Is it legal for a coach to ban their college athletes from social networking?

[Deke_Master]

A girls coach at my college made them sign a contract stating that they weren't allowed to use Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc. or they would be kicked off of the team. If they didn't sign the contract they also were not allowed to play.
Is it legal for a coach to outright ban social media from a collegiate sports team?

[Stuart]

It certainly is.

And the players had the opportunity to decide to go along with the ban by signing the contract if they wanted to play.

- Stuart

[Zach]

Ya'know, congress actually wasted their time saying no one can ban someone else from using social networking.... now that you hear that, doesn't it sound a bit preposterous that they would waste their time on such a trivial issue?

Of course it's legal. They have the choice to agree to those terms, or not. If they don't agree, they don't play.

[tallelbow753]

No law against.

Why would anyone pass a law telling a college coach what rules they can and can't impose on the lives of their players? The real question is, is such a code in compliance with the University's policies?

Lodge a complaint.with the administration, make sure to layout the clear and concise reasons that you think such a think infringes on your rights as a student-athlete.

[Bob B]

Of course. Provided he doesn't discriminate based on illegal terms, such as race, then he can impose any criteria he likes for people joining his team. If you don't agree, then there's nothing forcing you to do so- but there's also nothing forcing him to accept you on his team either.

[Charles]

Social networking is not a right nor is there a law which forbids coaches from prohibiting the use of social networking. It is a condition to be satisfied before you can be on the team. Think of it like a curfew before the big game. If you go to bed late, you don't play.

[Mary Frances]

yeah social networking is just a choice and if value yourself being an athlete, I guess there's nothing wrong with choosing to let go of social networking if that is required by a coach and simply be a good athlete..