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Where the social media policy meets the road
When it comes to covering sporting events traditional media policies simply don't work in a digital media world.
Recent SEC and NFL social media policies have banned or attempted to ban professional athletes and fans from sharing information about sporting events they attend. How they will be able to enforce these rules is anyone's guess.
Related Link: NFL's New Policy: Social Media Is Now A Banned Substance
Related Link: SEC reverses ban on social media sites
Even the scientific world is getting a shake-down when it comes to the use of social media.
In conferences where scientists openly share their work-in-progress their is a growing fear that a diligent Twitter user might reveal too much about a potential 'next great find.' This is forcing conference organizers to decide whether meetings should be 'off the record' for all attendees.
Related Link: How to stop blogging
The USATF 2009 Elite Athlete Handbook has an entire chapter devoted to communicating with the media.
It does not address the use of social media.
Related Link: Communications/Public Outreach
So I emailed Jill Geer, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the USATF, to get some answers on the USATF's stance on social media:
Q: What is the official USATF policy on elite athletes using social media?
Q: In light of recent NFL and SEC restrictions on the use of social media, for both professional athletes and fans, do you foresee the USATF enacting a similar policy in the future?
Q: Does the USATF view using Twitter as an appropriate way for athletes to 'create their own buzz'?
Her response:
Hi Hilary,
We do not have a social media policy for athletes. (However you should note that we have a different relationship with our athletes than the NFL; track athletes basically are independent contractors whereas NFL players have contracts with their team and the NFL). If we wanted to exert any kind of control or guidelines, it likely only would be applicable when athletes are actively representing Team USA in a Team USA jersey, such as at the World Championships. But we do NOT restrict social media use at this time.
We do believe Twitter is an appropriate way for athletes to create buzz.
Best,
Jill
So although the USATF handbook does not speak to the issue of social media, when it comes to creating buzz, the USATF itself is employing social media and allowing its athletes, coaches and fans to spread the word on the sport of running.
For example:
With all the social media currently being used internally by the USATF organization and many of its elite runners, it would appear that when the social media policy meets the road, as Jill Geer wrote, the USATF does "NOT restrict social media use at this time."
Miles ran - 8
Triple digit days; running under advisory
It’s Tuesday and I’m ready for a run.
Unfortunately, there is a heat advisory for much of the greater Chicago area. Temps having been close to reaching triple digits for most of the day. Last time I checked it was 97degrees outside.
Here is what the National Weather Service says:
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO/ROMEOVILLE IL
416 PM CDT TUE JUN 23 2009
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS...
NORTHEAST ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.
.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.
A million dollar runner
Forbes came out with an article yesterday “The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes”. Not one of them is a professional runner.
A short run on a rainy day
It’s raining outside, so I took a three-mile run on the treadmill. Nothing exciting.
What is exciting? I heard back from the ‘Marathon Mailer’ – that’s how the ING NYC Marathon folks refer to themselves via email.
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 1:32 PM
To: Marathon Mailer
Subject: USATF membership and ING NYC marathon
To Whom It May Concern:
I will be running in the ING New York City Marathon 2009.
Do I need to be a USATF member in order to run in the ING New York City Marathon 2009?
If so, did I already pay for this membership in my application fee?
Thanks,
Brooke
Their response:
