Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer University Falcons Official Athletics Website of the Pfeiffer University Falcons

Athletics Social Media Policy

Pfeiffer wordmark - black/gold

INTRODUCTION 
Playing and competing for the Pfeiffer University Athletics is a privilege. Student-athletes at Pfeiffer 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 University and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. In the ever-popular world of Social Media, one can quickly forget just how powerful this communication tool can be and the significant impact it can have on an individual, friends, family, teammates, professional careers, etc
 
Student-athletes should be aware that third parties - - including the media, faculty, future employers and NCAA officials - - could easily access your profiles and view your personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by anyone can and will affect the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and the University. This can also be detrimental to a student-athlete's future employment options.
 
Social Media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue. Examples of Social Media include, but are not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik-Tok, LinkedIn, Podcasts, Blogs, Vlogs, Chat Rooms and Video Gaming Chat..
 
REGULATIONS
Pfeiffer University Athletics recognizes athletes' right to actively participate in social media however it maintains and will enforce the following depictions or presentations:
 
  • 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, gender, age, religion, and/or sexual orientation). 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).
  • Content online that would constitute a violation of USA SOUTH or Pfeiffer University Athletics policies:
    • Student-Athletes will not post sexist, racist, obscene or profane material of any kind.
    • Student-Athletes will not use social media to degrade, demean, or attack any person or school.
    • Student-Athletes will not post material relating to acts in violation of any Federal or State laws, Pfeiffer policies, or team rules.
    • Student-Athletes will not post material which reflects negatively on themselves, Pfeiffer University, Pfeiffer University athletics, their respective teams or other schools.
  • Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the Pfeiffer University Athletic Department or Pfeiffer university, which is not public information.
 
 SAFETY & PRIVACY
  1. Never post anything in relation to your home address, local address, phone number(s), date of birth or other personal, private information. Always exercise caution when posting your whereabouts or plans for the night.
  2. Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site(s) – many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with student-athletes to give them a sense of membership on your team.
  3. Protect yourself at all times! While you want to be honest about yourself, don't provide anything that scam artists or identity thieves could use against you.
  4. Maintain privacy at all times, especially with pictures. Don't discuss or recreate the scene from a picture you post involving names of the pictured individuals.
 
 
SANCTIONS
 There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for social media violations and the department will take immediate action to resolve the issue. Sanctions will be imposed for violations.  These sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  1. An in person meeting with the Director of Athletics, Head Coach and the Student-Athlete outlining the policy and requiring that the unacceptable content be removed or the social network account be deactivated.
     
  2. Suspensions and/or termination from the team and all team-related activities. Based on your situation, you can be temporarily suspended for a determined length of time or permanently.
     
  3. Student-Athletes may face review by Pfeiffer University's judicial board.