NCAA says #nohashtagsallowed on Akron @ZipsMBB Jerseys

The Akron verses Ohio game coming up Saturday has been receiving some attention this week.  Akron dubbed the 5pm ET home game as “Social Media Night.”  To build a buzz, the marketing department created promotional jerseys for the team to wear during the game which sport @ZipsMBB (the program’s Twitter handle) across the back of the jersey.

The Akron marketing team came up with the Twitter handle idea about a month ago.  They reportedly reach out to the NCAA to see if the jerseys violated any rules.  Akron felt the response they received from the NCAA was ‘vague’ and therefore the jerseys would be allowed to be worn for the game.  The team ordered the jerseys and released promotional photos.  Since releasing the photos, the NCAA followed-up with Akron telling them they were not allowed to wear the jerseys during the game.  According to espn.com, the rule that appears to be in question is “NCAA Rule 3, Sec. 5, Art. 5, which states that a jersey shall ‘identify the school, the school nickname or mascot, or the player’s name.’”  Apparently the NCAA does not believe a Twitter handle meets those guidelines.

This is not the first time teams have used Twitter handles or hashtags to promote their teams.  From hashtags in end zones to Twitter handles on soccer jerseys, teams have been exploring creative ways to connect fans with their social online presence for years.  However credit to Akron for creating this buzz despite the players not being allowed to don the jerseys during the game, (instead they will wear warm-up shirts bearing the handles before the game).

This story is especially interesting as it is right on the heels of last week’s announcement of new NCAA rulebook changes.  Just one week ago, the NCAA announced plans to relax their policies on social media recruiting restrictions, essentially allowing coaches and recruiters free rein to call, text, tweet, Facebook message, etc prospective recruits during the allowed recruiting period.  According to NCAA President Mark Emmert, the new rules (including the social media recruiting rule) were instituted to “represent noteworthy progress toward what can only be described as more common sense rules that allow schools more discretion in decision-making.”  If history (and the schools that continue to hire John Calipari) has taught us anything, it’s that schools are more than capable making ‘common sense’ recruiting decisions, but where the policing is most necessary is around marketing promotions like “social media night,” yeah, that sounds about right. Ref. espn.com, espn.com Pic Ref. John Ashley/University of Akron via espn.com

Rulebook Changes For The NCAA

New changes address the role
of social media in recruiting

The past week brought some big changes for both Division I and Division III NCAA rulebooks.  Last Saturday, January 20, the NCAA Board of Directors passed 25 of 26 proposals to streamline the complex Division I manual.  The goal of the changes, according to NCAA.org, is to adopt “a set of proposals aimed at creating a more flexible manual based on common sense.”  Regarding the changes, NCAA President Mark Emmert was quoted on NCAA.org saying, “These new rules represent noteworthy progress toward what can only be described as more common sense rules that allow schools more discretion in decision-making.”  He went on to say “This vote by the Board of Directors refocuses our attention on the things that really matter, the core values of intercollegiate athletics.”

To see the complete list of new Division I proposals see NCAA.org.  One particular proposal worth noting is 13-3, which will eliminate restrictions on methods and modes of communication during recruiting.  Essentially this change allows coaches to send unlimited text or social media messages to recruits and also make unlimited phone calls during recruiting.  Some high school coaches and student-athlete advocates are concerned about the potentially overwhelming amount of communications top recruits could receive.  However supporters of the proposal believe coaches will learn quickly to exhibit discretion, as student-athletes may be turned off by a barrage of messages.  All of the proposed Division I changes will go into effect on August 1, 2013.  Each change will be reviewed after two years to evaluate effectiveness and whether or not the rule is supporting student-athlete success.

Last Saturday recruiting with social media was also a point of review and discussion for Division III delegates.  Though just barely approved, Proposal No. 9 “allows contact between coaches and prospects as long as it is strictly between only the sender and recipient (for example, no use of public chat rooms, message boards or public communication through a social networking site).”  Direct contact via social media between coaches/recruiters and student-athletes is already permitted in both Division I and Division II.  Supporters for Proposal No. 9 cited benefits the other divisions currently enjoy to help pass the proposal.  They say social media is a more effective way to reach recruits, and many schools allege that student-athletes prefer this type of social interaction to traditional means of communication.  Ref. dallasnews.com, ncaa.org, ncaa.org

Usain Bolt Sells SOUL...Brand Headphones

Many athletes have issues with regular headphones when they try to listen to music while working out.  The basic buds that come with iPods or MP3 players are usually better suited for relaxed listening.  Athletes run, jump, and sweat which often equates to headphones/earbuds falling out or not providing a clear listening experience.  SOUL Electronics believes they have come up with the perfect solution to the headphone headache, Run Free - Usain Bolt Limited Edition headphones.  They teamed up with Usain Bolt to develop headphones that stay in place and resist sweat while providing a clear listening experience.

In a press release, the headphones were described as follows:

“The sleek design of the Run-Free features comfortable and flexible ear hooks that can be customized to fit all ear shapes and sizes, which eliminates the hassle of earbuds falling out during movement and strenuous activity.  It can be customized to accommodate those who prefer the ear-hook clips for extra durability when exercising, or can be worn without them for a lightweight feel.

The Run-Free also features a straight wire cable with inline remote which allows for total control over music playback and smartphone functions.  Its sweat-resistant design ensures the Apple Controller and in-ear technology will never be adversely affected by moisture or sweat.”

The headphones come in black or black/green varieties which were chosen ‘in tribute’ to Bolt’s home country Jamaica.  No doubt the design is sleek and the spokesperson famous, but it will be interesting if those factors will persuade customers to put down $169.95 per pair.  Ref. http://maxborgesagency.com Picture Ref. http://maxborgesagency.com