St. Clair athletics warns of social media

 

By Mandy Matthews

St. Clair College has created a social media policy for their athletes to prevent damage against the school’s reputation.

The St. Clair College Athletics & Recreation/Varsity Program Social Media Policy sets specific guidelines for the behavior and actions of intermural and varsity athletes when using social media. Athletic coordinator Ted Beale said due to people constantly using different forms of social media, the athletics department had to ensure athletes were using it safely and appropriately.

“It means our athletes have to be a little bit guarded about what they’re doing on social media, how they’re doing it and what they’re really putting out for people to see on a consistent basis,” said Beale. “Those comments, depending on how they are construed by different people, can be taken out of context.”

He said some typical issues that may get athletes in trouble are critical comments pointed at St. Clair College, the athletic program, other colleges and other athletic programs.

“We would talk to the student athlete about what went out and how it misrepresented the college,” said Beale. “The ramifications for that can range from basically a warning, but also could go as high as possibly a suspension from the athletic program.”

Women’s soccer head coach Dan Docherty said social media is a great tool when used in moderation. He said all sports teams have been educated about the social media policy, but sometimes athletes can send messages they’ll later regret shortly after the heat of competition.

“Act in haste, repent at leisure,” said Docherty. “After they have calmed down, they realize what they said does not reflect their true character and cannot be easily retracted. If you must post take 24 hours to reflect on what and how you will say something.”

Curtis Loch plays on the varsity men’s volleyball team. Loch, who uses Facebook, said it is an important tool to stay connected with teammates and fans.

“I usually just don’t post things I wouldn’t say in person,” said Loch.

Beale said they encourage their athletes to post positive comments representing what they are doing within the athletics program and stay away from negativity.

“We ask that our student athletes are using it in a positive fashion, so they can certainly make comments which are supportive of what they are doing, they’re teams are doing, what other teams or athletes are doing in college in general,” Beale said.