Obama Dissing Football: How to Tackle a Presidential Criticism

Hear the one about President Barack Obama dissing football  (opens in a new tab)? While the NFL had plenty to say, some associations sounded off on the president’s latest remark, too. That and more in today’s social media roundup.

Football Fans?

NSGA promotes sports participation in Politico – http://t.co/g3yeLKrz  (opens in a new tab) #PHITAmerica  (opens in a new tab)

— NSGA (@NSGASportingGds) January 29, 2013  (opens in a new tab)

Recently, Obama made headlines with this comment to The New Republic:  (opens in a new tab) “If I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football.” He was pointing to the violent nature of the sport and potential for serious injuries to players. (The comment came at a particularly sensitive time, just days after the family of former NFL star Junior Seau sued over his death  (opens in a new tab), which they claim was caused by injuries Seau sustained while playing.) After the comments, associations such as the Sports & Fitness Industry Association have chimed in with their two cents on the matter. Tom Cove, the CEO and president of the SFIA, told Politico  (opens in a new tab): “The future of football rests with engaged parents who expect and demand certified coaches and administrators teaching proper technique and sportsmanship, using appropriate equipment in appropriate levels of competition, in programs that have well-established health, safety, and return-to-play protocols.” The National Sporting Goods Association’s director of marketing and communications, Bruce Hammond, emphasized this point as well, noting that youth sports help “develop a variety of skills, including teamwork and leadership.” What’s your take on Obama’s concern about safety in the sport? (ht @NSGASportingGds  (opens in a new tab))

Meeting Meals

Jell-O, anyone? Banqueting trends and tips for 2013 by @Rx_for_Catering  (opens in a new tab) #eventprofs  (opens in a new tab) #mpi  (opens in a new tab) http://t.co/r7NlaSjJ  (opens in a new tab)

— Jeff Hurt (@JeffHurt) January 29, 2013  (opens in a new tab)

How much effort do you put into the food served at your conferences? Take note of the trends from the Plan Your Meetings blog  (opens in a new tab), which features ideas for making food at your meetings healthier (yet still desirable!). Swap items for a change-up in menu (think cauliflower versus mashed potates) and serve salads that are more exciting than your average Caesar loaded with dressing. Trends to look for: nonalcholic drinks that nod to the season, water stations with flavorings for a spa feeling (cucumbers or mint are popular nowadays), and healthier snack choices such as popcorn and fresh fruit. (ht @jeffhurt  (opens in a new tab)) What are you tweeting about today? Let us know in the comments.

(Thomas Northcut/Lifesize/Thinkstock)