QO's Mencarini Educates Players on Risks of Social Media

Quince Orchard head football coach Dave Mencarini is concerned young athletes are using social media -- such as Facebook and Twitter -- and aren't considering the consequences, according to a report by The Washington Post.

During his team's first meeting of 2012, the eighth year head coach warned his players to be overly cautious on the sites.

"I want to caution you,” Mencarini told The Washington Post, “About using Facebook and Twitter...I want to caution you about what you say, how you say it and who you say it to.”

He added: "It can make kids look foolish. Your perception of someone can be tainted by not only what is said but how they say it. I have had coaches say, ‘This kid is always on Facebook or always on Twitter saying this or that.’ ... It takes away from what it’s really about, but unfortunately it’s a part of the recruiting process,” according to the report.

Mencarini can be followed on Twitter at @QOCoach.

For more info on how local high school and college coaches are educated players on the risks of using social media, read the full report by The Washington Post.