Kentucky State University

As it pertains to social media websites and networking websites, Kentucky State University's Department of Athletics has adopted the following as its Social Media Policy. It is the responsibility of all administrators, coaches and student-athletes to adhere to this policy and any violation may result in punishment. KSU has included in its policy the social media guidelines set forth by the NCAA. While the NCAA does not regulate the interaction between coaches and fans, communication between the two groups should comply with legislation prohibiting the discussion of recruits.

NCAA Policy
Social Media and Recruiting
The NCAA has developed rules regarding social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and SnapChat, while fully recognizing the social media world is constantly changing and developing.

Divisions I and II look at social networking less in terms of the technology being used and more in terms of its recruiting impact. . In addition, these pages cannot feature photos of prospects and messages cannot be sent to recruits using these social media technologies other than through their e-mail function.

Since texting is impermissible, if a coach becomes aware that a recruit has elected to receive direct messages as text messages on a mobile device, the coach must cease communicating with the recruit through the social networking site. All other electronically transmitted correspondence including, but not limited to, text messaging, Instant Messenger, chat rooms or message boards [e.g., a user's wall] within a social networking Web site or through other services or applications remain impermissible.

Twitter
Twitter has also become a popular recruiting tool in college athletics. Tweeting is permissible as long as coaches are not using it to contact individual prospective student-athletes and are abiding by the standard recruiting rules such as not discussing specific recruits or contacting them when it is not permissible.

KSU Athletics
Accounts
All Kentucky State University athletics related accounts must be registered with the Strategic Communications department. This is includes all passwords, and the individual responsible for running the account must meet with a member of the department to ensure the account meets branding and communications efforts. 

Day-to-Day Conduct for all Athletics Personnel and Student-athletes
All persons involved with KSU Athletics must be mindful of any actions that may cause the Department and/or the University to be viewed negatively. Each of us represents the Department and the University; therefore, we must remain attentive to the fact that we are ALWAYS in public. Social media has changed the way we communicate, and though fascinating, this avenue can be dangerous if not used responsibly. While the Department supports use of the various communication and networking tools, it is imperative that we consider our colleagues, teammates, family, friends and others while engaging in social media networking/blogging.

Each administrator, coach and student-athlete must adhere to the following guidelines set forth by the Department. If you have questions, please contact your sport administrator or the sports information director.
 

1. The University Code of Conduct should be followed.
2. Before signing up for and participating in social media blogging and/or networking, be mindful that anything you post online can be viewed by anyone, anywhere in the world.
3. Do not post anything that will shed a negative light on you, your friends, family, the Department or the University. Any topics and/or posts that may be degrading and/or offensive should be avoided.
4. Do not post personal information about yourself or others (i.e. phone number, address, vehicle). This includes, but is not limited to, the location of your team while on the road (hotel name, room number, etc.).
5. Do not post information given by the Department and/or University that is not public information.
6. Do not share information copyrighted to the Department and/or University (logos, photographs, forms) without prior consent.
7. Do not set up a false personal page – it is important to be honest; do not mislead the public by falsifying who you are.
8. Do not use these communication tools as a means to cause controversy, such as cyberbullying.
9. Respect! Do not post negative comments regarding your colleagues, teammates, the Department or University, or persons affiliated with other institutions. Remember, everything is public!
10. As a general guideline, do not post anything you're unwilling to share with your coach, teammates, family, even future employers.
11. Do not download images of or logos for opponents to engage in online taunting.