I absolutely think it is important for students and professionals alike to understand that social networking activities are public information and a representation of the character of the individual student. In the real world, many employers do a "sanitiy check" and internet search specifically to find out what people are really like - beyond the interview or classroom. I've worked with clients who have rescinded their job offers because of information found on FaceBook and/or the web in general that was condeming. The activities were not illegal, but spoke to the individual's character and the employer didn't want that kind of person leading their organization. Happens in the professonal world and it should be part of the training/conditioning in the student world.

Yes, the only problem I see is were you draw the line and who would monitor it. Players own coach, NCAA, or opposing coaches?

I don't understand why these kinds of restrictions apply uniquely to student-athletes. Is it just because of their higher profile or is the thinking that that are somehow more likely to behave poorly?

You don't "air" on the side of caution, you "err."

Good catch, thanks James

I am a firm believer of there being a line between business and pleasure...I agree that students need to represent their school in a positive manner, but so do all other students and staff...Also, its not specified if this monitoring only extends through the student-athletes season or entire college career...What an individual does during their spare time is that individual's business and no one else (so long as no other individual's well being is in jeopardy)...School's should start treating the student-athletes as adults...they are in college and are adults as well...if reputation is the issue here then maybe there should be more scrutiny in the screening process before accepting an individual to attend the school.

I don't believe that it is shoud me a mandate. However, I believe that it is necessary and useful. We have a responsibility to teach not just the athlete, but the whole person. We are preparing them for life after athletics. Electronic feedback has the same affect on how you are perceived as face to face contact.
You can't dictate what one does in there personal lives. However, when your personal behavior has a deleterious effect on those with whom you have contact it needs to be addressed.
I didn't hesitate to impose sanctions on my athletes for their behavior.

I think it is a good idea, but would be a really time consuming job to check on every athlete at your school. I don't know who would be assigned to do this? Also how often would you check on each athlete. I do feel that seminars for students starting in middle or high school would be beneficial to help them learn what is appropriate to post.

It's a good effort here in the early days of the wild west of web 2.0 but it won't be enough. The NFL is having their own Twitter issues publicized widely. The NCAA arguably has less ownership of their athletes. It will be interesting to see how social networking and, more specifically, Twitter will affect the NCAA's already over-regulated administration of it's athletes.
Jim Harshaw
www.riotsportsmarketing.com