USSF Social Media Guide

USSF SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE

U.S. Soccer Federation

Social Media Guidelines – Professional Officials

Background

U.S. Soccer understands that participating in social media networks such as blogs, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter can be a positive way for officials to interact with fans and/or media. However, all U.S. Soccer officials are expected to understand what is considered acceptable and what is not when engaging social media networking and activities.

In recent years, fans, the media and even sponsors have become more aware and involved in the social media content space as it relates to officials. Due to that increased awareness, you are open to scrutiny and need to ensure that any interaction with social media is done with care and sound judgment to avoid portraying yourself, or U.S. Soccer, in an unflattering or negative light.

U.S. Soccer has outlined a set of guidelines addressing acceptable usage of social media networks. All officials are expected to follow these guidelines. Included in these guidelines are tips to consider when engaging in social med

Definition

Throughout this document, the words “participate in” or “engage in” or “use” social media networks are utilized. These words are in reference to any communication or interaction with an individual or group of other people that is disseminated through any web or mobile-based platform. These platforms include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, as well as any blog or other open, invitation-only or subscription-based service that provides a forum for others to view comments or posts created by an individual or group of users in which the author is identifiable.

Social Media Guidelines

· During professional or international games, officials are prohibited from participating in social media (writing a blog entry, updating your Facebook status, tweeting a message, etc.). For the purpose of this rule, “during games” means the period of time beginning on the arrival to the stadium before for the match and ending after departing the stadium after the match.

· Do not discuss confidential information through social media content. This includes information about teams, schedules, lineups, rosters, injuries, coaching decisions, security details or any other internal federation or league discussions. If you are not sure if the information you would like to share is considered inappropriate or confidential, check with theU.S. Soccer CommunicationsDepartment.

· Do not post information that has not yet been announced by FIFA,CONCACAF,U.S.Soccer, Canadian Soccer Association, Major League Soccer, Women’s Professional Soccer or any other professional soccer organization. An example is posting on Facebook “Can’t wait for the game inNew York” for an upcoming event or game that will take place inNew Yorkbefore U.S. Soccer has officially announced the game to fans and media. Note: this may be particularly important when U.S. Soccer may have obligations to media or sponsors for exclusive coverage of the announcement.

· Do not post pictures via social media that could put you, colleagues, staff, coaches or players in poor light, or reveal confidential information. This includes photos that may reveal the location of the officiating team, which, in some cases, can be a security concern (e.g.: a photo of yourself clearly displaying the official’s hotel in a city which would reveal where the team is staying).

· We strongly advise that you do not offer opinions on games, players, administrators, rules, etc. Exhibiting any bias publicly could open you up to scrutiny.

· Any social media activities sponsored or supported by a third party must be cleared with U.S. Soccer prior to participating at any time.

· Any questions as to what you can/cannot share and when that information is allowed to be shared should be directed to theU.S. Soccer CommunicationsDepartment.

Social Media Tips

· Be yourself and speak in first person. However, be aware that you are always connected with FIFA,CONCACAF,U.S.Soccer, Canadian Soccer Association, Major League Soccer,Women’s Professional Soccer and any other professional soccer organization. Be considerate of that association and ensure that the content you create is consistent with your work as a professional official.

· You are personally responsible for the content you publish on any social media platform. The information is public, so please protect your privacy.

· Be sure to pay attention for changes in security and privacy settings on sites like Facebook, and verify your privacy settings often.

· Likewise, becoming part of any ‘group’ can allow unintended access to your personal page. Review and implement the necessary privacy settings for groups as well.

· Along with being cognizant of the photos you post, make sure the photos other people post of you via social media do not put you in unflattering or compromising positions. Photos can easily be shared on the internet, increasing the chances for people to see them. Be diligent to remove any unbecoming photos as soon as possible.

· Photos on social media sites almost never get taken down, even if you remove them from your personal page or ‘untag’ yourself from photos posted by others. The best way to ensure that a photo is removed from a site is to delete it from your page and/or ask someone who has posted an unwanted photo to remove it from their page as well.

· Be mindful of people attempting to obtain confidential officiating information about training, pre-game preparation, injuries, etc. If you tweet or post on Facebook that “REFEREE X is injured,” people may believe that REFEREE X is not 100 percent fit and it could create a rumor that will need to be dispelled.

· Where appropriate, use a disclaimer to make it clear that what you say is representative of your own opinions or beliefs and not necessarily those of FIFA,CONCACAF,U.S.Soccer, Canadian Soccer Association, Major League Soccer and Women’s Professional Soccer. This is especially true if you maintain a blog or website, which is a more permanent medium than other types of social media platforms.

· Engaging in social media is just like being interviewed – you are personally responsible for the content you publish on social media. Be mindful that what you publish will be public, so don’t say anything online that you would not say to a media member.

· Assume that everything you write can and will be viewed by any fan, player, coach, manager, colleague, etc.

· The ability to engage in social media with hand-held devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc) has improved the accessibility and increased the speed in which you can interact or respond online. However, before writing something and having it go out to the world for all to see, we encourage you take a moment to think about the possible repercussions of your words.

· While it is fine to interact via social media with supporters, colleagues and even fans, avoid engaging in negative dialogue about performances or respond negatively to criticism.

· Do not allow anyone to engage in social media using your name, such as allowing someone to send tweets from your twitter account. Set up a password and guard it as closely as you would with your debit bank card pin number.

· Get your account verified by Twitter to establish authenticity so users can trust that the tweets coming from account are coming from you. U.S. Soccer has connections at Twitter and can help you get a “Verified Badge” to go on your account to eliminate any identity confusion.

· Respect the privacy of other professional officials. While it’s fine to discuss general topics about work, travel, etc., be careful not to provide information about others without their knowledge or approval.

· Make sure to respect your audience. Don’t use foul language, personal insults, racial slurs and stay away from topics that may be considered inflammatory – such as religion or politics.

Summary

Social media is a widely used, fun and entertaining method for keeping in touch with and engaging friends, colleagues, and people with similar interests and even fans, and we encourage you be involved in these networks. At the same time, we want you to be aware that your association with U.S. Soccer not only opens you up to an increased level of scrutiny but also exposes U.S. Soccer due to your association.

We ask that you keep this in mind when engaging in social media and follow the guidelines that are set forth in this document. When in doubt, please reach out to the Communications Department for guidance on what is and is not acceptable.