ARTICLE FOR FOOTBALL RECORDS FROM WORKSAFE VCFL CEO
FOR WEEKEND JUNE 12th and 13th
COPING WITH THE CHANGING WORLD
Over the past couple of weeks throughout the media there has been growing references about ‘”cybersafety” and social networking.
We have rapidly reached the point throughout society where social networking is becoming the norm through the likes of Facebook, YouTube and Twittering not to mention texting and email.
All modern day communication mediums that do not require face to face contact therefore open the door for anonymity, misrepresentation, misinformation, breaches of privacy and bullying. There is no doubt that the modern day communication mechanisms can be terrific around our sporting environment but they can also bring with them real dangers and concerns as innocent people can have their privacy exploited, their minds toyed with and in some circumstances tormented to significant unhealthy levels.
The WorkSafe VCFL have recently met with a pre-eminent cybersafety expert in Australia seeking professional advice. We cannot distance ourselves from the dangers that can lurk within this growing phenomenon and therefore we are taking this matter very seriously.
Only last weekend we read in a Sunday newspaper where a “sex offender” was using Facebook to befriend total strangers and using his passion for football and sport as a key focus of his interests.
Last month a brawl broke out prior to the bounce in an Under 17 game that was allegedly orchestrated through texts going backwards and forwards between opposing players in the lead up to the game.
Coaches’ sprays are being placed on YouTube along with other sensitive material from the inner sanctums of clubs.
It was reported in last Saturdays paper where an employee of a city law firm sent Andrew Demetriou an inappropriate email and was duly sacked from his job at the firm.
A more positive example of the use of technology was last Saturday when Nick Natanui took a big mark and the commentators declared that it would be on YouTube and all around the world by Monday.
Whilst the WorkSafe VCFL will be working on appropriate education programs and policies in the coming months the message is clear for everyone around our football/netball leagues, clubs and umpiring groups to remain vigilant. All affiliates need to be aware of what’s happening if they are running with their own Facebook, blogs, twitter accounts etc. This clearly includes what is being displayed or written on club, league or umpiring group websites.
It would be completely negligent by any football related organisation to be dismissive of the dangers associated with cybersafety – yes social networking is growing at a rapid rate in society however we must all remember our own football/ netball clubs and leagues and umpiring groups are all part of society – we don’t operate in a different world.
Should you have any concerns in your local environment please bring then to the attention of your club, league, umpiring group or your WorkSafe VCFL Area Manager where we are confident you can be pointed in the right direction for expert advice or it may even be a police matter.
We look forward to providing as much information as possible later in the year to assist our affiliates in managing “social networking” and increasing our awareness and knowledge of cybersafety.
Enjoy your weekend.
Regards,
Glenn Scott
Chief Executive Officer
WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League
Last Modified on 09/06/2010 15:24