Illegal formation
You've probably heard about this, but the LA Times has a good overview of the NFL's crackdown on churches holding Super Bowl parties. Unbelievable as it may seem, it's against the law.
The intent of the law, which dates to the 1960s, is to protect the NFL's television ratings by preventing large crowds from gathering to watch games in public places — where their viewing habits aren't measured by the Nielsen ratings. (The ratings only measure viewership at home.) Sports bars and other businesses that rely on televised sports to draw patrons are exempt.
Under NFL guidelines — and federal law — churches, schools and other public venues can hold football-viewing parties only if they use a single, living-room-size TV, no bigger than 55 inches. When they project the game onto 12-foot screens or set up banks of TVs, they cross the line, according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy
Comments
Uh-oh.
Posted by: hugh mann![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 06:31 AM
So, if I wanted to try and get around this law, then I could form a religion based on worshipping football. It already has idols to worship (trophies of all types); it includes patriotism in its service (national anthem, recognition of armed services); it has singing (notably its weakest point); it has incantations (dee-fense, bulls---, touchdown or first down); it has holy sacraments (nachos, beer, etc); and it usually happens on the weekend.
There's probably more, especially in regards to the Super-Duper Bowl.
Don't let the Devil throw a flag on your ass while you're doing a pentacostal dance in the end zone.
Posted by: Jake da Snake![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 07:30 AM
Even the Bible has thoughts on the matter: Gird up your loins.
Modern day translation: Put on your jockstrap.
Posted by: Jake da Snake![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 07:37 AM
Robert Cochran, folklorist up there at the U, once gave a very interesting and entertaining lecture at my church comparing the cult of Hawgball to religion. It was well-attended and well-received.
Posted by: widj![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 08:09 AM
Huh oh. Don't anyone tell Oaklawn who has a new jumbotron in the outfield and big, big rooms where games are shown.
Posted by: Cato![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 08:33 AM
Now let me get this straight. Viewing it in a sports bar (on a Sunday, right?) is legal, but viewing it in a church is not? The Super Bowl powers have a beer concession, maybe?
Posted by: Doigotta![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 09:01 AM
Does this mean that those of us watching the game at one of the charitable functions like the ones at Sherwood Forest or NLR's Hays Center can expect a raid from the NFL hit squad to liven up the party?
Posted by: MysteryShopper![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 12:10 PM
Now do you see why they're building prisons right and left and all the ones we got are already full? We built a new country but the workmen forgot to go home. Laws stacked on top of laws on top of laws.
In another couple of years you'll have to arrest yourself as soon as you wake up each morning. We're living in the ridiculous years...which may never go away.
Posted by: Deathbyinches![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2007 12:43 PM
Gee - who's playing? Da Bears and Da Colts? (Yawn).
I quit watching the "game" several years ago. I leave the TV on and come in to watch only when I hear a commercial. Now with Tivo, I can watch watch it later - fast forward through the game and stop at the commercials - or like last year, just wait and catch them on the net tomorrow.
NFL folks ought to leave well enough alone.
Posted by: Don Keyhotay![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 4, 2007 03:55 PM