NFL Denies Game Time Social Media – Tweet It!
September 16th, 2009
Ahh, football season has finally arrived! Though I love summer, cooking on the grill and the occasional round of golf, I am a Steeler fan, ready for another amazing season! And with football season comes…Twitter? Amazing how social media has an impact in so many areas – many we would never have considered.
The Associated Press did a story last week on the NFL’s policy decision regarding the use of social sites. Players, Coaches and other team personnel are allowed to use sites such as Twitter and Facebook until 90 minutes before each game, and then after the game, but never during. There was even some mention made of trying to keep fans/spectators from updating during games (don’t know how they could pull that one off). It never really occurred to me what real time tweets might do to a game, but I guess the implications are endless. Information about players, injuries, even play-by-play descriptions of the games are barred from social media during the game. Social Media activity can be resumed after traditional media interviews have been given.
This ban extends even further, to exclude the use of these sites entirely for certain people, such as NFL game officials and officiating department personnel. I guess this only makes sense, as these folks can make determinations as to calls, plays, winners and losers. I’m thinking that the NFL officials would not be too pleased if they were trying to determine the outcome of a certain play, and someone in the room decides to Tweet their decision before it’s made official. Bookies would have spies everywhere if they thought they could get someone in there to Tweet the decisions for them.
I’m sure the NFL realizes the ability to keep fans interested through the use of social media is outstanding. They’re is just trying to keep things above board, and most of all, keep the players and coaches minds and eyes, where they should be, on the ball.
At the end of the day, it comes down to common sense. Just as it does for businesses who are considering Social. Use it when it makes sense and is appropriate. Keep the content in line and do it at the right times.
Incidentally, the Steelers have secured a twitter profile and so far it’s never been used. I guess they’re too focused on the season…Oh well.
