With respect to the team, which includes all players current, former and future which could be any recruit, we expect all of our posters to remain positive and supportive. This does not mean that you can't express some constructive criticism that explores the weaknesses as well as strengths of our team. There is a big difference between "Player X sucks and is as slow as molasses" and "Player X needs some improvement particularly with his speed, but his strength and agility are outstanding". And there are a hundred shades of gray in-between. An accumulation of mildly negative posts with never (or hardly) a positive word said may result in action by the moderators.

Please note that this specific rule is a guideline. You will not be penalized unless you are excessively negative.

Do not post rumors especially regarding NCAA or honor code violations, criminal activity, or any other harmful rumors about a Cougar or any other player/coach/program unless such violation or activity has been confirmed by a credible news source. Credible news sources include newspapers, ESPN, CNNSI, etc. Credentialed media are generally considered credible, when they are reporting news. Rumors discussed by radio talk show hosts are generally not legitimate reliable sources of information. Tweets or blog posts from well-known credentialed medias are acceptable as sources. Student reporters or employees of BYU Broadcasting are generally not considered acceptable sources.

Do not reference or post a question about an unconfirmed rumor. It is essentially the same as posting the rumor itself.

Do not post academic information regarding any player/recruit (no grade or test information). The one exception to this policy is if a recruit has publicly stated such information, and then a link to that information is preferable to the actual posting of the information.

Some attrition is a part of any successful program. If a player decides to leave the University for whatever reason, there will be plenty of time to talk about it after he goes. We expect our posters to remain supportive of all of our former players.

You may post information regarding transfers IF it has been reported by a credible news source. Credible news sources include major newspapers, ESPN, CNNSI, etc. Do not post a question about an unconfirmed rumor. It is essentially the same as posting the rumor itself.

That's completely wrong. Several players are known to frequent the site. Many of their family members also visit the site, and some are even active posters here. The rule of thumb to use is don't post anything that you wouldn't say if the player and his mother were standing right next to you, because in a very real sense, they are.

You're right. And they do know better than to take anything said on the internet to heart. They are also professionals and adults, so you can be a bit harder on them. Their personal lives, whether that is our coaches or the coaches of other teams, should be left out of it though. While their professional responsibilities and performance are fair game for discussion, posting rumors that any coach on our staff will be fired, or using the board to campaign to get any coach on our staff fired is not appropriate.

CougarBoard is meant to promote Brigham Young University Athletics. Every individual should express themselves individually directly to the program in the manner they deem appropriate. CougarBoard will not be used as a rallying point for any sort of grassroots movement that is not supportive of the University and its athletic teams. Such expressions include, but are not limited to, booing at any game, withholding/redirecting of donations, petitions, email campaigns, tshirts, banners, etc. Posts regarding any such campaigns are not appropriate.