Yesterday it was announced by the Premier League that, at the request of several clubs, have put together social media guidelines for clubs.

The timing was somewhat ironic as at the same time Arsenal youngster Emmanuel Frimpong was charged with ‘improper conduct’ following a recent Twitter post.  He got himself into trouble after responding to a Spurs fan who said “I prayed you break your arms and legs” , which Frimpong then retweeted and replied with a derogatory term.

It was quickly deleted but it didn’t stop the Football Association from acting.

Details of what exactly is in the guidelines have not been released but what they have said is;

‘The guidelines focus on a number of areas including the benefits of using social media to engage with supporters, understanding the potential audience of social media sites like Twitter and Facebook and recognising that it is possible to commit offences online via social media.

Advice is offered on the endorsement of brands, goods and services, while confidential information about team selection, injuries or tactics is prohibited from being disclosed on social media.

Also outlined is The FA regulatory role in respect of disciplinary action that can be taken against players who make improper comments on social media websites.

The Premier League’s view on the use of social media is that it is positive and, if used responsibly, provides a way for fans to follow and communicate with players.’

It is a positive step that the governing body for the top level of football in England has decided to take the lead in what had been a very grey area for many involved in the game.

We see the benefits of social media in bringing players closer to the fans, breaking news and giving them a voice when false allegations or comments are made in the traditional press.

But we also see the downside with players getting into trouble with comments, which inevitably make their way into the newsrooms of the British press who consume everything that players can offer up.  There are also the trolls who love to abuse those with fame, not just in football, and cause some to give up their new voice and go back to keeping a low public profile.

There are many great case studies with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Robbie Savage, Joleon Lescott, Clint Dempsey and many more using the platforms available to the max.  It also gives an invaluable insight into what happens away from the pitch.  Following the England players whilst they were out in Poland & Ukraine was a great way to get a different type of angle to the event.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore commented on social media in a recent interview and outlined the many benefits of its use.

“Social media is doing a good job of allowing fans to feel closer to the players,” he said. “There is a more human side now to some of the players and the public can communicate more directly with them.

“Clearly it isn’t the same as texting your best mate or talking to someone in person and sometimes there can be abusive comments, but generally the internet, online chat rooms, and the way people are communicating is healthy.”

Well done to the Premier League in this case, though it has been a long time in coming.  The realisation that social media sites are here to stay has been a long time coming for many organisations.  Hopefully more will follow.

If  we do get hold of the guidelines themselves we’ll make sure you are the first to see them.