A quick search of
social media sites reveals that virtually every athletic compliance office in
the Big XII Conference has an active Twitter account. Administrators, coaches,
athletes, boosters, and fans can now follow their favorite athletic programs
and receive news, updates on rules, and information regarding compliance issues
in concise 140 character tweets. Some of the more active athletic compliance
offices have shown creativity with their production of comedic videos and
pictures in an effort to inform boosters and fans of the more complex and
unheard of interpretations regarding recruiting and athletic eligibility.
The new-age compliance directors
and officers are proving that social media is beneficial in educational efforts
and can be more effective than citing regulations straight from the book.
Within all ranks of the NCAA, compliance offices are following their fellow
compliance departments on Facebook and Twitter and often re-posting and re-tweeting
one another’s informative messages.
Today’s world of
collegiate athletics requires the constant and consistent touch of governing
from afar. Social media needs be utilized in order to maintain the integrity of
the athletic department, while not being surpassed by the competition. When
working in collegiate athletics, social media should be used extensively to
educate all involved.
If you are not using every tool available to get your information out, you are not doing your job. At the same time Twitter does not replace traditional communication methods. Hand written notes and face to face meetings will have more impact, now and in the foreseeable future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comment --- nothing will replace the impact of face-to-face compliance meetings and due diligence in the workplace. However, social media is a quick, cost effective method for spreading the word to a large number of boosters or fans that might otherwise NOT have contact with the athletic staff.
ReplyDeleteGood conversation about an important topic!