I have spent my entire life in sports, softball specifically. I have sat in seminars on how social media can impact your life, but specifically your athletic career.
A team of girls playing little league learned that lesson early in life, as they were disqualified for giving the camera a bird on a picture that circulated on Snapchat. The photo was directed at another team that they would soon face. Because of this picture that was shared on social media, the team was disqualified and they were unable to play for the championship. I imagine that the championship game would not have occurred if it was not televised, as I have heard rumors the opponent was pretty fired up about things as well.
Not that two wrongs make a right.
Folks at Atlee released a statement about the incident, which can be summed up in this news article.
I cannot imagine getting that far and then having it all thrown away because of a social media post. Unfortunately, as someone told me, the kids’ will likely be told that it wasn’t a big deal, they will be coddled, and they will be told that they were “robbed” of a championship.
This might rob them in more ways than one. College coaches are watching.
What saddens me the most is that there are little girls watching… hopefully they are learning too.
Think before you post.