With the rise of social media and electronic communication, it is important for officials to understand the importance of maintaining an ethical approach while engaging in various online platforms. At the December 10, 2019 GLOA Board Meeting adopted a Social Media Policy for GLOA members. Please review these policies:
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- We all represent the officiating industry, the GHSA, the GLOA board and members, your assignors and your partners. Promote officiating in a positive light and with a general feeling of pride and professionalism. We are ambassadors for officiating.
- It is inappropriate to communicate specifics about your assignments, other officials, conferences/schools, coaches, players or any related personnel.
- It is unacceptable to carry a cell phone on the field at any time and cell phones shall not be used to determine a ruling during a contest.
- Do not engage in specific play and or ruling evaluation/commentary, whether it be of a game you worked, one that you witnessed or in general about the impact of officials in any sporting event.
- Consider that your communication may be read by anyone at any time. Even texts, email and other forms of direct communication may be made public.
- Authorized representatives of the board may post information with the board’s consent to the GLOA social media platforms. Members may repost any official communication.
Adopted from the National Association of Sports Officials and the GHSA Social Media Policy for Officials
Please note that any official who is working GHSA contests is subject to the GHSA Social Media policy.
GHSA Social Media Policy for Officials
With the increased use of social networking through the internet using cell phones and other electronic devices, it is important for officials to understand the importance of maintaining an ethical approach while participating in various forums, chat rooms, and other forms of social media.
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- To malign or openly criticize another official, coach, and/or player is considered not only unprofessional, but it also undermines sports officiating in general.
- It is considered unprofessional and unacceptable to carry a cell phone on the field/court at any time. As such, cell phones are not allowed on the court or playing field by contest officials and shall not be used to determine a ruling during the contest.
- Officials shall not communicate any information pertaining to the contest they are assigned to officiate or offer rules clarifications or interpretations on any contests through the various mediums without an expressed directive from the appropriate GHSA Office Sport Coordinator.
- Officials are encouraged to refrain from the use of electronic devices (phone calls, texting and other forms of messaging) while the official has game site jurisdiction as defined by the NFHS Rules Book. Exceptions may be made for personal and/or work-related issues and emergencies, but they must be addressed before, at halftime, after the competition has ended or between contests.
Any deviation from this policy will not be tolerated, and violators will be subject to penalties.
The GHSA expects that officials assigned to work GHSA sanctioned contests will officiate the contests within the written rules of play and GHSA Policies while maintaining the highest level of integrity and professionalism.