Don’t Post Compulsively on Social Media
What are the consequences?
- You can lose your job
- You can be subjected to disciplinary actions
- You can create a potential legal case
- You can lose a pending legal matter
If you are part of the PGA of America:
- You can face a Section Board of Inquiry
- You can find you and your case before the Board of Control (BOC)
What can happen if your case goes before the Board of Control?
- If the BOC finds that you have violated the Code of Ethics (COE) for using unprofessional, inappropriate, or threatening language, you could be subject to the following:
- Letter of reprimand
- Specialized training such as sensitivity training
- Suspension of membership for up to two years
- Expulsion from the Association
Why am I telling you this? Last year, the Board of Control handled 15 cases of possible Code of Ethics violations. Seven of those cases were the result of inappropriate postings on social media. The BOC acted on those seven cases; the decisions were four suspensions, one expulsion, and two letters of reprimand with required training.
In our last meeting in early March, there were three Code of Ethics cases involving posts on social media. The results: two suspensions with mandatory sensitivity training and one expulsion from the Associations.
How do you prevent risking your career?
- Think first before you post on social media.
- Don’t post when you are angry.
- Don’t post when you have been drinking or using any substance that can impair your judgment.
- If you do post something inappropriate, take it down as quickly as possible and hope that no one took a screenshot.
- If it was directed at a particular person, reach out and apologize. Even though it may not help, it’s worth a try and is the decent thing to do.
In the end, THINK before you post on social media.
Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section