In both the virtual and real worlds, common sense is your best safety tool.

Guard Your Anonymity

Don't forget that millions of people can view your SportingConnections profile: Don't post anything you wouldn't want everyone to know about you like your phone number, home address last name, real email address, personal Web site URL, home address, phone number, place of work or any other identifying information in your profile or initial emails you exchange with other members. Share fun information about yourself like your favourite sporting moment or the best movie you've ever seen.

Keep your personal details private

It is recommended to use your SportingConnections mailbox and not your personal email addresses or work addresses such as This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (where it becomes obvious where you are working) until you are comfortable with the person you are communicating with. There are many free mail service providers (Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail etc) that allow you to use an alias such as This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and therefore not give away your surname or any other personal information. If sharing a contact number, mobile numbers are best.  

Meet when YOU are ready

Make sure that you are comfortable with meeting the person and have learnt enough about them through email, Instant Messenger or just chatting on the phone. There is no hurry to get out there and meet others so take your time and do it in a safe environment. If something tells you something is not right, it probably isn’t, go with your gut feeling and trust your instincts. Meet up with a few friends or at a public location e.g. tennis courts and let others know where you are going, who you are meeting and what time you can be expected home. Avoid hiking, running, cycling etc. in remote places or alone with someone until you really get to know them.