🛡️ Community Guidelines

🎯 Our Mission

Sports Buddies™ exists to connect athletes and build a supportive, safe community where everyone can find their perfect teammate. These guidelines help ensure that every user has a positive experience.

🧭 Core Values

What We Encourage

• Positive Communication: Be friendly, supportive, and encouraging in your messages
• Honest Profiles: Use recent photos and accurate information about your skills and interests
• Safe Meetings: Choose public locations for first-time meetups
• Sports Focus: Keep conversations and activities centered around sports and fitness
• Constructive Feedback: Provide helpful, respectful feedback through ShowScore™
• Community Building: Help create a welcoming environment for all athletes

What We Don't Allow

🚫 Harassment & Bullying

Any form of harassment, bullying, or abusive behavior is strictly prohibited:

• Threatening or intimidating messages
• Repeated unwanted contact
• Discriminatory language or behavior
• Mocking or belittling other users

🚫 Inappropriate Content

Keep content appropriate and sports-focused:

• No explicit sexual content or nudity
• No dating or romantic solicitations
• No offensive or vulgar language
• No spam or commercial solicitations

🚫 Fake Profiles & Misrepresentation

Be authentic and truthful:

• No fake or impersonated profiles
• No misleading photos or information
• No multiple accounts for the same person
• No bots or automated accounts

🚫 Safety Violations

Protect yourself and others:

• No sharing of personal information without consent
• No stalking or following users
• No dangerous or illegal activities
• No meeting in unsafe locations

Profile Guidelines

✅ Appropriate Profile Photos

• Clear, recent photos of yourself
• Sports-related or casual attire
• No revealing or inappropriate clothing
• No group photos as main profile picture

✅ Honest Information

• Accurate age and location
• Honest skill level assessments
• Genuine sports interests and preferences
• Truthful availability and schedule

Communication Guidelines

✅ Good Communication

• Be clear about your intentions and availability
• Respond promptly to messages
• Use respectful and friendly language
• Keep conversations sports-focused

❌ Poor Communication

• Ghosting or ignoring messages
• Being overly aggressive or pushy
• Making inappropriate comments or requests
• Spamming or sending repeated messages

Meeting Guidelines

✅ Safe Meeting Practices

• Meet in public, well-lit locations
• Choose sports facilities or gyms when possible
• Tell a friend or family member about your plans
• Trust your instincts - if something feels off, don't meet
• Start with group activities when possible

❌ Unsafe Meeting Practices

• Meeting in private residences for first-time meetups
• Meeting in isolated or poorly lit areas
• Ignoring red flags or uncomfortable feelings
• Meeting without telling anyone about your plans

ShowScore™ Guidelines

Our rating system helps maintain quality connections. Rate honestly and constructively:

✅ Good Rating Practices

• Rate based on actual interactions and activities
• Provide constructive, respectful feedback
• Consider punctuality, communication, and sportsmanship
• Rate fairly and consistently

❌ Poor Rating Practices

• Rating without meeting or interacting
• Using ratings to harass or bully users
• Rating based on personal disagreements
• Manipulating ratings for personal gain

Reporting & Enforcement

How to Report Violations

If you encounter behavior that violates these guidelines:

• Use the in-app reporting feature
• Provide specific details about the incident
• Include screenshots or evidence when possible
• Report immediately to help protect the community

Enforcement Actions

Violations may result in:

• Warning messages and educational content
• Temporary account restrictions
• Permanent account suspension
• Legal action for serious violations

Age Requirement

Sports Buddies™ is strictly for users 18 years of age and older.

• No exceptions to the age requirement
• All users must verify they are 18+
• Underage users will be immediately removed
• We actively monitor and enforce this policy

Zero Tolerance Policies

The following violations result in immediate account termination:

• Underage users (under 18)
• Sexual harassment or assault
• Threats of violence or harm
• Sharing of explicit content
• Stalking or predatory behavior
• Impersonation of Sports Buddies™ staff

Getting Help

If you need assistance or have questions about these guidelines:

Updates to Guidelines

These Community Guidelines may be updated periodically. We will notify users of significant changes through the app. Continued use of Sports Buddies™ after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated guidelines.