WSF Urges Social Media Caution
from DailySquashReport.com

January 4, 2013 - The World Squash Federation is urging the squash community to exercise caution when using social media.

In its January newsletter, the WSF issued the following:

SOCIAL MEDIA, CAUTION NEEDED

Whether you are a player, organiser, referee, coach,
administrator or volunteer you will need to balance
the benefits of instant and wide communication
afforded by social media with the care of use needed
with the medium.

This guideline will help you avoid issues.

Social media communications are public statements
at all times — even if created with private intentions.
If you are going to use social media in any form,
remember that your communication may be read by
anyone at anytime.

Once you have put something online, there is almost
no taking it back and it is almost impossible to
delete.

Your personal reputation and those you mention can
be affected by what you say. Be respectful to others,
organisations, companies and the sport.

Always remember that anything said that is untrue
could result in legal action at its most serious, in
addition to breaching the WSF Code of Conduct
(Article 2. General Behaviour. B. Disrepute).

Be aware that uploaded photos may be taken out of
context and used by other people or the media so if
you are not happy for the image to be shared
publicly, don’t put it online.

Be careful in sharing any personal information. Adjust
your security settings accordingly.

Be mindful that communications and links made need
to be considered appropriate by others. This is
especially true in all ‘friending’ actions.

If you are a player, referee or coach (and also
generally for others):

· Promote playing and officiating in a positive
manner in a way that does not reflect badly or
impugn others.

· The same ethical restrictions that apply to any
form of public speech also apply to social media.
It is inappropriate to communicate specifics about
your matches played, coached or officiated where
they may cause issues for opponents, referees,
coaches or any related personnel.

· Communications between yourselves as players,
coaches or referees should be done privately and
not through the use of social media. Be mindful
that emails and other forms of direct
communication can be transmitted onwards.

General Suggestions for Usage:

Respect secrecy and privacy. Think how you will feel
if private information about you is published and take
care with the rights of others.

Use humour to amuse, not offend.

Remember that there are young and old using social
media so foul or abusive language should be
avoided.

If you make a mistake, admit it quickly and
apologise.

Take a moment to consider whether you will create
issues for others or yourself before you press ‘send’.