Avoiding a Media Meltdown

Most coaches and athletic directors biggest fear is dealing with the media. They always seem to show up at the worst time, ask the difficult questions, and make you look like a fool. Well believe it or not any sports manager can use the media to their advantage, by following a few simple rules.

The first thing any in-season coach should do is set up a designated media conference time well away from games and practice. Setting up a weekly meeting allows coaches to choose when they talk to the media, allowing them to prepare for any tough questions, and give well thought out answers.

Now when dealing with the media you have to always remember that their job is to create interesting stories, not necessarily to report the facts. Therefore since you are representing your team and your school it is important that you choose your words wisely, to avoid giving the media any reputation killing "ammo."

Here are a few simple rules to help you avoid a media meltdown:

1. Take your time when making a statement
2. Keep everything positive
3. Only make politically correct statements
4. Be as vague as possible
5. Be polite
6. Defer any questions to your predetermined media conference
7. Always take the blame for the bad, but never except the credit for the good

If you follow the "Seven Media Commandments" you will be sure to avoid any negative news articles, angry Internet postings, and degrading parent phone calls. Although at times the media may seem to be a nuisance, you have to remember they are your necessary connection to your community. The same community that supports your team, parents your athletes, and pays your salary, so as you can see it is important to keep the media and your community on your side.

I've included a link to a video of some coaches who didn't follow the "Seven Media Commandments," for entertainment purposes only. (Note that none the the coaches in the video are working for the same teams anymore...) Check in next week as I take this concept a step further and show you how to use the media to benefit your sports program.

Coach Nicholson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G17zp0_26xU