Social Media in Youth Sports.

Social Media in Youth Athletics

At every high school game you see cell phones everywhere. We also all know that cell phones are not just for talking anymore, they are mini computers with access to the internet at the swipe of a finger. Social Media is changing how fans have access to sports. Should high school athletes have a social media policy? Is this ethical because social media often has events spotlighted that do not happen during school?

Social media is more popular than ever and includes Facebook, twitter, and snapchat, to name a few.

As Jim Inskeep, a high school athletic director from Indiana points out, not all social media is bad. Their policy involves keeping the parents and the competing schools informed on team whereabouts involving high traffic or weather. They also view social media from the student’s perspective and uses it as   a teaching tools for students. Inskeep’s organization wants to maintain a certain standard of behavior and teaches students what is and is not appropriate on social media.

CBS News points out that student athletes are starting to learn that poor behavior on social media may cost them opportunities. Coaches are having students accounts monitored. Poor choices are costing students scholarships, and the chance to play on a college level. Coaches are looking for quality both on and off the field. 

Lamar High School has posted their social media policy online. By doing his they are giving other schools an outline for what is acceptable behavior on social media. This policy has natural consequences outline as well as what is expected by the school. They have had issues with social media both with athletes and not athletes. Having rules helps everyone know what the expectations are and what will happen if the rules are not followed.  

I believe that in this day and age a social media policy is essential to keeping students safe. Clear rules establish boundaries. Social media can save time and help people have meetings without being in the same room. This could help coaches and parents stay connected if they can not all be there after practice. But social media is not a place to complain about a coach or request more playing time.  

A social media policy is ethical because part of being a coach is teaching what is acceptable. A just like the rules on the court are important the rules off the court are important. They should line up with each other so the athlete and the team are ready for the game.