Earlier this week, The SMU football coach posted this image to his twitter account:
The message here is important “We have a team of people who monitor what recruits are putting on social media. Watch what you tweet and retweet”
The image shows how their coaching staff analyzes the potential of a student athlete right down to noting which school they are committed too. The comments in the middle column will directly affect whether or not the athlete is offered a position on the team. The very first comment for this particular athlete notes a number of re-tweeted inappropriate videos and language. He seems to redeem himself in the rest of the notes, and has even committed to this university. But, wouldn’t it be terrible if what you chose to tweet, or retweet made the coaches say “sorry, we are not interested” ?
The moral of this story? The choices you make on social media, can make or break your options as a university student athlete. You are what you tweet!
And these rules do not just apply to twitter. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat – same things!
Here are the THREE most important things Not to do on social media!
- Do Not post inappropriate pictures, Do Not get tagged in inappropriate pictures and Do Not like, comment on, share or re-tweet inappropriate pictures. If you’re not sure if something is appropriate or not – don’t post it. If you think it’s really not that bad, and you are really just liking something that one of your friends posted, just do’t go there. A good rule of thumb is, if you wouldn’t share it directly with your mom don’t like it, share it or even comment on it.
- Absolutely No Inappropriate Language; This could include explicit language, but can also include rude comments, or making negative comments about teammates, opponents, other students, teachers or even your coaches. Cyber bullying is never ok, these types of comments will make college coaches question your character and frankly are just classless. If coaches see this type of activity on your social media accounts then you will immediately be added to the no-go pile, regardless of how talented you may be.
- When online, stay away from controversy, keep out of drama, don’t take sides in fights between friends (or acquaintances or enemies for that matter!) Keep your posts positive, encouraging and, clean. Always post with a purpose, and be aware that everything you post reflects on your character, and tells a story.
If you are serious about pursuing a university athletic career, take some time this week to review your online presence. Google your name, and see what information and images show up. Delete any offending material immediately. Remove any old online profiles that you are no longer active on and may have inappropriate content. Review images that you have posted or friends may have tagged you in, remove anything that does not portray yourself as a serious student athlete.
Check back next week for some tips on ways you can use social media to your benefit during recruiting.
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