Social Media Policy

Playing and competing for the Schurr High School Men’s Soccer Program is a privilege. Student‐athletes at SHS are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders, you have the responsibility to portray your team, your high school, and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. Sometimes this means doing things that are an inconvenience to you but benefit the whole team.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Kik, Snap Chat, and other social media sites have increased in popularity globally and are used by the majority of student-athletes here at SHS in one form or another.

Student-athletes should be aware that third parties - - including the media, parents, faculty, other students, and officials - - could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and post. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and SHS. This can also be detrimental to a student-athletes’ future in the program, other sports, or professional careers.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include (but not limited to) depictions or presentations of the following:

• Photos, videos, comments or posts showing personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco (ex. Holding cups, cans, shot glasses, etc.)

• Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a adult content in nature and other inappropriate material.

• Pictures, videos, comments or post 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 (ex. 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 post should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (ex. Hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, illegal drug use).

• Information that is sensitive or personal in nature.

If a student-athlete’s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors, he will be subject to the following penalties:

1) Verbal and written warning

2) A meeting with Head Coach and Parents

3) Penalties as determine by the coaching staff, including but not limited to possible expulsion from the 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 are responsible for what it is done with your phone and computer)

• 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 – people may be looking to take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with student-athletes putting you in risky situations.

• 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 SHS Men’s Soccer Program’s. Remember, always present a positive image and don’t do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the high school.

By signing below, you affirm that you understand the SHS Men’s Soccer Social Media

Policy and Guidelines for student-athletes and the requirements and expectations that you must adhere to as a SHS student-athlete. Also, you affirm that failure to adhere to this policy and guidelines may result in consequences that include suspension from the soccer team and may be subject to additional penalties.