Churches must follow rules for Super Bowl

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Plainfield United Methodist Church is planning on throwing a big Super Bowl watch party. The game will be televised on big screen TV, there will be free food fun and lots of fun promised by the locals.

“It’s been wonderful, we have 40 to 60 teenagers that show up here,” said Pastor Bob Preusch.

The NFL has very strict guidelines regarding the broadcast of their games. Some of those guidelines forbid churches from renting equipment for the party. Churches are also not allowed to charge to attend the party, but they can take an offering, and lastly houses of worship cannot say the word Super Bowl in advertising.

“As long as they are not using the word super bowl there will be no problem,” said Attorney Cliff Browning.

At the heart of the issue is NFL licensing. Some groups, including the media, must pay the NFL for rights to show the game and use the trademarked term; Super Bowl.

The guidelines for churches help ensure they’re not infringing on benefits available only to those who work out licensing agreements with the NFL.

“I will be honest with you I haven't looked into the fine print on our flyer, said Preusch. “But our flyers say Super Bowl party, if they object I have no problem changing that.”