Samoan rugby player, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, has caused a media storm following his comments on Twitter criticising the International Rugby Board for allowing first-tier nations more time to recover between games than second tier nations. He accused the IRB, on his Twitter account, of exploitation and compared Samoa’s treatment at the RWC to slavery, the Holocaust and apartheid. These comments do, however, raise an interesting issue in relation to the potential implications of social media at sporting events.
The interest of rugby fans in social media can be seen from the 93,342 followers, which are currently subscribed to the official RWC Twitter account. The organisers of the RWC have acknowledged the benefits and related complications associated with social media and have sought to regulate the content submitted by teams and players.
Each participant at the RWC has agreed to adhere to a set of guidelines entitled the “Terms of Participation”. In effect, each participant agrees to conduct themselves to a high standard at the tournament and not to bring the game into disrepute. These Terms of Participation include guidelines for social media. Participating teams and players are encouraged to promote the tournament and their involvement in it. They are only, however, permitted to discuss personal tournament related experiences. Adverse comments in relation to officials or other team players will not be tolerated.
A team or player that breaches these guidelines may be fined or face other sanctions up to and including tournament related sanctions. After a meeting with Samoa’s team management, RWC officials have accepted an official apology. However, if Fuimano-Sapolu seeks to air his grievances on Twitter again, he is likely to face a more serious penalty.
As previously reported here, the increased use of Twitter, Facebook and other social media networks potentially triggers a range of legal issues including privacy, defamation and intellectual property rights. Recent use of social media at sporting events serves as yet another reminder for organisations and employers to consider whether it is appropriate for their members or employees to sign up to an appropriate social media policy.
Contributed by Mark O’Shaughnessy.
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