Is a page a private space or a grandstand allowing one to speak? Can comments made on a social media be considered defamatory? An umpire is always vulnerable to defamation, heinous, and intimidating comments considering they are often in the middle of controversy; debating over controversial calls and rules is part of the life of an umpire. In order to find out if comments are defamatory, consider such elements:
• Attacking one’s physical or moral integrity;
• Causing harm to one’s integrity;
• Putting out false statements. As an umpire, we have to be prepared for criticism and tolerant of it; there will always be disagreements. If you believe that you are the victim of defamatory comments you should:
• Contact your chief umpire, affiliate, etc.
• You can also use the « report » function on the Facebook network
One must always consider how commenting will effect the situation, potentially making it worse. Here are some questions that we can ask ourselves BEFORE writing or commenting on the internet:
• Can my comments put someone’s reputation in danger, including my own?
• Can my comments put the impartiality of umpires in jeopardy?
• Can my comments have further consequences?
• Is it useful for me to print this information?
• Is the internet the best media I can use right now in this present situation?
• Do I want EVERYBODY to be able to read what I am writing right now? If you consider these questions first, we believe that social media can lead to positive, and constructive discussions about umpiring which all of us are passionate about. Yours in baseball,
Baseball Ontario Umpiring Committee
