think carefully before posting on any social network site. The FA doesn’t want you to jeopardise your position as a Match Official by a moment of social media madness. It happens. Don’t let it happen to you.
As a referee you need to understand that every comment, or opinion posted on social network sites instantly enters the public domain. In other words, what you post on social (media) is no different from comments published in a newspaper or quotes reported on television or radio. If you place potentially sensitive or critical comments about colleagues, players or clubs on social media (or e-mail for that matter), you essentially lose control of where it goes or who might see it. Almost every time The FA contacts a referee about an inappropriate social media comment, the response is: “It was only a playful chat with friends. It wasn’t meant to become public”.
Take note: if it’s posted, it’s public. This means it’s out there. It seems there’s always someone prepared to forward critical comments to the football authorities. The motive isn’t always clear, but the consequences are.
As a Match Official at any level of the game, you have a responsibility to conduct yourself in a professional manner, on and off the field of play. Inappropriate use of any social media site (or email service) could leave you open to criticism, comment, ridicule or even a disciplinary charge. The message is simple: enjoy social media, but always use it wisely. Think carefully before posting on any social network site. The FA doesn’t want you to jeopardise your position as a Match Official by a moment of social media madness. It happens. Don’t let it happen to you.
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