Coaches Get around Text Rules with Twitter

The NCAA may have a new text messaging rule to limit the contact coaches have with prospects, but there’s no rule against social networking…yet. And many coaches are taking advantage of that.

Division I and II coaches are allowed to contact recruits one-on-one using direct messaging services on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking websites. These types of messages are considered emails, which are permissable according to NCAA rules. Coaches can’t instant message or chat with recruits, but social networking opens new doors.

While public messages (such as posting on a Facebook wall) isn’t allowed, direct messages are often programmed to be sent directly to cell phones. The students have control over it, but if they set up their profile to have messages sent to their phones, it is almost like getting a text message from the coach.

Twitter has also been extremely helpful for coaches, who can update with general announcements frequently. By following recruits on Twitter, they can also get a sense of the student, learning how to better appeal to them.

Many coaches aren’t yet using Twitter, but on the other hand, some have embraced it. Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin uses Twitter because, essentially, other schools are using it. Illinois coach Ron Zook is pleased with the NCAA’s decision that Twittering is allowed. Of course, Pete Carroll is all over it, and has been from the start.

I think we’ll see more and more coaches joining the Twitter train, but the real question is this: will the NCAA further restrict using this technology?

Image via Twitter.com.