Peru State College Athletics

PERU STATE

Social Media Policy & Guidelines for Student-Athletes

 
Playing and competing for Peru State is a privilege, not a right. Student-athletes at Peru State are held in high regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders you have the responsibility to portray your team, College and yourselves in a positive manner at all times.  Sometimes this means doing things that are of an inconvenience to us, but benefit the whole team.
 
Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and other social media sites have increased in popularity globally, and are used by the majority of student-athletes here at Peru State in one form or another.
 
Student‐athletes should be aware that third parties - - including the media, faculty, future employers and NAIA officials - - could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and the College. This can also be detrimental to a student‐athlete’s future employment options, whether in professional sports or in other industries.
 
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include depictions or presentations of the following:

• Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc.
• Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
• Pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
• Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, illegal drug use).
• Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the Peru State Athletic Department or the College, which is not public information

If student-athlete’s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors he/she will be subject to the following penalties: 1) written warning; 2) a meeting with Director of Athletics and Head Coach; 3) penalties as determined by the athletics department, up to and including suspension from athletic team. 
 
For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in mind as you participate in social media websites:

• Set your security settings so that only your friends can view your profile.
• You should not post your email, home address, local address, telephone number(s), or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.
• Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people are looking to take advantage of student‐athletes or to seek connection with student‐athletes.
• Consider how the above behaviors can be reflected in all Facebook applications. 

If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as the Peru State Athletic Department's and the College's. Remember, always present a positive image and don't do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the College.