OFFICIATING AND SOCIAL MEDIA (compiled from various sources)

While the use of social media can be a great tool for connecting with friends and staying in touch with the family and colleagues, officials should remain aware of their public nature.  With that in mind, here are a few recommendations for those that use social media.

DO: 

• Use social media to connect with your fellow officials (there is a Snohomish County Basketball Officials group on Facebook).
• Use social media as a recruiting tool.
• Share your enjoyment of officiating ("Had a great time refereeing tonight!")
• Assume that EVERYTHING is public.
• Think twice before you post - if you're not sure, DON'T!
• Keep it positive.

DON'T: 

• Post any negative or disparaging comments about anybody involved in the game:  Players, Coaches, Schools, Fans or Fellow Officials.
• Advertise where you are officiating before or after the game.
• Be a "cheerleader" for any school, team, coach or player.
• Post specifics about games, whether good or bad.
• Post ANYTHING after you had a rough game.
• Post details about other official's assignments.

Remember that accountability and integrity should always be our guiding principles.  Jeopardizing your impartiality or professionalism should never be a part of your actions or posts.   Just like on the floor, how we are perceived matters!  Even if you don't mean to insult somebody, if that person feels insulted, the damage is done.

RULE OF THUMB:   Would you be comfortable if what you are about to post ends up on the front page of tomorrow's Herald?  Would your fellow officials?