Does This Sport Need Social Media Policies?

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Does This Sport Need Social Media Policies?

By: Pete MacDonald

Yesterday the internet was set ablaze when Ransomville Speedway posted on this on their website:

Regarding social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Message Boards, Etc.

After the 2015 season Ransomville Speedway has felt that we need to address the issue of posts by race teams. Everyone must be aware that posting in social media is like speaking into a live microphone.  Media outlets can and quite often do pick up on social media comments.  Be aware that all teams depend on their sponsors to race weekly. Everyone should respect the value of our fan base and sponsors. By the time an offensive post or tweet shows up, it is too late to stop the spiraling effect for Ransomville Speedway. You may feel that you cannot control the comments made in support of your initial comments, but that is not the case. If we see any negative comments on social media outlets from Owners, Drivers or Crew Members, we will take action immediately.  We cannot stop you from posting negative remarks against the Speedway or Speedway Officials, but we can and will stop you from attending our events at the Speedway.  Please warn your entire team of this policy.

This brings up the question; does our sport need social media policies?

Social Media when done right can be such a good tool to help promote this sport, but it can also do as much bad as it can good.

I can’t tell you how many times throughout the past few seasons that I’ve seen Johnny Street Stock driver get disqualified post race. So after the race Johnny Street Stock’s wife jumps on Facebook and complains left and right that they were done wrong and how the place is a mess and how they should sell the place to someone who cares and that they’re never coming back but, when the gates open next week, they are one of the first cars to pay their $30 and drive into the pits.

Just imagine if the roles were reversed. Let’s say that Johnny Street Stock driver has a bad night and after his third spin of the night he’s black flagged and parked for the evening. I’m sure Johnny Street Stock driver wouldn’t like seeing posts from Nicky Promoter saying how horrible Johnny Street Stock driver was that night holding up the show being a hazard etc.

People need to understand in this sport that everything isn’t going to go in their favor 100% of the time, sometimes you’re the bird, sometimes you’re the windshield. It is what it is, the clock always comes back to twelve.

Anyway, enough of me ranting.

I look at it like this, when I was in school there was the one loud and disruptive kid who prevented the rest of the class from furthering their progression and he was sent to the principal’s office until his attitude changed and was ready to work with everyone else. Case in point here.

I think that this can be a good thing for the future of our sport as long as it’s done right and within reason and I can certainly see more tracks hopping on board with something like this. NASCAR has fined drivers for “actions detrimental to the sport” when drivers have criticized officials. The NBA and NFL have both fined their players for comments made toward officials.

What do you think about Ransomville’s new policy? I can be emailed at racersguide@gmail.com or found on Twitter @PMacDonald51. Thanks for Reading!

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