NFL Issues Amended Social Media Policy With Focus On Twitter

The NFL yesterday released its amended policy for use of Twitter and "other social media platforms by players, coaches and other team personnel on game days, "according to Mark Maske of the WASHINGTON POST. The policy prohibits using social media outlets "beginning 90 minutes before a game until following the conclusion of media interviews after a game." The league "banned updates during that period by a player, coach or team official 'or anyone representing' one of those people." The league did not restrict Twitter use by players and coaches on other days.  NFL rules previously had "barred players, coaches and other club personnel from using cell phones, computers and other electronic devices on the sideline, in the locker room and in the coaches' booth in the press box between pregame warmups through the conclusion of a game" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 8/31). The AP's Barry Wilner noted the use of social media by NFL game officials and officiating department personnel "will be prohibited at all times." The league, which has "always barred play-by-play descriptions of games in progress, also extended that ban" to other social media platforms (AP, 8/31).