VERITAS: FUMBLE - REDSKINS SHOW SIGNS OF TROUBLE

This week's Team Huddle compiled by Kathy Barnett

FedEx Field – home of the Washington Redskins, has banned fan signage in the stadium. I don’t mean paid signage. I’m talking about those crafty, creative signs that always make it onto the big screen. The ones that die-hard fans make at their kitchen tables. The ones that fathers teach their sons to make as a rite (write?) of passage into fanhood. Without public notice or explanation, fans entering the stadium this past weekend carrying signs of any kind were asked to surrender them to “protect other spectators from injury,” as a spokesperson noted. Among the signs confiscated were potentially injurious messages such as “Hi to my husband in Afghanistan – I love you” and other such fiendish expressions. Now, we at TD&F do not pass judgment on policy or preference; we simply call the communications play. And here’s where it turns all fumbly…When pressed by the media to explain when and why the ban was imposed, a Redskins spokesperson said he wasn’t sure. A security guard, however, said the policy took effect at the start of the season. One loyal fan was stopped with a sign and, when she indicated that she would take her sign back to her car instead of surrendering it, the guard tore it up and threw it on the ground. Another guard threatened to seize a season ticket holder’s seats if he didn’t surrender an “offensive” sign poking fun at Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. Still, the spokesperson couldn’t explain the ban. As of the time of writing, no clear explanation had been given to fans for what opponents are now calling censorship. After much searching, I found a brief mention on the stadium website which simply states, “Banners of any size are not permitted at FedEx Field.” We say: if you’re going to mess with tradition, be prepared for backlash – with proactive, clear and comprehensive messaging, spokespeople who are ready to respond, and consistency of delivery. As an organization that relies on the support of its consumers, the Redskins may want to rethink a communications approach that lets security guards dictate the play.